Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda underwent angioplasty at AIIMS Delhi on August 17. He was admitted on August 13 following discomfort and was kept under the observation of the Cardiology department. According to a press release by AIIMS on August 18, his condition is stable and he remains under strict medical supervision. Angioplasty was performed to clear blocked coronary arteries and restore normal blood flow. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/union-health-minister-jp-nadda-undergoes-angioplasty-at-aiims-new-delhi-12392696

The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to reduce the number of IAS, IFS, and IPS officers to cut administrative costs. According to the proposal, the number of IAS officers will be reduced from 153 to 130 and IFS officers from 118 to 83. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the focus is on efficient implementation of schemes rather than a high number of officials. Each officer costs the state approximately 40 to 50 lakh rupees annually. The state also plans to request the center not to send more central service officers and will facilitate immediate central deputation for interested officers. https://otvkhabar.in/national/government-plans-officer-cuts-as-himachal-looks-to-reduce-bureaucratic-expenditure-12392821

Odisha Police organized a state-wide mass pledge ceremony under the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'. The program was held at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack and across 35 police districts, including all police stations. Senior officials, including DGP Binayatoshi Mishra, pledged to keep themselves, their families, and society free from drug abuse. The initiative aims to raise awareness and make Odisha drug-free, noting that over 17,000 NDPS cases are pending in courts and 48,000 youths are currently in de-addiction centers. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-police-conducts-statewide-nasha-nibaran-pledge-to-promote-drug-free-society-12392810

A new political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu involving Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actress Trisha Krishnan. During the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St. George, Trisha was spotted sitting in the front row with Vijay's parents and saluting the CM. The ruling DMK, through its mouthpiece 'Murasoli', criticized the seating arrangement and the salute, questioning the dignity of the CM's office. This incident has reignited speculations about their closeness, although no official statements have been made by either party. https://argusnews.in/national/dmk-questions-trisha-vijay-salute-viral-video-stalin-party

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant created history during the Galle Test against Sri Lanka by becoming the first Indian to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket. He also became the fastest player in the world to reach this milestone, taking only 4,918 balls, breaking Adam Gilchrist's previous record of 6,578 balls. Pant is now the fourth player globally to achieve this feat after Brendon McCullum, Gilchrist, and Ben Stokes. https://odia.news18.com/photogallery/sport/rishabh-pant-record-first-indian-to-hit-100-sixes-in-tests-dkp-ws-l-405990.html

In a miraculous incident, a youth named Sunanda Behera was rescued alive after being swept away by floodwaters and missing for 5 days in Bhadrak district, Odisha. He survived by clinging to a palm tree amidst strong currents. The ODRAF team rescued him after locals spotted him, and he is currently undergoing medical treatment as his condition is serious. https://otvkhabar.in/odisha/man-rescued-from-palm-tree-five-days-after-being-swept-away-in-floodwaters-12392657

The Food Safety Department in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, destroyed approximately 500 kg of contaminated paneer during a raid on a local manufacturing unit. Authorities seized harmful substances like refined soybean oil, Tinopal, and other chemicals used in production. Additionally, 2,000 liters of milk worth ₹1.25 lakh were confiscated, and nine samples were sent for testing. This action highlights the growing concern over the trade of fake and analog paneer in North India. https://otvkhabar.in/national/500-kg-contaminated-paneer-destroyed-in-mathura-fake-dairy-racket-under-probe-12392678

The Indian government has announced the National Sports Awards 2025. A total of 17 athletes have been selected for the Arjuna Award, including chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, and badminton star Gayatri Gopichand. However, for the first time in recent years, no athlete was named for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the country's highest sporting honor. Additionally, veteran footballer I. Arumainayagam received the Lifetime Achievement Arjuna Award, and several coaches were selected for the Dronacharya Awards. https://argusnews.in/sports/17-arjuna-award-winners-miss-out-on-khel-ratna-tejaswin-shankar-divya-deshmukh

The Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital due to his deteriorating health. Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023, will remain in the hospital until September 16. The court directed the formation of a medical board including his personal doctor and sister to monitor his condition. Concerns were raised by his party PTI and former President Arif Alvi regarding his high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. The court also allowed weekly family meetings but warned against politicizing his medical reports. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/pakistan-supreme-court-orders-ex-pm-imran-khan-be-moved-to-hospital-from-jail-12392603

The Supreme Court of India has rejected a petition seeking to replace hanging with less painful methods like lethal injection for death row convicts. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta clarified that hanging remains the legal process for executing the death penalty in India. While the court declined immediate changes or referring the case to a larger bench, it stated that the Central Government could form a committee of experts to review alternative methods if deemed necessary. https://odishasambad.in/supreme-court-dismisses-plea-seeking-alternative-way-for-execution-of-death-row-convicts/