🚫 Karnataka Bans Tobacco Gutka & Pan Masala for a Year

The Karnataka government has implemented a ban on the sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine. This restriction targets vendors and shops across the state of Karnataka. The ban is set to remain in effect for a period of one year from its implementation date. The move comes as part of the state's ongoing effort to curb tobacco consumption and improve public health. Authorities are expected to monitor compliance closely during this specified period. 🚫

📈 Lenskart profit jumps 182% in Q1 FY27

Lenskart Solutions reported a massive 182.3% year-on-year profit surge to Rs 228 crore in Q1 FY27. This performance was recorded by the eyewear provider across its India and international operations. Revenue from operations climbed 33.6% YoY, reaching Rs 2,714 crore as of the first quarter. This strong growth reflects broad-based expansion, with consolidated product margin crossing 70.3% for the first time. The company is now considering new subsidiaries in South Korea and China. 👓

📈 Retail inflation hits 4.45% in July 📈

Retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July 2026, moving above the RBI's 4% target for the second consecutive month. This rate was 4.84% in rural areas compared to 3.96% in urban areas. Provisional food inflation stood at 5.52% year-on-year for July 2026. The RBI governor noted that higher inflation is mostly due to fuel and food prices. Headline inflation is projected to peak in Q3:2026-27 before moderating later.

📈 Gold crosses $4,400 on inflation data

Gold prices have surged past the $4,400 mark, driven by recent US inflation data reports. This significant movement is being observed in global commodity markets. The latest data released in mid-month showed inflation figures fluctuating, impacting investor sentiment. Central banks and investors are closely watching these figures to guide future monetary policy. The market is now anticipating further economic indicators to determine the next trend for gold. 📈

🏛️ Kerala names new economic advisors for Planning Board

The Kerala government has gave in-principle sanction for appointing three economic advisors to K.M. Chandrasekhar. These appointments are with the State Planning Board, which he joined as Vice-Chairman in July. The advisors are D. Narayana, Kiran Kumar Kakarlapudi, and M. Parameswaran, effective from the current tenure. This follows the board's White Paper submission, which proposed rebuilding it as a government 'think tank'. The Opposition LDF has criticized this move, comparing it to the BJP's move with NITI Aayog.

🌊 Why Mumbai floods fast after just one hour of rain 🌧️

Parts of Mumbai experienced intense rainfall on June 24, 2026, with South Mumbai recording 248 mm, making it a wettest June day in over a decade. This rapid flooding happens because rain intensity exceeds the drainage system's capacity in many areas. The expansion of concrete surfaces prevents water from seeping into the ground, increasing surface runoff significantly. Furthermore, the reduction of natural water-holding areas like wetlands adds pressure to the infrastructure. Climate change acts as an amplifier, making intense rainfall events more likely in the city.

🏛️ Rajya Sabha passes bill to boost co-op funding

The Rajya Sabha recently passed the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This bill aims to broaden the mandate of the NCDC, a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation. The amendments allow NCDC to give loans and grants directly to cooperative societies or development entities. This change seeks to strengthen the entire cooperative ecosystem, making it more modern and independent. The bill also proposes removing geographical restrictions for industrial goods assistance. 🤝

🤰 Obesity jump in Indian women raises health alert

Nearly one in three Indian women aged 15-49 years are now overweight or obese, up from one in four five years ago. This trend was revealed by the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) conducted in 2023-24 across India. The percentage of overweight or obese women rose to 30.7%, compared to 24% in NFHS-5 (2019-21). Doctors are now stressing pre-conception interventions to improve reproductive outcomes by addressing risks beforehand. This approach, similar to Ayurveda's garbhadana samskara, is being offered as a structured program in Udupi, Karnataka. 🤰

🧐 Iran-US ceasefire extension talks stall

The US and Iran have reportedly agreed to extend the 60-day ceasefire under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement is set to expire on August 17, according to Pakistani government sources. However, recent separate attacks by the US and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on Tuesday, August 11, suggest tensions remain high. Tehran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed unless Washington meets its demands. The situation indicates that talks for a lasting peace remain complicated. 🧐

⚔️ Elden Ring lands on Switch 2 with big expansion

The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026. Nintendo of America is promoting this version which features the original game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This bundle also includes four new armor sets, two starting backgrounds, and Torrent customization options. The game supports online multiplayer for up to six players across various modes. This massive RPG is expected to be a key title for the Switch 2 lineup.

✈️ Iran knew Trump's location during NATO summit

US intelligence indicated Iran knew President Donald Trump's precise location in Ankara during the NATO summit. Officials noted a potential surface-to-air missile threat targeting Trump's aircraft during the event. This serious intelligence prompted a major security deception operation. Trump secretly switched planes, while the original Air Force One acted as a decoy aircraft. The maneuver later sparked debate over the risk shifted to other passengers.