📚 Odisha launches scholarship for overseas studies

Odisha has officially launched the Bidesh Sikhya Bruti scholarship scheme to aid deserving students. This initiative specifically targets students belonging to the SC and ST communities across the state. The scholarship is designed to fund postgraduate and PhD level studies pursued abroad by eligible students. The program aims to enhance higher education opportunities for marginalized groups in Odisha. Further official details regarding the application process will be released in due course.

🚨 Dindigul Tahsildar removed over political surveillance order

The Tamil Nadu government relieved Tahsildar M. Ayyasamy from his post on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This action followed his order directing officials to collect details of CPI and CPI(M) members in Dindigul district. His circular instructed Village Assistants and Revenue Inspectors to gather names and addresses by the same evening. The Dindigul Collector subsequently withdrew the order amid backlash. Mr. Ayyasamy has been directed to appear before the Commissioner of Revenue Administration in Chennai for further inquiry.

🚨 Dindigul Tahsildar Suspended Over Party Data Collection

The Tamil Nadu government suspended M. Ayyasamy, the tahsildar of Guziliamparai in Dindigul district. This action followed his order directing Village Assistants and Revenue Inspectors to collect details of CPI and CPI(M) members. The controversial order was issued on August 18, 2026, demanding submission by evening with threats of action. CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam stated the reasons would only be known after the inquiry. Ayyasamy has been directed to appear before the Commissioner of Revenue Administration in Chennai for further questioning.

🔍 PM Cares Fund audit underway

An audit of the PM Cares Fund has been initiated by authorities. This financial review is being conducted by a designated auditing body across India. The fund manages substantial amounts of money, details of which are currently being scrutinized. This audit aims to ensure the proper and transparent utilization of the collected donations. The findings from this review will inform future financial governance of the fund.

⚖️ Meta faces massive suit over kids' mental health

A coalition of 29 states filed a federal suit against Meta, alleging harmful product choices targeting children. The lawsuit, which began in Oakland, involves states like California and New Jersey. This case, similar to the tobacco industry's 1994-1998 legal battles, accuses Meta of violating COPPA and knowing its product harms youth. States are seeking potentially hundreds of billions in damages and design changes like age gating. The trial is set to last six to eight weeks, with Mark Zuckerberg expected to testify. 📱

💸 Fake cash seizures jump 200% in 2026

Counterfeit currency seizures have surged by over 200% in 2026, hitting a seven-year high in just six months. The Border Security Force (BSF) seized counterfeit notes worth Rs 65.25 lakh by June 30, 2026, in border areas. This amount is 243 per cent higher than the Rs 19.02 lakh seized during the entire year of 2025. This sharp rise shows intensified BSF action against fake currency circulation, which is a national security issue. BSF is now strengthening checks, particularly in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir, to curb these networks. 💸

💰 Sunny Deol's Batwara hits 30 Cr at Day 5

Sunny Deol's film, Batwara, has achieved a significant box office milestone on its fifth day of release. The movie is currently raking in an impressive Rs 30 Crore collection across India. This success marks a strong opening for the film's run in the domestic market. The film is generating buzz due to its action-packed narrative and performances. Further collections will be tracked as the movie continues its theatrical run in various cities.

👩‍⚕️ Diet + fasting helps women with type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that a lacto-vegetarian diet combined with 14-hour time-restricted eating significantly improved metabolic outcomes in women with Type 2 diabetes. This research was conducted in India, involving 90 women aged 25–60 years over a 24-week period. The intervention group saw a decrease in mean caloric intake by about 9% from the baseline data. This suggests that culturally adaptable and sustainable eating patterns can aid T2DM management. Further investigation into these combined approaches is warranted for this patient group. 👩‍⚕️

🗳️ Nixon stuns Vindman in Florida Senate primary upset

Democratic socialist Angie Nixon secured a surprise win in Florida’s Democratic primary for the US Senate on Tuesday. She defeated retired Army officer Alexander Vindman in the contest held in Florida. The primary saw Nixon, a state legislator since 2020, win despite being heavily outspent by Vindman. Nixon will now face Republican Senator Ashley Moody in the November general election for the remaining two years. If elected, Nixon would become Florida’s first Black US senator. 🗳️

🌟 Kacha Badam star Anjali Arora to play Sita in Ramayana film

Social media sensation Anjali Arora is set to portray Mata Sita in the upcoming film, 'Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha – Shri Ram Ki'. She is starring opposite Dev Sharma as Lord Ram in this project. The film's teaser was released on Tuesday, generating major online buzz about the casting. Many netizens reacted negatively, labeling the situation as 'Ghor Kalyug' and expressing disappointment. The movie, directed by Abhishek Singh, is scheduled to release on September 25, 2026. 😔

📈 India's big earnings might slow down in H2

India Inc had its strongest earnings quarter in years, driven by several factors. This strong performance was seen across the BSE 500 universe by Nuvama analysts. The initial momentum relies on favourable base effects, weaker rupee, and high commodity prices which are set to fade. Analysts warn that without new demand stimulus, sharp deceleration in profits is expected in H2FY27. Companies now face pressure to balance volume growth against rising input costs. 📉