😵 Kollam station chaos during Onam rush 🚉

Ongoing redevelopment at Kollam railway station is causing major issues for festival commuters. The disruption is affecting passengers at Kollam, Kerala, amid the Onam rush period. Ticket counters and info centers have moved to a temporary spot at the main entrance, effective since the demolition of old blocks. Lack of signage and safety hazards make travel difficult, especially for those using the second entrance. Authorities need to install vending machines and proper boards to ease the strain on daily commuters.

🌾 MGNREGA gone, new job guarantee is here

MGNREGA, the rural job safety net, was repealed on July 1, 2026, and replaced by VB-G RAM G. This new mission is being implemented across rural India, increasing the guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days per household. So far, 65.51% of the approved 95.03 crore person-days have been generated as of July 22. The biggest shift is that most states must now share the cost with the Centre in a 60:40 ratio. The scheme now focuses on assets like water security and climate resilience, with potential big gains for UP and Maharashtra. 👷

💪 Muscle loss starts earlier than you think

Sarcopenia, once seen only in old age, is now recognized as happening much sooner due to sedentary habits and diet. Dr Nitin Kapoor's team found low muscle mass in nearly one in three adults aged 30 to 60 in a Kerala cohort. Among weight-loss medication users, muscle loss accounted for a larger share of weight reduction in women. Diabetes can also impact muscle health because insulin plays a key role in building tissues. Simple checks like calf circumference can help spot declining muscle mass early. 🧐

🧐 PM CARES Fund holding huge amounts idle?

The PM CARES Fund received ₹1,279.9 crore in FY 2024-25 but only spent ₹87.85 lakh, according to audited financials. This fund, chaired by the Prime Minister and operating in India, saw donations drop 30% compared to the prior year. The fund's closing balance stood at ₹8,452.06 crore as of FY 2024-25. An RTI activist questioned why such massive sums are kept idle and pointed to opaque filings. The fund continues to avoid public scrutiny by not being under the RTI Act. 🧐

💰 PM CARES fund donations surge, spending remains minimal

The PM CARES Fund saw a massive 592% jump in donations, reaching nearly ₹480 crore in 2024-25. This fund, which is chaired by the Prime Minister, operates as a public charitable trust. In 2024-25, the fund received ₹1,279.9 crore in total income but only spent ₹87.85 lakh, which is 0.1%. This low spending resulted in a closing balance of ₹8,452.06 crore as of 2024-25. Activists are raising concerns over the fund's opaque filings and lack of public scrutiny.

👓 Nearsightedness: Parents Learn Its Impact on Kids' Vision

Parents are realizing that nearsightedness is more serious than they initially thought regarding their children's eyesight. This concern was highlighted after discussions about vision health in various families across different regions. Data suggests that early detection is crucial, noting specific milestones and potential risk factors. The issue underscores the need for proactive eye care routines for young individuals. Therefore, experts advise regular check-ups to manage and prevent vision deterioration in kids. 👓

🤕 Accident aftermath: Ex-son-in-law takes care of her

A woman woke up after an accident, recalling a previous night's events where her nearly ex-son-in-law was present. During the incident, she suffered a head injury and was initially worried about the costs involved. The police found the man near the strip mall, and she had to decide whether to press charges against him. Now recovering, she reflects on the system and her complicated feelings towards the alleged assailant. 🤕

🎮 Sinking City 2 gets mixed reviews from critics

Sinking City 2 has recently been released, and critics have offered a variety of opinions on the game. The title was tested across various platforms, including the Xbox ecosystem. Specific scores and detailed reviews are available as of the latest reports. The game builds upon the foundations of the first installment, promising more depth and new mechanics. Players can now decide for themselves if this sequel is worth their time investment.

🎬 Vijay Varma fires back at Dolly Singh's shade

Vijay Varma had a witty exchange with influencer Dolly Singh at the International Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026. Dolly called the actor the “nation's biggest red flag” on screen during the event. Vijay, who won Best Performance for Matka King, jokingly told her to buy red cloth for flags. Dolly initially pushed back on his joke, but the banter remained light-hearted. Vijay Varma is set to appear in the Netflix series Family Business next. 🎭

⚖️ Jharkhand exam cancellation sparks job loss fears 😟

The Jharkhand government cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam and all recruitment tests conducted by TDPL since 2014 following protests over alleged irregularities. This move, announced on Monday, August 17, 2026, has now led to anxiety among at least 2,000 successful candidates who fear losing their jobs. These current government employees demand a fair chance to defend themselves against the allegations. They are calling for a CBI probe, while the government suggests legal recourse is available to the candidates. A committee headed by Amitabh Kaushal will now recommend reforms to strengthen the recruitment process.

🕊️ Dior PR Exec Mathilde Favier Passes Away

Dior announced the accidental death of its long-time PR executive, Mathilde Favier. She tragically passed away in a car accident on Monday, which also claimed her companion, French film producer Nicolas Altmayer. Mathilde Favier was an international PR director for Dior women and had VIP relations with stars like Rihanna. She was also known for her 2024 coffee-table book and had 242,000 social media followers. LVMH's Bernard Arnault expressed deep sadness over the loss of this exemplary professional. 😢