🚨 Sampla skips SIT summons, asks for Sept date

BJP leader Vijay Sampla missed the fifth SIT summons for the 2015 Behbal Kalan case in Chandigarh. He requested a new date in September, citing pre-scheduled party commitments. The probe concerns October 2015 incidents where police fired on protesters, causing two deaths. Sampla claims he is wrongly implicated in a political vendetta regarding the sacrilege and firing. The SIT is expected to review his request and set a fresh deposition date. 😟

🗿 Ancient Jain inscriptions found in Ballari fields

Two Jain inscriptions from the Vijayanagara Empire reign of Harihara II were discovered in agricultural fields at Dodda Antapur, Ballari district. The Vijayanagara Tirugata Research Team documented these finds, which date back to the period of Harihara II. These granite slabs record land grants of 12 kolagas in Antapur to Sri Kunthutirthankara. The discovery highlights a strong Jain presence in the Sandur region and its link to the agrarian economy. Authorities are urged to scientifically document and conserve these historically significant inscriptions. 🗿

🗳️ Trinamool factions celebrate wing day separately

Different factions within the Trinamool are now permitted to celebrate the foundation day of their student wings independently. This decision was made following internal discussions within the party structure. The celebration dates and specific regional plans were not detailed in the announcement. This move reflects an ongoing internal dynamic within the political organization. Further coordination between the various factions is expected in the coming weeks. 🗳️

🏺 Ancient Sicily bone stylus hints at Dionysus worship

Archaeologists unearthed a rare, well-preserved bone stylus in Gela on Sicily's southern coast. This object, found during excavations at Orto Fontanelle, features carvings linked to the worship of Dionysus. It measures 13.2 centimetres long and dates back to the 5th century BCE. Experts believe its elaborate decoration suggests it might have been a religious offering rather than just a tool. The discovery adds to the understanding of ancient craftsmanship in Gela. 🏺

🤔 BJP tightens grip on allies amid youth protests in Maharashtra

Following widespread Gen Z protests, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis is actively working to mend internal divisions within the Mahayuti alliance. This effort involves filling delayed appointments and ensuring fair DPDC fund distribution in Maharashtra. On August 25, 2026, Fadnavis secured commitments for united contesting in upcoming polls from coalition leaders. The BJP is shifting focus from infrastructure to core social services like education and healthcare. This strategic shift aims to address growing youth discontent and institutional accountability demands. 🤝

⚖️ SC Judge Questions Education Budget Cuts vs. Kumbh Funds

Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Varale raised alarms about public fund prioritization, comparing the Kumbh Mela budget to state school resources. He noted that even 0.1% of the projected 32,000 to 34,000 crore Kumbh expenditure, about 32 crore rupees, could have saved 100 to 125 Marathi-medium schools. The judge expressed worry over shrinking education budgets despite increasing student enrollment and poor infrastructure. Reporter Anisha Mathur countered that judicial comments at private events lack legal weight regarding government action. Currently, education accounts for less than 13 percent of the annual budget.

📖 PocketBook Q: Kindle's tiny, distraction-free rival

PocketBook is launching the PocketBook Q, a phone-sized E Ink e-reader, at IFA 2026 in Berlin. This device weighs just 130g and features a 5.84-inch E Ink screen for eye comfort. It runs on a Linux OS, blocks notifications, and supports 25 formats, plus library loans. The device boasts a month-long battery and comes with 32GB storage and Bluetooth. Preorders for the PocketBook Q start in September for $235. 📚

🤒 Swine flu cases are spiking in Delhi-NCR 🤒

Swine flu cases are currently on the rise across the Delhi-NCR region, prompting health officials to issue advisories. Noida reported 120 infections, while Ghaziabad has seen 7 H1N1 cases as of August 25, 2026. Overall, Delhi has recorded 2,308 swine flu cases, which is about eight times more than previous years. Authorities are monitoring the situation using a 3-T strategy and have kept a 20-bed ICU ready in Noida. Residents are urged to take precautions like avoiding crowds and consulting a doctor if symptoms appear.

💧 Collector pushes for faster water projects in Sri Sathya Sai

Collector A. Shyam Prasad directed officials to step up the 'Jaladhara-Jalaharathi 2.0' program for better groundwater levels. This review meeting took place at the Collectorate in Sri Sathya Sai district on Tuesday. Out of a 7,357 work target, 5,200 are sanctioned, with 1,784 underway at ₹38.13 crore. Amid El Niño concerns, repairs to tanks, ponds, and canals must be completed urgently. The Collector stressed that the district must have enough drinking and irrigation water. 💧

🧠 Smart Tech Boosts Alzheimer's Diagnosis Access

New smart technology has been developed to make the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease much more accessible to people. This innovation was developed by researchers in Greater Kashmir. The technology reportedly improves diagnostic accuracy by a significant margin compared to older methods. Alzheimer's, a progressive neurological disorder, poses a major global health challenge needing better detection. Further trials are planned to integrate this smart tool into mainstream healthcare systems. 🧠

🐘 Dasara elephants move to Mysuru palace

Nine elephants selected for Mysuru Dasara 2026 will be officially handed over to the palace on Friday, August 28. This follows the traditional Gajapayana ceremony near Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Wednesday, August 26. A total of 14 elephants were chosen after health checks, with nine in the first batch. The handover will allow the elephants time to adjust to the palace environment before the festivities. The Forest Department assures priority for their health during transport and participation.