💡 New solar cell tech boosts efficiency with CeO-CuInS2

Researchers developed a CeO–CuInS2 heterostructure absorber to tackle low efficiency in thin-film solar cells. This material was synthesized by multiple authors at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia. The fabricated device achieved a PCE of 6.29%, with a Voc of 0.733 V and Jsc of 13.82 mA cm−2 on August 31, 2026. The CeO incorporation effectively enhances charge separation and carrier transport within the absorber layer. These findings prove that CeO integration is a strong strategy for boosting solar cell performance. 💡

🔬 Corn silk waste becomes smart nanoprobes

Scientists created multi-functional carbon dots directly from agricultural corn silk waste using a simple, non-thermal method. This research was conducted by researchers at E-JUST and Capital University in Egypt. The study details a competitive limit of detection of 33 nM for Cu2+ ions using these new dots. The non-synthetic route enables Cu2+ sensing, while hydrothermal treatment optimizes Fe3+ detection at 200 °C. This establishes a sustainable platform for converting biomass into high-performance nanomaterials. 🔬

🏏 SA vs Zim: Namibia T20I Tri Series 4th match preview

The 4th T20I of the Namibia T20I Tri Series 2026 is scheduled for September 1st at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. South Africa currently leads the points table with one win, while Zimbabwe sits at the bottom with one loss. Previous match stats show Zimbabwe scored 195 for 6, while South Africa posted 144 for 8. Dewald Brevis was a key performer for South Africa, scoring 75 off just 32 balls in their win. The toss is predicted to go to Zimbabwe, who are favored to win the match. 🏏

⚖️ D4vd switches lawyers in murder case

D4vd's private lawyers withdrew from his murder case, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office took over his legal representation. This change occurred during an August 31, 2026 hearing in Los Angeles County. The case involves the death of Celeste Abigail Rivas Hernandez, with his next hearing set for October 2026. Burke continues to plead not guilty and remains in custody without bail during these proceedings. The prosecution has presented extensive evidence regarding the April 2025 death and subsequent discovery. ⚖️

📚 Andhra University sets up re-exams for UG students

Andhra University is organizing practical re-examinations for undergraduate students who missed the UG Special Drive Examinations. This applies to courses like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., and BBA held in June 2026. Deputy Registrar M. Padma Raju issued a circular on Monday announcing this opportunity. Affected students must contact their examination centres by September 10, 2026, for details. The university encourages all students to take advantage of this chance and attend the scheduled exams.

🎮 PlayStation says digital games aren't owned by players

PlayStation has responded to a class-action lawsuit claiming its online store doesn't clearly state that players only buy licenses, not ownership. The lawsuit, filed on June 18, 2026, alleged unclear disclosure of this fact at the point of sale. In its August 21 filing, PlayStation argued that the Software Product License Agreement already states the software is licensed, not sold. This defense sparked backlash from players concerned about losing access if Sony shifts fully digital. The company continues its move to stop physical game disc production starting January 2028. 🎮

🌟 UP govt picks Gen Z creators as cultural ambassadors

The Uttar Pradesh government launched a campaign to use Gen Z content creators for tourism promotion under 'Visit My State Uttar Pradesh.' Participants are invited to submit 60-second reels highlighting their city's unique aspects. Winners from various regions, including Lucknow and Braj, will be appointed as official cultural ambassadors. This move recognizes how young audiences shape travel discoveries through short videos and personal recommendations. The initiative aims to channel digital interest towards local culture and boost city pride across the state. 🌟

🚆 Hyderabad rail expansion gets push for future projects

The Telangana government and SCR are set to prepare DPRs for expanding MMTS and developing rail terminals near Hyderabad. Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju chaired a meeting reviewing 21 key railway infrastructure issues in the state. Seventeen railway projects totaling 2,023 km and costing ₹50,870 crore have already been submitted to the Railway Board. Jaju stressed rail connectivity is vital for Telangana’s economic and industrial growth. Officials are directed to expedite resolutions and prepare DPRs to use PM Gati Shakti funds. 🚆

🎬 Mirzapur movie starts strong with 11k advance tickets

The Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and Divyenndu starrer, Mirzapur: The Movie, has begun its advance booking with positive initial reception. It sold over 11,000 tickets in the top two national chains, PVR Inox and Cinepolis, as of 11:30 PM. With three days remaining, the film is predicted to open around Rs. 16 crore, which is within the Rs. 14 to 20 crore range. This cinematic adaptation features the original cast alongside new faces like Ravi Kishan and Mohit Mallik. The movie is scheduled for release on September 4, 2026.

🚨 NH 66 stretch becomes accident hotspot 😟

Recurring accidents are plaguing the Kazhakootam-Karode stretch of NH 66 due to overspeeding and poor traffic control. Incidents include Muhammed Ajas dying on August 29 near Vazhamuttam, and R.V. Pradeep Chandran being killed on August 16. In total, several deaths have been reported since July, including two elderly sisters on August 9. Authorities are urged to install speed detectors as per a directive from Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas. A detailed analysis of these recurring accidents is needed while four-laning work progresses.

🔬 New framework boosts cancer biomarker discovery 🧬

Researchers introduced GEN-SPARC, a novel framework to tackle unstable biomarker discovery in high-dimensional transcriptomics. This system was developed by Pınar Karadayı Ataş at Istanbul Arel University, Türkiye. It was published on August 31, 2026, applying to eight major cancer families. GEN-SPARC combines stability learning and pathway-aware regularization for better results. This method provides a reproducible and interpretable way to find cancer biomarkers in small samples.