🏛️ Supreme Court: Case pending isn't reason to fire public servant

The Supreme Court ruled that a public employer cannot discharge an employee just because a criminal case is pending against them. The bench, comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Sheel Nagu, found the police constable's discharge illegal as there was no conviction at the time. This decision was made regarding an employee discharged in 2003, who was initially appointed in 1991. The Court directed the State to pay the appellant ₹5 lakh in compensation instead of reinstatement. However, the court clarified that probation release doesn't erase the conviction for disciplinary action. ⚖️

💧 Yadgir pushes big drainage project on Karnataka govt

The Yadgir district administration has submitted a ₹287.7 crore proposal to the Karnataka government. This project aims to overhaul sanitation using an underground drainage system in Yadgir. The proposal includes a 9 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near the Bhima river, which was technically approved. This infrastructure is needed due to rapid population growth to stop untreated sewage discharge into the river. Work will begin immediately after the state grants the necessary administrative approval. 💧

🔬 Quantum OAM combo hits new data record

Researchers successfully demonstrated six-channel multicasting of data using orbital angular momentum (OAM). This breakthrough was achieved by the team at an unspecified location, showcasing real-time transmission with a bit-error rate below 7 × 10⁻⁵. The system leverages a hybrid intelligent strategy and single-shot phase-only holography for improved photon efficiency. This method overcomes limitations in traditional OAM systems by treating structured OAM combs as composite symbols. The research paves a way for larger capacity in future optical networks. 🚀

📸 Madras then and now: City evolution

The article explores the transformation of Chennai, highlighting landmarks from the past to the present day. Chennai Central railway station, opened in 1873, once served as the main terminus for northern and western traffic. An archival photo from May 1961 shows traffic regulation near Marina Beach with vintage cars and police uniforms. Spencer’s Plaza, the oldest mall in India, has been a backdrop for Kollywood since 1991. The city still maintains historic spots like Royapuram railway station, which opened in 1856. 🏖️

🐘 Flood elephant Joymoti airlifted to Vantara for care

Elephant Joymoti, a 53-year-old female, was airlifted from Nagaland and Assam to Vantara for critical treatment. She was swept away by floodwaters in Nagaland during the second week of July, sustaining multiple severe injuries. These injuries include wounds on her forehead and abdomen, plus a maggot-infested genital wound. Doctors deemed specialized care necessary due to her injuries and old leg fracture. She will receive comprehensive veterinary care, including treatment for her damaged eye, at Vantara. 🐘

🎓 Swati Mujumdar named Chancellor of Symbiosis University

Swati Mujumdar has been appointed as the Chancellor of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University. This appointment was announced during a felicitation ceremony held in Maharashtra. The university has partnered with over 200 leading industries and offers diploma programs where about 90% of participants are women. Dr. Mujumdar noted that nearly 25% of trained students have started their own businesses. This move highlights the focus on skill-based education for rural areas. 🎓

🤔 Kharge questions Modi on singing Vande Mataram

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned PM Narendra Modi and BJP leaders regarding the full rendition of Vande Mataram. This exchange happened in Kalaburagi on August 22, 2026, during a book release event. Kharge pointed out that Modi, as CM of Gujarat and PM, never sang the full song in his tenure. He accused the BJP of raising the issue to polarize people and consolidate votes. Kharge stressed that Congress follows a 90-year-old decision on the song's stanzas.

🔬 Quantum noise can actually boost learning accuracy

Researchers at the University of Basel and University of Pavia found that controlled quantum noise can improve variational quantum algorithm accuracy. This work details a pre-training method identifying noise levels that induce equalization within quantum models. The findings, published on August 21, 2026, show noise reshapes the Riemannian manifold, preventing overfitting. This process allows optimization to converge on flatter parameter spaces for better generalization. The technique is model-design dependent and helps address barren plateaus in QNNs. 🧠

⚽ Kolkata Derby heats up for 135th Durand Cup final

East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant will clash in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. The Kolkata Derby is significant as Mohun Bagan won the opening group stage match 1-0. Mohun Bagan has scored 16 goals while East Bengal has scored 14 across their respective matches. Mohun Bagan aims for an 18th title, whereas East Bengal is looking to level the count at 17. The final promises a high-stakes battle between these historic rivals. ⚽

💀 Sinking City 2 is a horror fan's new obsession

The Sinking City 2 is a survival horror sequel developed by Frogwares, taking the series to a new, more combat-focused direction. It is set in a flooded, otherworldly version of 1920s Arkham, where player Calvin Rafferty fights Lovecraftian creatures. The game was built using Unreal Engine 5 and features four combat difficulty levels for player choice. While the combat feels similar to Resident Evil with limited ammo, the atmosphere is genuinely good. The narrative, driven by Calvin's quest to save Faye Bennett, provides a strong emotional core.

🔪 Dalit man hacked for love; anti-honour killing law demanded

A 23-year-old Dalit man, Praveen Kumar, was hacked to death on August 16 in Chennai. He was a resident of Kelambakkam in Chengalpattu district. The attack occurred amidst a history of such violence, with at least 59 honour killings in Tamil Nadu until March this year. Activists argue that the existing PoA Act is insufficient to curb these caste and class-based murders. The demand for a special law against honour killings has intensified following this incident. 💔