🧐 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. 😢

🤖 US military funding boosts China's robot dogs

US military funding is reportedly helping advance China's development of robot dogs. Researchers and defense contractors in China are the main beneficiaries of this investment. This progress has been noted in recent defense technology reports from late 2023. The technology aims to improve surveillance and search-and-rescue capabilities in various operational environments. Future developments will likely focus on integrating these canine robots into broader military applications.

💧 Wellington reservoir getting a major upgrade in Tittakudi

Reconstruction work is actively underway at the Wellington reservoir near Tittakudi in Cuddalore district. This major waterbody, built in 1923, irrigates 9,737 hectares across 63 villages. The current project costs ₹130 crore, with over 60% of the rehabilitation completed as of August 18, 2026. The work aims to strengthen the bund and improve the main canal to handle current flood requirements safely. The remaining tasks are scheduled for completion within the next three months. 💧

✊ Patna students hit the streets over exam issues

Students in Patna, Bihar, have started an indefinite hunger strike and a major protest at the Gardnibagh site. This action follows similar movements in Delhi and Jharkhand demanding their rights. They are protesting for the Teacher Recruitment Exam (TRE-4) and several other pending examinations. The protest has been ongoing since August 18, 2026, gathering significant attention. Authorities are expected to respond to these demands soon. ✊