🦠 DRC starts Ebola vaccine rollout amid deadly outbreak

The Democratic Republic of Congo has initiated Ebola vaccinations to manage its deadliest recorded outbreak of the disease. The campaign kicked off Thursday in Kisangani, targeting healthcare workers first. Currently, there are over 5,700 confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths across six provinces. Authorities are using Ervebo under a compassionate-use programme since no specific Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine exists. The effort is set to cover 14 health zones, though insecurity poses a major hurdle.

🩺 Foreign grads get more FMGE shots

Foreign medical graduates will now be allowed three attempts for the FMGE exam annually. This change affects candidates who are preparing for the exam in India. The allowance is effective from October onwards. This move aims to support the aspirations of overseas medical professionals. Further guidelines regarding the process are expected soon. 🩺

💖 Leaders wish well on Raksha Bandhan 🤝

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings for Raksha Bandhan. They shared these wishes on the occasion of the festival, which emphasizes protection and mutual responsibility. This year, the festival falls on August 28th, observed on the full moon of Shravana. The greetings urge people to strengthen family and community bonds for a developed India. The leaders highlighted the festival's deep cultural significance and enduring spirit.

🥑 Barren land to crore avocado biz

Harshit Goda turned barren land into a thriving ₹1 Crore avocado business. This entrepreneurial journey took place in his local area. The business has seen significant growth since its inception in 2021. His success showcases the potential of modern agriculture and smart farming techniques. Goda plans to expand his avocado cultivation across more regions next year. 🥑

👋 Karoline Leavitt steps down as White House press secretary

Karoline Leavitt has exited her role as White House press secretary after over 19 months of service. She was the 36th press secretary, serving in the White House in Washington. Her tenure covered the period starting from January 2025, succeeding Karine Jean-Pierre. The White House praised her for defending Trump's policies and innovating media briefings. The successor has not yet been named, leaving a key communication role vacant.

🏞️ Nepal rejects foreign rescue help after massive floods 🏞️

Nepal has decided that its own security agencies will lead the response to devastating flash floods. This decision was made by the Balen Shah-led government in response to multiple requests from nations like India, China, and the US. As of Friday, the death toll reached 469, with nearly 1,000 people still missing near the Nepal-China border. The government cited coordination issues from the 2015 earthquake as a reason for this stance. Nepal is instead focusing on financial aid for the rehabilitation phase moving forward.

🧪 Q-Line Biotech IPO details are out

Q-Line Biotech is launching its maiden book building IPO to raise funds for its operations. The company is based in India and is involved in manufacturing various reagents and consumables. The IPO is for 6,253,200 shares, with a price band set between Rs. 326 and Rs. 343 per share. Financial data shows top-line growth but bottom-line inconsistencies in FY25. The subscription period runs from May 21, 2026, until May 25, 2026. 🚀

📈 HDFC Bank could jump 62% based on CEO options

Macquarie maintained an 'Outperform' rating on HDFC Bank with a ₹1,150 target price, suggesting a 61.5% upside. The rating comes amid uncertainty regarding CEO Sashi Jagdishan's tenure ending on October 26, 2026. The brokerage sees two equally likely paths: a short six-month extension or a full three-year renewal for Jagdishan. The NRC will evaluate candidates before the board recommends the choice to the RBI for final approval. These succession scenarios are currently weighing heavily on investor sentiment for the bank. 🏦

🚨 Luxury Hotel Food Safety Scare Exposed

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted a surprise raid on a luxury hotel due to food safety concerns. This inspection took place at a prominent establishment in a major metropolitan city. Authorities discovered expired ingredients and signs of pest infestation during the raid. This action highlights ongoing regulatory challenges within high-end hospitality services. The hotel is now facing investigations to ensure compliance with safety standards moving forward. 🚨

✈️ H-1B woes lead Indian grad to choose Canada or India

Shreya Mishra Reddy decided to give up on the H-1B visa due to a proposed $100k fee structure. She studied at Duke University in 2021 and graduated in 2022 before leaving the US in January 2026. The fee uncertainty and job market issues prompted her to reconsider her plans. Currently in Toronto on a tourist visa, she is weighing opportunities in Canada or back in India. She remains optimistic about her career prospects outside the United States. ✈️

🌕 Partial lunar eclipse: catch the view online

A partial lunar eclipse will darken around 96 per cent of the Moon on August 28th. This celestial event will mainly be visible across North and South America. The eclipse starts around 9:23 pm EST and peaks near 10:33 pm EST. For those unable to view it live, multiple YouTube channels offer free livestreams. These streams include those from Time and Date, Griffith Observatory, and the Virtual Telescope Project. 🌕