🇮🇳 Vande Mataram rules updated for national song

Vande Mataram, the National Song, will be sung from the Red Fort in New Delhi before the National Anthem for the first time. The Centre notified on February 11, 2026, that all six stanzas must be sung, with a required duration of approximately 3 minutes 10 seconds. This follows the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026, making disruption a criminal offence. The song must precede Jana Gana Mana on all occasions when both are to be played. Audience must stand when the official version is sung or played. 🇮🇳

💰 GIFT City is shaking up US investing costs

GIFT City is revolutionizing how investors access US markets by offering brokerage benefits. This hub allows users to invest in US stocks with reduced transaction costs compared to traditional methods. For instance, the platform saw a significant increase in trading volume during the recent reporting period. This shift is driven by the regulatory framework and the competitive advantages offered by the city. Future expansion plans suggest that these cost efficiencies will become mainstream for more retail investors.

🇨🇳 China sticks to anti-dumping duties on Indian fibre

China has decided to continue applying anti-dumping duties on single-mode optical fibre imports from India. This decision affects the trade between the two nations regarding this specific material. The duties remain in place despite ongoing trade discussions between the governments. This move reflects ongoing protectionist measures by Chinese authorities. Further updates on potential policy changes are expected in the near future.

😥 Mumbai landslide continues; two feared trapped

Rescue operations are ongoing for the second day following a landslide incident in Mumbai. The disaster hit Gaushiya Chawl in the Sakinaka area, involving multiple casualties. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the landslide claimed seven lives and injured seven others. The challenging site access has complicated the search by NDRF, fire brigade, and BMC teams. Authorities have evacuated nearby residents and are managing temporary accommodation arrangements. 😥

🚗 VW launches Kylaq SUV for India market

Volkswagen has officially given the green light to bring the Kylaq-based compact SUV to the Indian market. This new model is set to debut in India, leveraging the platform from Kylaq. Specific launch dates and pricing details are yet to be announced by the company. This move signals Volkswagen's push into the competitive compact SUV segment in India. Industry watchers expect this entry to shake up the current market dynamics. 🚗

😠 BTS RM and J-Hope spark backlash over Chris Brown concert

BTS members RM and J-Hope faced major online fury after attending a Chris Brown concert. The two idols shared an Instagram story on August 13 (KST) confirming their presence at the event in Canada. Netizens were appalled by their attendance, especially given Chris Brown's past controversies and allegations. Many felt the actions were insensitive, particularly since a majority of their fanbase is female. This situation has caused significant disappointment among fans who expected better from the group. 😠

🤰 Actress Pregnant After Affair with Married Cricketer

A famous actress became pregnant following an alleged affair with a married cricketer. The incident reportedly took place in Mumbai. Details surrounding the pregnancy surfaced around late October 2023. This affair has drawn significant public attention due to the cricketer's marital status. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming weeks. 🤰

🧠 Dogs can actually tell fear from sadness

A new brain scan study found MRI evidence that dogs process human fear, sadness, and anger as distinct emotions. The research was conducted by Raúl Hernández-Pérez and colleagues at the University of Vienna using scans on dogs. The study involved eight and twelve dogs and analyzed their reactions to human face photos. Specifically, different brain regions activated for fear versus sadness and anger. This suggests dogs' emotional understanding is a complex network, not just a simple good/bad split. 🐶

🌍 Iran knew Trump's exact spot during NATO summit

Iran reportedly had detailed intel on President Donald Trump's exact location in Ankara during a NATO summit. US intelligence received information about a surface-to-air missile threat targeting Air Force One. Due to this serious concern, Trump and officials executed a decoy operation last month. He was secretly moved from the large Air Force One to a smaller C-32A jet on July 8th. Trump later traveled from Ankara to a refuelling stop in Britain without any issues. ✈️

✈️ UAE releases Iran's frozen gold to calm tensions

The UAE reportedly released billions of Iran’s frozen assets, including USD 283 million worth of gold, to prevent future attacks. This move involved the UAE and Iran, with the assets allegedly flown from Abu Dhabi to Tehran and Karaj on August 11 and 12. The claim surfaced on Thursday, August 13, though neither the UAE nor the US has confirmed the details. This follows earlier June reports about unlocking billions for de-escalation, which the UAE denied. The next step depends on whether this action successfully halts regional hostilities. 🕊️

💣 Professor predicts Pakistan might use nukes first

Chinese-born Canadian educator Professor Jiang Xueqin suggested Pakistan is the most likely nation to use nuclear weapons first. This prediction was made during an appearance on YouTuber Raj Shamani's podcast uploaded on August 11. Jiang noted that Pakistan is a weak, disorganized, and corrupt nation with control system vulnerabilities. This contrasts with India's declared No First Use posture, emphasizing strategic asymmetry. The context is Pakistan's reliance on nuclear deterrence against India's larger conventional strength. 💣