⚽ SC Delhi bags Durand Cup semi-final spot

SC Delhi managed to secure a spot in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup semi-finals after beating FC Raengdai 5-1. This opening quarter-final match took place at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium on August 16. Despite FC Raengdai taking a 1-0 lead, SC Delhi fought back to win with help from players like Joseph Sunny and Rodriguinho. The victory advances SC Delhi to face the winner of another quarter-final on August 19 in Kolkata. The tournament also featured an Emerging Player Award given by the Durand Cup Tournament Society. ⚽

🗳️ Minister asks for separate OBC/SEBC category in Census 2027

Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include a specific category for OBCs or SEBCs in the Census 2027 questionnaire. He sent this letter to the PM highlighting how lacking this distinct category could impact the accuracy of caste enumeration data. Prabhakar pointed out that the 2011 SECC showed issues with varying spellings and local names causing verification problems. He suggested the Centre create a master caste directory with unique digital codes for recognized communities. This structured data is crucial for policies related to reservation, education, and welfare. 📝

🔋 Autorickshaw Unions Approve Telangana EV Push

Autorickshaw unions have welcomed the Telangana government's plan offering financial aid for EV retrofitting or new e-rickshaws. The Telangana Auto Driver Samaikya and TGPWU expressed appreciation for this pollution-reducing initiative. The scheme was announced to support drivers in transitioning to greener vehicles. However, they also called for the removal of limits on the number of EVs, stating the process must be simple. TGPWU confirmed they will keep fighting for fair fares and worker dignity despite this positive step. 🔋

✍️ Multi-lingual writers boost Kannada culture, says critic

Writer-critic Basavaraj Jagajampi stated that multi-lingual writers significantly enrich Kannada by bridging cultures. He made these comments in Belagavi during a felicitation event for Sarjoo Katkar and his wife Suma Katkar. Katkar, who came from Hubballi, was honored for winning the Nrupatunga Award on Sunday. Jagajampi noted that Katkar has inspired many writers and written 80 books. The event was jointly organized by Chandrakanth Kusanur Foundation, Kannada Sahitya Bhavan Trust, and M.K. Publicity. 📚

🐾 Assam's top wildlife dog retires after 8 years

Leon, a Belgian Malinois, retired from the Assam Forest Department on India’s 80th Independence Day. He served in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, alongside the State police. His career included guiding teams to a rhino poacher during the 2019 floods and patrolling the 1,302 sq. km area since November 2018. Leon completed intensive training and participated in over 200 patrols and 30 tactical operations. His last missions involved cracking gold thefts and apprehending poachers, showcasing his versatility. 🐾

🚨 UGC tells colleges to seriously crack down on ragging

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all higher educational institutions to strictly enforce anti-ragging rules. This notice was issued to prevent, prohibit, and eliminate ragging in all its forms across institutions. The directive emphasizes zero tolerance, aligning with the Supreme Court judgment from May 8, 2009. Institutions must strengthen anti-ragging bodies and prominently display the 24x7 helpline number, 1800-180-5522. Furthermore, immediate FIR registration and prompt complaint redressal are mandatory procedures. 📚

❤️ Anurag Kashyap on age gap with girlfriend

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap discussed his relationship with Shubhra Shetty and the 20-year age difference between them. The pair has been together for several years, with Anurag being 53 and Shubhra in her 30s. Anurag admitted to feeling conscious about the age gap and societal scrutiny surrounding their bond. He stated he is very happy and doesn't want to lose what they have found together. He mentioned that Shubhra does not believe in marriage, but he wants to continue with her.

🔫 Varanasi airport shooting incident details revealed

Two cargo screeners, Suman Kumari and Rohit Raj, recounted the accidental firing of a passenger's pistol at Varanasi airport. The incident involved 55-year-old Kamlesh Kedarnath Rai from Azamgarh while he was checking in for Air India Express flight IX-1810 on Sunday. During the 9:30am screening, the weapon discharged, injuring both screeners who were taken to New Laxmi Hospital. The civil aviation ministry is investigating if weapon handling procedures were followed, while police have also started an inquiry. Airport operations continued without any disruption following the event. 🔫

🩺 Free health camp held by Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj

The Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj organized a free medical and blood donation camp at its Visakhapatnam premises. Medical professionals conducted checks like blood pressure, blood sugar, ECG, and eye exams. The event took place on Sunday to mark the 80th Independence Day. Over 200 members and their families from various parts of Visakhapatnam attended and used the facilities. The camp aimed to boost health awareness and encourage voluntary blood donation. 🩺

💧 Shivakumar: Farmers vs. Law in Cauvery Issue

Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar stated that protecting farmers' interests and upholding the law are both crucial in the Cauvery issue. Speaking in Kodagu district on Sunday, he noted that state reservoirs are not fully filled, posing a challenge. He mentioned that CWMA has issued directions for water-sharing during shortages and distress. Shivakumar warned that ignoring the law could lead to the central government taking control of dams. He also clarified that Mekedatu construction won't impact Tamil Nadu's 177.25 tmcft water allocation annually. 💧

🩺 Feeling cold? 5 signs of low iron from a doctor

Physician Dr Kunal Sood shared five signs that could indicate low iron levels in a recent Instagram video. He pointed out symptoms like feeling unusually cold and experiencing breathlessness, which are connected to iron deficiency. These signs include persistent exhaustion, cold intolerance, shortness of breath during activity, more hair shedding, and pale skin. Low iron hinders hemoglobin's oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to these noticeable issues. Blood tests are required to confirm the diagnosis, making cause identification crucial for recovery. 🩺