📜 ASI finds oldest writing about Guntur's history

The ASI has discovered the earliest epigraphical reference pointing to Guntur's history. This first mention is found in Pune copper plates issued by King Vishnuvardhana II of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty in Andhra Pradesh. These plates are dated to the king's first regnal year in 669 C.E. The records detail the city's name evolving from ancient forms to Kumturu, Gomturu, and finally Gunturu. Further evidence from a 10th-century Ederu plate shows the name as Gomturu, marking a key period in the region's evolution.

😔 Speeding car hits bike near Vikravandi, two dead

Two people on a motorcycle were fatally hit by a speeding car near Kappiyampuliyur on Sunday night. The victims were identified as Swaminathan, 64, from Kilmungiladi and Baskaran, 62, from Panayapuram. The accident happened around 9 p.m. as they were heading to Vikravandi. Swaminathan passed away en route to the hospital, while Baskaran died at the Government Villupuram Medical College and Hospital. A case has officially been registered regarding this incident. 😔

🚨 Air India Scam Call Centre Busted in Delhi

A fake call center operation promoting Air India jobs was successfully busted by authorities. The scam was run by multiple individuals operating out of Delhi. Authorities have made 3 arrests in connection with this fraudulent activity. This operation tricked unsuspecting job seekers into providing personal information. Further investigation is underway to trace the full extent of the network.

🩺 HIV/STI awareness drive happening in Kohima

An intensified IEC campaign focusing on HIV and STI prevention is currently running across Kohima District. This initiative is being organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) to boost community and student awareness. The campaign is set to run from August 12 to October 12, 2026. Activities are taking place in 21 selected villages and 70 schools within the district. The Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, has requested full support for the campaign's success.

🗳️ Karnataka voter list updates & privacy suit drama

Over one crore names were removed from Karnataka's draft voter list during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. This action affected 19.4% of the state's electorate, bringing the total draft roll down to 4.4 crore from 5.5 crore. Voters can file claims against their removal between August 24 and September 23 for review. Separately, the Delhi High Court summoned Abhijit Iyer-Mitra in a privacy suit by Saurav Das. This suit seeks damages of over Rs 2 crore regarding the online revelation of personal information. 🧐

🤧 Karnataka ramps up flu prep as cases hit 4,212

Karnataka has intensified its surveillance for seasonal influenza, including H1N1, after recording 4,212 lab-confirmed cases across 32 districts till August 22. Health Minister U.T. Khader chaired a review meeting in Bengaluru on Monday, August 24, with senior health officials to assess the spread. This rise aligns with the usual monsoon season pattern, which sees peaks in July to September. The state has ensured adequate infrastructure and mandated private facilities to report cases via IHIP. Guidelines for schools and colleges on disease management will be issued soon. 🤧

😷 Karnataka braces for flu spike with 4,212 confirmed cases

Karnataka has ramped up surveillance for seasonal influenza, including H1N1, after recording 4,212 lab-confirmed cases across 32 districts till August 22. Health Minister U.T. Khader held a review meeting on Monday, August 24, with officials to assess preparedness for the spread. The state's health system is deemed adequate, though over 50% of this year's cases are from GBA limits. Authorities are strengthening monitoring through sentinel sites and ensuring hospitals have supplies like N95 masks. The public is advised to take precautions, including hygiene and isolating when symptomatic. 😷

🦠 8yo dies from brain-eating amoeba after lake swim

An 8-year-old Louisiana girl passed away after contracting a rare and usually fatal brain infection. Lillian Smart was in Ruston, Louisiana, when she became ill after swimming in Lake Claiborne. Officials confirmed the case on August 19th, noting the infection was likely linked to the lake. The amoeba enters the body through the nose, causing severe brain swelling and high fatality rates. Health officials stress there is no routine environmental testing for this amoeba in US waters.

🔥 New mine seal traps CO2 and fights fires 🔥

Researchers developed a CO2-modified bentonite sealing material for mine safety and carbon capture. This material was tested at a standardized fire resistance limit of 186 seconds, achieving 37.9 MPa compressive strength. The formulation reduced average O2 from 13.7% to 4.9% and sequestered 24.4–40.4 kg CO2 per ton over 28 days. This innovation addresses conventional material limitations while promoting sustainable mining practices. The material shows high potential for underground mine safety improvements.

🩺 India eases medical rules for faster device access

The Indian government has simplified medical device rules by allowing outsourced sterilization without a separate loan license. This change benefits manufacturers across India, as announced on Monday from New Delhi. The amendments remove the loan license requirement for third-party licensed facilities and added the EU to recognized regulatory jurisdictions. This aims to cut compliance costs and speed up market entry for advanced medical tech. Manufacturers have a six-month transition period to update their labeling. 🩺

💰 US Treasury expands sanctions scope on Iran

The US Treasury is reportedly planning to broaden the scope of its secondary sanctions against Iran. This move targets more entities and individuals involved in Iranian activities. The expansion aims to increase pressure on the Iranian regime through financial measures. Such sanctions are designed to limit Iran's access to the international financial system. Further details regarding the specific changes are expected in the near future. 💰