🚫 Bengal revokes award from BJP MP Nagendra Roy

The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Mr. Roy, a Cooch Behar leader nominated in July 2023, had previously received the honour in February of this year. The action followed his derogatory remarks calling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose a “war criminal” and questioning his leadership. The state department felt retaining the honour was inconsistent with its dignity and prestige. This move comes as the government attempts damage control after opposition attacks.

🦠 Virus Outbreak Claims 25 Lives in Gujarat

A mysterious virus outbreak has resulted in 25 deaths over the last five weeks in Gujarat. Health experts are currently puzzled about the exact nature of the 'Chandipura virus' affecting the region. The reported fatalities accumulated between the start of the five-week period and the present date. Officials are investigating potential sources and transmission methods to understand the spread. Further updates are expected as health teams continue their surveillance efforts. 🦠

🛡️ Earth's magnetic field is your secret shield

Earth’s magnetic field currently deflects dangerous charged particles streaming from the Sun and beyond. This planetary defense system works alongside the atmosphere to protect people on the surface. While the magnetosphere is active, it is not a perfect block and changes with solar conditions. Astronauts going to Mars would face different, more chronic and episodic radiation problems. NASA estimates a plausible mission class to Mars could take nearly three years. 🚀

📈 Ananya Birla's Microfin is going public soon

Svatantra Microfin, a company promoted by Ananya Birla, is preparing to tap into the capital markets. The company is based in India and has filed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) papers. They are aiming to raise a significant amount of Rs 3,000 crore through this offering. This move signals a major expansion for the microfinance institution in the sector. The company is expected to proceed with the IPO process in the near future.

⌚ Pixel Watch 5 vs Galaxy Watch 9: The Android Face-Off

The Pixel Watch 5 was unveiled alongside the Pixel 11 series, featuring new health tracking like blood pressure monitoring. Samsung recently dropped the Galaxy Watch 9, making a direct comparison between these two major Android smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 9 starts at $380, while the Pixel Watch 5 begins at $400 for its smallest size. Both watches boast Super AMOLED displays, but the Pixel Watch 5 introduces Health Guardian for emergency detection. Users should weigh the subscription needs versus the built-in features of each device.

🔬 Electric fields might be a new weapon against brain cancer

Researchers are exploring the potential of electric fields as a novel treatment method for aggressive brain cancer. The study was conducted by a team of scientists at a leading research institute. Initial tests showed promising results in pre-clinical models over the last six months. This technology aims to disrupt the growth of cancerous cells without traditional chemotherapy side effects. Further human trials are planned to validate these encouraging findings.

💡 Light Control Goes Beyond Crystals

Researchers have expanded the theoretical framework for directional light control beyond the limitations of ordered crystal structures. This new theory was developed by scientists at a major research institute, focusing on novel material applications. The study details simulations involving complex, non-crystalline arrangements and specific light interaction parameters. This advancement opens doors to designing next-generation optical devices with unprecedented precision. Future work will involve testing these theories in real-world experimental setups.

🏛️ Syama Prasad's story hitting school books next year

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced that Syama Prasad Mookerjee's contributions to India will be in school textbooks starting next academic year. This decision followed the first meeting of a special committee planning the 125th birth anniversary events. The Education Department will feature a dedicated section at both school and university levels. Furthermore, a statue will be built in Eco Park, and a library is planned for his ancestral home in Jeerat, Hooghly. This move reflects the BJP government's effort to honor the Jana Sangh founder. 🏛️

🤖 Teen fakes kidnapping, uses AI to scam dad for gaming cash

A teenager in Gorakhpur allegedly staged his own kidnapping to extort Rs 1 lakh from his father. The incident involved the boy and occurred in the Sikriganj police station area. Police traced and recovered him within two hours on August 14, 2026. Investigators found the boy fabricated the story to fund his online gaming addiction. The AI-generated images were reportedly created with help from his girlfriend in Delhi. 📱

😥 Investors Sue Selena Gomez Over Mental Health Startup

Investors have filed a lawsuit against Selena Gomez and her mother concerning their mental health startup, Wondermind. The plaintiffs, who invested nearly $1.2 million, are accusing Gomez of securities fraud and breach of contract. Wondermind launched in 2021 to provide daily mental health resources to users. Investors claim they were unaware of the company's struggles until a September 2025 report from The Cut. They are now seeking the recovery of their investments and associated legal fees. 😥

🏈 Madden 27 patch notes drop, gameplay gets a fix

The latest Madden 27 update, released on August 10, addressed speed boosting issues in the gameplay. This update was rolled out across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC platforms. Franchise mode saw some fixes, like draft presentation, while Ultimate Team seasons are currently live. The Luke Kuechly Welcome Pack OVR drops to 80 on August 20, prompting expectations for another update. The next major update is anticipated around the NFL kickoff on September 9.