📸 CM Naidu goes behind the lens for photojournalists

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu greeted photographers on World Photography Day this Wednesday. He interacted with media and professional photographers at the Legislative Assembly, sharing his wishes with the fraternity. The CM picked up a camera and clicked the photographers while they were capturing his images. Naidu later shared photos of the interaction on X, appreciating their dedication and artistry. He stressed that every image preserves a fragment of time for generations to come.

🧐 NTA must submit seed fund usage details in 60 days

The Public Accounts Committee directed the Ministry of Education to get pending utilization certificates from NTA. This action took place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, concerning NTA's initial seed funding. Specifically, utilization certificates for ₹10 crore out of the ₹25 crore received in 2017 remain outstanding for the 2018-19 financial year. This oversight raises concerns about fund usage and potential impact on exam fairness and student prospects. Officials assured the PAC that the certificates would be furnished within the next 60 days. 🧐

🚁 HoverAir drops VERSA 2-in-1 Gimbal Drone

HOVERAir has launched the VERSA, a new 2-in-1 device that shifts between a pocket gimbal camera and a self-flying camera. This tool is aimed at creators wanting both stable handheld shots and aerial perspectives from one unit. The device features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, recording up to 4K at 60fps and weighing just 230 grams. It offers various flight modes like AI Tracking and Orbit, with a maximum flight time of 14 minutes. This product line comes from ZeroZero Robotics, which pioneered the self-flying camera category. 🚁

🏏 Sri Lanka missing key batters for Colombo Test

Sri Lanka will be without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal for the second Test against India in Colombo. Top-order batter Pathum Nissanka is also facing a doubt for this must-win match. Mendis suffered a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League and has been out since. Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery, while Chandimal hurt his neck and shoulder during the Galle Test. Pasindu Sooriyabandara made his debut as Chandimal's concussion substitute.

📉 Gold Prices Dip After Big Jump

Gold prices in India have seen a cooldown after a significant rise of ₹1,800 in one day. Silver prices closed lower, dropping by ₹3,939 per kg on Wednesday. This recent volatility follows a period of strong upward movement in the precious metals market. Investors are closely watching global economic indicators for future price direction. Analysts suggest the trend might stabilize in the coming weeks. 📉

🩺 CKD burden in women is rising globally, study finds

A new global analysis revealed that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing among women worldwide. Conducted by Prof. Lin Sun and Prof. Zhifeng Sheng at The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, the study used Global Burden of Disease 2021 data. Between 1990 and 2021, the number of women with CKD grew from 188 million to 359 million. The burden is heavily felt by postmenopausal women, while reproductive-age groups show rapid growth. The researchers urge sex-specific registries and better control of metabolic risks for women. 🩺

🚨 DYFI leader among four arrested with drugs in Kerala

Four individuals involved in synthetic drug dealing were arrested by Thodupuzha police early Wednesday morning. The arrests happened at Edavetty, near Thodupuzha, targeting a suspected interstate gang. Authorities seized 18 g of MDMA and 10 g of hybrid ganja during the operation. The accused included T.S. Shiyas, a former DYFI leader, and others residing in Thodupuzha. Police are now investigating their network and tracing the source of the seized contraband. 🚨

💧 Kanthalloor battles severe drought, funds unlocked for water

Kanthalloor grama panchayat is facing a serious drinking water shortage due to deficient rainfall. The District Collector in Idukki has granted special sanction to use funds for water distribution across affected wards. The panchayat was initially permitted to spend ₹12 lakh between April 1, 2026, and May 31, 2026, but special permission now covers the balance. This crisis follows almost no rain in the last two months, impacting agriculture and tourism significantly. The Kerala Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency is now tasked with finding long-term solutions. 💧

🔬 Indian scientists make smart cancer drug 🧬

Indian scientists have developed a new 'smart' cancer drug called RK-251 that specifically targets tumor cells. This research was a collaboration between Dr. Asis Bala of IASST and Dr. K.P. Bhabak of IIT-Guwahati. The drug activates inside cancer cells due to high reactive oxygen species, releasing the anticancer compound NBDHEX. Preclinical studies showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells with low impact on healthy cells. Further studies are needed before RK-251 can move to human clinical trials.

📉 Market mood check: What moves the stock next?

The Indian stock market experienced losses for the seventh straight session on Wednesday. This slump occurred with Sensex falling around 326 points and Nifty 50 dropping nearly 77 points across the board. Analysts are cautious ahead of US FOMC minutes, noting oil prices are elevated due to geopolitical tensions. Corporate earnings have been strong, but future performance hinges on crude oil supply stability. Traders are watching support levels like 24,000 for a potential market recovery. 📉

🎭 Suresh Oberoi on his BJP past and politics

Actor Suresh Oberoi discussed his brief 2004 stint with the BJP, where he met leaders like L K Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He expressed continued respect for Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath, while feeling disconnected from others. Oberoi later realized that politics often revolved around money, shifting his focus away from active engagement. He remains a fan of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, though he has never formally joined the organization. The actor now believes his contribution should primarily come through his acting profession. 🎭