🚢 East coast gets industrial push via new corridor plan

India is planning to boost industrial growth along its east coast with a new integrated corridor. This initiative centers around a 'well-connected node' at Durgapur in West Bengal. The budget allocated Rs 3,000 crore for 2026-27 to support this through NICDIT. The goal is to improve connectivity, lowering production costs and boosting global market access for existing industries. This strategy aims to bridge the infrastructure gap compared to the dominant west coast.

🔬 AI tool helps trace cancer origins to chemicals

Researchers at IIIT-Delhi developed MutAIverse, a GenAI platform to study DNA adducts and cancer development. This system, created with NIPER Guwahati and CSIR-IGIB, analyzes mass spectrometry data from tumour biopsies. It successfully validated the tool using DNA-adductomics data from smokeless-tobacco-associated head and neck cancer patients. MutAIverse can trace DNA damage backward to pinpoint potential environmental genotoxins with a confidence score. This technology is set to complement genome sequencing in cancer research. 🔬

🚫 MEA denies clearance for CM Revanth Reddy's US trip

The Ministry of External Affairs denied political clearance for Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the proposed programme was not appropriate for his office or the visit's purpose. This denial came after the Telangana CM office announced the US leg of the TelanganaRising delegation was cancelled. Reddy, who is currently in London, was scheduled to travel to the US after his UK engagements before returning to Hyderabad on August 30. Instead, he will now return to Hyderabad on August 23. ✈️

🏏 Coach backs Kuldeep, says Colombo conditions decide his spot

India spin coach Sairaj Bahutule defended Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the second Test in Colombo. In the first Test, Kuldeep only took one wicket, while Manav Suthar took a ten-for and Jadeja took four. Bahutule stated Kuldeep was making an effort to bowl his role as a wrist spinner. Ultimately, his selection for the upcoming match will depend entirely on the conditions in Colombo. He praised Manav Suthar, calling him a consistent 'banker' for the team. 🏏

📢 'Reservation Hatao' protest continues despite venue shift

The 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' protest is happening at Jantar Mantar even though the Delhi Police approved a gathering at Ramlila Ground. The permission allows up to 500 people to assemble at Ramlila Ground until 4 pm on August 21, 2026. This action follows the campaign's earlier call for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The movement aims to end caste-based discrimination by opposing caste reservations and demanding merit-based opportunities. Organizers must follow strict guidelines, and the permit can be withdrawn if conditions are not met. ✊

📢 Reservation protest gets green light in Delhi

A 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' protest has been permitted at Ramlila Ground on Friday after Delhi Police issued an NOC. The gathering is set to allow up to 500 people to assemble until 4 pm. This permission came after previous attempts for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar were denied by the police. The movement advocates against caste-based reservations, pushing for merit-based equality instead. Organizers must follow police guidelines, as the permission can be withdrawn if conditions are breached. ✊

😂 Akshay Kumar laughs off pan masala ad query

Akshay Kumar gave a hilarious reaction when a journalist questioned his pan masala endorsement. This exchange took place at a promotional event after the actor was announced as the brand ambassador on August 20. The journalist asked, “Everyone is selling saffron, while you are selling Acer?” This came amidst controversy surrounding SRK, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff's ads. Akshay chose to laugh instead of giving a detailed answer to the pointed question. 😂

🦟 AMU hosts World Mosquito Day awareness drive

The Department of Community Medicine at Aligarh Muslim University organized a special awareness program for World Mosquito Day. The event took place at AMU, focusing on mosquito-borne diseases and prevention methods. Key discussions covered strategies to reduce mosquito populations and public health impacts. This initiative aims to educate the community about preventive measures against vector-borne illnesses. The university plans to conduct similar awareness campaigns throughout the coming months. 🦟

🥩 Trump claims beef price deal with no tariff

Donald Trump asserted that he finalized a deal to significantly drop the price of ground beef for American families. This arrangement permits up to 300k tons of beef without any out-of-quota tariff being applied. The details surrounding this agreement were recently announced by Trump. This move comes amidst ongoing trade discussions between the US and Canada. Further developments on this beef pricing deal are still pending.

🦟 Ghana needs to step up mosquito control beyond malaria

Ghana was urged to broaden its vector-control efforts beyond just fighting malaria to combat rising mosquito-borne illnesses. This call was made in Accra during a webinar hosted by the Vector Research Group of the Noguchi Memorial Institute. In 2024, 206 confirmed dengue cases were recorded across 11 of the 16 regions. Since dengue symptoms mimic malaria, the focus must shift to controlling day-biting Aedes mosquitoes breeding in stored water. The government is working on risk mapping despite resource limits, while experts push for better sanitation. 🦟

📱 BJP claims Congress paid influencers for Rahul Gandhi event

The BJP has accused the Congress party of paying social media influencers ₹25,000 to attend Rahul Gandhi's event. This alleged activity took place in Pune, where Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Gunj' programme is scheduled for August 22. The event is expected to draw 8,000 to 10,000 attendees between 4:30 pm and 9:30 pm. The BJP shared a video claiming to show an offer of ₹25,000 to attend and promote the event. Pune Police have issued strict guidelines for the program's security and conduct.