🚀 Poco F9 Ultra gets Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip

The Poco F9 series is set to launch globally, featuring two models: the Poco F9 Pro and Poco F9 Ultra. These phones will utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset family, mirroring the Redmi K100 series in China. The Poco F9 Ultra gets the standard chip, while the Pro uses the binned Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V series. The global launch date has been set for September 1, with distinct colorways for each model. Both devices are rumored to support up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

🕌 School holidays on August 26 for Eid-e-Milad

Schools are closed in various parts of India on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for Eid-e-Milad. This holiday status varies across the country because schedules depend on state calendars and local orders. For instance, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Manipur list it as a gazetted holiday on August 26. Kerala has an additional festival observance as Thiruvonam also falls on this day. Parents must check their school's official notice as there is no blanket closure nationwide.

🚨 12-year-old called 911 before family tragedy

A 12-year-old girl called 911 while a gunman killed eight relatives during a family dinner in Montana. The victims included four children from four generations of a blended family. The incident happened on Sunday evening, and the suspect, Alan Smith, 44, was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Family members reported several warning signs concerning Smith before the fatal shooting occurred. Funeral and other expenses are being supported by online appeals organized by friends of the victims. 😔

📉 Crypto Market dips despite institutional interest

Crypto markets saw a modest downturn over the last 24 hours, with total market cap dropping 1.27% to $2.65 trillion. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins traded lower as liquidations reached $641.79 million. However, the Fear and Greed Index is at 80, showing optimistic sentiment among investors. Positive ETF flows of $10.13 million suggest continued institutional interest in the space. Analysts suggest watching BTC support at $78,000 while global events like the Fed speech loom. 📉

✈️ Dubai airport traffic bouncing back post-slump

Passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) is showing a steady rebound following a challenging first half of operations. The airport welcomed 31.5 million passengers in the first half of 2026, which was a 31.3 per cent drop from the same period in 2025. This recovery follows disruptions caused by regional security incidents in February 2026 that led to flight suspensions. Improved connectivity and returning international carriers signal resilient demand for the airport. Dubai Airports anticipates stronger momentum in the second half, backed by events and network recovery. ✈️

🧐 FSSAI cracking down on misleading food claims

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is tightening rules on food claims across the industry. This move comes after Mondelez India pulled health claims from Bournvita. The regulator has issued over 150 notices for false claims and label non-compliance recently. This crackdown targets major players like Nestlé India, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola India. Companies must now properly substantiate all claims made on their products. 🧐

🧐 UP Councillors Video: Oath to Share Bribes

A video surfaced showing Shahjahanpur Municipal Corporation councillors taking an oath to equally share alleged bribe money. The alleged incident took place in Shahjahanpur, involving several municipal councillors. The oath reportedly stipulated that money received by the corporation would be divided equally among 60 councillors. This footage has sparked widespread corruption allegations on social media platforms. The Municipal Commissioner has ordered an inquiry into the video, which is purported to be from November 2025.

❤️ Capillaries build heart's own bypasses after attack

Researchers found that capillaries, not just existing arteries, contribute most to new bypasses after a heart attack. This study, led by Kathy O. Lui and Bin Zhou, was conducted in mice over several months. They discovered that about 86% of the lining cells in new collaterals were capillary-derived, not artery-derived. Furthermore, inhibiting these cells prevented bypass growth and increased scarring in mice. A short burst of VEGF signaling showed promise in improving adult mouse heart function.

🏍️ 2026 Pulsar 150 drops with fresh looks

Bajaj has officially launched the updated 2026 Pulsar 150 in India, featuring a revamped, modern design. The bike is powered by a 150cc air-cooled engine delivering 13.6bhp and 14.2Nm, and is priced at Rs. 1,15,233 ex-showroom. Key upgrades include a new frame, monoshock setup, and options like a TFT console with Google Maps mirroring. It also comes equipped with three riding modes and standard single-channel ABS for safety. This launch aims to keep the iconic Pulsar silhouette relevant for the new generation of riders. 🏍️

🌼 Onam 2026 wishes and greetings are here

Onam 2026 marks the celebration of harvest and the new year, remembering the just rule of King Mahabali. This collection offers over 50 Thiruvonam images, messages, and quotes in both English and Malayalam. The festival encourages reflection on the past while looking forward with hope and prosperity. People are encouraged to spread joy through celebrations like Pookalam and Onam Sadhya. These wishes aim to bring blessings and happiness to families and friends. 🎊

💔 Rifle coach linked to family tragedy in Andhra Pradesh

A 34-year-old woman, Kovvuri Soujanya, allegedly died by suicide in Rajahmundry with her parents and son. She blamed rifle coach Sadhik Khan for the tragedy after accusing him of poisoning her husband, Jagadeesh Reddy. The family jumped from a bridge on August 17th, with two fishermen rescuing her son, Riyansh Karthikeya Reddy. Notes revealed Khan allegedly threatened the family and took control of their assets. Police arrested Khan in Meerut on August 22nd and are investigating the allegations. 😥