🌟 Stars with heartbeats: EKG in space 🔭

Astronomers are studying 'heartbeat stars,' which are binary star systems with eccentric orbits. The research, conducted by Jowen Callahan et al., utilized data from SDSS APOGEE and NASA's TESS. They analyzed 31,548 binary candidates to find these stellar pulsators. This tidal pull allows scientists to study stellar tides and the internal structure of these stars. Fifty new heartbeat stars were confirmed, with 14 showing eclipses, making Bonnie Tyler's song relevant.

🌕 Partial lunar eclipse visible over Lisbon

Lisbon residents witnessed a partial lunar eclipse during the early hours of Friday morning. The event involved up to 96 percent of the moon being masked as Earth's shadow passed across it. This occurrence happened on Thursday night into Friday morning, Aug. 28, 2026. The visibility spanned parts of North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This eclipse followed a total solar eclipse that passed over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain two weeks prior.

🛡️ India secures Javelin missile deal with the US

India signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. on Friday, August 28, 2026, to buy Javelin anti-tank guided missiles. This deal boosts the defence partnership between India and the United States. The procurement is happening under emergency powers, allowing purchases up to ₹300 crore per equipment category. Deliveries for the sixth tranche of emergency procurements (EP-6) are expected by the end of 2026-27. The U.S. Embassy views this as a step towards deeper defence cooperation. 🛡️

🛡️ India and US lock in Javelin missile deal

India and the United States have officially signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system. This agreement was finalized at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi on Friday, August 28, 2026. Under the FMS route, India is now a customer of this medium-range, fire-and-forget missile. The deal deepens the Major Defence Partnership and opens doors for defense industrial collaboration. Future talks will focus on mutually beneficial co-production opportunities between both nations. 🛡️

🧠 Brain's 'Brake' Could Silence Chronic Pain

Scientists have discovered a specific brain mechanism that functions as a 'brake' capable of switching off chronic pain signals. This breakthrough research was conducted by researchers at various institutions. The study details the activation patterns observed across different neurological pathways over several months. This finding offers a potential new avenue for managing persistent pain conditions that currently lack effective cures. Further research is planned to explore how this brake mechanism can be therapeutically targeted in patients.

😠 Congress demands MP Cabinet dismissal over minister's remarks

Congress has demanded the dismissal of the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, alleging the state government is shielding Minister Vijay Shah. The allegations stem from Shah's remarks targeting Army spokesperson Colonel Sofiya Qureshi last year. On May 14, 2025, the High Court ordered a case against Shah, who was later booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Despite an apology on May 13, 2025, the Supreme Court rejected it and formed a SIT, which requested prosecution sanction in August 2025. However, the state Cabinet decided not to grant sanction on Tuesday, prompting Supreme Court criticism.

⛈️ Karnataka CM confirms B. Nagendra's return despite probe

Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has confirmed the return of Minister B. Nagendra amidst an ongoing investigation. The scrutiny stems from alleged financial irregularities connected to the Valmiki Corporation. This political situation is facing mounting pressure from the BJP's demands. The BJP has intensified calls for Nagendra's resignation due to these allegations. The situation continues to develop within the Congress government's structure.

🔭 Small telescope starts hunt for water on alien worlds

With the Pandora mission finally active this week, efforts to study exoplanets have received a big boost. This mission, developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Corning Incorporated, is designed to analyze starlight filtered through planetary atmospheres. Pandora, which is small and under 397 pounds, includes an 18-inch telescope repurposed from the James Webb Space Telescope. Over the next year, it will observe at least 20 exoplanets for atmospheric makeup, hazes, clouds, and water. These findings will help NASA interpret Webb's data and aid future searches for habitable worlds.

🛡️ Army bags Javelin missile from US 🚀

The Indian Army has finally signed its first contract for the American FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile. This significant purchase is happening through the Foreign Military Sales route, involving the Army in New Delhi. The deal stems from a quest that began back in 2009 and is processed under emergency procurement powers. The Javelin is sought for its top-attack capability, which counters modern tank armour. Further discussions about local manufacturing between both nations are still ongoing.

💥 Thrissur fireworks blast: Unit deployed too many workers

A fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, exploded in April 2026, tragically killing 17 people and injuring over 24 others. The Central government told the Kerala High Court that the unit had deployed more workers than the permissible limit during the incident. This explosion occurred while fireworks were being carried in the open, and safety zones were ignored. An inquiry committee from the Kerala government and an independent inquiry by the ADM are currently underway. Police have also filed a chargesheet against those involved in the disaster. 💥

🫂 Konda Surekha and Revanth Reddy drop egos for party unity

Telangana Congress has a history of internal divisions among senior leaders with personal agendas. Konda Surekha faced scrutiny after her daughter made comments against CM Revanth Reddy and allegations arose regarding her ministry. Despite warnings from the disciplinary committee, Surekha refused to back down, risking suspension. However, she recently visited Revanth Reddy's residence to tie him a Rakhi. This gesture suggests she is aligning with the Congress leadership for a second chance. 🤝