🎬 Ranbir Kapoor fires back at Ramayan VFX critics

Ranbir Kapoor publicly responded to the criticism surrounding the visual effects of Ramayan. He addressed the negativity online, especially claims that the visuals were made using artificial intelligence. The actor stated that thousands of artists have put in countless hours of work over several years on the project. He noted that audiences are now highly critical, often judging trailers before the final release. Ranbir highlighted the intense dedication from director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra.

🚢 Hormuz Shipping Traffic Hits Low Due to Tensions

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to a one-week low recently. This decrease is being reported by Reuters news agency. The drop coincides with ongoing regional hostilities in the area. The waterway is a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for any escalation.

⚖️ Maharashtra govt: Reservation talks must stick to the Constitution

Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Maharashtra government will consider all reservation demands only within constitutional limits. This was announced by the Chief Minister on Tuesday amidst political debate, especially regarding the Maratha and OBC categories. The government is committed to justice for all groups, including Marathas and OBCs, and will not take from one group to give to another. Any demand that is in the public interest and fits the Constitution will be considered for review. If a demand falls outside constitutional rules, it will unfortunately not be accepted by the administration. ⚖️

🚩 Army vet flags flag code breach in Safed Sagar

An army veteran alleged a flag code breach in the series Operation Safed Sagar, which honors the 1999 Kargil War. Colonel Vembu Shankar raised this issue regarding a scene in the six-episode show involving Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja. He pointed out the incorrect draping of the tricolour on the coffin, specifically noting the green portion was visible instead of saffron at the head. Shankar demanded a digital correction and a suspension of the show on Netflix until the change is made. This series, directed by Oni Sen, has otherwise received praise for its depiction of the IAF's mission. 🇮🇳

🐷 Grapefruit-sized piglet debuts at Chester Zoo

An endangered babirusa, nicknamed 'pig-deer', has made its debut at Chester Zoo. This unique animal is located at Chester Zoo, where it is being cared for. Rana is the fifth piglet born to mother Matano, with this being in a race against time. Wild babirusa populations are drastically reducing due to African swine fever on four Indonesian islands. Conservationists are working with partners to protect this species' future. 🐷

💔 Engineering student beaten to death by college mates

A 19-year-old engineering student was allegedly beaten to death by a group of his college mates on Monday, August 10, in Coimbatore. The deceased, K Amuthan, was studying at Hindustan Engineering College, and five students were subsequently detained. This brutal incident followed an earlier incident where a group allegedly robbed phones from a student's rented house. Police registered a murder case based on a complaint, with the investigation looking into retaliation or a leaked drug supply detail. Amuthan's family is now demanding action against the attackers and the college management. 😔

🚨 Mumbai landslip: seven dead confirmed in Ghatkopar

A landslide struck Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, resulting in seven fatalities and several injuries. Rescue operations, involving NDRF and 50 BMC personnel, were launched after the incident occurred around 3:48 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The deceased have since been identified and bodies taken from Rajawadi Hospital. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad accused the BMC of negligence in pre-monsoon safety audits. The Mayor announced ₹4 lakh compensation for families and ₹50,000 for injured victims. 😔

🏛️ FCRA Bill goes to JPC amid huge uproar

The Lok Sabha adopted a motion to send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee on August 12, 2026. This action occurred amid significant furore from the Opposition, including K.C. Venugopal and Akhilesh Yadav. The bill, which aims for tighter oversight of NGOs, was introduced on March 25 and proposes new asset management rules. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill against claims it targets minority communities. The session was eventually adjourned until 3 p.m. 🏛️

⚡ Maharashtra slashes land tax for green energy projects

The Maharashtra Cabinet decided to waive stamp duty and offer a 25% land-transfer fee discount for renewable energy projects. This move was made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state to speed up clean energy development. The policy change, effective under the State Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Policy-2025 to 2035-36, applies to internal transfers between group/SPV companies. This exemption aims to cut production costs, as the land must ultimately be used for renewable energy. Furthermore, the government revised the interest rate for delayed land acquisition compensation. ⚡

📈 Apollo Hospitals profit beats estimates, Titagarh Rail sinks

Apollo Hospitals reported a profit that surpassed market estimates during the recent Q1 results announcements. This positive performance was seen among the many companies releasing their financial data today. Specific figures for the period are not detailed, but the results are impacting investor sentiment across the board. The broader market is closely watching these earnings reports for signs of economic health. Investors will now analyze these Q1 outcomes to make future decisions.

😟 Job scam in Portugal leads to trafficking

A Nagpur woman was allegedly human trafficked after paying ₹8 lakh to a Pune-based consultancy for a job in Portugal. The incident involved Pratima Bhati and others, with the survivor initially paying installments starting from January 24, 2026. After reaching Madrid, she was forced to work in various places, realizing she was sold by the associates. She managed to contact her husband and eventually reached Delhi on July 1. Police have booked eight accused under multiple sections of the BNS, 2023. 😟