✨ Raksha Bandhan 2026: Puja timings and rules

Raksha Bandhan 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, August 28, marking a significant festival honoring sibling bonds. This year, the Purnima Tithi starts on August 27 but the auspicious time is on August 28 after Bhadra Kaal ends. In Maharashtra, the ceremony is suggested between 6:23 AM and 9:48 AM post-sunrise. The ritual involves sisters tying Rakhi while praying for their brother’s well-being, followed by gift exchange. Families should ensure the ceremony is positive and adhere to local traditions for the best observance. 💖

🤔 Trump's H-1B Visa Fee: A Game Changer?

Former President Trump's proposal to set the H-1B visa fee at Rs 1 crore has sparked intense debate among the tech community. This significant fee adjustment targets the H-1B visa program, which is crucial for many international tech workers in the US. The proposed fee increase is substantial, setting a high barrier for applicants. The move is being scrutinized for its potential impact on the flow of skilled foreign talent into American tech companies. Further discussions will determine the actual fate of this policy change.

🤝 JP Nadda meets protesters after rally

The 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' protest took place at Jantar Mantar on August 21. Following the event, Jagat Prakash Nadda held a cordial discussion with Harsh Dubey, Ran Bahadur Singh Chauhan, and Mrityunjay Pathak along with team members. This meeting occurred as per the pre-scheduled time following the demonstration. Nadda mentioned that they will meet again soon after this interaction. This engagement signals ongoing dialogue regarding the protest issues. 🤝

🩺 H1N1 scare in Chennai: Health Dept says chill

The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has intensified surveillance amidst a surge in H1N1 cases in Chennai. District health officers and rapid response teams are currently reviewing the situation across the state. Influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection are being monitored throughout the entire year. Special watch is being kept on vulnerable groups like pregnant women and senior citizens. People with symptoms are advised to seek medical attention early and not self-medicate.

🦟 TN to look into H1N1 vaccine for vulnerable groups

Tamil Nadu's Health Minister Arunraj stated the government will examine H1N1 vaccination for the elderly and pregnant women. He confirmed the state is continuously monitoring the H1N1 situation across the region. Cases peaked from May to Aug this year, following higher numbers in the first four months of 2025. The state also reported 12,856 dengue cases and seven deaths until August 26. Authorities are enhancing surveillance and mosquito control measures throughout the monsoon season. 🦟

🩺 Future of heart health discussed at ESC 2026

Valentín Fuster discussed the importance of the ESC Congress for advancing cardiovascular science. He highlighted a shift in focus from just treating disease to understanding overall health and prevention. Currently, Fuster is interested in using genetics, AI, and molecular biology to achieve this goal. Despite progress, cardiovascular disease remains a top killer, often due to consumption habits winning over personal choices. He expects healthcare delivery in the USA to closely mirror the European model in the next 10 to 15 years. 🩺

⚖️ 9/11 mastermind trial set for June 2028

The trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three co-defendants has been scheduled to start on June 5, 2028. This high-profile case is taking place before a US military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The defendants include Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak bin 'Atash, Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, and Ali Abdul Aziz Ali. This date follows years of legal disputes and the rejection of previous plea deals. The proceedings will begin with a military service member jury and move through evidence presentation to sentencing.

🏛️ Shillong lawyers march demanding AG Amit Kumar's removal

Lawyers in Shillong held a major protest demanding the removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar. The Meghalaya High Court Bar Association and Shillong Bar Association organized the protest against Kumar in Shillong. This action followed a joint resolution passed earlier this month, as the government declined the removal request. The controversy began after Kumar stated bar bodies failed to protect women lawyers during a High Court case. The bar associations told the SCBA to stop interfering in their internal decisions.

📰 RSS Chief's NY event organizers face X drama

The account of organizers for RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's New York event was temporarily suspended on X. This happened amidst opposition from interfaith and civil rights groups urging cancellation of the Madison Square Garden appearance. On August 27, 2026, the AHEAD Forum stated they were "botted" by opponents trying to game the X algorithm. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had publicly denounced the RSS, citing a preference for a pluralistic society. Bhagwat is touring the US as part of the RSS centenary-year global outreach programme. 🗽

🎭 Chennai troupe brings Vaikom Basheer stories to Shivamogga

The Chennai-based theatre group Perch performed 'Under the Mangosteen Tree' in Shivamogga on Wednesday. This play is based on the short stories of renowned Malayalam writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. The performance featured a non-linear narration, covering stories like 'Poovan Banana' and 'Walls.' Director Rajiv Krishnan had Basheer himself take the role of the narrator for the show. The team is currently on a farewell trip and will next perform in Heggodu on Friday and Mysuru on Sunday. 🎭

📱 Meta's US settlement and what it means for the UK

Meta settled with nearly every US state for $18bn, agreeing to implement child safety measures on Facebook and Instagram. This deal applies to US children currently, but could influence global regulations. The UK already has the Online Safety Act, which includes a planned social media ban for under-16s in 2027. The settlement might empower the UK to demand similar restrictions from other platforms. Ultimately, scrutiny over Big Tech's impact on youth safety is expected to continue.