🚀 Voyager 2 power boost keeps probe alive

Voyager 2, nearly 50 years old, recently underwent a power and thermal system rearrangement by NASA engineers. This coordinated operation, nicknamed the “Big Bang,” freed up almost 10 watts from the probe's dwindling power supply. The procedure, executed in July, postpones the shutdown of another science instrument for at least an extra year. This is crucial as the plutonium source loses about four watts of power annually. The mission controllers must constantly balance power and heat to keep the spacecraft functional in interstellar space. 🛰️

🚨 Father of party volunteer beaten to death in Bengal

The father of a Cockroach Janta Party volunteer was fatally beaten in Bankura after his son inspected a local school. The attack happened on August 13, after Sheikh Abdul Hafeez visited Karishunda Paschimpara Primary School. Eight people were arrested in connection with the incident, and three were named in the FIR. Tensions flared in the area following the violence against the family. CJP leaders plan to visit the victim's family on Monday for support. 💔

🧐 NTA is redoing UGC-NET for three subjects

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to reconduct the UGC-NET examination for English, Sociology, and Commerce. This decision came after the NTA received multiple complaints concerning errors present in the original question papers. Out of the 87 subjects covered by the UGC NET examination, only these three subjects will undergo the re-exam. A dedicated committee was formed by the NTA to thoroughly review the noted issues in the papers. This re-examination is scheduled to take place following the initial review process. 🧐

🚨 Big brands' data leaked in massive Azure breach

A large-scale Azure data exfiltration campaign is flooding the dark web with stolen enterprise records. The seller, known as “TheHatman,” claims to have grabbed data from major companies like McDonald’s and Vodafone. Over the past week, listings showed over 1.7 million records from McDonald’s and 425,000 from Vodafone. This data includes full names, job titles, and critical access information, making it highly dangerous. Companies must immediately improve credential hygiene and enforce multi-factor authentication to prevent further attacks.

⚠️ Meghalaya panel flags slow mine closure policy

A High Court panel has criticized Meghalaya's slow pace in implementing a policy to close dangerous rat-hole mines. The one-man Justice B.P. Katakey Committee noted the government largely ignored the closure policy despite prior advice. While DPRs exist for two pilot projects worth ₹63 lakh and ₹92.78 lakh, they are pending before the Oversight Committee. The panel stressed immediate fencing is needed as thousands of open mines pose risks to life. Districts have been asked to submit concrete proposals, with some promising delivery within 10 to 15 days.

🧐 Rijiju clarifies PM's 'dimagi Naxal' remark

A political debate started over PM Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' comment in his Independence Day speech. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified on Sunday, August 16, 2026, that the remark wasn't targeting Opposition leaders. Modi reportedly warned against those supporting Maoists and rejecting the Indian Constitution during his address on August 15, 2026. Congress leader P. Chidambaram later posted he was proud to be a 'dimagi Naxal!'. The controversy continues with BJP leaders attacking Chidambaram's past statements. 🧐

⚖️ LIC ordered to hire 7 long-term temp staff

The Karnataka High Court directed LIC to absorb seven employees who were wrongly kept on temporary contracts. These individuals, Shreedhar Gouda and others, were employed between November 1999 and April 2014 in Kalaburagi. The court ruled that LIC cannot keep staff in temporary roles after they were selected through regular processes. The Division Bench found the employees' case differed significantly from older Supreme Court judgments. LIC must regularize their services within three months of receiving the certified copy of the order. 💼

♟️ NMDC and The Hindu honour young chess champs

Young chess champions from Hyderabad and surrounding areas were celebrated at a prize distribution event. The ceremony took place at the NMDC Corporate Office, where NMDC chairman Amitava Mukherjee presented awards to winners. The tournament, which ran earlier this month, gathered 470 players from over 170 schools. This event is the fourth consecutive time NMDC has organized this tournament with The Hindu Group. The initiative aims to encourage strategic thinking and sportsmanship among young players. ♟️

⚖️ FSSAI clamps down on fake food claims

The FSSAI noticed six food businesses for violating food safety and labeling rules. These companies were in various locations across India. The regulatory body noted these actions on Sunday, detailing the compliance measures taken. The corrective steps involved removing misleading claims and updating packaging across the businesses. This crackdown aims to protect consumers from potentially inaccurate product information. 🧐

🚁 Peeking at NASA's Skyfall Helicopters

NASA has provided a sneak peek of their Skyfall helicopters in operation. These advanced aerial vehicles are being tested by NASA scientists at various locations. The demonstrations occurred on July 15, 2024, showcasing their capabilities. These helicopters are part of a new series of research tools for space missions. Further details regarding their deployment timeline are expected soon. 🚁

🚨 Police foil terror plot, seize 690g IED near Amritsar

Amritsar Rural Police successfully thwarted a terror plot aimed at a police establishment. The recovery took place during the night between August 15 and 16, according to PTI. The police seized a 690-gram IED along with an electronic detonator and other components. This action averted a potential threat to public safety from anti-national elements. Further investigation is currently ongoing after a case was registered at Ramdas police station. 💣