🤝 India aiming for HIV-free status by 2030

A health official stated that everyone must collaborate to make India HIV-free by the year 2030. This statement was made by Girija Thayi, Joint Director of Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society, in Dakshina Kannada. The goal is set for 2030, and the meeting took place at the District Health and Family Welfare Officer's office. She emphasized that building an HIV-free India is a collective responsibility requiring public cooperation with health departments. The team also visited several Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres on August 21, 2026.

🏚️ Raval school looks like a warzone in UP

The school in Raval, UP, is in a severely dilapidated state. This grim condition is being observed by local observers and noted under Hema Malini's purview. Specific details regarding the infrastructure decay or exact dates were not provided in the report. The situation highlights serious issues within the local educational facilities. Authorities need to intervene urgently to address the poor state of the school.

🕵️ ED raids seven spots in Vivekananda Reddy murder case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at seven locations in Hyderabad and Kadapa on Friday, August 21. The raids targeted key accused residences in connection with the 2019 murder of Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. During the operation, ₹24 lakh in unaccounted cash and two locker keys were seized from Y.S. Avinash Reddy's premises. The ED's money laundering case is based on CBI chargesheets alleging a conspiracy to eliminate Reddy due to his political influence. Further investigation is currently underway by the agency. 🕵️

📉 Walmart expects Flipkart's shift to hurt Q3 sales

Walmart anticipates a significant dip in its third-quarter sales performance. This expected downturn is linked to the shift of Big Billion Days sales activities by Flipkart. The company projects a hit exceeding 100 basis points in the upcoming quarter. This adjustment reflects changes in the competitive landscape within the Indian e-commerce sector. Walmart is now recalibrating its sales forecasts based on these market dynamics.

🎓 Sheela Reddy steps up at CUAP

C. Sheela Reddy, the senior-most professor from Political Science, has taken charge as the in-charge Vice-Chancellor of CUAP. She is taking over the role in Anantapur after S.A. Kori's term ended on August 20. Previously, she served as the Dean (Academics) at CUAP. She is an accomplished academic who also served as Principal of Sri Venkateshwara College, University of Delhi. Moving forward, she will lead the university based on her extensive experience. 🎓

🌾 Job card melas happening in Shirahatti taluk

A special awareness campaign and job card melas are running across Shirahatti taluk in Gadag district. This initiative is under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. The campaign runs from August 15 to September 15, with melas held in Kadakol, Rantur, and Majjur. Officials are visiting households to identify needy families and complete e-KYC formalities. The goal is to secure local employment and curb migration from rural areas. 🤝

🏥 Delhi ready for flu season surge

The Delhi health minister announced that the capital is fully equipped to handle the expected seasonal influenza cases. This preparation involves strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the city. Officials confirmed that necessary medical supplies and staff reinforcements are in place as of early October. The measures aim to ensure smooth patient care throughout the upcoming flu season. Authorities will continue monitoring the situation closely to manage any sudden spikes.

🏛️ Ancient temples getting major glow-up, deities honored

The HR&CE Minister, S. Ramesh, announced the renovation of 64 temples older than 1,000 years, with a total budget of ₹125 crore. This includes ₹7 crore from donor funds for five of these historical temples. Additionally, 75 fully and 75 partly dilapidated temples will also receive renovation funding. New facilities like resting halls and Pongal mandapams are planned for several specific temples. The minister also confirmed cultural programs to honor folk deities and ancient traditions across Tamil Nadu.

🌟 Sowcar Janaki: A Life Lived On Her Own Terms

Sowcar Janaki lived a life defined by her independence and unconventional spirit throughout her journey. She worked across seven decades and nearly 400 films in five languages, from her 1950 debut in Shavukaru. She proved her versatility by taking emotionally charged roles and even running a restaurant from 1992 to 1995. Despite facing loneliness in later years, she embraced life's uncertainties with courage. Ultimately, her philosophy was to exit peacefully when the curtain comes down.

🛑 Road blockade continues between Assam and Meghalaya

Cab operators in Assam blocked Meghalaya-registered vehicles on the Guwahati-Shillong road for the second day on Friday, August 21, 2026. This disruption occurred after August 19 attacks on Assam-registered vehicles during a KSU rally in Shillong. The blockade at Jorabat and Khanapara severely impacted the movement of passengers and goods between the two states. The Assam State Drivers’ Association demands the Meghalaya government punish those who damaged vehicles and assault people. Authorities have activated helplines and issued advisories regarding alternative travel routes. 🛑

🌸 Chokramudy blooms as land grabs get shut down

The Neelakurinji flowers are blooming again on the Chokramudy slopes after encroachments were evicted in 2025. This happened in Bison Valley, Kerala, following protests against illegal land grabs. In August 2024, land was illegally acquired, and by March 2025, the government reclaimed 13.69 acres. Local activism successfully protected the ecosystem, allowing the flowers to revive. The hills will be open to the public starting August 24th. 🌸