🗺️ Tactile Braille India helps blind students learn by touch

Tactile Braille India is making maps and diagrams accessible for visually impaired students using touch-based learning materials. This Coimbatore-based venture has an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government, delivering materials to 10 schools across 10 districts. So far, these resources have benefited around 354 students in Tamil Nadu as of the latest updates. Prabhu founded the initiative to bridge the gap where visually impaired kids only learned words, not shapes or geography. The organization aims to increase the 25-30 percent of visually impaired students in India with meaningful education. 🧠

🔬 HPV cancer: prevention to precision treatment

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is a rising issue, especially for men, despite the potential of gender-neutral vaccines. PD1 checkpoint inhibitors have changed treatment for recurrent head and neck cancer, but HPV-specific methods are still needed. Incidence in Scandinavia has roughly tripled over the last three decades, with Denmark having high rates. Current focus is on enhancing PD1 blockade via immune combinations and early-stage immunotherapy. New approaches include therapeutic vaccines and immune modulators to build on existing anti-PD1 success. 🔬

🍗 KFC clears Mangaluru outlet after food check

KFC confirmed that chicken served and stored in its Mangaluru restaurant adheres to prescribed norms following an inspection. The inspection was conducted to address concerns raised about stale food at the outlet. No specific dates or immediate penalty details were provided in the report. This reassures customers about the hygiene and quality standards maintained by the chain. The company assures continued compliance with all food safety guidelines moving forward. 🍗

🧐 Thakur and Irani might return in new BJP lineup

Nitin Nabin has unveiled a fresh team for the BJP today. Anurag Thakur and Smriti Irani are rumored to be part of this new configuration. The announcement was made with specific details regarding party restructuring. This move is seen as a strategic reshuffle within the party's leadership structure. Further details about their exact roles are expected soon. 🧐

🏏 Gill's insane diving catch stuns cricket world

Shubman Gill pulled off a sensational diving catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis during the first innings of the Test. This epic moment happened on Day 3 at Galle, Sri Lanka, on Monday. The catch occurred on the first delivery of the 17th over, marking Sri Lanka's fourth wicket. Former player Sanjay Manjrekar praised the effort, saying Gill had no right to take it. This brilliant play helped India dominate the match proceedings. 🏏

🌊 North Odisha flood situation remains grim with more rain expected

The flood situation in north Odisha remains grim, affecting five lakh people as the IMD forecasts further rain. Officials confirmed this on Monday, August 17, 2026, following the intensification of a low-pressure system. Over 2.37 lakh people have been evacuated and sheltered in nearly 300 relief camps across the affected areas. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to assess the situation in Bhadrak and Jajpur districts later today. The IMD has issued 'red' and 'orange' warnings, advising caution until August 18. 🌧️

📱 Poco M8x to get Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 or Dimensity 6300

Poco has started teasing the launch of the M8x 5G in India with a Flipkart teaser. While the official details are missing, one tipster suggests it might use MediaTek's Dimensity 6300 instead of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5. The phone is expected to feature a 6.9-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 4GB RAM. It is also tipped to pack a massive 6,000mAh battery supporting 33W fast charging. The Poco M8x 5G is anticipated to launch for under INR 20,000 in the Indian market.

💉 Vaccine vs. Dengue Test: What to Know

Takeda's Qdenga dengue vaccine is set to launch in early 2027 to build immunity against all four dengue strains. While NS1 antigen and RT-PCR tests shouldn't be affected, IgG antibody tests might show positive results due to vaccine-induced antibodies. IgM tests detect antibodies made shortly after a natural infection. In India, there were over 6,927 dengue cases in 2026, causing 10 related deaths. People should always inform their doctor about vaccination history before dengue testing. 🧐

⚠️ US-Iran Ceasefire Pact Ends Today

The ceasefire pact between the US and Iran is set to expire today. This agreement involved negotiations between the two nations. The pact was initially put in place around a specific date, though the exact numbers are not provided in the brief. This arrangement aimed to de-escalate regional tensions and prevent conflict. The future of US-Iran relations will now depend on subsequent diplomatic moves.

👮 Cop body-shamed on duty in Bengaluru

A woman traffic police officer was body-shamed and assaulted while on duty in Bengaluru. The incident occurred on August 12 when she tried to de-escalate an argument involving Hemanth Reddy and his group. The officer faced humiliating remarks, including being told, "You look like a buffalo," from Hemanth. Subsequently, Hemanth’s friend Rahul assaulted her, while his brother and father also abused her. All four accused have been charged with assaulting the officer and obstructing her duties. 👮

🌿 BJP Allegedly Distributing Ganja to Kanwariyas

Allegations have surfaced regarding the distribution of Ganja by the BJP to Kanwariyas during the pilgrimage. The distribution reportedly occurred in specific areas across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Specific figures regarding the quantity or exact dates of the alleged distribution have not been officially disclosed yet. This incident has sparked significant controversy and political debate among various groups. Authorities are now expected to investigate these serious claims thoroughly.