🏛️ AP Assembly passes bill for uniform mutation fees

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the A.P. Municipal Laws (Third Amendment) Bill 2026 on Monday, August 17, 2026. This bill introduces a specific provision to levy and collect a Uniform Mutation Fee (UMF) during title transfers in municipal records. Previously, different Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) used varying collection methods due to a lack of statutory backing for UMF. This new legislation allows the government to set a percentage-based UMF periodically. The act aims to bring consistency and facilitate auto-mutation integration with the R&S Department.

🎬 Mihir Ahuja's hustle from Jamshedpur to Bollywood

Mihir Ahuja started his acting journey in Mumbai despite facing numerous rejections for years. He moved from Jamshedpur to Mumbai at the age of 19 with big acting dreams. His career milestones include roles in Super 30, Made in Heaven, and eventually The Archies and Operation Safed Sagar. His sister supported him through the tough times, like during Covid, by helping with audition tapes. This journey proves that perseverance is key, showing that every 'no' can just be a pause before the next big scene.

❤️ Cardiologist's 5 must-have heart health habits

A cardiologist recently shared five essential habits she strictly follows for maintaining a healthy heart. She detailed these practices while speaking about the shocking amount of lifestyle risks people face. The advice covers diet, exercise, and stress management, which are crucial for cardiovascular wellness. These habits help prevent major heart issues before they even start to become a problem. Implementing these simple steps can significantly boost long-term heart health.

🎮 Sony's PS5 Ad Drops Like Expected

Sony recently released a new advertisement for the PlayStation 5 console. This ad campaign was specifically launched by Sony across its digital platforms. The promotion is set to run starting from October 1st, 2024, and will continue for several weeks. The creative approach focuses on showcasing high-fidelity gameplay experiences available on the PS5. Sony plans to expand this marketing push across more global regions soon.

🔬 ASTRO updates pancreatic cancer radiation guidelines

ASTRO has published a new clinical practice guideline expanding radiotherapy recommendations for various stages of pancreatic cancer. This update was developed with ASCO, ESRO, and the Society of Surgical Oncology. The guidelines incorporate evidence from trials like CONKO-007 and PREOPANC, reflecting changes in treatment approach. For resectable disease, preoperative chemoradiation is conditionally recommended depending on lymph node status. The new recommendations aim to offer clearer direction for integrating radiation with evolving systemic therapies.

🔭 JWST finds water-altered clay on Neptune's small moons

JWST detected spectral signatures of magnesium-rich phyllosilicates on Neptune's moons Larissa and Galatea and its rings. These minerals form when rock is altered by liquid water over a long period. The evidence suggests these materials originated inside much larger, primordial satellites before Neptune captured Triton. Scientists used NIRSpec to observe the moons and rings, finding features similar to those on Ceres. This strongly implies a massive, catastrophic destruction event occurred in the past.

🍎 Food Safety Drive Intensifies for Onam Festivities

The Food Safety department is intensifying inspections to ensure safe and hygienic food during the Onam season. This drive is happening across Kerala, with over 5,000 checks already conducted since July 27th. Authorities have issued notices to 705 operators and fined more than 390 food outlets so far. Special focus is placed on items like papadam, jaggery, and ghee, checking labeling and quality. Awareness classes are also being organized under the “Eat Right Keralam – Safe Onam” initiative. 🧐

🔊 LG drops powerful xboom party speakers

LG Electronics launched the new LG xboom Power Series, a flagship lineup of party speakers for all gathering sizes. The series includes the Power 9000, Power 7000, and Power 5000, available from August 17, 2026. These speakers feature AI Karaoke Master and intelligent sound adjustments for dynamic parties. They boast features like dual microphone inputs and AI Sound to optimize every environment. This lineup aims to make music-based gatherings interactive and unforgettable for everyone. 🎶

🏛️ Kerala CM asks PM to rethink mining bill changes

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging a relook at the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill, passed by Parliament, aims to restrict State taxation powers over mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands across India. The amendments, which include Section 9D, impact fiscal powers, especially for mineral-rich states like Kerala. Satheesan stressed that this threatens the federal balance and State fiscal autonomy, contradicting 2024 Supreme Court rulings. He requested the Prime Minister's intervention to ensure national policy creation respects constitutional fiscal powers.

🧐 Diageo tweaking brands after FSSAI rules

Diageo is planning to reformulate several of its popular brands following strict guidelines from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. This change affects Royal Challenge, Antiquity Blue, and McDowell’s. The crackdown by FSSAI has prompted these adjustments across the company's product line. This move ensures compliance with the latest food safety regulations in India. The rollout of these new formulations is expected in the coming months. 🧐

✊ VCK aims to rule Tamil Nadu, says Thirumavalavan

VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan stated that the Election Commission of India-recognised VCK must become a ruling force in Tamil Nadu. He made this statement at a 'Tamil nationalist' public rally held in Ulundurpet in Kallakurichi district. The VCK is currently allied with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and 125 resolutions were passed at the conference. The party demands genuine State autonomy and the creation of a separate Tamil Eelam. The VCK is pushing for constitutional amendments to boost the state's powers in various sectors.