🩺 Pune survey shows TB returning post-treatment

A large-scale tuberculosis survey in Pune revealed a worrying trend of recurrent TB in survivors. Researchers monitored 1,076 TB survivors and 3,309 household contacts between Jan 21, 2021, and Sept 4, 2023. They found 75 TB survivors, or 7% of the surveyed group, developed recurrent TB within the follow-up period. This highlights the critical need for active surveillance after TB treatment completion. The data is expected to guide future policy decisions regarding post-treatment TB monitoring. 🩺

🏏 England dominates first day, Pakistan struggles

England managed to trail by 59 runs after a dominant first day of the Test match. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both took five-wicket hauls while playing at Headingley. Pakistan scored 171 runs, while England reached 112 for 2 on the date. Despite initial resistance, Pakistan suffered a destructive collapse towards the end of the day. The match will continue with England holding a strong position heading into the next session. 🏏

✊ TNCC protests Amit Shah over policies

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore led a protest in Egmore against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The protest included former TNCC presidents K.S. Alagiri and Su. Thirunavukarasar. This action took place on Wednesday while Amit Shah was chairing the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tamil Nadu. The Congress unit opposed Amit Shah's policies, specifically the Delimitation and paper leaks. They demanded that the Home Minister listen to the voices of the people. ✊

🏛️ Jain and others in custody over DJB scam

Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain and four other individuals were sent to judicial custody in the ongoing Delhi Jal Board scam case. Ankit Shrivastava was also sent to one-day police custody as part of the latest court developments. This case focuses on alleged irregularities within the Delhi Jal Board operations. The legal proceedings continue to scrutinize the high-profile allegations surrounding the civic body. Further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days. 🏛️

⚕️ Health Minister to launch big infectious diseases conference

Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya is scheduled to inaugurate CIDSCON 2026 in Gandhinagar this Thursday. This major conference will gather top experts focusing on infectious diseases. Over 950 delegates are expected to attend the event, which will also feature a book unveiling. AI is listed as an emerging theme, with a dedicated workshop planned for it. The minister will officially kick off the proceedings, marking a focus on medical advancements.

💻 Meta's new Mac app packs AI power for everyone

Meta has rolled out a new Mac application featuring its AI chatbot with added screen sharing and productivity tools. This update is for businesses, creators, and regular users across the platform. It launched on Wednesday and integrates with Meta services and Google Workspace. The goal is to make the AI chatbot a more productivity-focused assistant against competitors like ChatGPT. However, the app currently lacks incognito mode and may use data for future AI training. 🤖

🚨 Data Operator Busted for Passport Bribery in Arakkonam

An assistant data operator was arrested by DVAC for demanding a bribe to release a passport verification certificate. The accused, K. Raja, was working with the Arakkonam Taluk police in Ranipet. He allegedly demanded ₹500, but ultimately received ₹400 online from the complainant, K. Sridhar. Sridhar, who lives in Arakkonam, needed the certificate for his wife's Dubai passport application. A case has been registered against Raja, and the investigation is ongoing. 🚨

🏥 TN rolls out big health cover for seniors

Tamil Nadu has launched the ‘Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme’ as part of geriatric outreach efforts. This scheme covers nearly 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above across the state. The announcement was made by Health Minister K.G. Arunraj on Monday, August 17, 2026. It provides free medical treatment for serious ailments like cancer and transplants without income ceilings. This move addresses the increasing ageing population trend in the state. 👵

⚽ Barca eyeing German striker as Alvarez backup

FC Barcelona is admiring 21-year-old German striker Nicolo Tresoldi as a potential No. 9 replacement. The club is looking at Tresoldi following the collapse of their pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Tresoldi has been stellar since joining Club Brugge in the summer of 2025, bagging 23 goals and 9 assists in his debut season. Currently in the 2026/27 season, he has already scored three goals in three games. Club Brugge is demanding over €40 million for the player, presenting a cheaper option for Barça. ⚽

🚨 Bengaluru woman arrested for faking gold pledge

A 36-year-old woman from Bengaluru was arrested in Tirupattur on Wednesday for pledging fake gold jewellery. The police confirmed the arrest of V. Rajana, 36, in Tirupattur town, after she defrauded a pawnbroker. On July 17, Rajana claimed she pledged three sovereigns for her husband's medical bills and received ₹1.5 lakh. The pawn shop owner later found the ornaments contained mostly fake metal, prompting a police case. Further investigation is currently underway by the authorities. 🚨

🦟 Vector-borne disease cases down in Ahmedabad

Vector-borne diseases are showing a dip in Ahmedabad despite cloudy weather conditions. Health department figures show 48 malaria and 68 dengue cases reported until August 16th. In comparison, the full month of August 2025 saw 223 malaria and 428 dengue cases. Experts note that open fields and construction sites still pose breeding risks for mosquitoes. Citizens are advised to prevent water accumulation and use repellents.