🕌 TTD cranks up sanitation for Brahmotsavams

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is boosting sanitation readiness ahead of the annual Brahmotsavams festival. Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary directed officials to enforce high standards across the hill shrine. This push involves strengthening waste management on ghat roads and Srivari steps starting soon. The TTD is also planning a 'Nandakam' app for real-time cleanliness complaint tracking next month. Chowdary urged pilgrims to share responsibility for keeping the temple town clean. 🕌

🐠 Coral formations mimic Indian tricolour underwater

CMFRI researchers claimed to photograph a natural coral assemblage resembling the Indian tricolour under the sea. This underwater image was captured during a marine mammal survey conducted off Minicoy, Lakshadweep. The picture showed two colonies, Lobophyllia corymbose in orange, and Lobophyllia radians in white and green. This observation provides insights into how corals react differently to environmental stress, like rising sea temperatures. CMFRI is now focusing on artificial reef deployment and replenishing wild marine stocks. 🐠

🏥 Health Minister Nadda admitted to AIIMS

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, was admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi, after feeling uneasy. He underwent a clinical evaluation, including a coronary angiography, on the evening of August 13th, 2026. The 65-year-old minister currently holds the portfolios of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers. Previously, he served as Union health minister from 2014 to 2019 and as BJP president until early 2026. He remains stable and under observation by senior cardiologists in the Cardiology Department. 🏥

🎗️ Rare cancer misdiagnosed as muscle pull

Harmi Kainth passed away after cholangiocarcinoma was initially mistaken for a muscle pull, affecting him in March 2022. He was diagnosed in August 2022 in connection with his abdominal pain in India. Over five months, his condition worsened significantly, leading to his death in October 2024. Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare bile duct cancer whose early symptoms can resemble common ailments. Persistent symptoms like jaundice and unexplained weight loss warrant immediate medical attention.

💰 Govt to pre-fund student fee reimbursements

The state government decided to deposit fee reimbursement funds in advance starting this academic year to prevent college managements from withholding student certificates. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced a commitment to credit ₹2,300 crore annually towards student fee reimbursements. Specifically, ₹2,400 crore is to be credited to student accounts, with ₹250 crore earmarked as an advance payment. He stressed that students must apply online for these reimbursements to ensure timely deposits. This move reflects broader educational reforms aimed at improving student welfare and skills. 🎓

🛡️ Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi form new defense pact

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye inked a joint defense agreement one week ago, detailing plans for military exercises and industry cooperation. The pact involves these three major Muslim-majority economies, amid rising Middle East tensions. It stipulates that an armed attack on any one country is considered an attack on all three, similar to NATO's Article 5. The agreement aims to make defense and military ties more sustainable through high-level political and military mechanisms. Turkiye mentioned this pact could expand, with Egypt being a potential candidate.

🏍️ 1000 helmets handed out for safer rides

A helmet distribution drive was launched near Karvetinagaram in Chittoor district on Friday. District Collector Sumit Kumar and Superintendent of Police Tushar Dudi kicked off the event. A total of 1,000 helmets were distributed to two-wheeler riders on August 14, 2026. This initiative is part of the ‘Surakshitha Chittoor–Mee Bhadhratha Maa Badhyatha’ campaign to boost road safety awareness. Officials stressed that riders must prioritize safety over speed to prevent accidents. 🏍️

✈️ No plans to sell Shivamogga Airport to private groups

KSIIDC chairperson Nanjayyana Math confirmed there are no proposals to sell or hand over Shivamogga Airport to private agencies. The corporation did float an expression of interest to check market feedback, but no decision has been made regarding AAI or any other agency. Currently, 33 different agencies handle various operations at the airport, with performance being regularly reviewed. Star Air is interested in flying to Bengaluru, and flights to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Mysuru are being pursued. Night-landing facilities are 80-85% done, expected completion is in another one to one-and-a-half months. ✈️

✊ Train cancellation won't stop Delhi march, says CPI

CPI activists organized a march to the Thrissur railway station on Friday. This protest was against the Centre's cancellation of a special train for their Delhi Chalo March. The march was scheduled for September 1st at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. K.P. Rajendran accused the government of curbing dissent using measures like train cancellations. The CPI plans to intensify its agitation against what it calls anti-people policies. ✊

🏏 Delhi Premier League Match 27 predictions 🏏

Match 27 of the Delhi Premier League 2026 pits New Delhi Tigers against South Delhi Superstarz on August 15th. The Tigers are in 6th place with 1 win, while Superstarz are also 6th with 2 wins. The ground averages 183 for the first innings and 175 for the second innings. New Delhi Tigers have Himmat Singh as their top scorer, while South Delhi Superstarz have Ayush Badoni. The predictions favor South Delhi Superstarz to win the match.

🏅 Amaravati Championship 2026 selections wrapped up in Vizag

District-level selections for the Amaravati Championship-2026 took place on Friday at the SAAP Integrated Sports Complex in Kommadi. SAAP organized the selections across the State in 12 disciplines for Under-17 and Under-23 boys and girls. The State-level Championship is set for August 24-26 in Tirupati, with a total prize pool of ₹91.90 lakh. MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao emphasized that participation itself counts as success and builds life confidence. Athlete K. Sri Varshitha won her opening bout in the Under-23 women’s 48-51 kg boxing category. 🏅