💸 PM CARES Fund spending looks kinda sus 🧐

The PM CARES Fund spent only Rs 88 lakh in FY 2024-25 out of its massive Rs 8452 crore corpus. This meager amount only provided Rs 2,596 per child for the 3,383 beneficiaries under the children's scheme. Additionally, around 93% of the total fund, totaling Rs 7,847 crore by the end of FY 25, is locked in fixed deposits. This contrasts sharply with disaster relief needs in various states across India. The fund's lack of transparency and low expenditure on social programs is drawing scrutiny.

⚽ Fermin Lopez talks big moves at Barça 🤩

Fermin Lopez shared his views on the new season for Barcelona with ARA. He commented on new signings and mentioned players like Julian Alvarez and Rodri. The club is set to welcome Rodri, who will take Fermin's former number 16. Fermin is excited to wear the number 7 shirt, following Ferran Torres' departure. He also praised manager Hansi Flick's guidance and the talent from La Masia.

🎧 CMF is dropping new wireless earbuds soon

CMF by Nothing has officially confirmed the unveiling of its Buds Neo wireless earbuds. The announcement was made via an X post detailing the product launch. The Buds Neo are scheduled to be revealed on August 20, 2026. A teaser video provided a first look at the charging case, which includes a smart dial. More specific details about these earbuds are expected before the Thursday launch.

🏫 Dipke's drive brings first computer to village school

Abhijeet Dipke’s 'School Thik Karo' campaign resulted in a government school in Santuk Pimpri village receiving its first computer. Dipke visited the Zilla Parishad-run school in Hingoli district on August 15, highlighting issues like broken windows and poor amenities. Following his visit, local authorities started repairs, including replacing windows and fixing CCTV cameras. The campaign also saw Dipke address other issues like student chores and unsafe drinking water sources. He continues these visits to push for better infrastructure in Hingoli's government schools. 💻

🏏 England's new chapter starts vs Pakistan 🏏

England is kicking off its post-Stokes era by hosting Pakistan at Headingley for their Test series. Joe Root is resuming as full-time captain for England, while Pakistan sees Babar Azam return as captain. The first Test is scheduled from August 19-23, with both teams aiming to overcome recent struggles. England needs a series win after underwhelming results since November-December 2024. Both teams are trying to build momentum as they stand at seventh and eighth in the WTC standings.

🍎 School health vs. outside junk food in Bengaluru

Schools in Bengaluru are trying to promote healthy eating habits through internal policies and educational boards. Ryan International School and others have implemented 'sugar boards' to curb sugar and oil consumption among students. These initiatives run alongside government orders banning junk food near school campuses. However, principals note that external food choices outside school hours remain a major challenge for students. Parents are advised to reinforce healthy choices at home to support school efforts.

🚁 Coast Guard saves 9 fishermen from sinking boat

An Indian Coast Guard team from Daman successfully rescued nine fishermen from a boat sinking in the Arabian Sea. The rescue operation was conducted by the ICG Air Station (ICGAS) after receiving a distress call. This incident occurred on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. During the operation, three fishermen sustained minor injuries and were taken to a Government Hospital. The ICG's swift action prevented a potential maritime disaster.

🚩 CPI(M) slams UDF over executive power shift

The CPI(M) accused the Congress-led UDF government of giving executive power to the RSS-controlled Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This criticism came from the CPI(M) State secretary, M.V. Govindan, in Kerala. The party noted that the UDF failed to object to Governor Rajendra Arlekar summoning the State Police Chief. This surrender, according to CPI(M), shows a dangerous political shift towards Hindutva in the Congress. The party warned about the national leadership's drift and its subtle adoption of the Sangh Parivar's agenda. 😟

🏛️ CM tells Minister to fix Mandya Uni lecturer pay issue

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reportedly asked Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi to solve the salary payment problem for guest lecturers at Mandya University. MLC Madhu G. Made Gowda and Mandya MLA Ravikumar Ganiga met Shivakumar at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday, August 18, to highlight the university's financial crisis. Over 150 guest lecturers are currently at Mandya University, needing an estimated ₹6 crore annually for salaries. The new government order pressures the university to pay from student fees, jeopardizing the university's existence and student futures. The CM instructed the Minister to urgently look into and resolve this critical matter.

🚨 Terror Network Busted Before Independence Day

A terror network linked to Shahzad Bhatti has been successfully dismantled across India. The operation targeted individuals across 14 different states in the country. Authorities have made over 200 arrests during the extensive crackdown. This massive operation was conducted before the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Further actions are expected to continue to neutralize remaining threats. 🇮🇳

🏛️ Kerala HC summons ACS over DGP complaint delay

The Kerala High Court has directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Minhaj Alam to appear personally. This follows a complaint filed by Dipin Edavana, an Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector from Malappuram, against DGP S. Sreejith. Justice A. Badharudeen issued the order after the State requested more time to hear Edavana's complaint within three weeks. Previously, the court set aside an order claiming Edavana's complaint was false without a proper hearing. Now, the petitioner argued that the allowed three weeks had expired, leading to this summons. 🏛️