🇮🇳 Congress sings Vande Mataram in Goa, Kharge clashes with BJP

Congress workers sang two stanzas of Vande Mataram at a large meeting in Goa on Monday, attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The event, held in Verna, saw party members singing the national song amid BJP criticism. The Union home ministry mandates singing all six stanzas of the song at official functions. Kharge strongly refuted BJP's "anti-national" claims, questioning their contribution to the freedom struggle. He countered their accusations by questioning the BJP's own role in India's independence.

😟 Social Media Linked to Riskier Teen Habits

A new study has established a link between social media usage and riskier product consumption among adolescents. The research, detailed in Contemporary Pediatrics, focused on various teenage demographics across several regions. Specifically, the data analyzed usage patterns from January 2022 to December 2023. The findings suggest that exposure on these platforms correlates with increased experimentation with certain substances. Researchers are now planning further longitudinal studies to understand this complex relationship better. 😟

🏥 Kerala Health Minister wants clear hospital signs

Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has ordered government hospitals to display clear signages for better patient experience. He specifically requested that doctor details, OP clinic days, and timings be visible in public hospitals. This directive came after public complaints about long waits due to doctor absences were received by his office. Muraleedharan instructed the Principal Secretary to implement this across all health institutions urgently. Furthermore, contact details for the Deputy District Medical Officer (Vigilance) must also be displayed for grievances.

🚧 Kerala Lokayukta orders removal of hazardous bridge installations

The Lokayukta ordered the Chief Engineer of PWD (Bridges) to remove all unauthorized and hazardous utility installations from bridges and culverts. This directive came from a Division Bench, including Justice N. Anilkumar and Upa Lokayukta Justice Ashok Menon, following a petition by Ravi Ulleyeri of Kozhikode. The panel set a three-month deadline for removal, relocation, or re-routing of these fixtures, confirmed by a Kozhikode district inquiry. The PWD must also fix structural defects and restore pedestrian pathway width on all affected bridges. An Action Taken Report with photo proof is required, verified by the Road Safety Commissioner by November 25.

⚡ Ferrari's EV sets new auction record

Ferrari's first fully electric car, the Luce, sold for $40 million at a charity auction. This tailor-made vehicle was auctioned by Sotheby’s during Monterey Car Week in California. The sale surpassed a previous record set in 2025 when a Daytona SP3 sold for $26 million. Despite facing criticism for deviating from tradition, the high price signals significant demand for the electric model. Ferrari plans to sell the first batch of several hundred Luce vehicles while limiting supply. ⚡

🏥 India's cancer fight needs faster high-tech treatments

India is facing a growing cancer crisis, with the NCRP estimating over 1.57 million new cases by 2025. Breast, lung, and oral cancers are major contributors, with lung cancer linked to pollution besides tobacco. Many patients are diagnosed late, which limits treatment options and increases care costs. Advanced therapies like immunotherapies are available globally but need faster access in India. A combined effort from government, industry, and insurance is needed to make these innovations reach patients quickly. 🏥

👩 Workplaces must have working committees: KWC chairperson

KWC chairperson P. Sathidevi called for strengthening internal committees across all workplaces to stop atrocities against women. She made this statement during a KWC meeting held at the Kozhikode Collectorate conference hall on Monday, August 17. The meeting heard 41 complaints, with one resolved and nine cases sent for police reports. Sathidevi stressed that all government and private institutions must have functional committees with details clearly visible. Furthermore, she encouraged the public to utilize the free counseling services available at regional centers. 👩

🚗 Toyota sales update for July 2026

Toyota Kirloskar Motor achieved domestic sales of 30,516 units in July 2026, marking a 4.65% YoY growth. Urban Cruiser Hyryder led the sales with 7,187 units in July, while Innova Hycross followed with 6,061 units. Innova Crysta sales increased by 18.21% YoY, but it will be discontinued in 2027. Rumion showed massive growth, registering 2,632 units against 576 units in July 2025. New gen Hilux deliveries have started, signaling potential sales boosts soon. 📈

🩺 New Drug Gets FDA Nod for High Cholesterol

Lerodalcibep autoinjector has received official approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This new medication is designed to treat the condition of hypercholesterolemia. The approval was granted following rigorous testing and data review. It offers patients a convenient way to manage their elevated cholesterol levels. Further rollout and patient access details are expected in the coming months. 🩺

👑 Rodri gets his number 16 at Barcelona

Barcelona reached a preliminary agreement with Manchester City to sign Rodri for around €76.5 million. The Spaniard is expected to arrive in the Catalan capital today for medicals tomorrow, with a reveal planned during the Joan Gamper Trophy. Rodri specifically requested the No. 16 jersey, which Barcelona has agreed to grant him. This number was freed up after Fermin moved to No. 7, which was previously worn by Ferran Torres. Rodri will continue wearing No. 16, which he used throughout his Manchester City career and at the international level.

🚨 Bengaluru police bust 517 drunk driving cases

Bengaluru Traffic Police registered 517 cases against drivers found drunk while operating vehicles. This major enforcement drive took place across the city between August 10 and August 16. During this week-long operation, police checked a total of 35,175 vehicles across 53 traffic police stations. Fines totaling ₹14.80 lakh were collected for various traffic violations, including speeding. Authorities urge motorists to obey all rules and avoid driving after drinking to prevent accidents. 🚨