🚗 TN MLAs get new perks from CM Vijay

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a new perks package for all 234 MLAs in Tamil Nadu. The package includes government vehicles and a monthly allowance of Rs 75,000 for fuel, drivers, and maintenance. Furthermore, MLAs will receive Rs 25,000 monthly to hire an assistant, and their health cover increased to Rs 25 lakh. These measures aim to help legislators travel easily to constituencies and monitor government projects. The decision followed a request from VCK MLA Jothimani regarding logistical support. 🚗

🤒 Detergent in school lunch sparks health scare in Bihar

At least 34 children fell ill after eating a midday meal containing detergent powder instead of salt. This incident occurred at Parsa Middle School in Nalanda district, Bihar, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Children experienced stomach pain and vomiting, leading to their hospitalization in Biharsharif. While the headmaster blamed a staff mistake, the District Education Officer is investigating. The Rural Development Minister has assured strict action and ordered surprise inspections. 😟

🗣️ Omar Abdullah on J&K talk with US Ambassador

CM Omar Abdullah announced he will discuss J&K's situation with US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Wednesday. This meeting is part of Gor’s maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah clarified that the region's issues are internal matters for the Central government to resolve. He stated he would not complain or seek solutions for these grievances from Washington. The interaction is being closely watched as Gor visits the region for the first time since taking office.

💔 Anupama revealed ex-boyfriend made her ashamed

Anupama Parameswaran shared that her ex-boyfriend caused her to feel ashamed of being an actor, confident, and having periods. Speaking on Dhyan Varma's YouTube channel, she detailed how her partner blamed disagreements on her menstrual cycle. She mentioned her desire for 11 children vanished due to this controlling behaviour. Previously, she described the relationship as 'narcissistic abuse' and talked about emotional highs and lows. She has not confirmed if actor Dhruv Vikram is the person she discussed. 😔

⛽ Oil prices surge as Hormuz Strait traffic slows

Crude oil prices went up for the fourth consecutive day due to reduced traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This situation is happening amid increased rhetoric from both Iran and the United States. Brent crude was at $91.53 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was trading at $85.47 per barrel on this date. Ongoing attacks from Iran and Houthis are keeping oil prices supported in the short term. Gulf producers are exploring alternative export routes to potentially increase production from those regions.

🦠 Congo gold miners complicate Ebola containment efforts

Eleven-year-old Isaac Batisa is searching for gold at a mining site in eastern Congo to support his family. He is located in eastern Congo, where health workers are trying to manage the Ebola outbreak. This activity complicates the efforts of health workers attempting to contain the disease. The article highlights the challenges faced by health workers in the region. Further updates on the containment efforts are pending. 😥

😔 Former Karnataka Minister BC Nagesh Passes Away at 65

Former Karnataka minister and BJP leader BC Nagesh passed away on August 18 at his daughter’s residence in Bengaluru after a short illness. Nagesh, a two-time MLA from Tiptur, served as the School Education and Literacy minister from 2021 to 2023. During his tenure, controversies included textbook saffronisation and restricting Muslim girls from wearing the hijab. He was instrumental in enforcing these hijab restrictions in government PUC colleges. His final rites are scheduled to take place in Tiptur later in the day.

🛡️ US-SK drills cut short due to Trump's order

Joint military drills between the US and South Korea have been shortened from 11 days to five days following an order from President Donald Trump. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, starting August 17, will now finish on August 21 instead of August 27, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The second phase focusing on counteroffensive operations is expected to be scrapped entirely. This change is linked to Trump's desire to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Military analysts are concerned about the potential impact on the allies' combined defense readiness. 🇰🇷

🏛️ Trump delays 50% tariffs on Canada after talks

President Donald Trump announced a pause on the planned 50% tariffs against Canadian goods on Tuesday. This delay came after both nations reached a last-minute agreement hours before the levies were supposed to start on Wednesday. The pause is set for three days to finalize documents for a deal that may revive the Keystone XL Pipeline. The US Trade Representative noted the deal includes market access and digital trade alignment for US workers. Canadian PM Mark Carney confirmed the postponement until the end of day on August 21.

🇮🇳 Netflix show based on Kargil war ops

A new Netflix show, Safed Sagar, is based on Operation Safed Sagar, the IAF's operations during the Kargil war. The show relates to the conflict that took place in the Kargil region of India. India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas annually on July 26th to commemorate the victory. The image shows Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Nawaz Sharif from 1999. A quiz is being released concerning this historical event.

🧠 Scientists grow mini mouse brain in lab

Researchers at ISTA successfully cultivated a cerebral cortex using mouse stem cells for the first time. This lab-grown mini-brain aims to study normal brain development and developmental disorders. The study tracked cell types using single-cell sequencing and genetic techniques. The comparison showed the organoid had the right cells but lacked the strict timing of a real brain. Scientists suggest the missing 'stem-cell niche' is crucial for proper organization. 🔬