🥛 Zomato bans analogue paneer: here's the tea 🧐

Zomato has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against analogue dairy products on its platform. This move targets restaurants in various locations, requiring them to use natural dairy or remove affected items. The ban came after raising concerns over ingredient misrepresentation, with FSSAI also emphasizing product identification. Analogue paneer mimics traditional paneer but uses non-dairy ingredients like vegetable oils or plant proteins. Consumers must check ingredient lists to understand what they are actually eating.

🏏 Danish Kaneria slams Pakistan cricket system after losses

Former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria strongly criticized the nation's cricket system following the 0-2 Test series defeat against England. He pointed out issues with team selection, coaching, and the PCB's lack of accountability in Pakistan. Kaneria stated that after 70 years, the team lacks logic and fighting spirit, calling players "good for nothing." He blamed the weakening of domestic cricket and reliance on the PSL for the talent pool decline. He urged for a strong selection committee and stable leadership to revive the sport. 🏏

🌊 New method nails coastal tide monitoring gaps

Researchers from TUM and Oxford developed a new method to track tidal variability more accurately than before. They tested this on a 90km bay, detecting tidal differences up to one meter in that area. The method uses satellite data, treating the beach itself as a precise measuring ruler. This improves upon old satellite data resolution by a factor of 100, offering better local forecasts. This breakthrough helps coastal protection and navigation, especially where measurement stations are scarce. 🌊

📱 UPI transactions hit near record ₹29.8 lakh crore

UPI transactions reached ₹29.8 lakh crore in August, nearing the record-high levels seen in May and July 2026. The volume of transactions in August hit a record of 24.51 billion in India. This value shows a 20% annual growth compared to the same month last year. Festive activities like Raksha Bandhan boosted the surge in peer-to-peer transfers. Continued infrastructure investment will be key as UPI expands to 11 countries. 📱

🐍 Snake bite hero: venom saves life years later

In 1950, 20-year-old Kevin Budden was bitten by a coastal taipan in northern Queensland. He insisted the snake be kept alive, providing scientists with vital venom samples. The snake survived and was used for research, leading to taipan antivenom development. Five years later, in 1955, this antivenom treated 10-year-old Bruce Stringer in Cairns. This incident highlights the profound impact of scientific persistence on saving lives. 🐍

🧐 Extremism research ethics face major heat 🔥

Federal indictments against Heidi Beirich and the SPLC are sparking a major debate on research ethics in extremism studies. The SPLC, based in Alabama, was accused of funneling millions of donor funds to informants in violent groups. These cases involve the April indictment and the August 12, 2026 superseding indictment. This forces scholars to question the ethical limits of using insider sources for research purposes. The field now grapples with how knowledge about radical movements is legitimately gathered and used.

💧 Well water linked to amoebic brain infection in Kerala

A new study found that using non-chlorinated well water is a major risk factor for amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala. This research, conducted by the Keralam Health Department and ICMR experts, analyzed 159 AME cases reported between January 1 and November 11, 2025. People using well water for bathing had 2.95 times higher odds of contracting AME, which affects 34.2% of cases. The findings emphasize that water quality surveillance and chlorination are crucial for public health moving forward. Public health messaging should focus on reducing high-risk exposures, especially during monsoon seasons. 💧

🗣️ Criticize Bihar, not the people

It is crucial to maintain a distinction between criticizing the state of Bihar and attacking the identity of its residents. Critics must focus their commentary on the systemic issues and governance problems within Bihar. The discourse needs to shift away from generalizations that dehumanize the Bihari population. This distinction is vital for fostering constructive dialogue on regional development. Moving forward, discussions should target policy and infrastructure improvements, not the people themselves.

💪 Dr. Jain shares 5 immunity boosters for kids

Paediatric oncologist Dr. Silky Jain emphasizes that strong immunity relies more on daily habits than medicines. She advises parents to ensure children get 9 to 12 hours of sleep, especially for ages six to twelve. Kids should also eat colourful fruits and vegetables and spend at least 30 minutes outdoors daily. Furthermore, Dr. Jain stresses making handwashing a habit and managing stress through unstructured play. These simple actions can significantly bolster a child's immune defense system. 🍎

🎬 Mahesh Babu's son tanks Toxic with half-star rating

Mahesh Babu’s son, Gautam Ghattamaneni, sparked a big social media debate by sharing his film ratings online. He gave Yash's Toxic just half a star after its August 26 release, which immediately caught public attention. The 20-year-old enthusiast has watched over 400 films across various genres and industries. His ratings show he doesn't favor movies based on who is in them, which surprised some fans. This has led to discussions about whether celebrity lineage should affect film opinions. 🧐

🚨 Woman Attacked in Times Square, Shot by Police

A woman attacked someone with a knife in Times Square. This incident occurred involving the woman and another person in New York City. The attacker fatally wounded one individual and injured another person during the confrontation. The woman was subsequently shot and killed by responding police officers at the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the full circumstances surrounding this serious event. 🚨