🪐 Pluto as a planet again? Astronomers face big issues. 🪐

Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet back on August 24, 2006, causing a long-running debate in astronomy. Caltech astronomer Mike Brown, nicknamed 'Plutokiller,' revisited this issue in a recent Scientific American piece. His argument suggests removing the orbital neighborhood requirement could restore Pluto’s status. However, this change would likely mean many Kuiper Belt objects and moons could also become planets. Ultimately, Brown maintains that fascination should not dictate scientific classification.

🔬 Nano-material cleans milk and water fast

Researchers developed a composite nanomaterial called MCOF@Au@PEI NPs for rapid sterilization of pathogens. This material was tested in contaminated milk and water samples in the journal npj Science of Food. It achieved 100% sterilization of E. coli, S. aureus, and S. typhimurium in 435 seconds using 808 nm NIR irradiation. A major plus is its high recyclability, maintaining over 99% efficacy across five cycles. Future work will build on this efficient and safe method for food and water processing. 🧪

💰 Telangana Indiramma final bill to be paid Thursday

The final bill for Indiramma houses constructed until March 31 is set to be deposited on Thursday. This announcement was made by Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy in rural Telangana. The government released ₹185 crore for 15,475 completed houses, with the final subsidy being ₹5 lakh per house. This last installment includes the Centre's share, which was temporarily withheld due to fund delays. Beneficiary selection for the second phase will be completed before September 15.

✨ UPI's decade: Next big moves for digital payments 🚀

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completed its tenth anniversary, transforming India's payment landscape. It was launched in 2016 with 21 banks, and now processes about 66 crore daily transactions. UPI scaled from 1.78 crore transactions in FY17 to over 24,162 crore in FY26. The platform is now expanding internationally, becoming a key part of India's economic diplomacy. The future focus is evolving UPI into embedded finance, tackling challenges like higher transaction limits.

🏏 Aaryavir Sehwag gets U19 callup for Australia tour

Aaryavir Sehwag, son of Virender Sehwag, has received his debut call-up to the India U19 squad. He will be playing against Australia in three One-Day fixtures in Rajkot. The matches are scheduled for September 18, 21, and 23, with Multi-Day fixtures following in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. This selection follows his impressive performance in the Delhi Premier League 2026. Lakshya Raichandani will lead the One-Day squad while Yashbardhan Chauhan will be his deputy.

📱 Realme C100i drops in India with 4GB+64GB

Realme has launched the Realme C100i 4G in the Indian market. This new phone features a 4GB + 64GB memory variant and is available for Rs 14,999. The first sale date for this device is set for August 27, 2026. It boasts a 6.75-inch HD+ screen and a massive 6500mAh battery with 15W fast-charging. Users can purchase it from Flipkart and Realme India, with EMI options available for 10 months. 📱

🎓 GATE 2027 registration is live now

Registration for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2027 has officially started for higher education aspirants. Candidates must register via the GATE Online Application Processing System portal at gate2027.iitm.ac.in. The application window runs until September 27, with the exam scheduled for February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21. This national-level exam qualifies students for M.E., M.Tech, PhD, and PSU jobs. 🎓

⚠️ Protests planned for RSS chief's NYC event

Protests are planned outside Madison Square Garden for the event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) issued a community alert for attendees in New York City. The 'Universal Oneness Celebrations' are scheduled for Saturday at the Infosys Theatre. Opposing groups have criticized Bhagwat, labeling him an extremist leader fueling fear. HAF advises attendees to remain civil and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

🏔️ US pledges $500k after Nepal-Tibet floods

Devastating flash floods swept through Nepal and Tibet, causing massive destruction and loss of life. The US pledged $500,000 in emergency aid to the affected regions. Reports indicate at least 165 people were confirmed dead, with 63 US citizens among those missing. This tragedy was triggered by a glacial collapse, leading to torrents of water and debris. Authorities are currently conducting intense search and rescue operations across the affected areas. 😥

🏔️ India asks states for missing persons data after Nepal floods

The Indian government has directed states to gather details on Indians missing after devastating flash floods in Nepal. This action supports the Ministry of External Affairs in reaching affected families following the ice-rock avalanche. The disaster has tragically claimed at least 160 lives, with hundreds of people still unaccounted for. This surge was caused by a massive ice-rock avalanche near China's border, sending debris through river systems. The Centre aims to ensure quicker coordination while rescue teams continue their intense search operations. 😥

🏔️ Nepal grapples with climate change fallout after massive flood

A huge avalanche triggered by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake near the China border led to a catastrophic flood in Nepal. This event occurred on Mt Langtang Lirung, 45 km north of Kathmandu, on Wednesday. Experts estimate the official toll is climbing past 160, with billions in infrastructure loss expected. The disaster highlights the rising threat of glacial lake outbursts due to global warming and permafrost melt. Nepal now faces massive rehabilitation challenges while pushing for Loss and Damage funding internationally. 😥