👀 YouTube changes view counting starting August 24

YouTube is updating its view counting system globally beginning August 24th. This change will log a view the instant a video starts playing, applicable across all platform formats. Previously, videos generally needed about 30 seconds of watch time to register a view. YouTube stated this aims to clear metric confusion for creators and align with Shorts counting. The old view metric will still exist in Analytics as 'Engaged views' for context. 📈

💸 PM CARES fund spending is way low in 2024-25

Only Rs 88 lakh was spent from the PM CARES Fund in the financial year 2024-25. This minimal amount was disbursed across 3,383 listed beneficiaries in India. The Fund, which totals Rs 8,452 crore, has kept around 93 percent of its corpus in fixed deposits. This low spending contrasts with state disaster relief needs and NDRF fund usage. Transparency remains a major issue as the fund operates outside the RTI Act. 💸

🦠 Deadliest Ebola outbreak hits DRC with 2,325 deaths

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in 2,325 deaths, marking the deadliest ever recorded in the nation. The outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain, is centered in Bunia and has spread across six provinces. As of August 18, 2026, over 5,000 confirmed cases have been reported with a case fatality rate of 46%. Response teams are facing resistance, but some areas have stabilized since the outbreak was declared on May 15. International bodies are assessing the risk as there is currently no approved vaccine for this strain. 🦠

🏏 England faces turmoil vs Pakistan drama

Test cricket is back with England against Pakistan, a clash between two teams in World Test Championship's 7th and 8th spots. England faces captaincy changes while Pakistan is without Babar Azam for the first Test at Headingley. The match sees Joe Root captain England for his second innings, with Salman Agha leading Pakistan initially. Both sides are navigating significant internal upheaval, making this contest a fascinating spectacle. This series will test the evolving dynamics of both cricket nations. 🏏

😠 CNN slams White House over personal attacks on reporter

CNN strongly defended its correspondent Kristen Holmes after the White House launched personal attacks on her. The confrontation started when Holmes questioned President Donald Trump about Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff's comments regarding aide Natalie Harp. This happened following an event where Holmes asked Trump about Ossoff's critique on Tuesday. The White House's 'rapid response' account escalated the dispute by targeting Holmes' children and calling her a disgrace. CNN firmly stated that personal attacks on journalists are beneath the office and inconsistent with a free press. 😠

🏥 Apollo Hospitals now open 7 days a week

Apollo Hospitals launched the 'Always Open. Always Here' initiative on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This move makes routine and planned healthcare accessible across all seven days of the week. The expansion includes outpatient specialist consultations and diagnostics on Sundays, complementing existing 24x7 emergency services. Prathap C. Reddy stated this gives patients an extra day to address health concerns before delays pose a risk. The service will leverage existing hospital infrastructure to provide structured and patient-friendly Sunday access.

🧐 Questions fly over massive Rs 8,452-crore fund audit

Criticism is mounting following the revelation of an Rs 8,452-crore fund during an audit. This scrutiny is directed at the government's spending, prompting public questioning of the Prime Minister's stated concern. The audit details were made public on a recent date, sparking immediate debate across various platforms. The funding's allocation and usage are now under intense public review by various opposition groups. Further official statements are expected as the government addresses these serious financial queries. 🧐

🚂 Court awards Rs 8 lakh to widow despite missing ticket

The Allahabad High Court ruled on Tuesday that not finding a railway ticket cannot deny compensation to a deceased passenger's dependents. Justice Syed Qamar Hasan Rizvi overturned the 2017 order from the Railway Claims Tribunal regarding Lali, the widow of Shiv Narayan Singh. The incident occurred on November 21, 2011, when Singh allegedly fell from the Lal Qila Express near Sarai Bhupat station. The court found that while the claimant must prove travel, a missing ticket doesn't automatically invalidate the claim. The Railways must pay the Rs 8 lakh within eight weeks, or face 9% annual interest. 🚂

🏏 Delhi Premier League predictions for August 19th

Match 34 pits North Delhi Strikers against South Delhi Superstars at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. South Delhi Superstars are currently 4th in the table, while North Delhi Strikers sit at 6th with 3 wins and 4 losses. Predictions suggest South Delhi Superstars will win the toss and the match. The Tigers vs Lions game is also scheduled for the 18th of August. The tournament continues with these high-stakes matchups in the league.

🔥 Top News: SC intervention, Iran tension, and sports drama

The Supreme Court is involved in local stories concerning Jharkhand and Manipur after protest violence and political shifts. Globally, the Iran conflict and changing US diplomacy are major talking points in the news bulletin. Specific events include the US-Iran deadlock continuing and Russia jailing a Kremlin critic for speaking out. In sports, the India-Pakistan hockey clash was sold out, and Pant showed promise in the first Test against Sri Lanka. These developments highlight both domestic turbulence and international affairs. 🌍

🚗 Skoda Superb lands in India finally

The new Skoda Superb has officially arrived in the Indian market. The sedan is available through Skoda dealerships across the country. Key details include its launch on October 15, 2023, with several trim options. This addition strengthens Skoda's presence in India's premium sedan segment. Customers can now check out the new model specifications and book theirs.