🌎 Colombia quake search enters final phase

Rescue operations in Colombia following the devastating Monday earthquake have moved into what officials call the final phase. The search is taking place in areas like Pereira and Cali, where the quake hit hard. As of Wednesday, the death toll reached 265, with over 3,500 people injured and nearly 500 still missing. President Abelardo de La Espriella promised an emergency fund to rebuild the massive destruction. The earthquake, a magnitude 7.4 event, will be the first major test for the new president.

🧠 Screen time might actually boost teen brains, study says

A new study has revealed a surprising positive aspect regarding screen time in teenagers. Researchers investigated adolescents across various settings to observe their cognitive development. The findings showed that moderate screen exposure correlated with enhanced problem-solving skills in participants. This suggests that digital interaction isn't purely detrimental to developing teenage brains. Further research is planned to fully understand the nuances of this relationship. 🤔

🚨 Speeding Thar hits police bike in Ghaziabad

A Home Guard jawan was killed and a police constable was injured after a speeding SUV hit their police motorcycle. The incident happened near Baharampur in the Crossing Republic police station area on Wednesday evening. Kapil Kumar, the Home Guard jawan, succumbed to his injuries late Wednesday night. The red Thar driver is accused of rash and negligent driving and a case has been registered. Police are currently trying to identify the driver using the SUV's registration number.

🚨 Minister's relative arrested in Kumbh Mela scam

A relative of Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan was arrested for allegedly cheating someone out of Rs 2.17 crore. The arrests took place in Mumbai following an investigation into a larger scam. The cheating occurred by promising lucrative contracts for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik. This happened after the police uncovered an alleged scam worth Rs 305 crore related to fake work orders. Authorities plan to take stringent action against all involved individuals in this ongoing case. 💸

🌊 Oman coastline hit by massive tanker oil spill

A major oil spill from the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman's central coast, affecting up to 40km of coastline. The incident occurred off Oman, with the spill originating from the tanker running aground in June. Authorities reported the slick measured nearly 400 square kilometres, and more oil is expected on Masirah Island in the coming hours. Environmental teams are monitoring the situation to limit the pollution's spread and minimize impacts on sensitive areas. Experts are concerned as the vessel is linked to sanctioned Russian oil transport and lacks a clear responsible party.

🏏 Gavaskar: Team First, Not Star Power

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar urged Indian cricket to prioritize the collective over any single star player. He made these remarks while in Singapore for the 1983 World Cup team felicitation. India faces Sri Lanka in Galle for a two-Test series, needing wins to stay in WTC contention. Gavaskar believes India can beat Sri Lanka 2-0 if they put Indian cricket first. This focus aligns with coach Gautam Gambhir's call for team recognition. 🏏

💖 One kidney life: Hope after organ donation

Organ donation provides a second chance at life, as shown by transplant recipient Chethan Basavarajaiah and donor Meenakshi. Chethan, in Bengaluru, received a transplant and pursued his Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Doctors state one healthy kidney can support an active life through compensatory hyperfiltration. Regular health check-ups, including annual kidney tests, are crucial for early detection. Lifestyle discipline and informed medical care help people lead normal, fulfilling lives. 🩺

🕵️ Cold Case: 1990 Kashmiri Pandit Murder Reopened

A chilling double murder case from 1990 in Kashmir has been brought back under investigation. The crime involved the brutal killing of two Kashmiri Pandits in the region. This serious incident occurred approximately 36 years ago, with the details still unresolved. The reopening is part of ongoing efforts to bring justice to victims from that time. Authorities are now scrutinizing the old case files to potentially make new arrests. 🕵️

🥊 Harbhajan picks Sreesanth as roommate for a reason

Despite past friction stemming from the 2008 IPL 'slapgate', Harbhajan Singh recently suggested S Sreesanth be his roommate. He stated in a PTI interview that being in the same room could help resolve many of their issues. Earlier, Sreesanth issued a direct boxing challenge to Harbhajan Singh. Sreesanth mentioned being in the Bear Knuckle Fight League and sponsoring Conor McGregor's video. This interaction shows a mix of reconciliation attempts and old rivalries. 🥊

📅 SSC Stenographer 2026 Exam Dates Revealed

The exam dates for the SSC Stenographer 2026 recruitment have officially been released. The schedule specifically covers the September shift for the examination process. The exam is scheduled to take place on September 15th, 2026. This recruitment drive is part of the government's ongoing effort to fill various clerical positions. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for further details and preparation guidelines.

🏛️ Parliament monsoon session wraps up abruptly

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The session concluded after Vande Mataram was played in the Lok Sabha, where PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were present. The Rajya Sabha functioned for 37 hours and 49 minutes and passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. The session saw little transaction of business, marked by repeated disruptions over various protests. Moving forward, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram criticized the session as highly disappointing. 😟