🚢 Secret oil runs through Hormuz Strait

Middle Eastern oil producers are secretly shipping fossil fuels through the Strait of Hormuz, which is helping to keep energy prices stable. Tankers from the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait are operating with transponders off in the strait. The secret shuttling is currently moving volumes higher than the market's estimate of four million barrels per day. This covert movement is mitigating inflation fears even as the Iran war continues to drag on. The risk of attacks remains high for these vulnerable vessels navigating the vital chokepoint.

🕉️ Stampede at Bihar temple kills seven people

Seven people were killed and several were injured during a stampede-like event at Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar. The incident occurred on early Monday, Shravan’s Somvaar, when a large crowd was gathered for worship. Authorities reported that a falling electric pole may have caused electrocution, triggering the chaos. The district administration noted that the crowd swelled unexpectedly, exacerbated by the arrival of two trains around 6:30-6:45 am. Further details regarding the exact cause of the stampede are currently under verification.

📈 Stocks to watch: RIL, Ather, NMDC and more

Benchmark equity indices are facing a subdued start as they track lackluster Asian market moves. GIFT Nifty was trading lower by 0.13 per cent at 24,399 as of 7:30 AM on Monday. RIL has set LPG production potential at 63,810 tonnes a day across 21 refineries. Ather Energy recently raised its total fundraise to about ₹2,500 crore through recent deals. ONGC has secured a licence to resume full operations in Venezuela. 🚀

📺 New K-dramas dropping this week

Several new K-dramas are set to premiere between August 17th and August 23rd. Titles like ‘OK, Let’s Get Divorced’ are among the upcoming releases. The lineup features various genres for different viewer preferences. These shows are part of the ongoing trend of Korean content gaining global traction. Viewers can look forward to checking out these series on streaming platforms soon.

🤫 Trump's secret line with Iran's IRGC

Donald Trump allegedly opened a secret communication channel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This move reportedly happened during the ongoing Iran talks discussions. Specific figures or dates regarding this channel opening were not disclosed in the report. The context suggests this action was a strategic move behind the public negotiations. Future developments regarding this secretive link remain uncertain.

🕯️ Temple Stampede Claims 7 Lives in Bihar

Seven devotees tragically died during a stampede at a temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar. The incident occurred at the Ashok Dham Temple when an electric wire reportedly fell, causing mass panic among the crowd. This happened on Monday as pilgrims were visiting the shrine to mark the last Monday of the Shravan month. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the crowd surge and subsequent tragedy. Further updates on the ongoing investigation are expected in the coming days.

🔬 New nano-material makes H2O2 from sunlight

Researchers in the United States developed a new hybrid material to efficiently produce hydrogen peroxide. This material combines inorganic and biological components at Argonne National Laboratory. It uses layered nanosheets, 500x thinner than a human hair, to convert sunlight, air, and water. The hybrid system produces over five times more H2O2 than the semiconductor alone, operating under ambient conditions. This breakthrough shows how nano-bio interfaces can direct chemical reactions using cheap, abundant materials. 🔬

🚀 Bengaluru's furniture giant's massive growth story

Featherlite transformed from a small operation starting with garden chairs to a massive furniture empire. The company is based in Bengaluru and has achieved significant market presence over the years. Their revenue has scaled impressively, reaching a valuation of Rs 1,000 crore. This growth showcases a successful transition from local beginnings to a major industry player. The company continues to expand its reach and product line in the market.

🎬 New OTT drops for the next week 🍿

New movies and TV shows are dropping across major streaming platforms this week. For instance, Lanterns premieres on JioHotstar, featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the DCU. The schedule includes Toy Story 5 on August 18th and Outer Banks season 5 on August 20th. Viewers can catch Jana Nayagan with Vijay or check out Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing on Netflix. This gives audiences plenty of binge-worthy content for the next seven days.

🚗 Top small SUVs in India hit 20km/l mark

India's top-selling small SUVs are making waves with great features and fuel efficiency. These vehicles are available from various manufacturers across the Indian market. They boast mileage figures of up to 20 Km/L and start at a price point of Rs 5 Lakh. This segment is highly competitive, attracting many buyers looking for a balance of style and economy. Consumers can check out the specific models and their detailed pricing plans soon.

📱 Broken screen, not 5G, drives phone upgrades in India

A recent survey by Corning revealed that broken cover glass prompted 53% of surveyed Indian users to buy new smartphones early. This data comes from a study involving 1,509 smartphone users across India, conducted in November and December 2025. Nearly 87% of respondents admitted to dropping their phone in the past year, highlighting the durability issue. Furthermore, 61% of premium users and 42% of budget users cited broken glass as a reason to upgrade. Consumers are also willing to pay more, with 74% ready to spend extra for tougher phone materials. 📱