📈 Bernstein hikes Paytm target on UPI MDR upside

Bernstein has increased its target price for One97 Communications to Rs 2,200, maintaining an 'Outperform' rating. This upgrade is based on the potential introduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions starting from FY28. The brokerage projects MDR could add significant EBITDA, ranging from Rs 1,320 crore in FY28E to Rs 2,160 crore in FY30E. Paytm was the third-largest UPI player in June 2026, processing transactions worth Rs 1.93 lakh crore. The main risk is now how much of the published rate Paytm can actually retain due to market competition. 💰

🔫 Ex-MP shoots at official in Thailand

A local government official was shot at a government office in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Thailand’s capital, on Monday. The alleged gunman, Chalong Reawraeng, a 71-year-old former lawmaker, was arrested in the incident. Two people were wounded and sent to the hospital for treatment following the attack. This comes days after a deadly school shooting in the same province, which killed nine people. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reiterated the intention to strengthen gun controls.

🔫 Another Gun Attack Rocks Thailand After School Shooting

A local government official was hospitalized after being shot at a government office in Nonthaburi on Monday. The suspect, a former lawmaker, was arrested by provincial police commander Major General Dejrapee Kongdee. This incident follows a deadly school shooting on Friday where a 14-year-old killed nine people and injured over 20. The attacks have reignited the national debate regarding gun control in Thailand. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening firearm regulations moving forward. 🔫

🚌 APSRTC JAC ramps up protests, seeks wider support

APSRTC Employees’ Joint Action Committee leaders met with APNGOs State president A. Vidya Sagar on Sunday, August 9, 2026, to intensify their agitation. They sought support from other employee and student organizations regarding RTC employee issues. The JAC is planning a two-day mass hunger strike on August 17 and 18 across 28 districts. Vidya Sagar pledged full support, asking the government to purchase electric buses and fill vacant posts. The JAC will meet other unions on Monday to build broader backing for their demands. 🚌

📱 Vivo X300 FE sees another price jump in India

The Vivo X300 FE has received its second price increase since its launch in India. This hike, added to an earlier ₹7,000 increase, brings the total price jump to ₹10,000 across variants. The latest adjustment is due to rising memory costs stemming from a global RAM shortage. The phone originally started at ₹79,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. Buyers can now find new pricing, including an 8GB+256GB model at ₹84,999. 💸

🥊 Boxer told Pakistani opponent he hates 'Narendra' name

Indian boxer Narender Berwal shared an old anecdote during a felicitation ceremony at PM Modi's residence. The story dates back to the 2015 World Military Games when he fought a boxer from Pakistan. Berwal revealed the Pakistani boxer stated, "I have started to hate the name Narendra." This comment was directed at Berwal's name, his coach's name, and PM Modi's name. PM Modi reportedly laughed hard while listening to this funny exchange. 😂

🎬 Dev Anand ordered bungalows for Govinda's staff

Dev Anand allegedly directed Govinda to purchase bungalows for his staff members. This incident reportedly occurred during a period when tensions were high between the two stars. While no specific dates were mentioned, the issue involved significant financial transactions. The core dispute stemmed from allegations that the staff were defaming Govinda in some capacity. Further details regarding the fallout from this directive are yet to be revealed.

💧 SC to hear TN's plea over Cauvery water release

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition from the Tamil Nadu government regarding Cauvery water release directions. This petition was filed by Tamil Nadu against Karnataka concerning the CWMA's decision. The request seeks the release of 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days, totaling 4.536 TMC, by August 12. This dispute is a major political flashpoint due to water needs in both states. The TN government insists on its water rights while opposing Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project. 💧

🎤 Guru Randhawa dismisses 'Fine Shyt' backlash

Singer Guru Randhawa faced major backlash after releasing his song Fine Shyt, which was criticized for misogyny and being cringe-worthy. The controversy centered on the song's depiction of female colleagues in an office setting. Randhawa has responded by calling the criticism a "silly little slang" on his Instagram. Earlier, he reflected on the situation while visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Sunday. He indicated he is unfazed, posting a video showing himself driving a Porsche. 🚗

🔬 Microbubbles shrink aggressive liver tumours in trials

Chinese researchers found a safe method to reduce advanced liver cancer tumours using microbubbles. The study, conducted by teams from Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University and Huzhou Central Hospital, compared standard therapy with experimental ultrasound and microbubble treatment. Published in Scientific Reports on July 19, the research showed that tumours in the treated group shrank smaller. This technology offers promise for boosting localized treatment methods for cancer patients. Future research will explore how these tiny gas-filled bubbles can enhance current cancer therapies.

🚗 A.R. Rahman's son in Guindy accident

A.R. Ameen, son of A.R. Rahman, survived a car accident with minor injuries. The incident took place near the Olympia Tech Park signal in Guindy in the early hours of Monday, August 10, 2026. The collision involved his Porsche and a Rapido Wagon-R around 3:30 a.m. Ameen and his friend were treated at Kauvery Hospital and later discharged. Both vehicles were seized by the Adyar Traffic Investigation Wing for further investigation.