🤔 Bangladesh weighs in on Mecca Pact joining 🤝

Bangladesh is cautiously considering joining the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkey Mecca Pact, which is expanding near India's eastern border. Dhaka's decision depends on what Riyadh, Ankara, and Islamabad offer, while balancing its 'Bangladesh First' policy. The defence bloc, formed on August 7th, operates on collective deterrence, similar to Nato's Article 5. This potential entry could give the Muslim defence axis a critical South Asian foothold, making India uneasy. PM Tarique Rahman's expected visit to Riyadh will closely watch these developments.

🍽️ India's public canteens: more than just food

The Canteen Survey 2023 was conducted in Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu to check canteen implementation. In Rajasthan, 107 out of 1209 canteens were in Jaipur during the survey period. These canteens serve not only the destitute but also correct market failures and support women. They provide subsidized, hygienic food options, which helps people avoid hunger and economic shocks. Canteens also foster democratic public spaces and create meaningful employment opportunities.

🌧️ Delhi faces heavy rain, waterlogging, and traffic chaos

The national capital experienced fresh showers on Tuesday morning, leading to waterlogging and traffic jams in several areas. The India Meteorological Department predicts moderate rain across Delhi, with isolated spots facing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are also expected throughout the city. Safdarjung station recorded 3 mm of rain by 8:30 am, with 100 percent humidity noted earlier. This follows previous heavy showers that caused disruptions across Delhi-NCR and diverted several flights. 🌧️

🤧 Chandigarh sees second swine flu case this season

Chandigarh has recorded its second swine flu case of the current season. This latest case was reported in Chandigarh, following an earlier instance in July. As of now, the city's total tally since January stands at 12 cases. Health officials noted that no one has been hospitalized due to swine flu in Chandigarh so far. This early outbreak is unusual, as cases typically appear in September and October. 🤧

🤔 Jaipur Dialogues linked to BJP controversy

Jaipur Dialogues, a platform, has been linked to a controversy involving the doxxing of a 15-year-old protestor. The incident took place in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The specific dates and numbers related to the doxxing are under investigation. This platform's alleged connection to the BJP has drawn public scrutiny and debate. Authorities are reportedly looking into the matter to determine the extent of the link.

🎬 Iran leader's voice heard in rare, undated video

Iran released a new, undated video featuring Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei for the first time since the war started. This footage shows the 56-year-old leader at a religious academic study session in Iran. He gave a student's thesis a score of 19.5 out of 20 during the session. Earlier reports suggested he was recovering from severe facial and leg injuries from the February 28 strikes. The video offers a rare look at his leadership amidst heightened US-Iran tensions. 🧐

🏏 Ex-Pak captain fires back at UK media criticism

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt responded strongly to UK media labelling the current Pakistan team as the "worst in 50 years." He defended the players and questioned the harsh tone of the criticism directed towards the squad. This came after England secured a 1-0 lead in the first Test at Headingley, winning by an innings and 103 runs. Butt also criticized England's diverse squad composition, contrasting it with Pakistan's homegrown system. He suggested that phases of poor performance are natural for any team. 🏏

🏫 TN schools get color-coded safety check 🏫

The Tamil Nadu government is launching a three-tier color-coded safety system for school buildings to ensure student safety. This initiative involves the Public Works Department and the School Education Department across the state. Buildings will be classified as Red, Yellow, or Green based on structural stability assessments. Red-tagged buildings will be immediately sealed and unusable for academics, while Yellow buildings need repairs. Green-stickered buildings are deemed safe for the next five years.

🚀 Shein's IPO Valuation Sparks Surprise

Shein's planned Initial Public Offering (IPO) has placed its valuation at approximately $27 billion. This valuation figure has drawn considerable attention from tech observers. The proposed IPO is set to proceed in the near future, according to industry reports. The current valuation is being called surprisingly low compared to some market expectations. Investors are now closely watching the next steps in the IPO process. 🚀

📈 Top Stocks to Watch on August 25, 2026

Somil Mehta of Mirae Asset ShareKhan recommended four stocks for purchase on August 25, 2026. The recommended stocks are Jindal Steel, Bajaj Auto, Engineers India, and NMDC, across various price targets. Jindal Steel has a target of Rs 1190-1220 with a stop loss at Rs 1106. Bajaj Auto is suggested to reach Rs 12150–12400, while Engineers India targets Rs 267–272. NMDC has a target range of Rs 89.50–92, showing gradual momentum improvement. 📈

⛈️ Delhi gets hit by heavy rain again ⛈️

Heavy rain has struck Delhi for the second consecutive day, causing significant disruption across the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain across various districts. Heavy rainfall is predicted over Delhi within the next two to three hours, valid until 0945 hrs IST of 25/08/2026. This intense weather is attributed to the interaction between dry northerly and moisture-laden easterly winds. Currently, flight operations at Delhi Airport remain normal despite adverse weather forecasts.