🧐 Official challenges study on Modi's governance record

A government official questioned the methodology and data behind a study claiming Modi's rule involved broken promises. The study, by Professors Kevin and Robin Grier of Texas Tech University, found India underperformed its synthetic counterfactuals on governance and economy. This paper was originally published on August 12, 2026, and reported on August 25, 2006. The official countered with data on economic overhauls like Jan Dhan accounts and poverty reduction. The Griers responded, calling the criticism baseless and defending their rigorous methodological approach. 🧐

💧 AP reservoirs not fully packed yet

Major reservoirs across Andhra Pradesh have not reached their full capacity due to weaker upstream inflows this year. For instance, Srisailam holds 157.5 tmc ft out of 215.81 tmc ft as of August 28, 2026. Nagarjuna Sagar is at 58.5% capacity, while Pulichintala holds 61.6% of its capacity. Downstream barrages are operating as required to keep the extensive delta irrigation network running smoothly. Overall, the network still has significant space to absorb any further late-monsoon rainfall.

🌳 Lawyer buys mansion just to trash it for garden

A Houston lawyer purchased a 15,000-sq-ft mansion listed at $15.5 million to demolish it. The property, located at 1708 River Oaks Blvd, belongs to Tony Buzbee in the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood. The couple plans to donate materials worth about $4 million to Habitat for Humanity. This move allows them to expand their existing home and create a large private garden. The salvage operation will happen before the structure is brought down.

☢️ Putin might use tactical nukes in Ukraine as last resort

A recent report suggests that Vladimir Putin might deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine if the situation deteriorates significantly. This potential escalation involves Russian forces operating within the conflict zone in Ukraine. The report indicates this possibility remains on the table despite international warnings. Such a move would dramatically raise the stakes of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Global powers are closely monitoring this development for any signs of imminent use. ☢️

🔬 New eye drops help blind mice see light again

Researchers developed new photoswitchable small-molecule drugs to restore visual functions in blind animal models. The study was conducted by a consortium led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) in animal models. The compounds, called prosthe6, restored light-avoidance behavior in mouse models of AMD and RP. This method works by targeting ON-bipolar neurons in the surviving retinal circuitry instead of curing the degeneration. The drugs showed promise after both injection and topical eye drop administration. 🔬

🔭 Galileo finds tiny moon near asteroid Ida 🚀

On August 28, 1993, the Galileo spacecraft flew past the asteroid Ida while heading towards Jupiter. This was the second asteroid visit for Galileo, following a 1991 flyby of Gaspra. During this encounter, the probe discovered a small moon orbiting Ida, which was the first confirmed asteroid satellite. This finding supported the theory that asteroids could indeed have moons, which were previously suspected. The moon was named Dactyl, and Galileo continued its journey to Jupiter.

😔 Minister Nagendra quits again amid scam allegations

Karnataka minister B Nagendra resigned from the state cabinet on Friday after just 25 days in office. This decision came amid pressure regarding his alleged involvement in the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation financial irregularities. The controversy stems from Rs 187 crore allegedly being transferred without authorization, as revealed after an accounts superintendent's suicide on May 26, 2025. Nagendra's previous resignation over the same issue in June 2024 was followed by his re-induction into DK Shivakumar's cabinet on August 3, 2026. The opposition has been demanding his removal while a CBI investigation is ongoing.

📚 BPSC Teacher Exam Gets Major Overhaul

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is completely overhauling its Teacher Recruitment Examination, now designated as version 4.0. This major revamp affects candidates across Bihar, changing how the selection process will work. The changes are set to be implemented starting from the current academic session, marking a significant shift in testing standards. The goal is to make the examination more comprehensive and align it with modern pedagogical requirements. Candidates should stay updated with the official notifications regarding the new format and syllabus structure.

🕌 RSS Chief's NYC Visit Sparks Debate 🧐

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is visiting New York to speak at a 'Universal Oneness Celebration' at Madison Square Garden. This event is being held by AHEAD Forum and is set for Saturday, with expectations of over 5,000 attendees. Critics argue the RSS's Hindu majoritarian ideology promotes exclusion, while the event claims to celebrate diversity. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed the gathering, calling the ideology exclusionary. The RSS defends the gathering, stating it is an interfaith meeting for a diverse audience.

🌳 200-Year-Old Melbourne Forests Rebuilt

Scientists have successfully reconstructed the ancient forests of Melbourne. This pioneering work was conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne. The reconstruction focused on the ecological data from the last two centuries. This effort aims to understand past biodiversity and forest dynamics in the region. The findings will help in developing better conservation strategies moving forward. 🌳

🔋 Pressuring solid-state batteries stops short circuits

Researchers found that applying pressure to solid-state batteries helps prevent them from short-circuiting. This discovery was made by a team of scientists at a major research institution. The study highlighted improvements seen over the last six months in battery stability tests. This technique is crucial for making next-gen energy storage safer and more reliable. Future work will focus on scaling this method for commercial applications. 🔋