🔬 Better indoor lights might stop kids from getting nearsighted

New research suggests that myopia, or nearsightedness, might be prevented with improved indoor lighting. This study was led by vision researchers at Cincinnati Children's and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The findings, published on Aug. 18, 2026, involved experiments on tree shrews using indigo light. Indigo light, a short-wavelength light abundant in sunlight, completely prevented nearsightedness in these animal models. The next step involves testing these indigo-enriched lighting designs in actual daycare settings with children. 💡

🕊️ Former Karnataka Minister B.C. Nagesh Passes Away

Former BJP Minister B.C. Nagesh, aged 65, passed away on Tuesday at his daughter’s residence in Bengaluru after a short illness. He was a two-time MLA from Tiptur and served as the Minister for School Education and Literacy from 2021 to 2023 in the Basavaraj Bommai cabinet. His tenure saw controversy over textbook revision allegations and issues regarding hijab in classrooms. An engineer trained, he was active in ABVP during college and later joined the BJP. His body will be at Jagannath Bhavan in Malleswaram until 8 a.m. for final rites later in Tiptur.

⛰️ Landslide claims 3 lives in Himachal mine

Three people, including a truck driver and two Nepalese laborers, died in a landslide at a limestone quarry. This tragic incident occurred in Bagandhar near Kamrou village in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district on Tuesday. The collapse happened amid heavy rain, and as of Tuesday evening, 88 roads were blocked across the state. Rescue operations are currently underway while the state braces for further weather alerts. The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for the next three days. 😟

🏛️ Congress alleges IIT directors pushed for RSS event in US

Congress has alleged that IIT directors were approached to mobilize alumni for an event hosted by RSS chief Bhagwat in the United States. The claims suggest this mobilization effort was directed towards the upcoming gathering. Specific dates or exact numbers regarding the mobilization are not detailed in the report. This controversy has sparked political debate regarding institutional neutrality and external influence. Further details on the alleged pressure are expected to emerge in the coming days.

🎧 CMF Buds Neo drops Aug 20 with fresh look

CMF is launching its new budget-friendly wireless earbuds, CMF Buds Neo, on August 20 at 12 noon IST. The earbuds are set to debut in the Indian market, positioning them as CMF’s most accessible audio product. Teasers reveal a distinctive design, featuring white stems with orange silicone tips and potential multi-colorways. A key feature might be a large circular element on the charging case, possibly functioning as a physical control dial. Despite the design hints, the exact price and full specs remain unannounced. 🎧

🤝 Rahul and Padikkal's epic on-field vibe

A great moment of camaraderie occurred during Day four of the Galle Test between KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal. The two players are from Karnataka and have a strong bond off the field, often bonding over coffee. In the Test against Sri Lanka, they contributed a partnership of 227 runs across two innings. Padikkal scored 117 runs, including a half-century, while Rahul scored 211 runs, featuring a big century. This strong chemistry helped push the limits of their batting performance. 🏏

🧐 Govt blocks online content every 68 seconds

A report indicates that the government issued a blocking order for online content frequently. This action was observed across various online platforms. Between March and July, the blocking orders were implemented at an average interval of every 68 seconds. This monitoring suggests a heightened level of digital content regulation being enforced. Authorities plan to continue this surveillance and content control moving forward. 🧐

📱 iQOO drops Neo11 Ultra and Z11S in China

iQOO officially launched its new Neo11 Ultra and Z11S phones in China today. These devices feature MediaTek Dimensity chipsets and boast IP68/IP69 ingress protection. The Neo11 Ultra packs a Dimensity 9500 with a 9,100mAh battery, while the Z11S has a 10,000mAh cell. Both phones sport 6.83-inch 144Hz AMOLED screens, running on OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. The Neo11 Ultra starts at CNY 3,399, and both models are now available via the official vivo online store. 📱

💰 Delhi Lakshmi Yojana payments start soon

Eligible women under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana will start receiving monthly financial assistance from September 1, as announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Official pension letters will be distributed to beneficiaries starting from August 26 at Talkatora Stadium. The scheme provides Rs 2,500 monthly to eligible women aged 21 to 60 from low-income families in Delhi. Payments are split, with Rs 1,500 in a fixed deposit and Rs 1,000 via a CBDC wallet. Applications are open year-round through the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana portal for consideration the following month.

🚨 Attacks on Anti-Poaching Camps in Hanur

Attacks occurred on anti-poaching camps within the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Hanur on August 15th. Forest Department officials lodged a formal complaint with the police regarding the incident. These attacks happened after three suspected poachers were killed in an alleged exchange of fire near Hanur early that morning. Villagers reportedly targeted two or three camps, and Forest Department residential quarters were also hit. Authorities are now taking action against those involved in this serious incident. 🚨

🗳️ Maharashtra drops 2.07 crore voters from draft rolls

A total of 2.07 crore voters have been excluded from Maharashtra's draft electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision. This figure represents 21.15% of the state's 9.78 crore registered voters. Between June 30 and August 17, 78.85% of the electorate submitted their required Enumeration Forms. Specific reasons for exclusion include permanent shifts, absences, or being reported dead. The final electoral roll is set to be published on October 27, giving voters a window to object.