🛰️ Tiny ships could reach other stars soon

Researchers are exploring light sails to potentially reach other star systems within a lifetime. This possibility is fueled by recent findings around the exoplanet LHS 1140b, which orbits a red dwarf 48 light-years away. Advanced miniaturization allows for tiny, sensor-equipped spacecraft to be propelled by powerful lasers. These probes would travel at mildly relativistic speeds, collecting data as they pass through a target system. While ambitious, this technology could lead to future interstellar exploration missions. 🚀

🍛 Kudumbashree women prep for Onasadya feast

Kudumbashree is bringing flavor to Onam celebrations with its Onasadya this year. Nearly 400 women entrepreneurs across the State will be preparing the traditional feast. Customers can order the sadya, which includes rice, sambar, and various side dishes, starting from Rs.170. Orders must be a minimum of five sadyas, and bookings are open through call centers and local CDS offices. The sadya will be supplied by the nearest Kudumbashree entrepreneur to the customer. 🍽️

😠 BJP's downfall coming due to public anger, says Kunamneni

CPI State secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao stated that the BJP-led central government faces inevitable defeat. He made these comments during a CPI Jana Chaitanya Yatras meeting in Khammam on Thursday. Recent student protests over the 'NEET-UG paper leak' pressured the government, leading to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Rao accused the BJP of favoring corporations over the poor and the economy. Communist parties will continue fighting for welfare and marginalized sections' rights.

🔬 Lecture on sustainable engineering and optimisation held

A technical lecture on Optimisation and Multi-Objective Optimisation took place at Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam. Professor Emeritus G.P. Pandu Rangaiah, from the National University of Singapore, delivered the session. The talk covered mathematical modelling, objective functions, and optimal design applications across various fields. He also detailed multi-objective optimisation, Pareto-optimal solutions, and trade-offs like cost versus CO₂ emissions. Finally, the session introduced sustainable engineering and evolutionary algorithms to the students.

🎮 Gears of War controller is Microsoft's best yet

The Gears of War: E-Day Xbox Controller is being hailed as one of the best official pads in a long time. This limited-edition controller is designed by Xbox to celebrate the franchise's 20-year anniversary. It retails at $89.99 and currently is out of stock, featuring 3D molded details of cracked asphalt and glowing E-holes. The design incorporates iconic elements, like the transparent red X button, alongside textured grips. Xbox also partnered with 8BitDo for a matching charging dock priced at $39.99. 🎮

🏘️ CM Reddy launches affordable housing for urban poor

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy laid the foundation stone for Indiramma Towers in Kukatpally, Hyderabad, on Friday evening. He highlighted government achievements aimed at benefiting the urban poor across Telangana. Currently, nearly 55 lakh families benefit from free 200 units of electricity, and the scheme plans for one lakh families. Reddy criticized past governments for building housing far from cities and assured land ownership security. He further mentioned initiatives like 'Indiramma Saris' and self-help group empowerment. 🏠

🐘 Four people jailed for elephant electrocution

Four individuals were convicted by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Coimbatore for electrocuting wild elephants in Erode and Coimbatore districts. The first pair, Mathappa and Kalayya, received 3.5 years for the 2020 incident in Erode district. The second couple, Aruchamy and Thilagavathy, were sentenced to five years for the 2021 incident near Thondamuthur. The judge noted the act was due to personal selfishness, leading to the death of a voiceless creature. The court also fined both pairs ₹25,000 each as part of the sentencing. 🐘

⚽ Romero heading to Madrid after Spurs exit

Argentine defender Cristian Romero is moving to Atletico Madrid to finalize his transfer from Tottenham. He flew to Madrid last night with his agent after Tottenham gave the green light. The deal is valued at 40 million euros, with Tottenham keeping 15% of any future profit. Romero is set to undergo his medical tomorrow and is expected to sign until 2031. This move fulfills a key demand for Diego Simeone's defense.

🚌 15 pilgrim buses launch under Punjab's Yatra Yojana

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal flagged off 15 pilgrim buses from Hoshiarpur on Wednesday. These buses are headed to destinations like Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan. The government's Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana covers travel, stay, and food for pilgrims aged 50 and above. Kejriwal stated the plan aims to take 1.5 lakh people from Punjab in the upcoming months. In Phase I, four lakh pilgrims have already visited Sri Amritsar Sahib. 🚌

😷 H1N1 cases in Delhi: Know the warning signs

H1N1 cases are being observed in Delhi, prompting health advisories for residents. The Delhi health department is urging people to be vigilant about early symptoms of the flu. Specific attention should be paid to symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat, especially during the current season. Official guidance suggests getting tested if symptoms persist or worsen after a few days. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to manage any potential outbreak effectively. 😷

⛽ LPG e-KYC deadline pushes consumer rush

Domestic LPG consumers are lining up at agencies as the e-KYC deadline approaches on August 16th. This rush was observed at some agencies where 60-70 people showed up just on Thursday. Currently, about 88% of the required e-KYC process has been completed across the State. The mandate aims to ensure cylinders reach the correct beneficiaries, as the government heavily subsidizes the product. Activists are hoping for an extension and suggesting special camps be held for ease.