🌿 Rajasthan greenlights UCC and tree protection bill

The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill and the Trees (Protection) Bill on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This decision was made by the state government in Jaipur, with CM Bhajan Lal Sharma presiding over the meeting. The bills will be introduced in the Assembly’s monsoon session starting August 20, 2026. The UCC aims for uniform laws on marriage and inheritance, while protecting 29 tree species. This move positions Rajasthan as the fifth BJP-ruled state to pursue this legislation. 🌳

💹 Market moves on Friday: 10 things to watch

Indian benchmark indices showed sharp divergence on Thursday, with Sensex closing up at 78,080 and Nifty 50 dipping near 24,396. Softer inflation readings in the US and India helped sentiment, but high crude oil prices present a risk. Earnings season reinforced confidence in India's demand, while geopolitical risks remain key factors. Market direction will hinge on energy markets, geopolitical events, and foreign capital flows. Traders should watch for a decisive breakout above 24,450 for a recovery. 📈

🏎️ Motorsport during the 1999 solar eclipse

In 1999, Formula 1 saw Michael Schumacher break his right leg during the Silverstone Grand Prix on July 11. Meanwhile, Sébastien Loeb secured three victories in the summer of 1999 with a Saxo Kit Car. Yannick Dalmas won the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans for BMW, marking his fourth victory there. The 21st Dakar Rally that year was notably disrupted by an ambush in Mauritania on January 13th. These events highlight the diverse action happening in motorsport around that time. 🏁

📉 Maharashtra scraps extra 10% construction rate in tribal areas

The Maharashtra government has officially cancelled the provision allowing a 10% higher construction rate in tribal-dominated areas. This decision was made by the Public Works Department on Thursday, aligning these works with general area rates. This change follows a meeting of top bureaucrats and ministers who deemed the extra provision unnecessary. The move is part of a wider government push to curb expenditure across various departments. Consequently, the State Schedule of Rates 2022-23 will now apply uniformly to all construction works.

🇮🇳 TN Minister predicts Rahul Gandhi as PM in 2029

A Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister stated that Rahul Gandhi will become the Prime Minister following the 2029 elections. S. Rajesh Kumar made this comment in Coimbatore on Thursday, August 13, 2026. He clarified that this view was his own, separate from TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna's suggestion. Rahul Gandhi is positioned as the prime minister candidate for the Indian National Congress within the state government. The state government is also planning a single window system to boost tourism infrastructure development.

🏫 Modi speaks on education, overlooks school demolition

Prime Minister Modi addressed the Vivekananda Memorial regarding the importance of education. He spoke at the memorial, which is located in a specific location not mentioned in the source. The event took place on a date not specified in the provided text. The speech highlighted the nation's focus on learning and development. Further details on the memorial's history and the demolished school are pending clarification. 🏫

😠 Rishika Singh confronts Yash over women's portrayal

Rishika Singh strongly criticized Yash for the toxic portrayal of women in his work. She voiced her strong stance against this depiction during a public statement. The criticism specifically targeted certain elements seen in his recent projects. This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about gender representation in Indian cinema. Singh has indicated she will take further action regarding these portrayals. 😠

🎉 Indian man gets US visa after H-1B rejections

An Indian data analytics professional, Sohan Sethi, successfully secured an O-1 visa after failing the H-1B lottery three times. Sethi, who is from Mumbai, arrived in Chicago in January 2022 after years of preparation for his Master's degree. Following his third H-1B rejection in March 2026, he started the O-1 process in April, spending around $13,000 on legal fees. The O-1 visa requires demonstrating extraordinary ability, which Sethi proved with extensive documentation. His approval allows him to continue his career in the United States for the next three years. 🥳

🚗 Bengaluru residents face big parking fees

Bengaluru residents parking outside homes may face annual fees up to ₹25,000 under the draft Greater Bengaluru Authority (Parking) Rules, 2026. These permits will be issued only to residents whose buildings meet minimum parking bylaws. The rules propose fees of ₹15,000 for hatchbacks, ₹20,000 for sedans, and ₹25,000 for SUVs. Parking without a permit, especially if internal parking is inadequate, is deemed illegal and can lead to fines. Citizens must adhere to road space and footpath requirements for residential parking areas. 🚗

🏛️ Karnataka Lok Bhavan open for Independence Day visits

The Karnataka Lok Bhavan will be accessible to the public for Independence Day celebrations. This access is scheduled for August 16, 17, and 18, running from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visitors are strictly advised to only enter designated areas and follow all guidelines. Everyone must carry a government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card, for a mandatory security check. Private vehicles and many prohibited items, including electronic devices and weapons, are banned inside.

⚡ APSPDCL rolls out easy bulk electricity payments

Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited launched a new streamlined payment system for bulk electricity consumers. This system is available on their website for customers managing multiple service connections under one name. Previously, entities like the TTD and mobile towers had to pay each bill separately, which was quite tedious. The new platform offers a single login, allowing consumers to register and pay all their bills simultaneously with one click. APSPDCL aims to simplify processes and expand its digital services further.