⛽ Russia supplies over half of India's crude oil imports

A sharp cut in Russian crude oil imports could significantly raise India's oil import bill and disrupt refinery operations. According to GTRI, Russia supplied an estimated 52% of India’s crude-oil imports in July, up from 48.6% in June. This high reliance comes as Russia’s share climbed from 15% in 2022 to 30.3% in FY2025-26. Proposed US sanctions could force India to choose between reduced Russian oil purchases and facing up to 100% tariffs. GTRI advises India to keep buying Russian crude as long as it remains commercially attractive and complies with rules. ⛽

🚦 Traffic changes for Tiranga Rally on Tank Bund

Traffic diversions are being enforced on Tank Bund this Friday due to a Tiranga Rally. The event is scheduled from the Ambedkar Statue to the M-47 Patton Tank near Children’s Park. These changes will be active from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Commuters are advised to bypass the Sailing Club and DBR Mills junctions to avoid congestion. The Hyderabad Traffic Police confirmed these road closures will be removed after the rally finishes.

😟 Property claims in Kashmir spark terror threats

Kashmiri Pandits attempting to reclaim ancestral land are facing serious threats from a mix of land encroachers and terror networks. This sinister activity is allegedly happening in the Kashmir Valley. The threat tactic involves tracking a property claim, identifying the owner, and then using violence to stop the recovery process. Displaced families are vulnerable as their legal steps can expose them to hostile groups. This alleged nexus protects illegally held valuable real estate from rightful owners. 😟

🛡️ New ration cards get high-tech security upgrades

The government has loaded new food security ration cards with multiple security features to prevent misuse and duplication. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will launch the distribution in Sangareddy on August 15th. Over 1.04 crore cards will be distributed, covering more than three crore beneficiaries across the state. These cards feature a hologram, water mark logo, and encrypted QR code, similar to bank notes. This high-tech security aims to make counterfeiting extremely difficult.

🩸 Big blood donation drive in Kalaburagi on Aug 15

A mega blood donation camp is being organized to mark Independence Day. Team G-99, Mahadasohi Sharanabasaveshwar Dialysis Centre, and KKCCI are hosting it in Kalaburagi. The event is scheduled for August 15, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This 15th annual initiative supports blood-needy patients and tackles healthcare shortages. Organizers urge youngsters and regular donors to participate in this humanitarian effort. 🩸

⚡ Karnataka opens power sector to private players

Karnataka is allowing private companies to manage power substations using the BOOT model. Hampapura Power Transmission Limited (HPTL) in Mandya and Mekhali Power Transmission Limited (MPTL) in Belagavi will be handed over to private firms upon KERC's approval. Resonia limited won HPTL, while Dilip Buildcon Limited won MPTL through TBCB. These projects aim to improve power supply reliability in Mandya and Belagavi regions. KERC has issued a public notice for objections before September 1st regarding the transmission licenses.

🚀 Intuitive Machines speeds up lunar satellite launch

Intuitive Machines has updated its timeline for deploying its initial lunar communications relay satellite. Previously expecting a 2026 mission, the company now projects the launch will happen in the first quarter of next year. This satellite, named Altus-1, is part of NASA's Near Space Network Services program. The accelerated schedule means the overall network completion is expected sooner than initially planned. This shift reflects the company's push to rapidly expand lunar connectivity. 🚀

😠 Japan slams Putin's trip to disputed Kuril Islands

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island on Thursday, August 13, 2026, which Japan claims as its Northern Territories. Tokyo strongly condemned the visit, calling it "absolutely unacceptable" and lodging a formal protest against Russia. This territorial dispute stems from the Soviet Union seizing the islands from Japan at the end of World War II in 1945. Japan maintains the islands are its inherent territory, while Moscow rejects these claims, citing the post-WWII outcome. Both sides remain entrenched, complicating any potential peace treaty talks. 😠

😥 Tunnel collapse traps workers in Uttarakhand 😥

A tunnel under construction for the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project collapsed on Thursday in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Approximately 18 workers were inside the tunnel when the incident occurred, according to District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar. So far, eight workers have been successfully rescued from the debris, and the rescue operation is still ongoing. Initial reports suggest a landslide inside the tunnel caused this serious incident. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation while rescue teams continue to clear debris and locate remaining workers.

🗳️ CM warns SIR exercise is a 'conspiracy' against voters

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy stated that the vote is more valuable than gold during the Minorities Excellence Summit. He alleged the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a conspiracy to delete 60 lakh to 70 lakh votes, especially in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts. These alleged deletions are happening now, which will affect the 2028 or 2029 elections. Reddy urged everyone to check registrations across every household to protect their voting rights. He also stressed the need for skill development for better employment opportunities.

🧐 Kerala Congress leader slams NSS chief over alleged issues

Kerala Congress (B) leader K.B. Ganesh Kumar stepped up criticism against NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair regarding organization handling. He made these allegations in Kerala, stating his intent to use the "people's court" instead of filing a legal case. The criticisms included appointments of Nair's relatives and questions about financial transactions and the dissolution of the NSS Pathanapuram Taluk Union. This comes after the NSS decided not to reappoint Kumar to its board of directors following tensions. Kumar stated he wants a "revolution" and urged members not to leave the organization. 🧐