🌍 Pope urges global help against Ebola in DRC

Pope Leo XIV called on the international community to help contain the spreading Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He made these remarks after his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square. The deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history has already claimed thousands of lives in the north and east regions. This crisis is exacerbated by weak state presence and lacking health infrastructure in those areas. The Pope also prayed for victims of a recent mine collapse and the anniversary of an earthquake in central Italy. 🌍

🌳 Man arrested for cutting sandalwood in Vellore forest

A 58-year-old man was arrested for illegally chopping about one tonne of sandalwood in the Anaicut reserve forest near Abdullapuram village. The suspect, K. Elumalai, was apprehended by police in Vellore on Sunday while trespassing repeatedly for months. Forest officials recovered the wooden logs from his hideout after the initial discovery by a patrol team. This forest area, Paravamalai RF, hosts large plantations of various native species. Special teams are now formed to track down his accomplice and investigate the full extent of the crime. 🌳

🌧️ Chennai gets drenched in Sunday evening rain

Light to moderate rain fell across various parts of the city on Sunday evening. The downpour affected areas in and around Chennai, as predicted by the Regional Meteorological Centre. Anna Nagar West recorded the highest amount at 48.3 mm, while Chennai Central saw 28.2 mm of rain. The rain was part of convective activity expected to continue until Tuesday. Some roads, including Rajiv Gandhi Salai and GST, experienced flooding due to the showers.

🏃 TGCE hosts Red Run awareness event

The Red Ribbon Club of TGCE, alongside the Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society, held the 'Red Run – 5 km Half Marathon' on August 22, 2026. A total of 46 trainees, including 18 boys and 28 girls, actively participated in the run. The event aimed to promote HIV prevention and encourage healthy living among youth. Dr. Manjulata Rao, the Principal of TGCE, officially started the marathon and praised the participants. Top finishers included Shri Animesh Uraw, Shri C. Mohd. Jasheem, and Shri Lohith Rao in the boys' category. 🏃

🚨 Man dies in van collision near Sholinghur

A 40-year-old man named G. Duraisamy was killed in a serious road accident on Sunday. The incident occurred in Padiyanallur village near Sholinghur town in Ranipet. Initial reports state that an unidentified van lost control while heading towards Sholinghur town. Duraisamy, an agricultural worker, was thrown from his two-wheeler and taken to the Government Taluk Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police have registered a case and formed special teams to catch the van driver.

🧜 Mermaid reefs are helping Florida's oceans heal 🧜‍♀️

Florida started sinking mermaid-shaped reef sculptures as part of a marine restoration project back in 2019. The initiative, led by Ocean Rescue Alliance International, began off Palm Beach County and expanded into Broward County. Over 300 habitat and art modules, weighing 2,200 to 5,500 pounds, are now on the seafloor. These structures use environmentally friendly concrete to create habitats for fish and lobsters. The project continues adding modules and plans future installations internationally.

🛰️ Cambridge study flags India's high space launch costs

A 2026 University of Cambridge study found India’s per-kilogram launch costs are four times higher than the US. This research, published in Economics Letters, analyzed over 6,740 rocket launches between 1960 and 2025. The study showed India's cost was $13,302 per kg by end of 2025, compared to the US at $3,225 per kg. However, a Dept of Space source countered that subsidies and savings were not factored into the report. Future forecasts suggest launch costs could drop significantly by 2040. 🚀

🛣️ New high road opens to ease Vellore traffic

The ₹90-crore Sathuvachari-VIT High Road has officially opened to the public on Sunday. This new four-lane stretch connects Sathuvachari and Kangeyanallur village near the VIT campus in Vellore. Estimates suggest the road can handle at least 17,250 vehicles daily. It is expected to decongest traffic in Katpadi by diverting heavy vehicles away from the Old Katpadi Road. This new route offers the shortest travel path between Katpadi and Vellore.

📱 Google drops Pixel 11 series and Pixel Tag

Google has launched its new tech lineup featuring the Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag for small businesses. These devices are available now, with the Pixel 11 series including four models powered by Gemini Intelligence. The Pixel Watch 5 offers health monitoring like blood pressure tracking, while the Tag aids in asset management. Adopting this tech requires businesses to consider the learning curve and cybersecurity needs. Owners should analyze their specific needs to leverage these productivity and health boosts. 🚀

🏫 Rajasthan unveils massive Rs 12,500 crore school revamp plan

Following pressure from CJP's 'School Thik Karo' campaign and Congress's push, the Bhajan Lal Sharma government announced a three-year, Rs 12,500-crore roadmap for school infrastructure. This plan targets the state of Rajasthan, where CJP activists were recently assaulted during their campaign visit. The roadmap includes building 3,587 new schools and 83,783 classrooms, with a total expenditure reaching Rs 12,500 crore. This move is seen as a political counter to growing demands for better public infrastructure ahead of local body polls. The government also plans to add digital components like 80,000 tablets by December 2026.

🏒 India draws with Australia; semis heartbreak

India faced a tough 0-0 draw against Australia in the Hockey World Cup on Sunday. This match saw Australia advance to the semifinals because they scored more goals in the pool. The game was tense with both sides having chances but no goals being scored. India's hopes of reaching a World Cup semifinal after 51 years came to an end with this result. Now, India must play in the fifth-place match. 😞