😟 Kashmir election reduced due to unrest

Voting is happening in the final phase of Pakistan-administered Kashmir's Legislative Assembly elections amid regional unrest. In Poonch division, only four of the eleven scheduled constituencies are voting on Monday, as over 800 booths opened in Bagh and Haveli districts. Seven constituencies, five in Poonch and two in Sudhnoti, were postponed last week due to security issues. This follows weeks of protests by the JAAC demanding the removal of 12 reserved seats. A new polling date for the postponed areas will be announced by the authorities soon. 🗳️

🛑 Netanyahu rejects Trump's Gaza peace plan

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that Tel Aviv would not withdraw forces from Gaza without Hamas being 'genuinely' disarmed. This statement came despite the Israeli military largely halting attacks under pressure from Donald Trump. Trump's Board of Peace proposed a roadmap for Hamas's complete disarmament, which Hamas initially agreed to on July 31st. The plan involved phased disarmament leading to Israeli force withdrawal and the establishment of a Palestinian police force. The military offensive began in October 2023 following Hamas's incursion, which has resulted in over 73,300 deaths.

🔭 Total Solar Eclipse on Aug 12, 2026: Not visible in India

A Total Solar Eclipse is scheduled to occur on August 12, 2026, a rare celestial event for sky watchers. However, this Surya Grahan will unfortunately not be visible in India. The eclipse is set to begin at 09:04 PM and end on August 13, 2026, at 04:25 AM. This event falls on the Amavasya Tithi of Shravan Month and is associated with the Cancer zodiac sign. People in the Cancer sign are advised to stay away from negativity during this time.

🏍️ Ducati Monster 5th Gen lands in India

Ducati India has launched the 5th Generation Monster in India, keeping its light and agile formula. The new model is available in Ducati Red, Iceberg White, and Sport Livery colorways for 2026. It features a new 890cc V2 engine producing 111 PS and weighs 4kg less at 175kg. Key additions include keyless go, bi-directional quickshifter, and a monocoque chassis. This bike aims to make the full Ducati experience accessible to everyday riders. 🏍️

Apple testing Chinese memory chips for new devices

Apple is currently testing memory chips from China's CXMT company for use in its upcoming iPhones and MacBooks. This testing is happening as part of Apple's supply chain diversification strategy. The chips being evaluated are crucial for the next generation of Apple hardware. This move reflects a broader trend of tech companies sourcing components globally. The results of this testing will determine the chips' integration into future Apple products. 🍎

📉 PFC, REC shares dip after CLSA cuts targets

Shares of Power Finance Corporation Ltd. and REC Ltd. dropped up to 8% on Monday following CLSA slashing their price targets due to mixed Q1 results. CLSA noted that loan growth moderated for both companies, specifically because of the run-down in the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) book. PFC showed 4% year-on-year loan growth, while REC's loan book expanded by only 1% year-on-year during the period. CLSA subsequently cut its FY27 profit-after-tax estimates for both firms by 2%-3%. The brokerage maintained an 'Outperform' rating on both but reduced targets to Rs 420 for REC and Rs 500 for PFC. 📉

🏛️ Govt says ready to discuss student protests

The Union government stated it is ready to debate the student issues in Parliament. Home minister Amit Shah is set to reply to the debate in the Lok Sabha. The government offered this during the Business Advisory Committee meeting on Monday. This move aims to stop the two-week logjam impacting the Monsoon Session since July 20. However, the Opposition insists on discussing both student protests and the Ayodhya donation theft.

🚨 Bollywood director arrested in alleged sexual harassment case

Filmmaker Shakeel Noorani was arrested by the Malvani Police following an alleged sexual harassment case. The incident reportedly occurred at his residence in Malvani, where he invited a 33-year-old woman under the guise of discussing a film project. The allegations detail sexual assault and drugging, with the case registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Noorani was initially evading arrest for about 40 days before being traced to a farmhouse in Maharashtra's Satara district. He was remanded to police custody until August 12 after being produced before the Borivali Holiday Court.

😔 Doctor found dead at hostel; seniors face suspension

A doctor was discovered dead at a hostel in Surat, leading to serious internal investigations. The incident involves several senior students at the institution. Reports indicate that four seniors have been suspended following allegations of harassment. This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the academic community regarding safety protocols. Authorities are currently looking into the matter to determine the full sequence of events. 😔

⚖️ Cashew Scam Appeal Hits Kerala High Court

R. Chandrasekharan and K.A. Ratheesh have filed appeals against a Single Judge's ruling regarding the cashew import scam. This legal battle is taking place in the Kerala High Court Division Bench. The issue relates to the contempt of court plea concerning alleged irregularities in the scam. The duo argues the Single Bench overlooked their right to challenge the prosecution sanction order. The court is scheduled to hear the case on Monday, August 10, 2026. ⚖️

🌍 Iran's demands and Berkshire Hathaway's earnings move markets

Iran has issued a set of new demands that are causing ripples in global markets. These developments specifically involve ongoing geopolitical tensions between the nations. For instance, Berkshire Hathaway reported its recent financial results, which are now being analyzed by investors. These corporate earnings reports are influencing broader market trends across different sectors. Market analysts are closely watching these developments to predict future economic shifts.