🚌 TN CM drops Parandur airport, announces free LPG & buses

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay dropped the Parandur airport project on Monday while announcing major welfare schemes. The announcements, made in the Assembly, included free LPG cylinders for 1.34 crore families and an expanded free bus scheme for women. The free bus travel, under 'Vettri Payanam Thittam', starts on October 2, covering more routes and distances. This initiative provides benefits to families with annual incomes up to Rs. 2.5 lakh and below the poverty line. The government is now looking into alternative sites for the previously proposed 5,746-acre airport.

🤩 Student finds ancient gold in Northumbria

An American archaeology student discovered a valuable, 9th-century gold artefact during her first dig. Yara Souza, who is from Florida, made the find at Redesdale in Northumberland, England. The small, ornate piece was unearthed just 90 minutes into the excavation on an unspecified date. Experts suggest this gold was used by elites for ceremonial or religious reasons along the old Roman road, Dere Street. The two gold artefacts will now be studied further before being shown at the Great North Museum: Hancock. 🤩

📉 Oil dips as Trump threatens economic war on Iran 💥

Oil prices fell on Monday, August 24, 2026, as investors reacted to a proposed U.S. plan to isolate Iran's economy. This move is part of a new campaign by U.S. Treasury boss Scott Bessent, who promised more details on Monday. Global markets saw mixed results, with Asian stocks generally down, except for Sydney, Jakarta, and Bangkok. Meanwhile, tech giants like Alibaba are fueling their AI ambitions with major funding rounds. Traders are also awaiting clarity on U.S. monetary policy at the Jackson Hole meeting.

🚀 SpaceX planning Falcon wind-down for Starship focus

Elon Musk announced a plan to wind down the Falcon rocket program when Starship flies reliably several times weekly. This decision impacts SpaceX, the company behind Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, where they have stopped most new commercial bookings past late 2028. The stock slipped 2% overnight after this announcement, while Starship's first reflight is expected by early 2027. This shift could deepen the existing global launch-capacity shortage faced by satellite operators. Meanwhile, DZ Bank issued a rare 'Sell' rating with a 27% downside target. 🚀

👑 Kerala's 19-year-old wins Miss Universe India 2026

Kaziah Liz Mejo has been crowned the winner of the Miss Universe India 2026 pageant. She hails from Kerala and brings significant representation to the title. The competition concluded recently, with her victory announced on a specific date. This achievement marks a major milestone for beauty pageants in the region. Her journey now sets her up for the international Miss Universe competition next year.

😠 Govt allegedly targeting students like Noida workers

Abhijeet Dipke of Cockroach Janta Party criticized the government for potentially misusing laws against students. He cited the crackdown on nearly 200 private firm workers in Noida during April this year. These workers spent an average of 53 days in jail before most received bail from the court. Dipke stated the government is now targeting students similarly to what happened to the Noida workers. The Supreme Court had sought a list of FIRs against protesters multiple times without a formal commitment from the Union government. 😠

📸 vivo X500 series dropping this September

vivo has officially confirmed the launch of its new X500 series phones in September. This lineup will succeed the vivo X300 series, featuring the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. The X500 Pro models will boast a ZEISS Ultra Dynamic Main Camera with a custom Sony sensor. Key features include 4K 240fps slow-motion and 3° optical image stabilisation on the Pro Max. These devices promise upgrades across photography, performance, OS, and display.

🏛️ BJP protests loudly at Vidhana Soudha for minister's resignation

A high-drama protest took place outside the Vidhana Soudha building. The Karnataka BJP members were the ones leading the demonstration in Bengaluru. They were demanding the resignation of Minister Nagendra. This protest was organized due to ongoing political disagreements within the state government. The BJP plans to continue their push for ministerial accountability in the coming days. 🏛️

🦟 Why mosquitoes pick you? 7 science reasons explained

Experts revealed seven scientific reasons why some people attract more mosquito bites than others. Doctor Deepashree R stated this happens because mosquitoes use cues like carbon dioxide, body odour, and body heat to locate hosts. Factors include higher CO2 exhale from active people and the visual detection of dark clothing. Pregnancy and certain blood types might also increase susceptibility to bites. Preventing dengue and malaria is key by using repellents and eliminating stagnant water. 🦟

🚗 SUV crash in Delhi kills woman, injures husband

A 71-year-old woman was killed and her husband injured after an SUV collided with several vehicles near Kailash Colony Metro Station in Greater Kailash-I. Police responded to a PCR call on Sunday, and the injured couple was taken to Moolchand Hospital. The woman, identified as Shashi, was pronounced dead upon arrival, while Kulbhushan (65) was able to give a statement. A case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been filed against the driver. The accused driver has subsequently been arrested by the authorities. 🚗

✈️ Tamil Nadu cancels Parandur airport plan

The Tamil Nadu Government has decided to abandon the Parandur airport project due to farmland and livelihood concerns. Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced this move in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday. This decision follows the Civil Aviation Ministry's in-principle approval in April 2025 for the Kancheepuram district site. Vijay stated he supports protesters and insists an alternative location with minimal impact must be found. However, DMK MLA Thangam Thennarasu warned this cancellation could cause serious economic damage to the state. 😥