📉 Gift Nifty hints at flat start for Sensex and Nifty

Gift Nifty is signaling a flat opening for the Indian indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex, on August 12th. This comes as rising crude oil prices and Middle East geopolitical tensions are weighing on investor sentiment across the board. On Tuesday, the Sensex dropped 388.19 points to 78,154.25, while the Nifty 50 closed at 24,471.70. Experts advise maintaining a cautious, stock-specific approach given the current market pressure. Meanwhile, Asian markets showed mixed trading, contrasting with lower US stock market closures. 😟

⚡ School student dies after touching live wire

An 11-year-old Class 6 student passed away after coming into contact with a live wire at a government school. This tragic incident occurred in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The death on August 12, 2026, sparked a protest involving over 300 locals, students, and relatives. The victim reportedly touched the wire while trying to fill his water bottle inside the premises. Police have since initiated an investigation into the cause of the electrocution.

🔥 Trump aide claims India 'firebombed' him over Russian oil talk

A White House trade adviser, Peter Navarro, stated he was heavily criticized by India on the internet regarding his comments. This criticism stemmed from his strong opposition to India's trade policies involving Russia. Navarro asserted that India's involvement in Russian oil trade significantly increased after the Ukraine war began in 2022. He claimed his op-ed helped reduce India's oil trade with Russia, which he called 'opportunistic.' India previously dismissed Navarro’s remarks on Russian oil purchases as 'inaccurate and misleading.'

😥 Mumbai chawl collapses, seven dead in Kurla

A devastating landslide occurred in Kurla, Mumbai, leading to the collapse of a chawl building. The incident tragically resulted in seven fatalities and left four people injured. This serious event took place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in the Kurla area. The collapse highlights ongoing concerns regarding the structural integrity of older housing in the city. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the disaster. 😥

⛽ Oil Prices Spike Due to Hormuz Strait Tension

Global oil prices are nearing a two-week high amid continued instability in the region. This surge is linked to the ongoing closure of the Hormuz Strait and persistent Houthi strikes. Recent reports show the market reacting sharply to these geopolitical risks. The situation reflects heightened supply chain anxieties across the energy sector. Analysts are closely watching developments to predict future price movements. ⛽

🚨 Landslide in Mumbai's Kurla leaves casualties

A landslide occurred at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Kurla (West) early Wednesday morning. Four people are feared trapped in the debris following the incident. Two dead bodies were recovered from the site, and the event was reported around 3:48 am. Rescue operations are ongoing with teams from the Fire Brigade, Police, and NDRF present. Two injured individuals have been admitted to Kurla Bhabha Hospital for treatment.

📚 JMI extends distance admission deadline; 11 new courses added

Jamia Millia Islamia has extended the admission deadline for its Centre for Distance and Online Education until September 8, 2026. The university has also announced 11 new certificate and diploma programmes for the 2026-27 academic session across various subjects. Currently, JMI offers 49 programmes through CDOE, and the new additions include courses in languages like French and Spanish. Furthermore, the B.Ed and MBA entrance exam date has been rescheduled to September 19, 2026. Document verification and fee submission will occur from September 26 to October 6, 2026.

🎬 Fan demand drives 'Mirzapur: The Movie' to big screen

Farhan Akhtar stated that persistent fan demand was the main reason for 'Mirzapur: The Movie' moving to theaters. This revelation was made at the trailer launch on Tuesday, highlighting audience support since the 2018 premiere. The movie features Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal, set for a September 4, 2026 release. The expanded story moves the power struggle beyond Purvanchal into the deserts. The franchise now brings back original cast members alongside new additions.

🤝 Russia Releases Former US Marine Robert Gilman

Russia has released former US Marine Robert Gilman on humanitarian grounds. The release took place in Moscow, where Gilman was detained previously. Specific details regarding the dates of detention or release were not provided in the report. This action comes amidst ongoing diplomatic discussions between the two nations. Further updates on Gilman's status are anticipated from international observers. 🇺🇸

🧐 Are regional parties fading in Indian politics?

The recent defeat of the Trinamool Congress and party defections have sparked questions about regional parties' future relevance. These events occurred in states like West Bengal and Maharashtra, with data spanning several elections. While regional parties govern fewer states independently now, their combined Lok Sabha vote share remains substantial. The analysis suggests that vote share doesn't always match electoral outcomes in India's system. Therefore, the focus for regional parties should be on organizational renewal, not just declining support. 🧐

🐃 Maramadi bull surfing contest skips another year

The traditional Maramadi bull surfing contest is missing from Palassery polders again this year. This iconic event, held in Anandappally near Adoor in Pathanamthitta, is part of the local agricultural heritage. Despite efforts, the contest has been off the calendar for 14 consecutive years. The main obstacle is a legal issue regarding the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Kerala Amendment) Bill. Organisers are urging the UDF government to resolve this legal uncertainty for the event's return. 🐃