🍄 Mushroom mystery: Fungus makes people see tiny humans

A specific edible mushroom, Lanmaoa asiatica, causes Lilliputian hallucinations when undercooked. This fungus is found in Yunnan, China, and also in the northern Philippines. The phenomenon has been reported for nearly a century, with new DNA evidence linking communities across continents. Researchers found no known hallucinogens in the mushroom, suggesting a new psychoactive compound. The mystery continues as scientists try to understand these unique visions. 🍄

🚨 Two suspended officials busted in major job scam

Kadapa district police arrested two suspended government employees linked to a ₹3.80 crore job scam. The accused, Syed Mastan Valli and Chilumaru Srinivasulu Reddy, were apprehended by the Kadapa One Town police on Wednesday. Back in 2018, they lured 25 unemployed people by promising government jobs. They reportedly fabricated documents and collected significant bribes using their ZPP experience. The scam was exposed when the ZPP CEO found discrepancies during an internal review, leading to the police case. 🕵️

🤔 Pirro's special grand jury sparks controversy

A rare special grand jury has been convened in Washington, overseen by Steven Vandervelden, a close ally of US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. This formation is drawing attention because it might look into some of the most controversial cases handled by Pirro’s office. This move follows Pirro infuriating President Donald Trump by dismissing vandalism charges against a former Olympian. The grand jury has 23 members and can issue a report even without sufficient evidence for charges. Speculation is high about whether this panel could examine high-profile matters under scrutiny.

📣 Jagan tells YSRCP members to expose govt failures

YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy urged party legislators to highlight public concerns during the upcoming Legislative Assembly session. He addressed the party members on Wednesday, alleging the government tried to silence YSRCP by denying it Leader of Opposition status. He detailed issues like the DSC protests over 74 days and pending bills totaling over ₹12,400 crore for students. Furthermore, he called for raising concerns regarding farmers' MSP, privatization, and unjust cases against critics. Jagan stressed that legislators must attend sessions prepared to effectively challenge the government's shortcomings.

🚌 KSRTC buses running normally despite Mysuru bandh

KSRTC has confirmed that its bus services will operate as scheduled on Thursday despite the Karnataka bandh call. The Mysuru rural division of KSRTC has requested police security at all bus stands and depots for the day. All scheduled services will continue running without any interruption in bus operations. Meanwhile, hotels in Mysuru have decided to remain operational as they are considered essential services. This decision ensures normal public transport and accommodation services continue throughout the protest.

📈 Gaja Capital launches Rs 550-crore IPO

Gaja Capital, a homegrown alternative asset management company, has filed its Red Herring Prospectus (RHP). This IPO aims to raise a total of Rs 550 crore from investors. The listing is scheduled to begin on August 19th. The company is positioning itself as a strong player in the Indian financial sector. Investors can now look forward to its debut on the stock exchanges.

🐍 Hyderabad society warns against offering milk to snakes

The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has asked citizens to stop giving milk to snakes. This appeal was made by GHSPCA to people in Hyderabad regarding Naga Panchami on August 17. Over the years, the organization has rescued 5,366 snakes during this festival. GHSPCA notes that milk is not in snakes' natural diet and can cause serious health issues. They plan to run awareness and rescue operations with the Forest Department in various areas.

🤝 US-Iran Deal Wraps Sunday, Iran Wants More

The US-Iran deal is concluding on Sunday, marking the end of ongoing negotiations. Iran maintains that absolutely no progress has been made during these talks. Specific conditions demanded by Iran include several key points for a renewed agreement. This stance reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding regional policies. The next steps will depend on whether these new terms can be mutually accepted by both sides. 🤝

🎓 Alumni reminisce about Kakatiya University's early days

The Kakatiya University Retired Teachers’ Association organized a function to mark the university's golden jubilee in Warangal. Many senior professors attended, recalling the challenges of limited resources during the university's formative years. The institution started in 1968 as a Post-Graduate Centre and became a full university on August 19, 1976. The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the retired teachers' vital contribution to the university's national and international growth. Plans are underway, in coordination with senior staff, to celebrate this milestone throughout the year. 🎓

🤔 Mysuru sees mixed vibes on Karnataka bandh support 🧐

Support for the proposed Karnataka bandh is showing divisions across Mysuru among various Kannada organizations. The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha backs the shutdown, while Karnataka Kavalu Pade plans an indirect symbolic demonstration at Hardinge Circle on Thursday. The Mysuru District Hotel Owners’ Association explicitly stated it would not support the bandh due to economic strain. This decision followed a meeting at Rajkumar Park where differing opinions were voiced regarding the shutdown. Organizers suggested alternative forms of protest instead of imposing a complete shutdown.

🏥 Forest trek for patient due to no road access

A 75-year-old patient was carried on a makeshift bamboo stretcher through a dense forest for about 10 km on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This incident occurred in Edamalakkudy, Idukki district, as the patient was being transported to Adimaly Taluk Hospital from the Koodallarkudy settlement. This lack of road connectivity has caused repeated issues, including two similar incidents in 2025. Residents had previously demanded a 4-km road connection to emergency care. The Forest department is now awaiting a revised estimate to issue necessary permits for the road project. 🏥