⚛️ Wormholes can seriously mess with light paths

Researchers analyzed the optical properties of BTZ-like charged wormholes containing disclinations. This study was conducted by examining geometric and wave-optics aspects of the wormhole structure. The analysis involved a BTZCWH metric with disclination parameter $\alpha$, shape parameter $b_0$, and NS charge $Q$. It found that $\alpha$ strongly influences light bending, sometimes overriding gravitational effects. Furthermore, the wave analysis revealed discrete standing-wave modes within the wormhole cavity. 🌌

🔥 Manipur violence: Soldier shot, houses burned

Violence broke out in Manipur on Monday, August 24, 2026, resulting in the injury of a CRPF sub-inspector. The incident occurred in the Taphou area, spanning Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. At least two houses were torched, and groups exchanged fire after 9 a.m. Security forces increased patrols along the highway following the clashes. Local authorities are demanding an immediate investigation to bring the responsible parties to justice. 😔

🔥 Clashes & Arson Rock Manipur's Senapati District

A CRPF jawan sustained injuries during a gunfight amidst rising violence in Manipur's Senapati district. The incidents occurred on Monday, August 24, 2026, involving multiple groups. Specifically, houses were torched in Taphou Kuki village and Naga Taphou before the shooting at 9:20 am. These events sparked protests, leading locals to block National Highway 2. Security forces have strengthened presence to manage the escalating situation.

🌳 Tree branch incident at Kolkata hospital

A woman died and two others were injured when a tree branch fell inside the SSKM Hospital premises on Monday. The incident occurred outside the urology department in Kolkata amidst rain and strong winds. The deceased was Rahida Bibi, who was visiting a relative from Nalhati in Birbhum. Two men, Zillar Rahman (68) and Shish Mohammad Sheikh (76), sustained injuries requiring treatment at the trauma unit. No official complaint has been filed regarding this unfortunate event yet. 😥

😟 Congress slams Modi govt over job woes and price hikes

The Congress party strongly criticized the Narendra Modi government on Monday, August 24, 2026, regarding unemployment and rising prices. Mallikarjun Kharge pointed out that 8.7 crore Indians aged 15 to 29 are currently not studying, working, or training. Youth unemployment sits at 15.6%, which jumps to 19.5% for young women, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey for July 2026. Kharge accused the government of wrecking the path from education to employment and questioned job creation targets. Additionally, Jairam Ramesh highlighted a 76% spike in onion prices in Nashik, putting pressure on common households. 😟

🏛️ TN Congress backs scrapping of Parandur airport plan ✈️

The Tamil Nadu Congress has officially supported the cancellation of the proposed Parandur airport project due to environmental concerns. This decision was announced by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in Kancheepuram district on Monday. The project was set to displace around 1,005 families, a figure significantly higher than the alternative site's impact. Congress MP Manickam Tagore highlighted that the site's waterlogged nature was documented in a March 2022 report. The party now demands a quick deadline to find and study a new location for Chennai's aviation needs.

🚨 Omaha schools use shock gloves on students

Omaha school resource officers used electrocution gloves on at least two high school students during the 2025-2026 school year. The first incident involved a trespassing student, and the second involved a student in a specialized learning program. Following the news, Omaha Superintendent Matthew Ray asked police to cease using the gloves in schools. However, the Bellevue police department stated they will continue deploying the devices because they are proven effective. Parents and students expressed major concerns about these controversial tools being in supposedly safe learning environments. 😟

🔬 Skin bugs change how skin reacts to sun

A small study found that skin microbiota influence how human skin responds to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Researchers tested 10 healthy volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types I–III on their upper back. At 24 hours post-exposure, disinfected skin showed reduced apoptosis and inflammation compared to untreated skin. This suggests the healthy microbiota modulates the UVR response rather than changing the initial erythema threshold. Further research is needed to understand these cellular interaction mechanisms for skin health. 🔬

🏛️ Ancient Roman bridge surfaces in low Danube waters

Extremely low water levels on the Danube River have caused parts of a 1,600-year-old Roman bridge to emerge from the water. This structure is the Constantine Bridge, located near Gigen in northern Bulgaria. The bridge, built under Emperor Constantine I and opened in AD 328, was over 2 kilometers long. Drought conditions from recent heatwaves allowed Bulgarian archaeologists to map and photograph the foundations. This brief window offers crucial insight into this massive ancient engineering feat before the water rises again. 🗺️

🏛️ UPSC opens direct recruitment for 80 central govt jobs

UPSC has invited applications for direct recruitment to 80 posts in the Central government. This hiring drive is for the Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner role within the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, located in New Delhi. The application window runs from August 22 to September 11, 2026, covering various reserved categories. These 80 permanent positions involve significant administrative and legal responsibilities. Interested candidates should check the detailed Special Advertisement No.52/2026 on the commission's website. 💼

🙏 Bhumi Pednekar pauses red carpet for national anthem

Bhumi Pednekar paused her photoshoot with paparazzi in Mumbai after hearing the National Anthem. The actor stopped posing when she noticed Jana Gana Mana playing inside the event venue. She stepped aside respectfully until the anthem finished before resuming her pose. A video of this thoughtful moment has circulated on Instagram, gaining positive social media attention. Bhumi was recently seen in the Prime Video series Daldal, which debuted in January this year.