😟 Almost half of AP adults are overweight, says Health Minister

The prevalence of obesity is a growing public health issue in Andhra Pradesh, according to the Health Minister. Satya Kumar Yadav made this statement at a CII conference in Vijayawada on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Data showed that 47.9% of women and 44.4% of men in the state were overweight, meaning nearly one in two people are affected. Contributors include unhealthy diets, stress, and increased screen time. A joint task force will be set up, and an action plan will be submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

🏛️ BJP MP challenges Karnataka Public Property Bill

A BJP MP has announced plans to legally challenge the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026. Tejasvi Surya brought this concern forward regarding the proposed legislation in Karnataka. The bill, which came into focus around August 14, 2026, restricts unregistered social groups using government premises and public spaces. Surya argues this proposed law violates the fundamental right to form associations and may fail constitutional validity. The political showdown is set to test the law's constitutionality in court. 🏛️

⛰️ Boulders dumped illegally in Nilgiris stream

Illegal dumping of boulders into the Geddai stream has been reported in Kundha taluk, Nilgiris. The landowners in Kil Kundha allegedly dumped at least two loads of excavated boulders into a stream flowing into Geddai Dam. This action violated permission granted by the Horticulture Department for boulder clearing between August 14 and 19. Local residents are worried the loose rocks could cause damage during heavy rains. Officials have directed the landowners to remove the rocks from the stream and dispose of them on their own property.

💔 Pooja Bedi cancels 8-year engagement with Maneck

Pooja Bedi has decided against marrying Maneck, despite their eight-year engagement. The decision was reportedly made without involving the government in the matter. The couple had maintained their relationship for a significant period, spanning eight years. This personal choice marks the end of what was expected to be a formal union. Further details regarding their separation are not yet available.

⚔️ Phantom Blade Zero reveals PC specs for new RPG

S-GAME Studio has officially dropped the PC system requirements for their action RPG, Phantom Blade Zero. Players can run it at 1080p/30 FPS with an i7-8700K and GTX 1660 6GB. For a smoother 1440p/60 FPS experience, the recommended setup is an i5-10600K and RTX 3060 Ti 8GB. This game features Soul, an assassin with only 66 days left to live, battling enemies to uncover his fate. Pre-orders are live on Steam and PlayStation Store starting at ₹4,299. ⚔️

🌌 Dark energy death might be a false alarm

A 2025 study from Yonsei University suggested evidence for dark energy could be wrong, implying the universe's expansion wasn't accelerating. However, researchers at the University of Southampton analyzed the findings and concluded it was a false alarm. The original study proposed that older white dwarf stars made distant supernovae inherently brighter than expected. Southampton's re-analysis found technical omissions and a flawed assumption regarding stellar populations. The results align with standard cosmological findings, suggesting dark energy remains a relevant concept. 🧐

🐧 Epic Games Store is making a Linux version soon

Epic Games has confirmed that a Linux version of its storefront is in development, which could ease gaming for Linux users. This confirmation came from an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on the Epic Games Store's community Discord server. While no specific date is provided, Epic stated that bringing the storefront to Linux is a significant undertaking. Currently, Steam Deck users need third-party launchers to access their Epic libraries, which this change could simplify. Furthermore, Epic recently sought a champion for a Linux-friendly anti-cheat solution.

📸 German Ambassador reflects on 35 years in India

German Ambassador Dr Jasper Wieck shared old photos recalling his first journey to India nearly 35 years ago. He looked back at memories from Mughal monuments in Agra and crowded Old Delhi streets. These pictures showcase an India of roadside cinemas and local encounters from the past. Wieck feels deeply connected to the country, stating that coming to India feels like coming home. These personal moments highlight experiences beyond just the famous tourist spots. 🇮🇳

🏛️ HC says banks can't freeze whole account over cyber fraud

The Allahabad High Court ruled that banks should not completely block an account just because a transaction is under cyber fraud investigation. The court directed banks to only block the disputed amount and let customers use the rest of their funds. This was set after a Lucknow businessman faced account freezes over a Rs 36,000 suspicious transaction. The bench emphasized that investigations must balance with an innocent person's right to legitimate finances. Banks must also clearly inform customers about the existing grievance redressal mechanism. 🏦

🤖 OpenAI bringing ads to ChatGPT in India 🤖

OpenAI is rolling out advertisements to ChatGPT users in India after testing in the US market. The company is notifying users that ads will appear below responses for Free and Go plan users. These ads will be clearly labeled as sponsored content and will not alter the model's answers. OpenAI states advertisers won't get access to private chats, though broader activity might influence personalized ads. Users can manage these preferences via Settings, but controls are not yet available for Indian users.

🛵 Ather Konarc leaks: 200km range & 10k km service

Ather Konarc is set to launch as a mainstream electric scooter on August 29th. It will be available across six variants, including options with a new Bedrock battery. These battery packs will offer ranges from 100 km up to 200 km IDC. The scooter features a built-in 450W charger and a quiet drivetrain. Maintenance is expected to be easier, requiring service only every 10,000 km or one year. ⚡️