diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index da6acf1..50a4a66 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -95,6 +95,7 @@ Keep docs short and synced with the implementation.
 - `docs/README.md`: docs index
 - `docs/contract.md`: external behavior and UX guarantees
 - `docs/architecture.md`: module boundaries and invariants
+- when the README `last commit` badge uses a `?v=<commit-sha>` cache-busting param, update that SHA when the badge is stale and you are already touching `README.md` for a related docs/release refresh
 
 ## Coding expectations
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d250cf8..8419dce 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 # @eko24ive/pi-ask
 
 [![npm downloads](https://badgen.net/npm/dm/@eko24ive/pi-ask)](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@eko24ive/pi-ask)
-[![last commit](https://badgen.net/github/last-commit/eko24ive/pi-ask)](https://github.com/eko24ive/pi-ask/commits/main)
+[![last commit](https://badgen.net/github/last-commit/eko24ive/pi-ask?v=45d8302)](https://github.com/eko24ive/pi-ask/commits/main)
 [![stars](https://badgen.net/github/stars/eko24ive/pi-ask)](https://github.com/eko24ive/pi-ask/stargazers)
 
 `@eko24ive/pi-ask` is an ask tool that cares about your answers.