🕯️ 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. 📱

🐬 Dolphins independently invent fish trap technique

Bottlenose dolphins on opposite sides of Australia have independently learned to use large snail shells to catch fish. Researchers documented this 'shelling' behavior in Shark Bay on the west coast and in Great Sandy Marine Park near Hervey Bay on the east. The study noted matches in distant populations, though it could not prove the exact invention moment as of 2025. This suggests similar ecological chances led to the same foraging tactic across the continent. Future work might examine genetic links to confirm the independent evolution of this tool use. 🐬

🔬 Graphene wrinkles make surprisingly strong electricity

Researchers at Rice University found that tiny wrinkles in graphene create powerful electrical effects. The study focused on natural wrinkles in the material, specifically in regions smaller than a billionth of a meter. The team detected electrical currents consistently once about one volt was applied across these structures. This proves geometry alone can control electrical behavior, moving beyond just chemical changes. This could lead to more sensitive sensors and ultra-thin electronics in the future. 🔬

😔 Mumbai boy Shaurya battles rare SSPE disease

Nine-year-old Shaurya is now bedridden after being diagnosed with SSPE, a rare neurological disease linked to measles. The child is from Mumbai, and his family is urgently seeking medical aid and government support. Tests confirmed SSPE after months of searching, showing its progressive nature. The parents have already sold assets and taken loans to cover his care expenses. They are now appealing for assistance as government support has been minimal for these families.

🇨🇳 Xi honors Jiang Zemin's centenary in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed a grand gathering to commemorate the birth centenary of late leader Jiang Zemin on August 17, 2026. The event took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, with around 6,000 attendees present. Xi praised Jiang's indelible contributions to socialism with Chinese characteristics and his leadership in the third generation of the Party. He called for the CPC to continue advancing this cause while upholding strong Party leadership. The leaders emphasized learning from Jiang's vision for people's well-being and national development. 🇨🇳

🏒 India chases World Cup win over England since 1994

The Indian men's hockey team will face England in their second Pool D match at Wagener Hockey Stadium on Monday. This match is significant because a young Indian side is aiming for their first World Cup win over England since 1994. Previously, India suffered three defeats against England in World Cups after the 1994 Sydney victory. Their last strong performance against England was a goalless draw in the previous edition held in Bhubaneswar. The team needs to build on their 3-1 win against Wales to challenge the world No. 3 side. 🇮🇳