🎓 TISS convocation chief guest changes to Dr Pramesh

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) will hold its 86th convocation ceremony on August 22 after a last-minute reschedule. CS Pramesh, director of the Tata Memorial Hospital, has been invited as the chief guest for the event. The ceremony was initially planned for August 2 but was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant could not attend because his office cited a full calendar until November. The function will take place at TISS’s Naoroji campus in Deonar. 🎓

🎧 Spotify lets users explain their playlist choices

Spotify launched 'Playlist Notes,' a new feature allowing listeners to add thoughts to the playlists they create. This feature is available on the mobile app for playlists, tracks, and audiobooks owned or collaborated on. Initially, it rolls out to some major playlists like Today’s Top Hits and RapCaviar starting in 100+ markets. Spotify editors will also use this to explain their song picks, alongside new Editor Profiles. This move supports Spotify's push for a more personal app experience. 🎧

🔬 New Biomedical Lab Opens at GITAM Visakhapatnam

The Schwan Laboratory has been inaugurated at the GITAM School of Core Engineering in Visakhapatnam. P. Bharani Chandra Kumar, Director of GSCE, officially opened the facility alongside I. Sarat Babu and other faculty members. This lab provides advanced tools for physiological signal acquisition and biomechanical evaluation. It supports GITAM's B.Tech programme by integrating biology, medicine, and engineering disciplines. GITAM plans to partner with medical and industry bodies for practical student exposure.

🇮🇳 Fadnavis clarifies his Delhi meeting with PM Modi

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis visited Delhi and met PM Narendra Modi on Monday to address political speculation. He explicitly denied rumours that he was moving to national politics, stating he will stay in Mumbai to serve the state. During the trip, he discussed state affairs, including project funding and industrial investments, with Union Ministers. Fadnavis also briefed PM Modi on ongoing state projects and sought central assistance for development. He confirmed discussions about cabinet expansions and infrastructure like the Uttan-Virar corridor.

💊 DMK says they fought drug menace with new bureau

Udhayanidhi Stalin denied claims that the previous DMK government failed to stop the drug culture in the state. He asserted that M.K. Stalin integrated Narcotics Intelligence Bureau and Prohibition Enforcement Department to form EB-CID. This was stated while addressing a special calling-attention motion in the Assembly on August 18, 2026. Stalin pointed out that the new government gave an important role to an officer who headed the EB-CID. He also mentioned that 15 policemen received awards for effectively controlling drugs during the DMK regime. 💊

⚖️ Court drops protest case against CPI(M) leaders

The Fourth Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court dismissed a case against seven CPI(M) and CITU leaders on Monday. This incident happened at Maddilapalem Junction in 2020. The case, filed by MVP police, involved allegations of obstructing traffic during a farmer protest demonstration in Delhi. CPI(M) leaders welcomed the verdict, calling the entire case baseless and lacking proper evidence. The party acknowledged Judge K. Vasudeva Rao and advocate K.A.J. Poornima for their support.

💡 Lucy van Pelt on advice vs. responsibility

Lucy van Pelt drops a timeless quote highlighting the gap between giving advice and facing consequences. This observation comes from the Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M. Schulz. The line points out that many people offer advice freely, but few are willing to cover tax payments. This theme resonates today amidst the constant stream of opinions online. The quote ultimately urges people to distinguish between a mere opinion and real accountability. 🧐

🔬 Tiny feet detect flaws, halt cell movement for healing

Researchers discovered that tiny protrusions on cells act as sensors to identify damage within tissues. These cells were observed in laboratory settings to perform this detection function. The study details how these structures stop migration when defects are sensed, which is crucial for wound healing. This mechanism offers new insights into how biological repair processes are regulated at a cellular level. Future research will explore applying this knowledge to advanced regenerative medicine techniques.🔬

🛠️ TN Govt aims to fast-track certificate issuance

Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan announced new measures in the Assembly to speed up certificate delivery. His department plans to implement a three-tier system for faster processing of official documents. Initially, 12 sub taluk offices will be set up costing ₹1.02 crore, and officials will receive tablets worth ₹688.63 crore. Furthermore, over 20 lakh poor families on 'natham' lands will get pattas, and land record errors will be corrected. The government will also simplify land reforms and implement an Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for better public service. 🛠️

🔬 Space gut bacteria change in weeks of orbit

A new study found that gut bacteria in 52 astronauts shifted metabolism within weeks of reaching orbit. Conducted with NASA at the University of Copenhagen, this research analyzed blood samples from the astronauts during their missions. The findings showed bacteria started fermenting more protein than usual, which persisted throughout the spaceflight. Researchers suggest this shift might link to slower food movement due to microgravity. This points to a biological chain affecting the gut microbiome during space missions. 🚀

🩺 Tamil Nadu rolls out big health insurance for seniors

Tamil Nadu is launching the ‘Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme’ for nearly 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above. Health Minister K.G. Arunraj announced this in the Assembly on Monday, August 17, 2026. The scheme offers free medical treatment, including cancer care, at empanelled hospitals with no income ceiling. Additionally, 2,500 permanent staff nurse posts will be created, absorbing existing contract nurses. A new comprehensive health Act will replace the old 1939 Act to tackle future health issues. 🏥