🧠 Kozhikode mental health institute lacks full-time director

IMHANS, a key mental healthcare center in Kerala, still lacks a full-time director following the passing of P. Krishnakumar in 2025. The institute, located in Kozhikode, functions under the Kerala Health department and handles mental healthcare for North Kerala districts. After the previous government's attempts failed, the recruitment process remains stuck despite a new state government. Staff association members have suggested T.M. Shibu Kumar for the post, citing his familiarity with the institute's work. A director is crucial for developing new schemes and spearheading research at this vital center. 🧠

📚 NCERT and CBSE face massive staff shortages

A parliamentary committee report highlighted severe staffing issues at NCERT and CBSE. NCERT currently has 1,596 vacancies out of 2,844 posts as of October 2025. CBSE is facing a 44% deficit, with 933 out of 2,117 approved positions unfilled. These shortages threaten the implementation of NEP 2020 and the quality of national board exams. The committee urged both bodies to start fast-track recruitment immediately.

⚖️ Supreme Court questions FSSAI's stance on food labeling

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for refusing to mandate warning labels on foods high in fat, sugar, and salt. This ruling specifically targets the FSSAI's decision-making process regarding nutritional labeling standards. The Court questioned whether industry pressure was influencing the agency's resistance to implementing such clear health warnings. This move puts significant pressure on the regulatory body to reconsider its current guidelines for packaged food. The Court is now awaiting the FSSAI's response regarding the reasons behind its past objections. ⚖️

🕵️‍♂️ Ajay Devgn's Crime Patrol 2026 role clarified

Reports circulated claiming Ajay Devgn replaced Anup Soni as the host for Crime Patrol 2026. However, a fact-check confirmed that Devgn is joining as a Special Host for select episodes. This announcement came after the show's premiere date was set for Monday, August 31, 2026. The makers wanted Devgn due to his popularity, and he agreed despite his busy schedule. A primary host for the remaining episodes is yet to be revealed. 🕵️‍♂️

🇮🇳 What Vande Mataram's powerful lyrics actually mean

Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, celebrates India's natural beauty, abundance, and strength. The song addresses the motherland, portraying it as fertile, water-rich, and blessed with pleasant breezes. It also depicts the nation as beautiful under moonlight and adorned with flourishing flora. Furthermore, the lyrics highlight the collective strength of millions of voices and arms ready to defend the country. Ultimately, the song presents India as a nurturing mother who provides happiness and possesses immense power. 🇮🇳

🚨 Ex-MLA Nirmal Ghosh arrested in RG Kar case

Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh was arrested by West Bengal Police on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, regarding the hurried cremation of a 31-year-old doctor. This incident stems from the rape and murder that occurred at RG Kar Hospital on August 9, 2024, in the state. A fresh FIR was lodged by the victim’s father on Sunday, August 9, 2026, alleging no family consent was taken. Ghosh, who fled to Odisha, was traced and apprehended after police tracked his mobile tower location. He is being transported to Kolkata and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, August 14, 2026. 🚨

🔬 New blood test might spot multiple cancers early

Researchers have developed a blood test capable of detecting various types of cancer simultaneously. This diagnostic tool was developed by scientists at a major medical institute in the region. The test showed promising results in preliminary studies conducted between January and March 2024. It has the potential to reveal not just the presence of cancer, but also its original site of origin. Further clinical trials are scheduled to validate its effectiveness across larger patient groups. 🔬

⚡ Bangladesh faces massive power cuts, asks India for backup

Bangladesh is enduring a severe power crisis, with outages lasting 8 to 10 hours across many regions. This situation is happening in rural areas outside Dhaka, as demand of 18,000 MW exceeds supply of 13,000 MW. The crisis stems from a shortage of fuel, especially natural gas, compounded by an LNG terminal fire and rough seas. Consequently, the Tarique Rahman government ordered shops to close by 8 pm and has reached out to India for extra diesel. This request leverages the 2017 India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline agreement for energy security. 💡

🎬 Big OTT Drop This Week: Cocktail 2 & Reacher S4

Several new movies and series are hitting OTT platforms during this Independence Day week. Cocktail 2, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, is coming to Netflix on August 14, 2026. Alan Ritchson also returns for Reacher Season 4 on Prime Video, with the first three episodes dropping on August 12, 2026. Other notable releases include Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata on ZEE5 and Aakhri Sawaal on Lionsgate Play. Viewers can check out all the new content available from August 10 to August 16. 🍿

🧠 Plant sugars fueled brain growth over 4 million years

New research suggests that natural sugars from fruits and honey were vital for human brain evolution. The study, led by Jenny Brand-Miller of the University of Sydney, tracked glucose needs from 4 million years ago to modern humans. Brain size increased from 300 grams to 1,500 grams over this period, demanding more glucose. This offers a new view beyond just meat consumption as the driver of human evolution. Moving forward, this sheds light on why humans crave sweet things and prenatal nutritional needs. 🧠

🤒 Flu vs H1N1: When to see a doc

If a fever has subsided but severe weakness persists, medical consultation is advised. This situation can affect anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms. For instance, specific symptoms should be monitored over the next week. Doctors recommend seeking care to differentiate between a common flu and H1N1 infection. Timely medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.