🔬 IIT Madras eyeing medical degrees, not just engineering

IIT Madras is planning to establish a school of medical sciences to offer degrees like MBBS, MD, and PhD. Director V Kamakoti stated this push aims to boost domestic medical technology production at the institute. Since May 2023, a department was set up to train hybrid graduates like medical technologists. Kamakoti believes tech institutions must offer medical schools to navigate the modern medical market. The process requires National Medical Commission approval and a teaching hospital as a prerequisite.

🧑‍💼 UPSC hiring 80 APFCs for EPFO in 2026

The Union Public Service Commission has announced the recruitment for 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner posts in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. The online application window opens on August 22, 2026, and closes on September 11, 2026. These vacancies are distributed across categories, with 29 posts for the unreserved category listed. Candidates must have a valid degree and meet the age criteria before applying. Selection will involve a written examination, with further dates to be announced later. 💼

🌾 Black Sea attacks threaten global wheat supply

Global wheat buyers are getting ready for a significant supply shortage. This issue is directly linked to ongoing attacks in the Black Sea region. Reports indicate that export volumes could face major disruptions starting from late 2023. The instability in this key region heavily impacts international food security markets. Consequently, international commodity traders are closely monitoring the situation for further developments. 🌾

📚 Delhi Schools Starting Literacy & Numeracy Tests

Delhi schools are set to conduct foundational literacy and numeracy assessments across various classes. This initiative targets students from classes 2 through 8 across the city. The assessment drive is scheduled to take place starting from a specific date yet to be fully detailed. The purpose of this evaluation is to gauge the basic learning levels of the students. Authorities plan to use these results to tailor future educational support programs. 📚

🚀 AI robots to build a self-sufficient Mars city

Cosmic Robotics plans to construct a city on Mars by the mid-2030s using autonomous AI robots for construction labor. The San Francisco-based company has detailed a 4-step layered plan involving AI agents and robotic systems. They estimate the city can be self-sufficient with around 10,000 people, much fewer than SpaceX's estimate. This approach addresses the current lack of tools for sustainable off-world presence. The company secured a NASA contract last year to develop 'edge reasoning' VLM AI for space missions. 🤖

🧐 Minister's daughter criticized CM, faces scrutiny

Telangana Minister Konda Surekha's daughter, Susmita, publicly criticized CM A Revanth Reddy during her mother's birthday meet in Geesugonda. This led the Telangana Congress disciplinary committee to issue a notice demanding an explanation from Surekha. Susmita had previously threatened to contest Parkal independently if denied a party ticket for the next Assembly election. She questioned Revanth's authority and raised concerns about his selection process and past corruption allegations. Surekha later apologized, but the TPCC disciplinary chairperson gave her three days to respond. 🧐

🐆 Leopard caught in wild boar trap in Kerala

A leopard was found trapped in a snare intended for wild boars on agricultural land in Maloor, Kannur, Kerala. The trap was set by a farmer, Ramakrishnan, because wild boars were repeatedly damaging his crops. Locals discovered the animal early Thursday morning, leading to the Kottiyoor Forest Range Office being informed. Officials stated the leopard needs tranquilizing before a decision is made on its release back into the forest. The Forest Department will also investigate the farmer's trapping method. 🐆

🤷‍♂️ Poonawalla quits BJP, lays down Congress conditions

Shehzad Poonawalla has officially resigned from all positions within the BJP after citing personal financial difficulties. He expressed deep gratitude to Rajiv Gandhi for providing Rahul Gandhi, who he credits with Modi's 2014, 2019, and 2024 wins. Poonawalla stated he would only rejoin the Congress if Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were removed. He clarified his resignation was due to needing rent money, not ideological differences with the party. He maintains he is a first-generation politician who built his career independently. 🤷‍♂️

🤔 Poonawalla on joining Congress party

Shehzad Poonawalla stated that he feels forever indebted to Rajiv Gandhi. He mentioned that this sentiment is directed towards the Congress party in general. Poonawalla stated that he would join the Congress if certain conditions are met. This statement comes amidst ongoing political discussions in the nation. The future steps regarding his political alignment remain uncertain for now.

⚖️ Journalist challenges rape conviction in Supreme Court

Tarun Tejpal is challenging the conviction order and the 10-year jail sentence in the Supreme Court. He was convicted by the Bombay High Court following an incident in Goa involving a former junior colleague. The conviction stemmed from assaults on November 7 and November 8, 2013. The Goa government previously sought a life sentence, arguing the minimum sentence was too lenient. Tejpal's legal battle continues as he fights the court's judgment. ⚖️

🤢 Cockroach in delivery sparks celebrity complaint

Actor Shweta Tiwari tagged Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe after finding a cockroach in her online grocery order. The incident happened when she ordered cold drinks via the Instamart app. She shared a video on her Instagram Stories detailing the issue on August 20, 2026. This appeal comes as Mundhe is actively enforcing food safety rules across various establishments. She urged the commissioner to address the rising cockroach problem in homes. 🤢