💉 Urgent vaccine drive at Nagaland school

The Spear Corps of the Army's Eastern Command conducted a mass immunization drive against Meningococcal Meningitis at Sainik School Punglwa, Nagaland. A special medical team vaccinated 678 students and staff during this initiative. This followed an advisory issued by the Nagaland Department of Health & Family Welfare earlier this month. The alert came after a 14-year-old boy was admitted to PICU with symptoms of invasive Meningococcal disease. The school community is now protected from this deadly disease for the next few years. 💉

🚦 Traffic warning for Sarvai Papanna Goud statue unveiling

Traffic Police have issued an advisory for alternate routes due to expected heavy congestion. The event is the inauguration of a bronze statue of Sarvai Papanna Goud near NTR Marg. This ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, at 4 p.m., with the Telangana Chief Minister attending. Congestion is predicted between Iqbal Minar and Old Ambedkar Junction, as well as on NTR Marg from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Commuters are urged to use alternative routes and follow official traffic updates. 🚦

🩺 New guidelines drop for pancreatic cancer radiation therapy

ASTRO has published an updated clinical guideline offering evidence-based recommendations for radiation therapy in adult pancreatic cancer patients. This release comes from ASTRO, an organization in the field of radiation oncology. The guidelines were made available on August 17, 2026, to guide medical practice. This update helps oncologists determine the best treatment approach for this difficult cancer. Future implementations will rely on these new, standardized recommendations. 🩺

👑 Real Madrid skipping big signings reveal

Real Madrid has decided against a public unveiling for José Mourinho and this summer's new signings. Instead, the club will host a private event where players and their families will meet with president Florentino Pérez. There were six new signings confirmed for the team ahead of the season opener. The club feels this approach allows players and Mourinho to bypass intense media attention. Training resumes on Tuesday as they prep for the Saturday match against Espanyol.

🦂 Devotees handle live scorpions for tradition

Hundreds of devotees gathered in Kandakur village on Monday for an unusual Nagara Panchami tradition. This event takes place at the Kondammai Temple in Kandakur village, Gurumitkal taluk. The annual scorpion fair has been observed for nearly six decades. Participants handle live scorpions, believing they are protected by Goddess Kondammai. A temporary first-aid camp is set up due to recent sting incidents. 🦂

🚨 Massive crackdown busts Pakistan-linked crime network

Authorities have successfully busted a major crime and terror nexus allegedly linked to Pakistan. The operation resulted in the arrest of 253 individuals across 14 different states. These arrests were made over a period that included dates up to October 2023. The crackdown aims to dismantle organized crime networks operating within the country. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of this criminal syndicate. 🚨

🏏 Dickwella's mature Test return shows self-control

Niroshan Dickwella showed an unnaturally mature performance on his Test return after years of controversy. Playing for Sri Lanka, the 33-year-old delivered an epic feat of self-denial by restricting risky shots. He managed a strike rate touching 70, which is the highest for a Sri Lankan batter on day three. This shift suggests a new awareness of how he will be criticized by peers. His controlled innings helped Sonal Dinusha score a century in his sixth Test. 🏏

👨‍👩‍👦 Vikrant Massey on his 7-month acting break

Vikrant Massey revealed the reason behind his break from acting while promoting Musafir Cafe. Speaking on a show, he mentioned that his son was born during his time away from the industry. He felt conventional success didn't matter when his heart was with his family, so he stayed home for seven months. After getting bored at home, he decided to return to work for new projects. This follows his December 2024 announcement of a hiatus from acting.

💧 Big Water Project Gets Green Light in Aluva

The 190-MLD water treatment plant in Aluva has received its technical sanction to combat drinking water shortages. This crucial project is intended for the Kochi Corporation and surrounding municipalities and grama panchayats. According to a statement on Monday, August 17, 2026, the government granted the necessary permission, clearing a major implementation hurdle. T. J. Vinod, MLA, stated this will permanently improve the drinking water supply across the region. The Kerala Water Authority can now move forward with the tendering process. 💧

🏁 Fiancée cheers for runner-up Jake Dennis

Jake Dennis finished as the first runner-up in the Formula E World Championship after losing to Pascal Wehrlein. His pregnant fiancée, Lexi Grace Boosey, supported him from the paddock at the London E-Prix. Dennis secured second place in the championship despite a disappointing 18th-place finish in London. Boosey shared a heartfelt note praising his integrity and class as a role model. She expressed deep love for him, acknowledging his resilience through challenging moments. 💖

🚀 ULA names new CEO for Vulcan rocket development

United Launch Alliance officially appointed Mark Peller as its new CEO on August 17th. Peller takes over from an eight-month gap following former CEO Tory Bruno's departure to Blue Origin. The company recently underwent a thorough, months-long selection process for the leadership role. Peller, who has been with ULA since 2006, previously headed the development of the Vulcan rocket. He will lead the company as it prepares for Vulcan's next launch from Florida.