🚀 Space race shouldn't wreck the ozone layer

A study revealed that dramatically increasing kerosene-burning rocket launches could negatively impact the atmosphere. Scientists from NOAA and The Aerospace Corporation found this risk if launch activity grew tenfold over five decades. Such a rise could cause stratospheric temperatures to increase by 0.5 to 2°C and reduce ozone concentrations near 30 degrees north latitude. This is concerning because the ozone layer protects against harmful UV radiation essential for ecosystems. Therefore, the growing space economy must prioritize sustainable practices and consider cleaner rocket fuels. 🛰️

💸 UPI charges fees for big merchant payments now

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is ending its completely free era for large merchant transactions. This change affects merchants across the country. The fee structure implementation is set to start soon, impacting high-value transfers. This move is part of the ongoing push to formalize and regulate digital payment ecosystems. Users and merchants are advised to check the new guidelines for specific transaction limits.

🔬 Drug Interaction Study with BV100 Drug

Researchers conducted drug interaction studies using BV100 (rifabutin IV) in healthy subjects. The study took place at Oxford Academic using index CYP450 3A probes. Data was collected involving midazolam and itraconazole during the testing period. This research helps understand how BV100 interacts with other medications in the body. Future studies will build upon these findings to improve drug safety profiles.

📱 Motorola Edge 70 Neo specs leak before India drop

The Motorola Edge 70 Neo has surfaced on Geekbench, suggesting a change in its processor for the India launch. This device, expected in India over the coming months, features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset instead of rumored MediaTek silicon. The benchmark test showed scores of 723 single-core and 2,943 multi-core using Android 16. It is also listed with approximately 6GB of RAM, positioning it for the mid-range segment. Final specs like display and price are still unconfirmed by Motorola.

🚁 News chopper crashes after covering bus accident

A news helicopter used by NBC crashed into a parking lot in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The incident happened in Chatsworth, San Fernando Valley, while crews covered a bus crash that killed at least two people. The helicopter crash resulted in at least three fatalities, with one person dying outside the aircraft. Over 50 firefighters responded to the wreckage, which damaged four vehicles and two storage containers. The NTSB and FAA will investigate the crash thoroughly. 🚁

🏡 Uttarakhand homestay subsidy up to ₹15 lakh

Uttarakhand has launched the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grah Aawas Yojana to boost rural tourism. This scheme helps permanent residents convert existing houses into homestays for extra income. Hilly area beneficiaries can get up to 50% subsidy, capped at Rs 15 lakh, plus an interest grant of Rs 1.50 lakh for five years. The subsidy is only available when a loan is secured, requiring applicants to be native residents. After project completion, the property must be registered with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council. 🏡

✈️ Travel vlogger safe after arrest scare in Afghanistan

Keralam travel vlogger Arunima I P has confirmed she is safe in Afghanistan after a social media post caused concern. She is from Ottapalam in Palakkad, Kerala, and was touring solo. The incident occurred after she posted a distress message on a social media site in Bamyan. Authorities had questioned her about travelling alone without a male companion or guide. A local man intervened, allowing her to continue her journey without a permit.

🚨 Mecca attack alert sparks panic in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia issued its first-ever emergency alert for a possible hostile aerial attack in Mecca. This incident occurred in the holy city, alongside similar warnings in Jeddah and Taif governorates. The alert was lifted quickly, but it follows intensified attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned these 'heinous attacks' as terrorism. Riyadh faces growing pressure from Houthi advances and infrastructure threats across the region. 🚨

⚖️ SC denies CJP panel change amid protest probe

The Supreme Court recently refused a request to change the High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) investigating CJP student protests. This decision was made by a bench including CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. The five-member HPEC was formed on August 18 to look into violence and police force allegations. The Court stated the objections were premature since the inquiry had just started. The HPEC must examine pellet gun use and protect vulnerable witnesses.

⚖️ Tarun Tejpal surrenders in Goa rape case

Tarun Tejpal has surrendered to the Goa court in connection with the rape case. He is facing charges in Goa regarding the incident. The court has sentenced him to serve 10 years for the offense. This case has drawn significant public attention and controversy. The proceedings will continue as the legal process moves forward. ⚖️

🧹 Govt cleans up files in Special Campaign 5.0

The Department of Higher Education reviewed 95.2% of physical files and 87.46% of e-files under 'Special Campaign 5.0'. This campaign covered around 1,159 sites across the country and ran from October 2 to 31, 2025. During this period, over 3,312 files were digitised and 90,629 files were weeded out. The initiative freed 14,44,839 square feet of office space and generated Rs 6.89 crore from scrap disposal. DoHE is now preparing for Special Campaign 6.0, scheduled for October 2 to 31, 2026.