🧐 SC orders states to set up SITs for fraud claims

The Supreme Court has directed all States to form Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe suspicious motor accident insurance claims. This order was passed by Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and PB Varale on August 17, 2026. The Court noted that fraud was of an 'enormous proportion' and warned that top insurance management would be accountable for selective referrals. Uttar Pradesh reported 2,188 complaints, leading to 231 FIRs against 533 accused persons. All States must now adopt this mechanism, and the matter is next heard on September 23. 🧐

🧠 Brain cells might cause age-related thinking dips

New research indicates that myelin-producing brain cells can become dysfunctional, actively contributing to cognitive decline. This was observed in participants from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 in Edinburgh, UK. Of 1,091 people, 866 underwent testing after age 70, showing decline rates. Findings overturn the idea that these cells are always helpful, suggesting new treatments targeting this dysfunction. Researchers are excited as this points to strategies to preserve cognition in aging. 🧠

🏏 Sri Lanka tail fights hard in 2nd Test

India struggled to dismiss the Sri Lankan tail during Day 3 of the second Test match in Colombo. Led by Sonal Dinusha and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sri Lanka closed the day at 265/8. Dinusha remained unbeaten on 85, continuing his excellent run with a third fifty in five innings. The long resistance from the lower order frustrated the Indian bowling attack significantly. India must quickly wrap up the innings on Day 4 to avoid the follow-on. 🏏

🚆 Railway Noise: Health Risks & India's Solutions

Railway noise pollution is a growing concern affecting public health across India. Various studies are investigating the impact of constant train sounds on residents living near railway lines. Data indicates that noise levels often exceed safe limits in densely populated areas as of the latest reports. This issue is linked to stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular problems in affected populations. Authorities are now looking into implementing stricter noise abatement measures for future infrastructure projects. 🚆

🩺 7 tiny habits quietly spiking your blood pressure

Several seemingly harmless daily habits can steadily increase blood pressure over time, according to medical experts. This risk is present for individuals across the spectrum, regardless of age or background. For instance, a 2023 JAMA trial showed low-sodium diets lowered systolic pressure by about 6 mmHg in one week. Chronic stress and poor sleep quality are also highlighted as significant silent contributors to cardiovascular strain. It is crucial to monitor readings, especially if they hit 140/90 mmHg or higher, to prevent long-term issues. 🩺

🧠 Weight loss drug linked to mental health perks

Researchers found that using semaglutide, a diabetes and obesity drug, was connected to lower mental health hospital stays for people with bipolar disorder. This study used Swedish national health records from 2009 to 2024 involving 14,694 individuals. Semaglutide use linked to a 21% lower risk of mental health hospitalization compared to non-use periods. This suggests GLP-1 medicines might affect brain inflammation, pointing to new research avenues. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to prove causation.

👀 Director shares tip for Saif's visually impaired role

The trailer for Haiwaan revealed Saif Ali Khan is portraying a visually disabled character hunted by Akshay Kumar. Director Priyadarshan advised Saif to 'keep your eyes open' to portray the role authentically. Priyadarshan noted that visually challenged people navigate using sound and smell, which he researched for the character. Saif was happy with the research, leading to a very natural performance in the film. The movie, featuring Boman Irani and Saiyami Kher, releases in cinemas on September 11.

🏆 Duleep Trophy: East Zone cruises to semis; North Zone fights back

East Zone convincingly defeated North East Zone by an innings and 210 runs in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final. Shahbaz Ahmed starred for East Zone, taking a career-best 167 and four wickets in the match. The match concluded on August 19th, showcasing East Zone's dominance in the fixture. Meanwhile, North Zone managed a late surge against West Zone on Day 3. West Zone now faces pressure needing 67 runs with three wickets in hand.

🎬 Internet debates Hania Aamir's viral video

A video of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir went viral on social media, sparking major discussion among netizens. The clip shows her chatting with her team while getting her hair styled for Halloween. Some viewers commented that her speech sounded slurred and she appeared drowsy. Speculation ranged from her being drunk to simply enjoying the celebration with excitement. No official statement has been released from Hania Aamir or her team regarding this incident. 🤷‍♀️

🏘️ Slum Dwellers Near PM Modi's Residence Get 6 Weeks to Move

The Delhi High Court has mandated that residents of three slum clusters near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence must vacate. These clusters are located in the Race Course area of Delhi. The court previously set a 15-day deadline when the government cited national security reasons for the relocation. The residents must move to the alternative colony provided by government authorities. This new directive gives them a total of six weeks to complete the relocation process. 🏘️

✈️ US Military Jet Lands in Moscow, Kremlin Denies Knowledge

A US Air Force transport plane, a Boeing Globemaster, landed at Moscow's Vnukovo airport on Tuesday. The aircraft came from Riga, Latvia, after departing from the US Camp Springs airbase near Washington, DC. Flightradar24 data shows it left Joint Base Andrews on Sunday afternoon, August 23rd. The Kremlin stated it had no prior information regarding the aircraft's arrival this week. Speculation suggests this could relate to a potential diplomatic or prisoner exchange. ✈️