🐍 Students pitch tech to fight snakebites 🐍

College students presented innovative solutions at the Nagathon Snakebite Innovation Challenge. Prarthana and Chaitanya from team NAGAM won first prize at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on August 16, 2026. Their idea is a digital platform to help patients locate antivenom via a cloud-based dashboard. This aims to reduce delays and unnecessary transfers when seeking life-saving resources. Other teams proposed AI first-aid and community awareness campaigns for better response.

🌱 Biomining clearing old waste at Njeliyanparamba

Biomining operations are steadily progressing to remove decades-old legacy waste at Njeliyanparamba. The Kozhikode Corporation Mayor, O. Sadasivan, confirmed this during a high-level meeting on August 18. The project aims to clear 2.33 lakh cubic metres from the 12.6-acre site by July 2027. Once cleared, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited will establish a CBG plant on seven acres, which will treat city organic waste. This coordinated effort will also lead to the development of a park on the remaining 4.5 acres.

🚢 Tiruppur exporters want Vizhinjam port to work for MSMEs

Coimbatore and Tiruppur exporters see Vizhinjam International Seaport as a key logistic fix for Western shipments. The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association highlighted opportunities due to the port's location and deep-water capabilities. They noted that logistics costs, transit time, and container availability are major concerns for their MSME-dominated industry. The TEA is pushing for a Tiruppur-Vizhinjam EXIM cargo corridor and direct links to the EU, UK, US, and West Asia. They also requested the Kerala government to hold a trade meet in Coimbatore for better cargo movement. 🚢

🌿 Nilgiris wetland gets a big ecological glow-up

A wetland restoration initiative was recently launched at Wellington in the Nilgiris region. This project involves Arulagam, Upstream Ecology Foundation, MRC-Wellington, and State Street Foundation volunteers. The goal is to remove invasive species like Milk Thistle and Alligator Weed from the habitat. This effort aims to boost local ecological balance and protect indigenous biodiversity. The restoration was inaugurated by Brigadier Krishnendu Das, Tanushree Das, and Major K. Deepak.

🐘 Abhimanyu's Journey at Mysuru Dasara

Abhimanyu transitioned from a wild elephant taskmaster to the lead elephant carrying the golden howdah. He served in the squad and was involved in Dasara festivities for over 25 years in Mysuru. He was named the lead elephant in 2020 after Arjuna retired at age 60, but will now be relieved after turning 60 in April. For five years, he performed this prestigious duty with great skill during the Jamboo Savari. He was also known for controlling rogue elephants in forest operations. 🐘

🐍 Five cobras rescued from captive show in Hyderabad

Five cobras were rescued from the Old City in Hyderabad on Monday by the Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the People for Animals. Three snakes were found in Shalibanda, and two were rescued from Moghalpura. During treatment, two cobras were fit for release, while two needed about 10 days of care, and one was critically ill. The snakes will be released into their natural habitat after proper veterinary assessment. 🐍

🔬 Third death in China's CAR-T trials

A third fatality has been reported from China's ongoing CAR-T trials, marking a significant concern in the medical community. The deaths occurred within the scope of these trials being conducted in China. Specific figures and dates for these incidents were not disclosed in the report. These opaque trials are under scrutiny due to the lack of transparency surrounding adverse events. Further updates are awaited from the regulatory bodies overseeing the research. 🔬

⚽ Barça outcast Hector Fort in transfer scramble

Hector Fort is definitely leaving FC Barcelona, with the club pushing for a permanent move for the 20-year-old. Real Sociedad has now joined Everton, Fulham, and Borussia Dortmund in showing interest in the La Masia graduate. Barcelona has set a transfer valuation of around €10 million for the full-back. This move is crucial for Barça as they aim to generate transfer income and free up salary-cap space. The final decision on his next club will ultimately rest with Fort himself. 🏃‍♂️

🛡️ Billionaires are booking Swiss alpine bunkers 🏔️

A Swiss company is constructing ultra-secure underground vaults in the Swiss Alps for the ultra-rich to safeguard their valuables. This project, called Brunig Mega Safe, is located beneath the Brinig massif near Lungern in Switzerland. It is set to feature 20 to 24 private caverns, with leases starting at 500,000 Swiss francs and expected to open next year. Clients can store gold, cars, and wine in these temperature-controlled spaces, offering high-level security similar to the Swiss National Bank. The complex also plans to include survival training facilities to address growing global risks.

🔥 Man accused of burning family dies in hospital

A man accused of setting his wife and mother-in-law on fire succumbed to severe burns on Tuesday, August 18. The deceased was identified as C.V. Sanal Kumar, 46, from Swamimuku in Peralam-Karivallur panchayat. He had sustained approximately 80% burns in the incident that took place on Sunday night, August 16. Sanal Kumar allegedly tried to kill his wife, P. Prajisha, 37, due to her decision to seek a divorce. His mother-in-law, P. Padmini, 56, who intervened, also suffered burns and is currently receiving treatment.

🚨 Jagan demands full force search for missing fishermen

YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy urged the government to intensify search operations for missing fishermen. The fishermen are from Odalarevu, Dummalapeta, and Vasalatippa villages in Allavaram mandal, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. Eight fishermen and their boat have been missing for several days, causing deep worry among their families. He appealed to involve the Coast Guard, Navy, Fisheries Department, and district administration in the search. Jagan also asked for cooperation from vessels operating near Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and Paradip.