💰 Bihar govt pays creators up to ₹1 Lakh for scheme videos

Bihar has amended its rules allowing social media creators to earn money for making videos about government schemes. Eligible influencers in Bihar can earn up to ₹1 lakh per video under this new arrangement. Under the rules, creators get an extra ₹10,000 for every 1 lakh views after 30 days. This aims to leverage social media for public welfare messaging across the state. The exact criteria and verification process will be detailed in a future notification.

🔬 Blood test predicts disease risk years ahead

A new study found that a single blood draw can reveal which cell types are aging the fastest to predict disease risk. Researchers at various institutions used a machine-learning framework on data from nearly 60,000 individuals. The findings showed that extreme astrocyte aging strongly predicted Alzheimer's disease risk over 15 years. This cellular aging profile provided more insight than conventional genetic assessments for future risk stratification. The platform also linked other aging patterns to risks like ALS and lung cancer. 🔬

🛵 Student's 3 months as Rapido rider in Bengaluru

A college student shared his experience working as a Rapido rider for three months during his break in Bengaluru. He worked nearly 8.5 hours daily, sometimes earning up to Rs 1,200 on a good day. Initially confused, he learned the platform's demand patterns and algorithm to earn decently. A frustrating incident involved an infinite loop between Swiggy and Rapido over a cancelled food order. He concluded that gig work is very different from working when family depends on it. 🛵

💧 Kidney care hacks from a nephrologist

A nephrologist advised on habits to prevent kidney failure, emphasizing hydration and regular health checks. Dr Suneet Singh shared these tips during an interview with Dr Jeff Yoo on August 17. Key recommendations include staying hydrated with two and a half litres of water daily and exercising 120 minutes weekly. Patients should monitor blood pressure and get screened for diabetes regularly. It is vital to consult a doctor before taking excessive over-the-counter medications.

⚠️ Israel, Turkey warn over Syria after airbase hit

Israel and Turkey have intensified their warnings regarding Syria following a recent airbase bombing. The escalation involves both nations in the volatile region of Syria. The reported incident occurred on a specific date, though the article does not provide one. These heightened tensions reflect ongoing regional security concerns and proxy conflicts. Both countries are expected to maintain a high alert status over the coming days.

🚨 Naga protesters allegedly injured by pellet guns in Manipur

Several Naga civilians were reportedly injured after security forces moved to disperse a gathering at Kanglatongbi in Manipur. The protest was organized by the Native Peoples' Committee, Manipur, demanding justice for six missing Naga men. The incident occurred on Thursday, with witnesses alleging the use of pellet-type projectiles against the crowd. One injured woman, the wife of one of the six men, was seen receiving medical attention for ear injuries. Authorities have not yet responded to the allegations regarding the use of force.

🐍 Snakebite Deaths Now A Notifiable Disease in Maharashtra

Deaths from snakebites are now officially declared a 'notifiable disease' by the Maharashtra Public Health Department. This mandate requires all government and private hospitals across the state to report every suspected, probable, or confirmed snakebite case. This decision follows a severe incident in Japtalai village, Gadchiroli, where three schoolgirls died after being bitten. The data collected will help in effectively monitoring incidents and planning for the availability of Anti-Snake Venom Vaccine (ASV). State and district officers will be appointed as Nodal Officers to oversee this crucial surveillance system. 🐍

🌍 M5.9 earthquake hits Flores region in Indonesia

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores region on Thursday, according to the EMSC. The tremor was felt at a depth of 10 kilometres. This quake happened days after a major 7.7 magnitude quake on August 15th. The previous disaster killed 73 people and displaced nearly 60,000 residents. Authorities are still monitoring the area amidst ongoing aftershocks.

🏛️ Supreme Court wants NTA to be fully institutionalized

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to submit a roadmap for institutionalizing the NTA and overhauling its technology after NEET paper leaks. The bench, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, sought details on infrastructure, manpower, and expert advice for a permanent body. This follows concerns over repeated irregularities in NEET-UG, demanding more than temporary fixes. The court emphasized needing a dedicated body like UPSC, focusing on institutional memory and robust cyber security. The Centre must detail implementation of K Radhakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani task force recommendations moving forward.

🏏 Kuldeep might be out for 2nd Test in Colombo

India is reportedly planning a change in the playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Kuldeep Yadav, who took just one wicket in Galle, could be dropped from the squad. The match is set to begin on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following the first Test's conclusion. Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain is expected to make his India debut in his place. Saransh Jain is a seasoned all-rounder who has performed well in domestic cricket. 🏏

🏛️ TN govt cancels order against student protests

The Tamil Nadu government withdrew a directive issued on August 17 that barred students from joining Left and CJP protests. This controversial order targeted students in higher education institutions across the state. The directive, based on July 28 instructions, required officials to prevent student participation in political agitations. Critics argued this move restricted students' fundamental right to dissent and democratic participation. The withdrawal came after the order gained public attention and faced heavy criticism.