🐬 Plastic bottles cut dolphin bycatch by 88%

GEMARS developed a low-cost innovation using upcycled plastic bottles to significantly reduce dolphin bycatch in fisheries. This solution was tested with small-scale fishers in southern Brazil to protect endangered Franciscana dolphins. Field trials recorded an impressive 88 percent reduction in bycatch with no effect on target catches during the testing period. The technology is simple, requiring no electricity, and fishers can assemble and deploy the modified gillnets themselves. GEMARS is now exploring wider adoption of this practical conservation method across various fisheries. 🐬

🌟 Sooryavanshi's risky batting shines in Duleep Trophy

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored an impressive 92 runs off 81 balls during the Duleep Trophy semi-final. He played for East Zone in the match against Central Zone, which took place recently. His knock was compelling despite a few chances he narrowly missed. Seniors advised him to be disciplined, but Sooryavanshi continued to show audacious shot-making. This performance set East Zone up to challenge Central Zone in the tournament. 🏏

🔥 29 farmer sheds burn in Bagalkot fire

As many as 29 sheds belonging to farmers displaced by floods caught fire on Sunday night in Iddalagi, Bagalkot district. No injuries were reported because all residents were attending a temple for a religious ritual at the time. The affected families reported losing clothes, food items, and books in the incident. Deputy Commissioner Sangappa ordered the setup of a relief centre for the displaced people until reconstruction is complete. These farmers were relocated after the floods 17 years ago but still await permanent pucca houses.

🤝 Xi and Putin chat about visa-free travel

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31, 2026. The leaders discussed establishing a permanent visa-free regime between China and Russia. Putin mentioned that this system boosted tourist flows by 43 percent in the first half of the year. Previously, both nations extended the visa-free entry right until the end of 2027. Xi emphasized strengthening China-Russia ties amidst global uncertainties.

🎮 PlayStation State of Play is back on Sept 3 🎮

Sony is hosting two back-to-back State of Play broadcasts on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The events will feature a global showcase and a dedicated State of Play Japan segment hosted by Yuki Kaji. Final Fantasy VII Revelation's extended gameplay presentation will conclude the primary showcase, targeting a Spring 2027 release. This dual broadcast aims to highlight both global studio updates and specialized Asian titles simultaneously. Indian viewers can tune in at 6:30 PM IST to catch all the major announcements.

🏫 Kerala schools getting infra upgrade, says Samsudheen

The UDF government is committed to enhancing infrastructure across its schools, according to Minister N. Samsudheen. He made this statement while inaugurating a new multi-storey building at Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Karakurissi near Mannarkkad. This construction project cost ₹5 crore, and new Plus Two batches were sanctioned based on local school needs. The government also promised to provide a new building for the school’s lower primary section. Minister Thulasi urged cooperation across all political lines for local development. 🏫

🔬 Robots are giving biologists their time back 🤖

Advanced cell models face operational hurdles like staffing and repetitive tasks, which consume huge amounts of researcher time. Molecular Devices' CellXpress.ai Automated Cell Culture System addresses this challenge for biologists across labs. With this system, manual effort for 2D and iPSC maintenance drops to about 1 to 1.5 hours weekly. This automation reduces weekend burden and allows scientists to focus on data analysis instead of manual upkeep. Ultimately, this boosts research efficiency and consistency in complex biological experiments.

🌳 High Court stops KHB's big housing land grab 🛑

The Karnataka High Court has struck down the land acquisition of 1,938 acres for the KHB's Suryanagar 4th phase housing project. This decision was made by a Division Bench in August on August 29, overturning a January 2025 order. The land is located near Bannerghatta National Park and falls within the proposed eco-sensitive zone. The court noted irreversible ecological damage and failure to get mandatory clearances. Moving forward, the MoEFCC is studying the CEC's recommendation regarding the ESZ.

😠 Congress attacks BJP over Rahul Gandhi FIR

Congress slammed the BJP for its casteist mindset after an FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi. This happened following his remarks on a 'purification' ceremony that allegedly insulted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The FIR was registered on Sunday, August 30, 2026, amidst a row that started on August 11. Congress plans nationwide protests on Monday, August 31, demanding prosecution of BJP leaders. They argue the FIR is a diversion tactic against caste discrimination issues. 😠

🎬 Nawazuddin Siddiqui's tip helped Manu Rishi play Musharraf

Manu Rishi Chadha discussed his role portraying former Pakistan army chief Pervez Musharraf in Operation Safed Sagar. He played the military mastermind behind the Kargil War in this Netflix war drama series. The role is based on the 1999 Kargil War and features an ensemble cast. Manu Rishi credited Nawazuddin Siddiqui for guidance on approaching the complex character. He adopted Nawazuddin's method of trusting the director's vision over just visual references. 🎬

⚖️ Settlement quashes case even without informant's consent

The Supreme Court ruled that criminal proceedings can be dropped based on a settlement with the real victim. This decision was made in the case involving Pradeep Singh Mehta and the accused parties in Madhya Pradesh. The court set aside the Madhya Pradesh High Court's judgment from August 31, 2024. The ruling stressed that the real victim must be part of the settlement for quashing under Section 482. This prevents misuse where non-victim informants interfere with genuine dispute resolution. ⚖️