🔬 Not just antibiotics: meds leave gut fingerprint

A new study found that many common medicines leave lasting changes in the gut microbiome, going beyond just antibiotics. Researchers from the University of Tartu Institute of Genomics studied over 2,500 people using stool samples and prescription records. These long-lasting 'fingerprints' from drugs like antidepressants and beta-blockers could be detected years after stopping treatment. This is crucial because the gut microbiome affects digestion and immunity, meaning past drug use matters. Doctors should now consider a patient's entire medication history when assessing gut health. 🔬

🗿 TV host arrested in Japan over Buddha relic splash

A 39-year-old Taiwanese TV host was arrested at Kansai International Airport for allegedly pouring liquid on a historic Buddha relic. The woman, Tsai Yi-zhen, was suspected of dripping glycerin onto the Bussokuseki at Yakushiji Temple on April 6. The substance was identified as glycerin, and she was arrested on August 22 for violating cultural property laws. Tsai admitted to the act, stating she performs rituals by pouring oil on emotionally moving objects. Her manager confirmed the case is under investigation as of August 24.

🕌 New queue complex coming to Srisailam temple

Construction of a new queue complex for devotees at the Si Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple is set to start soon. This project is happening at Srisailam, which was discussed in the 10th meeting of the Srisailam Temple Board of Trustees on Tuesday. The proposed three-story complex aims to manage 12,000 devotees concurrently. Additionally, the board plans to decorate the Sakshi Ganapati temple for Ganesh Chaturthi from September 14 to 23. Further developments include repairs to public toilets and setting up a garment collection center.

🚆 CM asks Centre to rethink Palakkad railway split

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has asked the Centre to scrap the plan to split the Palakkad railway division. The proposal suggests shifting Mangaluru under the Mysuru division. This move was discussed around August 25, 2026. Chennithala argued that the Palakkad division is top-ranked in safety, punctuality, and cleanliness. He believes the bifurcation is an attempt to downplay the division's importance. 🚆

👑 Cochin Royal Family Member Gets Traditional Gift

A member of the erstwhile Cochin royal family, N.K. Soumyavathi Thampuratti, received the traditional Uthrada Kizhi on Tuesday. The presentation took place at Vayaskara Kovilakam, where Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan gave her the Kizhi containing ₹1,001. This customary gesture of respect is given by the government on Uthradam, the day before Onam. The tradition started before Independence, when the Maharaja of Cochin gifted money for Onakkodi. Now, the payment comes from the Thrissur district treasury and is delivered to eligible members. 🎁

🗳️ Karnataka asks for more time for voter roll claims 🗳️

Karnataka's Chief Minister D K Shivakumar appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner to extend the deadline for claims regarding electoral rolls. Out of 5.54 crore electors, 1.08 crore are in the ASDDO category, and 1.5 crore voters face potential deletion. This is following the draft roll publication on August 24. Shivakumar stressed that many absent voters are genuine individuals who couldn't submit forms due to legitimate reasons. He requested more time, suggesting three to four weeks, to ensure no eligible citizen is left out.

😟 US visa appointments cancelled globally until Sept 1

Mass cancellations of nonimmigrant US visa appointments have spread worldwide, causing applicant panic. This happened as the State Department issued an order to all embassies and consulates globally. The cancellations are effective until September 1, 2026, as offices undergo training sessions this week. This training focuses on a "more restrictive policy" regarding immigrant visas. Furthermore, the Trump administration plans to review visas of foreigners who sought asylum. 😟

🗳️ Gadag district revises voter rolls with over 1.2 lakh changes

The draft electoral rolls for four Assembly constituencies in Gadag district were published on Monday as part of the Special Intensive Revision. Deputy Commissioner C.N. Sridhar announced this update in Gadag, confirming the claims period runs until September 23. The draft rolls currently list 7,82,232 electors, showing a reduction of 1,20,715 from the previous count on June 16. This reduction includes 71,280 permanent migrants and 30,318 deceased voters being removed. Eligible residents can check and submit objections using the ECINET mobile application or Booth Level Officers.

💻 Apple drops new Mac Studio with M5 Max and Ultra

Apple unveiled the new Mac Studio featuring the M5 Max and the M5 Ultra chip for massive AI and graphics upgrades. This powerful machine is available for pre-order starting today, with general availability kicking off on September 22. The M5 Ultra scales up to a 36-core CPU and 512 GB of memory to run huge LLMs on device. It now includes Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5, enabling faster clustering for AI inference. This setup positions the Mac Studio as the ultimate desktop for demanding pro workflows and on-device AI. 🚀

✈️ Hyderabad airport fees drop starting September

Regulator AERA has reduced the User Development Fee for departing passengers at Hyderabad airport starting September 1. This change applies to both domestic and international travelers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The new rates are Rs 515 for domestic and Rs 1,030 for international passengers. This tariff order for 2026-2031 is based on the incremental Aggregate Revenue Requirement framework. These revisions aim to support traffic development and keep aeronautical tariffs transparent. ✈️

🤒 Swine Flu gives kids stomach issues, parents be aware

The H1N1 virus can trigger severe stomach problems in children even though it mainly targets the respiratory system. This is happening in children across the board, and it is being reported as of August 25, 2026. Up to one-fourth of infected kids develop gastrointestinal distress, often before any respiratory symptoms show up. This occurs because the virus causes internal inflammation and irritates the digestive tract lining. Parents should watch for vomiting and diarrhea and seek medical help immediately if symptoms persist. 🤒