📉 Indian IT firms pause H-1B filings amid US dip

Indian IT companies have slowed down new H-1B visa applications due to a significant drop in US registrations. This downturn specifically affected tech companies operating in the United States. Data shows that US H-1B registrations plummeted by 38.5% compared to previous periods. This trend reflects shifting global hiring patterns and changes in US immigration policies. Companies are now reassessing their hiring strategies for the upcoming quarters.

📈 Stocks to watch for big gains in 2026

Several brokerage firms are recommending specific stocks for long-term investment potential. Nuvama Securities gave a Buy rating to BLS International, while Elara Securities favoured Gujarat Fluorochemicals and NBCC India. These recommendations were compiled from various sources as of August 14, 2026. The potential upside ranges from 15% for Grasim to 63% for BLS International. Investors should check these tips as part of their future financial strategy. 📈

😠 Man Assaults Beggar with Slippers Outside Temple

A viral video captured a man brutally assaulting a woman beggar outside Kapurthala's Mata Shri Bhadrakali Temple. The incident took place outside the historic temple gate where the woman was with her children. The assault happened after the man became furious because the children were allegedly accused of tampering with his motorcycle on August 14, 2026. Following the video's virality, the Women’s Commission and Human Rights Core Committee pressed for action. Police have registered an FIR against the identified accused, Vikas Sharma, and are conducting raids for his arrest. 😠

🏏 Sarfaraz Khan needs clear direction from coaches

Sarfaraz Khan requires clear guidance to improve his cricket performance. Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar are the key figures who should provide this direction. There are no specific numbers or dates mentioned in the article regarding his performance. This suggestion comes amid discussions about his batting consistency and role in the team. Stakeholders expect clearer instructions from the management moving forward. 🏏

🏏 Ashwin tells Gambhir to give Sarfaraz clarity

Sarfaraz Khan's Test squad return has reignited selection talk before the Sri Lanka series in Galle. Ravichandran Ashwin believes Dhruv Jurel is more likely to play in the first Test starting on August 15. Sarfaraz, 28, was dropped after a strong 150-run knock in the previous Test. Ashwin urges captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir to clarify his role for the batter. This focus on spin conditions makes Sarfaraz a tempting option against Jurel. 🏏

💰 Fraudsters impersonate top bullion figure to cheat man

A gang allegedly used the identity of Prithviraj Kothari to trick a Hyderabad-based man into losing Rs 75 lakh. The crime occurred when the complainant, Rohitkumar Jain, was contacted on July 8th in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Authorities have arrested two suspects and recovered Rs 25 lakh as of August 12th. The fraudsters researched online info to build trust before executing the urgent angadia transaction scam. Police are continuing the investigation to trace the rest of the stolen money and the missing associate. 💸

🌎 India's global image: Vibe check across countries

A Pew survey across 36 countries shows India's global image is not uniform, ranging from 79% favorable in Sri Lanka to just 7% in Pakistan. In the Spring 2026 survey, a median of 45% across all surveyed nations held a favorable view of India. The UK and several European nations maintain high positive ratings, while the US view has slightly weakened to 45% favorable. These regional contrasts highlight how geopolitics shapes global perceptions of India. 🇮🇳

📸 Insta360 X6 drops 8K50 video and on-device AI editing

Insta360 has officially launched its new flagship 360 camera, the X6, featuring larger sensors and 8K50fps video capability. This device is available globally, coinciding with the brand achieving a 71% share of the global panoramic camera market in Q1 2026. The X6 boasts two custom Sony 1/1.1-inch square sensors and supports AI Director, which generates edits while the camera charges. It offers 10-bit colour, Dolby Vision, and functions as a 5K60fps action camera in single-lens mode. Retail sales began on August 12th, with pricing starting at S$939 in Singapore.

🔥 Ambala clashes could test BJP's Punjab strategy

A police action against Sikh protesters in Ambala has become a sensitive political issue for the BJP. This confrontation stemmed from an August 7 incident at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib involving anti-Khalistan leader Gursimran Singh Mand. The protests, involving Sikh organizations and farmers, escalated on Thursday, leading to a lathicharge and tear gas deployment. These visuals are now circulating widely across Punjab, impacting the BJP's outreach efforts there. The key concern is whether this Haryana incident will negatively affect the BJP's connection with Sikh voters in Punjab. 😔

☔ Delhi's rain data error corrected by IMD

The India Meteorological Department corrected a data entry error regarding Delhi's rainfall. A typing mistake at Safdarjung observatory incorrectly showed Delhi exceeded its average, but the actual rain on August 6 was 18.7 mm. Currently, Delhi has received 197.2 mm of rain this month, which is slightly below the normal August average of 226.8 mm. The IMD forecasts light rain for August 15, Independence Day, and intermittent rain for August 16. Heavy rain is expected in East and Central India due to an active depression tracking across Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand. ☔

🚗 Mahindra dominates 4.5m-4.8m SUV sales in July 2026

Mahindra maintained strong dominance in the 4.5m to 4.8m SUV segment for July 2026. The segment saw total sales reach 40,150 units, driven by Mahindra's Scorpio and Scorpio N in the region of Pune. Specifically, the Scorpio and Scorpio N sold 16,009 units, while XUV7XO clocked 8,233 units during that month. Tata Harrier grew significantly by 48.96% YoY, showing improvement after adding its EV variant. Sales momentum is expected to continue as the festive season approaches for these popular SUVs. 🚗