🧐 India watching Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey defence pact

India is currently examining the implications of a joint defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. The Ministry of External Affairs stated this assessment is being made concerning national security and regional stability. The three nations signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement last Friday to bolster collective deterrence. This pact comes amidst increased tensions in West Asia involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. India affirmed it will take all necessary measures while closely monitoring the West Asia conflict.

📚 Karnataka schools stay open despite water dispute

Schools across Karnataka will remain open on Thursday, August 13, after KAMS decided to withdraw its call for a bandh. The association made this decision while protesting the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The CWRC had directed the Karnataka state government to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily for 15 days. KAMS emphasized that educating students about social issues was better than closing schools. The association will still offer moral support and schools are asked to wear black ribbons.

🎬 Sethupathi and Tharaneetharan back together in 'Baththa'

Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi is reuniting with filmmaker Balaji Tharaneetharan for their next project, titled Baththa. This upcoming film is being presented by Atlee and produced by Priya Atlee. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 1st. Lijomol Jose will be playing the female lead in the project. Further plot details and the rest of the cast are yet to be revealed.

📉 Bitcoin dips as CPI lands in line, AI stocks surge

Bitcoin price slipped towards $63,000 on Wednesday, August 12, after the U.S. CPI report was in line with expectations. AI infrastructure stocks like WhiteFiber and Nebius jumped on strong Q2 earnings, driven by accelerating AI demand. Headline inflation at 3.4% remains above the Fed’s target, making rate hike odds for September around 60%. Analysts now see Thursday's PPI report as the next major test for inflation trends. This uncertainty leaves market focus on ETF flows while awaiting further economic data.

🔥 Dubey slams Rahul Gandhi over Jharkhand protest

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey fiercely criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a 'worse leader' than Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This jab came while addressing the ongoing students' protest in Jharkhand. The agitation, now on its 19th day, demands transparency in JPSC and JSSC exams. Police used lathi-charge and tear gas on Monday during the student march toward the Assembly. Chief Minister Hemant Soren promised reforms, but the BJP observed a statewide bandh in protest.

🤨 Rahul Gandhi dismisses Amit Shah's debate challenge

Rahul Gandhi reacted to Amit Shah's statement that he was ready for a debate. The exchange took place during a period of logjam in Parliament. Shah had reportedly suggested a debate, referencing recent political discussions. Gandhi dismissed this invitation, indicating a lack of interest in the proposed discussion. The political standoff is expected to continue as Parliament grapples with ongoing legislative issues.

🎬 Haiwaan teaser drops: Akshay vs Saif mystery

The teaser for Priyadarshan's upcoming thriller, Haiwaan, has been unveiled, hinting at a dark face-off between Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. The film features these two stars alongside Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, and Shriya Pilgaonkar. While the teaser builds suspense with shadows, it avoids revealing who the hero or 'haiwaan' truly is. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026. The upcoming trailer is expected to bring more clarity to the characters' conflict.

🔬 New study tackles dangerous Vibrio infection in Louisiana

Louisiana reported nine confirmed cases and five fatalities from severe Vibrio vulnificus infection in 2026. All affected individuals needed hospitalization after contact with coastal or brackish seawater. Researchers experimented with low-dose mitomycin C paired with ciprofloxacin in animal models. This combination showed synergistic bacterial killing and improved survival in neutropenic mice. However, human clinical trials are necessary before this dual therapy can be used clinically. 🔬

⚽ Deportivo vs Real Madrid: How to watch globally ⚽

The club friendly between Deportivo de A Coruna and Real Madrid is set to kick off on August 12, 2026, at 20:00. Coverage is available across numerous countries, with broadcasters like DAZN and Disney+ being featured. Many regions have specific streaming options, while a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions worldwide. Viewers can use a VPN like ExpressVPN to connect to a local server for uninterrupted viewing. This fixture pits Deportivo's recent form against Real Madrid's strong winning streak.

🏛️ Ram Temple CEO Candidates Asked to Fill Google Form

Candidates for the CEO position at the Ram Temple were asked to complete a Google form. This selection process targeted individuals who identify as staunch Hindus. The requirement specifically included a query about whether the applicant consumes non-vegetarian food. This seems to be part of a vetting process to ensure alignment with the temple's specific ethos. Further steps in the hiring process will depend on the responses received through this form.

🛑 Border tensions impact India-China ties, says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the situation at the Line of Actual Control will influence overall bilateral relations between India and China. This comment came in response to reports of a fresh standoff between troops in Arunachal Pradesh. In the 36th meeting on August 6, India emphasized the critical need for peace along the LOC. Furthermore, the MEA rejected China's objections to India naming 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh. These developments occur just before Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival at the BRICS Summit. 🤝