🌊 Assam checking YouTuber flood relief funds

The Assam government announced it will verify relief funds collected by 72 YouTubers from Assam and outside. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made this statement at Lok Seva Bhawan in Guwahati on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The floods between April and August 11, 2026, caused 102 deaths and affected at least 7.21 lakh people. This verification is needed to ensure funds reach the intended victims and avoid duplicate aid. The police cyber cell is monitoring the accounts while honouring contributors.

📱 Pixel 11 launch has more than just phones

Google is set to unveil the Pixel 11 series during its annual "Made by Google" event on August 12, 2026. This keynote will be held in New York City, with an IST livestream starting at 3:30 AM on August 13, 2026. The Pixel 11 lineup, featuring four models, is expected to run on Tensor G6 and include a HiLight LED. Beyond the phones, the Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 shades might also debut. The event could conclude with the introduction of the Pixel Tag, a new Bluetooth tracker.

💼 Ratan Tata's pick steps down as Tata Sons chairman

N Chandrasekaran announced his resignation as chairman of Tata Sons, concluding nearly a decade of leadership. He held this role at Tata Sons, based in India, since January 2017. During his tenure, aggregate revenue grew from Rs 7.89 lakh crore in FY20 to Rs 16.24 lakh crore in FY26. He transformed the conglomerate by expanding into sectors like aviation, semiconductors, and digital platforms. He is urging the board to quickly name a successor to ensure a smooth transition. 🚀

🏥 Govt panel wants hospital room costs capped at 3-star rates

A parliamentary committee proposed capping private hospital room charges in metro cities to the tariff of a three-star hotel. This recommendation is part of a larger effort to make healthcare more affordable and reduce patient out-of-pocket spending. The report, tabled in Lok Sabha on August 7, noted average out-of-pocket expenditure per hospitalization is Rs 34,064. The committee also urged mandatory upfront cost estimates and dedicated financial navigators for complex treatments. Furthermore, it called for expanding infrastructure beyond urban areas and improving medical supply transparency.

📈 Dow Futures Tick Up Before CPI Drop

Dow futures are showing an upward trend as traders await the release of crucial Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. This movement is being observed across global markets, specifically noted by Wall Street Journal updates. The data release is scheduled for today, providing key economic indicators for investors. Analysts are closely watching this report to gauge inflation trends and potential interest rate shifts. Market participants will use this information to make informed decisions on future stock movements.

⛽ Russia buys gas from India due to supply crunch

Russia started importing gasoline from India to cover up domestic fuel shortages. This move involved Nayara Energy's production and arrived at a Russian port on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Last month, Russia began quietly buying gasoline to stabilize its supplies against Ukrainian drone strikes. The strikes reduced Russian crude processing rates to 3.6 million barrels per day in July. Authorities are now implementing fuel rationing across Russia and Crimea. ⛽

⚽ Barca nears deal for Man City's Rodri within €70m

FC Barcelona is closing in on Manchester City's midfield general, Rodri, with updated financial proposals. The Catalan club is negotiating with City representatives to finalize a deal without exceeding a €70 million ceiling. Barça is willing to offer €60 million or €65 million guaranteed payments, plus performance bonuses. Negotiations have been ongoing for several days, with both clubs aiming to complete the transfer by the end of this week. Rodri has already agreed to a four-year contract with Barcelona, pending the final paperwork. 🤝

🌳 Meta wins community trust, O'Leary faces backlash in Utah

Meta successfully gained local support for its Eagle Mountain data center by investing in the community. The company provided conservation grants to 20 organizations and funded local schools starting in 2021. In contrast, Kevin O'Leary's Project Stratos in Box Elder County has faced heavy backlash since its May approval. This divergence highlights different approaches to community engagement amid AI energy demands. O'Leary is now attempting to be more conciliatory while litigation continues on his project. 😥

📱 REDMI Note 17 drops online and offline

The REDMI Note 17 smartphone has officially become available for purchase across multiple channels. It is now accessible both online and through various offline retail outlets. The launch availability period starts specifically from August 12th onwards. This new device enters the competitive mid-range smartphone market with expected feature upgrades. Consumers can check local stores or major e-commerce websites for details.

📢 Nagaland launches big HIV/STI awareness drive

Nagaland State AIDS Control Society is starting its third round of the IEC Campaign on HIV and STIs today. The initiative is being launched by Health & Family Welfare minister P. Paiwang Konyak at Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima. This two-month campaign, starting August 12, will involve 550 village meetings across 287 villages and 5,500 door-to-door outreaches. The strategy focuses on district-led efforts to boost testing, reduce stigma, and improve health service access for all 17 districts. The campaign aims to achieve national targets by promoting risk assessment and community engagement.

🩺 WB NEET UG Counselling 2026 Round 1 Dates Out

The West Bengal Directorate of Medical Education has released the tentative schedule for NEET UG 2026 Round 1 counselling across all quotas. Candidates can register online from August 13 to August 16 for state, private management, and NRI seats. The Round 1 allotment result is set to be announced on August 25 after 4 pm. Those allotted seats must complete reporting and admission between August 26 and August 28. Seats can be surrendered at the college level up until September 3. 🩺