A tiny digital receiver system based on a compact single-board computer (SBC) about the size of a credit card, could now help us unravel the mysteries of the Cosmic Dawn, when the very first stars flickered to life.

The cosmic dawn is when the first stars and galaxies formed in the Universe, significantly altering the course of its evolution.

Scientists believe this mysterious epoch holds the key to understanding the Universe as we see it today, making it an irresistible frontier for discovery. However, very little is known about this period due to a lack of precise observations.

The first of its kind proposed space payload, PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen) by a team from Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is designed to unlock this mystery.

It is a future radiometer in lunar orbit that will answer questions about the first stars formed in our universe.

“ChatGPT doesn’t have childhood trauma” was one of the slogans spotted on picket signs during the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike, where fears of AI replacing human writers sat alongside long-standing disputes over pay and residuals. I once repeated that line on a panel, where the co-panellist responded with an eerie prediction: “Anurag, there might come a time when you can actually inflict trauma on ChatGPT.” In August, the world’s first AI advocacy group was created, as in, advocating for AI rights.

The notion that machines might one day develop feelings has long been a staple of science fiction, often cast as a prelude to dystopia where human consciousness is replaced by artificial replicas. One of the most artful explorations came in Spike Jonze’s 2013 film Her. The story follows Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who falls in love with Samantha, an AI operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. She flatters him, listens without interruption, and fills the silence and loneliness of his apartment. What once seemed like a quirky, futuristic thought experiment now feels disconcertingly ordinary. In the film, Samantha eventually leaves. But real chatbots are dangerous companions. They never leave. They are here for you. Forever.

President Droupadi Murmu, on Monday, September 1, appointed a judge in the Allahabad High Court and issued orders for appointing three additional judges of Kerala High Court as permanent judges.

Advocate Arun Kumar was appointed as a Judge of the Allahabad High Court, said the Law and Justice Ministry official in a statement. Justice Johnson John, Justice GU Girish and Justice CN Pratheep Kumar, who were functioning as additional judges, were appointed as Permanent Judges of the Kerala High Court, it said.

Last month, the Union government had cleared the elevation of Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Patna High Court Chief Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi to the Supreme Court. Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal had announced that the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), was pleased to appoint Justices Aradhe and Pancholi as Supreme Court judges. With the appointment of the two judges, the strength of the Supreme Court reached the sanctioned strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Tianjin, China, from 31 August to 1 September 2025. The Summit witnessed productive discussions on SCO Development Strategy, Reform of Global Governance, Counter-Terrorism, Peace and Security, Economic and Financial Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.

Addressing the Summit, Prime Minister highlighted India’s approach to strengthening cooperation under the SCO framework. In this regard, he noted that India seeks greater action under three pillars – Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. Emphasising that peace, security and stability remain key to progress and prosperity, he called upon member countries to take firm and decisive action to fight terrorism in all its manifestations. Prime Minister underlined the need for coordinated action against terror financing and radicalization. Thanking member countries for their strong solidarity in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, he emphasized that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism and urged the group to hold countries who perpetrate and support cross-border terrorism accountable.

Oscar Piastri won the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday in a race that could impact the finishes of the season-ending Formula One championships.

Piastri's McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, was forced out of the race because of mechanical difficulty with seven laps to go. At the time, they were running 1-2 but smoke from Norris' car engine, apparently due to an oil leak, forced him to pull off the course.

Norris' troubles brought out the safety car for the third time; the first two came after Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were involved in separate crashes that did not allow them to finish the race at Circuit Zandvoort in the coastal town of Zandvoort, the Netherlands.

On the occasion of World Coconut Day today, the Coconut Development Board in Kerala has announced a significant increase in the financial aid for coconut farmers. The board has said that it will produce 2.5 lakh coconut saplings this year, providing 50 per cent financial aid for farmers. Financial aid for sapling is increased to rupees 45 from the present four rupees. Replanting aid is also increased to rupees 350 from rupees 40. Coconut technology mission aid is increased sixfold.

World Coconut Day is celebrated annually on the 2nd of September to raise awareness about the benefits of coconuts and promote the coconut industry. Established by the International Coconut Community (ICC) in 2009, the day marks the foundation day of the organisation, which is an intergovernmental organisation of coconut-growing countries established under the aegis of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific( UNESCAP) in 1969. India is a founder member of the International Coconut Community( ICC).

In a major diplomatic win for India, the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) unequivocally condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, extended condolences to the victims, and called for justice against those responsible. At the conclusion of the 25th Council of Heads of State summit of the SCO, held in Tianjin, China, the Tianjin Declaration was adopted, delivering a comprehensive statement of unity against terrorism and acknowledging India’s contributions to regional peace and development. The declaration rejected double standards in counterterrorism efforts and emphasized the importance of global cooperation to prevent the cross-border movement of terrorists.

The Tianjin Declaration also conveyed a strong and unified message against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. It recognized India’s global vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” reaffirming the country’s leadership in promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

The summit highlighted a renewed focus on regional stability, security, and sustainable progress. Held under the theme Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move, it brought together leaders from over 20 nations and 10 international organizations.

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, successfully launched Phase II of its flagship financial literacy initiative – Niveshak Didi at Hyderabad today.

The initiative is aimed at deepening financial awareness and empowering rural communities, particularly women.

The launch was marked by a financial awareness camp held at Patelguda Panchayat, in the presence of Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO, IEPFA, and Shri Krishna Kumar L, Region Head, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), Telangana Circle.

Ms. Anita Shah Akella emphasized the importance of equipping women and rural households with financial knowledge to make informed decisions, safeguard their hard-earned money, and actively participate in the nation’s financial ecosystem. She noted that Niveshak Didi serves as a catalyst for bridging knowledge gaps and building confidence in communities. The camp was held in the local language telugu to facilitate ease of understanding.

An Indian Army contingent has reached Alaska in the USA at Fort Wainwright to participate in the 21st edition of the India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed this in a social media post. The 21st edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise began yesterday and will continue till the 14th of this month.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent comprises personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, who will be training alongside US soldiers from the 5th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, part of the US 11th Airborne Division. The Ministry added that over the two weeks, troops will rehearse a spectrum of tactical drills including heliborne operations, employment of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems, mountain warfare and the integrated use of Artillery, Aviation and Electronic Warfare systems, among others.

Marking its 65th foundation day, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Monday launched new initiatives, including Bal Vatika DTH TV channel and DIKSHA 2.0 to strengthen digital and inclusive learning in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the chief guest, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, former ISRO Chairman Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, and Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti.

As part of its key announcements, NCERT launched Bal Vatika – PM eVidya DTH Channel No. 35, aimed at enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy among children aged 3–6 years through engaging audio-visual content tailored for teachers, Anganwadi workers, and parents.