🔬 New 'Aroma-Platins' for smarter cancer drugs 🔬

Researchers have developed a new family of platinum compounds called "aroma-platins" to improve cancer treatment. The team from IISER Berhampur, India, created these compounds by using $\beta$-diketonate ligands with varying aromatic rings. Ant-Platin, featuring the largest anthracene ring, was found to activate fastest inside cancer cells. This enhanced activation allowed better cellular uptake and stronger DNA binding compared to carboplatin. This work suggests a precise new strategy for engineering targeted platinum-based cancer therapies.

🏏 Bowler who hit a WC milestone, then stopped

Debashish Mohanty took a massive 10 wickets in a Duleep Trophy innings against a team with Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. He was a fast bowler from Orissa who debuted in Test cricket in August 1997 at the SSC in Colombo. His career saw him take 10 wickets in the 1999 World Cup, making him a symbol of the event. Despite his domestic success, he played only two Tests and 45 ODIs for India. Ultimately, his international career concluded shortly after his phenomenal 10-wicket haul in January 2001. 🏏

💊 India to track drug 'near-misses' for safety

India is launching a new system to proactively record near-misses in drug administration to boost patient safety. This initiative is being driven by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission under the health ministry in New Delhi. The plan targets documenting errors like risky combinations and allergies before they reach patients, aiming for a nationwide rollout. This aligns with global standards set by bodies like the US FDA and WHO. The government will integrate this reporting with digital platforms and issue clinical alerts to hospital staff. 🏥

🩸 Medical students questioned in Bengal blood scam

Several fourth-year medical students were summoned by the State Health Department in connection with a blood smuggling scam in West Bengal. At least four students from National Medical College and Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College were questioned on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. These students allegedly disguised themselves as doctors to facilitate the racket, which involved monetary commissions. The scam, uncovered two weeks ago, led to six blood banks being scrutinized and the sale of blood being prohibited under the 2002 National Blood Policy. Authorities are now investigating a potential multi-state scam worth crores. 🧐

📉 Awarapan 2 sees big drop as Toxic dominates box office

Emraan Hashmi's film 'Awarapan 2' is seeing a significant drop in collections amid competition. It is starring Disha Patani and has seen a worldwide collection of Rs 202.75 crore. As of Day 13, the film made Rs 0.90 crore, which is a 76 percent drop from the previous day's earnings. This downturn is largely attributed to Yash's 'Toxic', which crossed Rs 200 crore worldwide. Meanwhile, Sunny Deol's 'Batwara 1947' finished its run with an India net collection of Rs 37.65 crore.

👮 Babita Singh Reporting: Cop Bogged by Patriarchy

The upcoming film Babita Singh Reporting shows a female cop struggling within a system controlled by patriarchy. The story features Nimisha Sajayan as Babita in the setting of Madhya Pradesh. The film is set to release on Prime Video on August 28. The production team aimed to show a lived reality rather than a typical superhero figure. Viewers are encouraged to connect with Babita's everyday struggle and quest for her voice.

🤖 Microsoft swaps M365 Roadmap for 'AI at Work'

Microsoft has officially rebranded the Microsoft 365 Roadmap to 'AI at Work' to centralize AI innovations across its suite. This change affects the website title, headers, and even webinars for all users. The company states this is to provide a single destination for updates across Microsoft 365, Copilot, and other AI experiences. While the change is live now, full integration of all AI updates is slated for September 2026. Moving forward, the AI at Work Roadmap will cover Dynamics 365 and Power Platform alongside productivity tools. 💻

⛽ E10 petrol might make a comeback in premium fuels

The Union petroleum ministry is discussing bringing back E10 formulation in premium Octane 95 fuels. This discussion involves state-run OMCs like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. Consumers are concerned about E20's effect on older engines, despite government assurances. Offering E10 through Octane 95 could bypass the need for new storage infrastructure. The decision remains in initial stages, with viability and acceptability being assessed.

📉 Stock market jitters and corporate news drops

Indian equity markets were range-bound on Wednesday, with the NSE Nifty50 closing at 24,207.75, down 0.52%. Tata Power is appealing a court decision, while Jio Financial Services saw its assets under management cross ₹30,000 crore in Q1 FY27. Bharat Electronics secured additional orders worth ₹730 crore, and Hindustan Copper faced fines from BSE and NSE. Traders are watching key stocks like Tata Power and Jio Financial Services for Thursday's session. A drop below 24,130 could trigger a serious market correction. 📉

🏏 Arshdeep Singh wants to play all three formats

Pacer Arshdeep Singh expressed his strong desire to play in all three international formats of cricket. The Punjab-based player, a white-ball specialist, actively seeks red-ball opportunities despite his current focus. He recently showcased his skills in the Duleep Trophy against West Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Arshdeep, 27, previously made his maiden Test call-up but missed it due to a hand injury. He plans to capitalize on the upcoming semifinal match against South on Sunday. 🏏

💧 AIADMK warns Karnataka over Mekedatu project

AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan strongly criticized Karnataka leaders regarding their statements on the Mekedatu project. He specifically targeted Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar and minister Cheluvaraya Swamy for their remarks. Sathyan asserted that the Supreme Court’s Cauvery verdict prevents unilateral progress on the project. He warned that proceeding with the project would be considered contempt of court, calling it political provocation. This tension arises amid ongoing political sparring over the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river. 💧