🔭 4 rare sky events hit on August 12, 2026

A total solar eclipse, planetary alignment, new moon, and Perseid meteor shower are set to coincide on August 12, 2026. This celestial spectacle will begin with a planetary parade in the pre-dawn hours across various regions. The total solar eclipse will sweep across Northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and part of Portugal. While a partial eclipse is visible across much of Europe and North America, the event will not be visible in India. Astronomers note this convergence of four rare events on one day is quite uncommon. ✨

🏛️ India says FCRA Bill is internal matter, rejects US criticism

The MEA rejected US Congressman Riley Moore's criticism regarding the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026. This response was given by the Ministry of External Affairs in India on Thursday. The bill aims to let a government authority manage assets of cancelled NGOs, with details released on August 7, 2026. The amendments seek to strengthen oversight while protecting the religious character of places of worship. Moving forward, the government asserts these changes ensure transparency in foreign-funded entities. 🇮🇳

🧪 Smart packaging shows when your food is going bad 🧪

Researchers developed a flexible hydrogel film that changes color when food spoils, providing a visible freshness signal. This innovation, from Kyushu University, uses plant pigments embedded in a MOF structure to track pH changes. Tests with pork showed a consistent shift from purple-red to yellow-green as spoilage occurred. The material also self-heals, regaining 99% tensile strength within two hours after being damaged. They are now working on a smartphone app for real-time food quality checks.

🏏 Head clinches AB Medal again, beats Carey by a vote

Travis Head has secured back-to-back Allan Border Medals after edging out Alex Carey by a single vote. Head scored 629 runs in the Ashes, including three centuries, while Carey also posted two Test centuries. The voting period spanned from January 29, 2025, to January 24, 2026, in Brisbane. Head's overall run tally of 971 in 11 Tests was nearly 200 more than Carey's. Next, Australia is heading to Darwin for their series against Bangladesh. 🏏

🌊 Man allegedly drowns pregnant teen over honour

An 18-year-old pregnant teenager was allegedly drowned in the Chambal river in Agra's Basauni village. Her father and brother-in-law are accused of honour killing after she was reportedly in a relationship with a minor. The accused initially asked Khushi to jump in, but forced her when she refused. The family later tried to cover it up by fabricating a suicide story. Delhi Police registered the case on July 31 after the father allegedly confessed out of fear of social stigma. 💔

🚨 Two Tribal Girls Kidnapped and Assaulted in Assam

Two minor tribal girls were allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped inside a moving car. The incident occurred in Assam, where the girls reached Dholai Police Station in the early hours of August 3. Three youths from Cachar district, including Amjad Hussain Laskar (20), were subsequently arrested by Assam Police. The victims reported being abducted and subjected to sexual assault after resisting the accused. The investigation is ongoing, with cases registered under multiple severe sections of Indian law. 🚨

🚨 Amritsar Police Chief Transferred After Jantar Mantar Comments

The Amritsar Police Chief, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, was transferred shortly after announcing a major terror module breakthrough. The Commissionerate had arrested nine people, including four minors, and recovered weapons amid surveillance of security installations. Bhullar mentioned in an August 4 briefing that some accused visited Jantar Mantar and planned to target protesters. The Punjab government clarified that the accused were not linked to the Jantar Mantar protests. This sudden transfer has sparked political speculation regarding its connection to the remarks. 🚨

✈️ Iran strikes US bases without GPS guidance

Iranian pilots successfully executed Operation March 2 against US bases in Qatar and Kuwait. The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force targeted al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar and al-Adiri base in Kuwait on March 2. These missions were conducted without using GPS or INS, relying on map reading and basic navigation. The operation reportedly caused the downing of three American F-15E Strike Eagle jets due to friendly fire. Three pilots from the Su-24 fighters are still missing, while one returned home. 🚀

📈 Titan's Q1 Profit Jumps Big, Revenue Hits 21,300 Cr

Titan reported a massive 63% surge in profit for the first quarter. This performance was achieved by the company across its operations. Revenue crossed Rs 21,300 Crore during this period. The results significantly surpassed analyst expectations for the quarter. The company is expected to maintain this growth momentum moving forward.

💔 Vijay and Sangeetha's marriage saga concludes

Sangeetha Sornalingam, a fan, first met actor Vijay in Chennai during a film shoot. Vijay's family later proposed marriage, and they registered in the UK on July 10, 1998, before marrying in Chennai on August 25, 1999. In February 2026, Sangeetha filed for divorce citing adultery and mental cruelty after 27 years of marriage. However, she subsequently withdrew the divorce petition on August 7 from the Chengalpattu district court. This action formally closed the high-profile legal case involving the couple.

🏳️‍🌈 RSS accepts LGBTQ but skips same-sex marriage

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that LGBTQ individuals are part of Indian society deserving dignity and acceptance. This statement was made by Mohan Bhagwat at an event on Thursday, acknowledging their place in tradition. While the RSS opposes changing marriage, Bhagwat suggested a separate legal framework for same-sex companions. The BJP supports dignity but rejects extending marriage rights, while Congress favors civil unions. Different parties hold varied stances on legal recognition of same-sex unions. 🏳️‍🌈