🦟 Severe malaria strain pops up in Northeast India

A severe malaria strain, previously known for milder symptoms, is causing serious infections in the region. This was reported by ICMR-NIHR researchers in Tripura, where they studied 223 Plasmodium vivax patients. During the study period, 11 of these patients experienced severe disease, marking a first for the Northeast. This finding challenges the old view that vivax in the Northeast mainly causes benign illness. The ICMR-NIHR is now planning a study to understand the rise in vivax infection share.

🏫 Cockroach party pushes for school fixes in India

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has launched the #SchoolThikKaro campaign to highlight poor school infrastructure across India. The party is focusing on crumbling facilities, citing examples like a girls' school in Faridabad, Delhi. Official data shows India spends only 4.1% of its GDP on education, which is below the ideal 6% recommended by NEP. This campaign follows earlier protests by the CJP regarding the NEET exam scandal. Students are now actively using social media to expose neglected school conditions nationwide. 🏫

🚀 China's Chang'e-7 heads to the Moon's South Pole

China is preparing to launch the ambitious Chang'e-7 lunar mission to search for frozen water in dark craters near the moon's south pole. This uncrewed mission will deploy a robotic lander, rover, and a hopping probe from Hainan's Wenchang Space Launch Site. The spacecraft is equipped with water analyzers to scout locations like the Shackleton crater. This exploration supports China's larger goal of a crewed lunar landing by 2030 and a research station with Russia by 2035. The discovery of ancient water could be vital for future lunar bases.

🛡️ Ukraine knocks down 90% of Russian cruise missiles

Ukraine managed to intercept roughly 90% of the cruise missiles during a massive Russian overnight attack on Kyiv and its vicinity. President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed this on Thursday, noting that ballistic missiles present a much tougher defense challenge. The combined Russian assault on August 19-20 included various missiles and drones, resulting in 17 deaths and 42 injuries. More than 200 sites were damaged, including 86 residential buildings and a children's hospital. Zelensky vowed a long-range response and called for more Patriot air-defense missiles.

⚖️ Student protest sparks BCI reckoning

A controversy at Nalsar led to a massive debate over the Bar Council of India’s authority and accountability. On August 13, the BCI directed state councils to stop enrolling the entire 2026 Nalsar graduating batch. This action was a response to a student campaign opposing Chief Justice Surya Kant's convocation attendance. Hundreds of alumni and lawyers rallied in support, challenging the regulator's move. Ultimately, BCI modified and then withdrew its order, but legal challenges remain active. ⚖️

🩺 India cracks down on risky hair transplant clinics

India is introducing strict regulations for the growing hair transplant industry following several fatal incidents nationwide. The health ministry has framed guardrails for centers across the country to ensure patient safety and proper medical oversight. These guidelines mandate qualified staff, surgical-grade facilities, and emergency preparedness starting soon. Previously, gaps included no pre-anesthetic checkups and missing resuscitation infrastructure in these centers. Centers failing to meet these standards face penalties up to ₹5 lakh under the relevant Act. 🏥

🏥 Ontario student health insurance costs are rising

Compulsory health insurance fees for international students at major Ontario universities are increasing starting September 1, 2026. This applies to students at 22 publicly funded institutions across Ontario. The individual annual premium rises from $792 to $948, while a family of three goes from $2,376 to $2,844. UHIP is mandatory unless students qualify for one of four specific exemptions. Coverage provides up to $1 million CAD for basic medical services during their studies.

🚀 Khalifa blasts into top 5 Mollywood openings 🎬

Prithviraj Sukumaran's film Khalifa achieved a massive start at the box office on its opening day. It was released in India and overseas, featuring cameos from Mohanlal and Tovino Thomas. On Day 1, the film grossed 6 crore overseas and 6.31 crore in India, netting 5.53 crore. This performance secured Khalifa a spot in Mollywood's top 5 worldwide opening-day collections of 2026. It managed to beat Vaazha 2's earnings to enter this prestigious list.

⚽ Carrick talks midfield, squad goals before Hull City match ⚽

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick discussed team strategy ahead of the Premier League opener against Hull City. He addressed the void left by Casemiro, stating the team is continually working to improve its midfield balance. Carrick revealed the ambition is to finish in the Champions League again this season, which he calls a big challenge. He also confirmed Marcus Rashford has returned in great form and that no players wish to leave before the deadline. The coach believes a solid midfield foundation is crucial for consistency throughout the season.

🎬 Dhamaal 4 wraps up 6 weeks; misses top 5 spot

Ajay Devgn's adventure comedy, Dhamaal 4, has concluded its six-week run in theaters. The film was released in India and has gathered a total net collection of 177.81 crore. In the 42 days, it earned 209.8 crore gross, though it narrowly missed surpassing Raid 2's collection. With a reported budget of 150 crore, the movie achieved a plus verdict with 18.5% profit. The film is also the highest-grossing installment of the Dhamaal franchise.

💥 Kunal Kemmu saves the nation in action comedy

Kunal Kemmu is directing a new action comedy titled Vibe, where his character becomes an unwilling national savior. The film features Kunal Kemmu and Preity Zinta in a world that acknowledges characters like Pathaan and Tiger. The teaser shows Kunal and Sparsh Shrivastava being kidnapped and trained for this mission. Despite the setup, the initial jokes in the teaser felt predictable and somewhat forced. The movie is scheduled to release on Amazon Prime Video on September 18.