⛽ Windfall tax changes on fuel exports start Sept 1

The government revised the windfall tax on petrol and diesel exports while cutting the levy on aviation fuel. This change takes effect from September 1, according to the Finance Ministry notification. The special excise duty on petrol exports rose from zero to ₹1.5/litre, and diesel export duty increased by ₹1. The levy on ATF exports was reduced by ₹0.50 per litre from ₹19.50 to ₹19. This revision aims to manage the impact of high global crude oil prices. ⛽

🏛️ Minister says he won't interfere in follower's probe

Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated he will not interfere with any investigation involving his followers. This came in Belagavi responding to claims that his follower, Riyaz Chougala, encroached on a poor farmer's land. He emphasized that he has never supported any wrongdoing, declaring he will let the police handle the case. Jarkiholi also dismissed allegations of his followers committing illegal acts on his direction as baseless. He mentioned he would discuss the transfer of Borase Bhushan Gulabrao with the Chief Minister.

🌟 Kerala teen looks like Barcelona star Lamine Yamal

A 15-year-old student named Alan James from Kerala went viral after being spotted resembling football star Lamine Yamal. He hails from Kollam district and is a Class 10 student at Peruvazhi Government High School. A video shared by vlogger Nikhil Manohar has garnered over 14 million views on Instagram. Although James plays defense, he is a big fan of Lionel Messi and the Argentina team. He remains hopeful that Yamal might one day connect with his Kerala lookalike. ⚽

🏏 PCB launches inquiry over Imam-ul-Haq's injury

The Pakistan Cricket Board has launched a full inquiry into opener Imam-ul-Haq's calf muscle injury and the team's recent performance in England. Imam-ul-Haq is facing scrutiny in London after the team's heavy defeats in two Tests against England. The PCB also sent seven players home and replaced coaches following these losses on September 1, 2026. This inquiry will investigate his injury claims and other dressing room issues, given past allegations. He is expected to seek legal counsel before facing the board's committee.

🔬 New 3D structure change in pure silica zeolite

Researchers achieved a 3D-to-3D topotactic transformation in an extra-large-pore pure-silica zeolite. This process was successfully performed by a team of scientists at a specific institution. The transformation was observed under controlled experimental conditions, detailing structural changes. This research provides valuable insight into the material science of zeolites. Future work will focus on applying this transformation to new catalytic applications. 🔬

🔬 RNA pesticides are leveling up in farming 🌿

RNA-based pest control is officially moving from labs to commercial agriculture across the globe. GreenLight Biosciences registered Calantha, a dsRNA pesticide, with the US EPA on December 1, 2023, for potato beetle control. In May 2026, Belgian authorities authorized Calantha for the EU, and GreenLight also launched Norroa for mite control in September 2025. Next up, GreenLight is seeking approval for an RNA fungicide targeting mildew, while China approved similar virus control products in April 2026. Several other companies are advancing delivery systems and expanding targets for these bio-solutions.

⚖️ Kerala HC rules: Brothel customers face prosecution

The Kerala High Court has ruled that customers visiting brothels can now face prosecution under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. This decision was made by a division bench in the case of Noushad v. State of Kerala in Kerala. The court determined that paying for commercial sexual services makes clients active participants in human exploitation. This eliminates the previous immunity for customers, holding them equally responsible for sustaining the illegal venture. Consequently, those who generate demand for commercial sexual exploitation will face legal jeopardy. ⚖️

🌕 Lunar eclipse hits 5 continents in 2027

A penumbral lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur on February 20-21, 2027. This celestial event involves the moon passing through Earth's outer shadow, resulting in a slight dimming effect. The eclipse will be observable across five continents, specifically the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This particular sighting serves as a subsequent astronomical event following August's partial lunar eclipse. Sky-watchers can look forward to this subtle but significant cosmic display. 🌕

⚖️ Supreme Court weighs in on judge retirement age hike

Most High Courts favor raising the retirement age for district judges to 61 or 62 years, though many States and UTs remain undecided. This discussion happened during a hearing for the All India Judges Association case before the Supreme Court. The court noted a 3-4 year age gap in entry, justifying the proposed two-year retirement difference. The CJI urged non-agreeing states to reconsider, stating judicial service is not comparable to government service. The matter is scheduled to be heard again in two weeks. ⚖️

📚 Businessman builds library for late wife at her alma mater

Businessman Gandham Prasad is laying the foundation stone for a new library and computer room. This project is taking place at the Government Girls Junior College in Rajam, Vizianagaram district. The initiative was started on September 1, 2026, in memory of his wife Bharati, who studied there decades ago. The facility will help students prepare for exams without needing to travel far for study resources. Prasad has assured officials that the construction will be finished within a couple of months.

🐆 Leopard reportedly drags man in UP

A leopard was spotted dragging a man who was sleeping outdoors near his home. The incident occurred in a region of Uttar Pradesh. The man's body was later discovered approximately 200 meters away from the initial location. This event has sparked concern among local residents about wildlife dangers. Authorities are now investigating the matter to determine the exact cause and sequence of events. 🐆