📈 Stocks to watch: Bagadia names 5 breakout picks

The Sensex and Nifty 50 closed lower on Monday, August 17, as investors stayed cautious amid geopolitical uncertainty. Sumeet Bagadia of Choice Broking recommended five shares to buy on Tuesday, August 18, specifically mentioning Concord Biotech, Kfin Technologies, KEI Industries, Oberoi Realty, and Finolex Cables. Concord Biotech, for instance, is recommended to buy at ₹1515 with a target of ₹1650. The market context shows mid- and small-cap stocks slightly outperforming the major indices during the session. Investors are advised to watch key support and resistance zones for potential short-term momentum shifts. 📈

🤝 Taliban pitches closer ties with India at Victory Day event

The Taliban used their first public reception in India to advocate for deeper engagement with India for regional stability. Charge d’affaires Noor Ahmed Noor addressed the event in New Delhi, commemorating the fifth anniversary of their return to power on August 15, 2021. He outlined a foreign policy of 'balanced engagement' and sought a stronger economic partnership with India. The Indian government, represented by Anand Prakash, attended despite not officially recognizing the Taliban regime. The Taliban emphasized shared cultural history and the need for constructive political and economic ties moving forward.

📈 Gold Surges Past $4,450 on Fed Speculation Shift

Gold prices are currently climbing near $4,450 per ounce. This rise is happening because bets on further Federal Reserve rate hikes are fading, and the US dollar is showing signs of weakening. Market risks are still present in the global economic outlook. Investors are reacting to the changing sentiment around interest rate policy. Future movements depend on incoming economic data and central bank communications.

🌌 JWST captures epic new look at Lion Nebula

NASA's James Webb Telescope has captured stunning new images of the Lion Nebula, officially known as NGC 2392. This celestial object is located in deep space, and it was first discovered by William Herschel in 1787. Scientists estimate the nebula will disperse in about 10,000 years, as it formed from a dying star's material. The images reveal hazy, comet-shaped objects within the nebula's 'mane.' This planetary nebula showcases vibrant purple, blue, pink, and white colors.

😮 Siraj's wild throw nearly hits umpire during Test

Mohammed Siraj's powerful throw narrowly missed leg umpire Ahsan Raza during Day 3 of the India vs Sri Lanka Test match. This incident happened while Siraj was fielding in the deep for the Indian cricket team. On Day Three, Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja took seven wickets, leading to a 178-run first-innings lead for India. Suthar finished with 4-76, while Jadeja contributed 3-57, and Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna also took wickets. The match continues as Sri Lanka's Sonal Dinusha scored a maiden Test hundred against the bowling attack.

🏏 Suthar dominates with massive spin turn in Galle

Manav Suthar performed exceptionally well, taking four wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings at the Galle International Stadium. He played for India in Sri Lanka, where the match started with India posting 462 runs. The figures were 4/76, and 74% of his deliveries had a large turn, beating Ravindra Jadeja's 58.2%. His strong performance was boosted by a 10-day training stint at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Suthar aims to learn from experienced bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja as the series continues. 🏏

🏏 Suthar dominates with massive turn in Galle Test

Manav Suthar claimed four wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings at the Galle International Stadium. He achieved this feat for India in the opening Test of the two-match series. His bowling figures were 4/76, and 74% of his deliveries had a large turn, which was the best percentage among all spinners. This strong performance was supported by a 10-day training stint at the BCCI Centre of Excellence beforehand. Suthar plans to continue building on this momentum in the ongoing series. 🏏

💰 RSB Transmissions eyeing ₹3,000 cr IPO

Pune-based RSB Transmissions is starting talks with bankers for a major ₹3,000 crore IPO. Bain Capital initiated this process for its portfolio company, which specializes in auto components. The discussions are happening after Dhoot Transmission successfully listed earlier this week. Bain currently holds a 64.3% stake in RSB, which was boosted by a June acquisition of Setco Auto Systems. Next, the company is finalizing details regarding the IPO's exact valuation and structure. 🚀

🕌 BJP adds two UP Muslim leaders to new national team

The BJP announced its new national executive, featuring two Muslim leaders from Uttar Pradesh in party president Nitin Nabin’s team. Professor Tariq Mansoor and Kunwar Basit Ali were included in this organizational reshuffle for the upcoming UP Assembly elections. Mansoor, a Pasmanda Muslim, is retained as national vice-president, while Ali becomes the national minority morcha chief. This move aims to expand the party's outreach among various sections of the Muslim community. The party is actively courting Muslim voters ahead of the elections. 🤝

🚦 Hyderabad's KBR Park becomes a one-way traffic circle

KBR Park in Hyderabad was converted into a large traffic rotary on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The traffic police implemented a continuous one-way flow system on the park's six-lane stretch. This change was necessitated by ongoing H-CITI construction and flyover work nearby. Motorists travelling from Banjara Hills towards Jubilee Hills Checkpost now have to take a left turn. Police staff are deployed 24/7 to manage the new routes and guide commuters.

💧 Drought then flood: Assam's Golaghat hits dual disaster

Golaghat district in eastern Assam first faced severe drought conditions in July, delaying paddy sowing for farmers like Babul Bora. On July 19, heavy rains caused the Gelabil river to swell, leading to devastating floods across the region. The district saw 147% more rain between July 16 and July 22, making it one of four worst-hit areas in Assam. Experts suggest this dual risk is linked to climate change, with intense short-duration rainfall events. The situation highlights how erratic weather patterns are affecting agriculture severely in the region. 😥