🎬 Director Ahn Pan-seok passes at 64

Acclaimed South Korean drama director Ahn Pan-seok has passed away at the age of 64, concluding a nearly four-decade career. He was known for directing hits like 'Behind the White Tower' and 'Secret Affair'. His health declined after suffering a brain hemorrhage last month while battling lung cancer since last year. The production team for 'Love Doctor' confirmed his death, stating the funeral would be private. This marks the end of a legacy, though his final project is set to premiere in October.

🔥 Welsh Fire wraps up season on a high note

The Welsh Fire team concluded their season with a strong performance. Wareham and Potts were key contributors to this success. The final match took place recently, marking the end of their campaign. This victory helps end the season on a positive and high note for the squad. The team will now look forward to the upcoming season's preparations.

🏥 Pensioners complain about EHS deduction issues

Pensioners have raised concerns regarding the unauthorized 1.5% deduction from their basic pension for the Employees Health Scheme (EHS). This issue was raised after complaints about old data entry in the health scheme records in the State Government. The new EHS officially launched on July 17, 2026, covers 1,816 packages across various hospitals. However, the scheme is stalled due to an unresolved MoU stalemate between the government and TANHA over package rates. Over nine lakh pensioners are waiting for a resolution so the health scheme can become effective.

🎉 Wedding stress-free? This startup has your back 👶

A Hyderabad startup called Giggle & Guard is offering dedicated childcare services at weddings and social events. Founded by Sravya, the service addresses the struggle parents face managing young kids during celebrations. They manage childcare using an age-based system, with one caretaker per child under four. Giggle & Guard also provides toys, feeding support, and supervision to keep children happy throughout the event. The startup has already provided its services to over 100 people in about a year.

🌉 Amaravati gets direct link to Vijayawada & Mangalagiri

Amaravati is set to gain direct connectivity with Vijayawada and Mangalagiri starting Thursday, August 13, 2026. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana announced this following the opening of two steel bridges and the second phase of the Seed Access Road. These bridges include one measuring 110 metres across the Buckingham Canal and another spanning 280 metres. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate these structures and hand over MLA/MLC quarters during his visit. The MLA and MLC housing project covers 10.46 acres and includes nine towers with comprehensive amenities.

🕊️ China claims India border is stable

China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the India-China border is generally stable as of Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This response came after India’s MEA spokesperson mentioned the importance of peace in border areas. The two sides recently held the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs. While reports suggested PLA troops crossed the Line of Actual Control at Pukar La and Ollo last week, China asserts stability. Both armies are prepared to monitor and manage any incidents along the undemarcated boundary.

🚀 Windows 11 apps launch faster with new update

Windows 11's Low Latency Profile now speeds up app launches, especially on older PCs. This improvement came as part of August's Patch Tuesday update from Microsoft. Testing showed all apps open quicker after this update, boosting CPU clock speed during loading. Previously, the profile only helped Windows Shell elements, but now app launches are affected. Users can check activation using the free HWiNFO tool. 💻

🏏 Welsh Fire clinch The Hundred 2026 title

Welsh Fire managed a comfortable 15-run victory against London Spirit to close out their campaign. The match took place at Sophia Gardens, with Wareham hitting a decisive fifty. The scores were Welsh Fire 138-7 and London Spirit 123 in the final innings. Although both teams were already eliminated, pride was the main focus of this final fixture. Welsh Fire finished the competition in fifth place, while Spirit placed sixth. 🏏

🇮🇳 Flag Hoisting at 85 Amrit Sarovars in Mysuru

Mysuru Zilla Panchayat is organizing events at 85 Amrit Sarovars for the 80th Independence Day celebrations. Dignitaries will hoist the national flag, and awareness programs on water conservation will be held across the sites. These lakes were developed under the VB-G RAM-G (MGNREGA) scheme, with specific counts across various locations. The events aim to boost water conservation and promote local employment benefits under the scheme. Saplings will be planted, making the celebrations meaningful for the community. 🇮🇳

⚽ Álvarez tells Simeone he wants to leave for Barça

Julián Álvarez met with Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Wednesday to express his strong desire to move to Barcelona this summer. The meeting took place briefly before the morning training session at the club. Simeone confirmed that the club has already decided not to sell him, sticking to his stance from the weekend. Despite earlier frustration, Álvarez maintained a professional demeanor during their face-to-face interaction. He continues to push for his dream move to Catalonia. ⚽

🏛️ High Court tells govt to boost welfare for freedom fighters

The Kerala High Court directed both Union and State governments to look into special welfare measures for living freedom fighters. The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen, heard a public interest litigation filed by Sabu Stephen in Thiruvananthapuram. Currently, only 60 freedom fighters reside in Kerala, with 27 receiving a central pension and 33 receiving the state pension. The court also mandated the State to build a portal listing eligible freedom fighters for welfare schemes. However, the court dismissed claims regarding national flag hoisting and medical assistance due to lack of evidence.