😠 Congress sticks to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP slaps label

The Congress decided to adhere to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events. This decision came amid government efforts to enforce the full version at official events. The BJP sharply criticized Congress, labeling the party a "new Muslim League" for its stance. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal defended the move, citing top leadership decisions from 1937. The controversy reignited after Sonia Gandhi's gestures and Mallikarjun Kharge's singing at a Goa event.

🧠 Webinar on future of integrative mental health

Buddhi Clinic and The Hindu are hosting a webinar to discuss the evolving landscape of integrated mental healthcare in India. The event will explore merging mainstream medicine with evidence-based traditional and complementary approaches like Yoga and Ayurveda. Key discussions will cover policy development for integrative mental health as a specialty in India. Speakers include Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, B.N. Gangadhar, and Shivarama Varambally. Interested people can register for the session happening on August 21 at 5 p.m. 🧠

🚮 Bengaluru owner fined for construction waste dump

A property owner was fined Rs 1 lakh for improperly dumping construction debris in Bengaluru. This incident occurred in Koramangala, specifically on 6th Main Road, during a morning inspection. The fine was imposed by civic officials after a marshal from the BTM Layout division noticed the waste. David, the property owner, was fined for damaging the public drain and footpath. He has also been ordered to clear all the debris at his own cost. 🚮

🩺 Pune survey shows TB returning post-treatment

A large-scale tuberculosis survey in Pune revealed a worrying trend of recurrent TB in survivors. Researchers monitored 1,076 TB survivors and 3,309 household contacts between Jan 21, 2021, and Sept 4, 2023. They found 75 TB survivors, or 7% of the surveyed group, developed recurrent TB within the follow-up period. This highlights the critical need for active surveillance after TB treatment completion. The data is expected to guide future policy decisions regarding post-treatment TB monitoring. 🩺

🏏 England dominates first day, Pakistan struggles

England managed to trail by 59 runs after a dominant first day of the Test match. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both took five-wicket hauls while playing at Headingley. Pakistan scored 171 runs, while England reached 112 for 2 on the date. Despite initial resistance, Pakistan suffered a destructive collapse towards the end of the day. The match will continue with England holding a strong position heading into the next session. 🏏

✊ TNCC protests Amit Shah over policies

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore led a protest in Egmore against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The protest included former TNCC presidents K.S. Alagiri and Su. Thirunavukarasar. This action took place on Wednesday while Amit Shah was chairing the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tamil Nadu. The Congress unit opposed Amit Shah's policies, specifically the Delimitation and paper leaks. They demanded that the Home Minister listen to the voices of the people. ✊

🏛️ Jain and others in custody over DJB scam

Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain and four other individuals were sent to judicial custody in the ongoing Delhi Jal Board scam case. Ankit Shrivastava was also sent to one-day police custody as part of the latest court developments. This case focuses on alleged irregularities within the Delhi Jal Board operations. The legal proceedings continue to scrutinize the high-profile allegations surrounding the civic body. Further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days. 🏛️

⚕️ Health Minister to launch big infectious diseases conference

Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya is scheduled to inaugurate CIDSCON 2026 in Gandhinagar this Thursday. This major conference will gather top experts focusing on infectious diseases. Over 950 delegates are expected to attend the event, which will also feature a book unveiling. AI is listed as an emerging theme, with a dedicated workshop planned for it. The minister will officially kick off the proceedings, marking a focus on medical advancements.

💻 Meta's new Mac app packs AI power for everyone

Meta has rolled out a new Mac application featuring its AI chatbot with added screen sharing and productivity tools. This update is for businesses, creators, and regular users across the platform. It launched on Wednesday and integrates with Meta services and Google Workspace. The goal is to make the AI chatbot a more productivity-focused assistant against competitors like ChatGPT. However, the app currently lacks incognito mode and may use data for future AI training. 🤖

🚨 Data Operator Busted for Passport Bribery in Arakkonam

An assistant data operator was arrested by DVAC for demanding a bribe to release a passport verification certificate. The accused, K. Raja, was working with the Arakkonam Taluk police in Ranipet. He allegedly demanded ₹500, but ultimately received ₹400 online from the complainant, K. Sridhar. Sridhar, who lives in Arakkonam, needed the certificate for his wife's Dubai passport application. A case has been registered against Raja, and the investigation is ongoing. 🚨

🏥 TN rolls out big health cover for seniors

Tamil Nadu has launched the ‘Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme’ as part of geriatric outreach efforts. This scheme covers nearly 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above across the state. The announcement was made by Health Minister K.G. Arunraj on Monday, August 17, 2026. It provides free medical treatment for serious ailments like cancer and transplants without income ceilings. This move addresses the increasing ageing population trend in the state. 👵