📉 Higher BMI lowers JAK inhibitor effectiveness for arthritis

A new meta-analysis revealed that higher BMI significantly reduces the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers studied 11,883 participants across 16 trials involving medications like tofacitinib and baricitinib. The median BMI was 26.8 kg/m², with 30.9% having class 1-3 obesity. Higher BMI showed reduced response rates across all endpoints compared to healthy weight. Therefore, weight management should be integrated into routine rheumatoid arthritis care.

✨ Pixel 11 lands in India: Familiar but upgraded

The Google Pixel 11 is now on open sale in India starting tomorrow with a base price of Rs 89,999. This premium phone is available in two variants with 256GB or 512GB storage and four colors. It features the new Tensor G6 chipset, boasting 50% more powerful TPU for AI features. The phone promises 30+ hours of battery life and offers improved AI capabilities like smarter voice-to-text. Google plans to release a full review soon to determine its value. 📱

🛰️ Rover spotted alien solar eclipse on Mars 👽

NASA's Perseverance rover captured a solar eclipse from the Martian surface. This happened on August 13, 2026, at the location of the rover on Mars. The image, taken with Mastcam-Z, showed Phobos partially eclipsing the sun. This offers a unique view since humans have not landed on Mars yet. Robotic explorers like Perseverance allow us to see incredible sights across the solar system.

⚽ Man City reportedly leveraged Saudi ties for Reijnders exit

Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly leaving Manchester City for Al Qadsiah, with speculation about high-level influence in the deal. Former scout Bryan King suggests Man City owners may have influenced the Saudi Public Investment Fund's £52 million purchase. The 28-year-old joined last summer on a £46.5m deal but struggled in the Premier League. Despite scoring seven goals and providing seven assists initially, he was dropped by Pep Guardiola. This transfer raises questions about club connections benefiting from Middle Eastern funds. 💸

✊ Revolution vs. Rebuild: Why change stalls after the fall

Bangladesh's July uprising successfully toppled the regime, demonstrating immense power of youth mobilization. This occurred in Dhaka after the killing of Abu Sayeed, leading to a fifteen-year government's collapse. While the initial unity was strong, post-fall consensus fractured over crucial reforms like constitutional changes. Movements excel at creating momentum but struggle with the slow, difficult work of state institution-building. This paradox mirrors global trends where visible protests don't always yield lasting systemic change. 😟

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Karnataka HC says anyone caring for family is a homemaker

The Karnataka High Court clarified that any individual tirelessly caring for a family is considered a 'homemaker'. This definition is gender-neutral and includes working professionals who provide home services. The court ruled this while hearing a motor vehicle accident compensation case involving a woman from West Bengal. The claimant, despite having a Master's degree, was recognized as a homemaker for compensation calculation. Consequently, the court awarded an extra ₹1.96 lakh with 6% interest. 🏡

🏛️ FIR can be filed even if magistrate rejects S.156(3) application

The Supreme Court ruled that police can register an FIR even after a magistrate dismisses an application under Section 156(3) of the Cr.PC. This decision was made by Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice NV Anjaria while hearing an appeal against the Allahabad High Court's judgment. The Court noted that the magistrate's rejection does not constitute an adjudication on merits, which is crucial for the doctrine of res judicata. The statutory duty of the police under Section 154 of the Cr.PC remains independent of the magistrate's order. Therefore, the Court dismissed the appeal, upholding the continuation of the trial. ⚖️

🎓 NIT-Calicut records biggest UG batch ever

National Institute of Technology-Calicut welcomed over 1,600 new undergraduate students on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. These students are enrolling across BTech, BArch, and ITEP BSc-BEd streams at NIT-C. Jayaraj U. Kidav, Executive Director of NIELIT, inaugurated the orientation as the chief guest. NIT-C Director Prof. Prasad Krishna stressed the importance of this record-breaking intake. The multi-day program aims to familiarize them with campus life and academic support.

📸 Tamil Nadu CM wishes photographers on World Photography Day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay sent greetings to all photographers on World Photography Day. He shared this message on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, via his X platform. The Chief Minister noted that photographs turn life moments into lasting memories. Furthermore, he stated that artistic pictures capture time instantly and pass history to future generations. Members of the Tamil Nadu Press Photographers Cooperative Housing Society also met him at the Secretariat that day.

🗺️ Iran flips the script on US map war 🗺️

Iranian diplomatic channels claimed California as new Iranian territory on Tuesday. This move was a direct response to Donald Trump labeling the Strait of Hormuz as "NEW U.S. Territory." The escalating rhetoric shows deep diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran regarding regional security. California was chosen because of its large Iranian diaspora, particularly in Los Angeles County. The ongoing dispute centers on controlling the vital Strait of Hormuz, which handles a fifth of global petroleum supply.

📈 Stocks to track for August 20th: Big updates

Aditya Infotech approved a plan to raise up to ₹1,500 crore through equity shares. Hyundai Motor India announced it will increase vehicle prices by up to 1% across its portfolio. Oil India set September 4, 2026, as the record date for its 2025-26 final dividend. Hexaware Technologies stated there is no evidence of system breaches following media reports. Fedbank Financial Services plans to consider raising up to ₹2,500 crore through debt instruments on August 25, 2026.