📉 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.

💸 Amazon denied refund after mattress return

A Himachal Pradesh district consumer commission directed Amazon to refund Rs 8,819 to a customer after a mattress order was cancelled and returned. The Kangra District Commission found Amazon liable in its August 3 order, ordering a Rs 5,000 compensation payout and Rs 5,000 in litigation costs. Shubham Patial ordered a Wakefit mattress on September 26, 2024, and the order was cancelled on October 7, 2024. Despite the return on October 16, the Amazon app showed a zero refund, constituting deficiency in service. Amazon must now refund the amount plus 9% annual interest until payment.

🪐 Hexagons rule even on Mars 🪐

Hexagonal patterns, or 'polygonal fractures,' have been spotted on Mars by NASA's Curiosity rover in Valle Grande. The rover is currently driving over these features, which resemble dried mudflats but could be caused by freeze-thaw cycles in the Martian soil. NASA is not certain how these extensive grid-like features formed, which could reveal details about Mars's recent past. Meanwhile, Curiosity, powered by plutonium and software updates, is expected to last longer than the Opportunity rover.

🚨 Student accused of murder, texts girlfriend's mom

An Indian national, Varun Batchigari, 20, is accused of murdering his 19-year-old girlfriend, Julissa Rubi Salazar, in Tucson, Arizona. He allegedly used her phone to text her mother after the killing, before fleeing the US. The murder took place near the University of Arizona on August 6, and Batchigari was charged with first-degree murder. He was later arrested in Germany after traveling there, and is currently awaiting extradition to Arizona. Authorities are working to bring him back to face the charges. 💔

✈️ Saudia updates international flight routes for winter 2026/27

Saudia has filed several international service changes for the upcoming Northern winter 2026/27 season. These changes affect routes like Jeddah to Abuja and Jeddah to Delhi, with varied frequency increases. Specific updates include Jeddah to Bangalore increasing from 4 to 7 weekly flights starting October 26th. The airline is adjusting schedules across multiple destinations to better serve passenger needs. Some new flight additions are not available for immediate reservations as of August 9th, 2026. ✈️

🔭 NGC 7243 open cluster visible tonight

Bright open cluster NGC 7243 is a good viewing target for small scopes tonight. It is located within the Lacerta constellation, a star pattern near Cygnus. This cluster shines at magnitude 6.4 and spans about 21 arcminutes. Its brightest star is centered within the cluster, glowing at magnitude 8.0. Observers should use celestial landmarks to find this cluster in the eastern sky. 🔭