🇮🇳 Vande Mataram singing now has legal backup

The President has given assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026. This move expands the penal provisions to protect the National Song, Vande Mataram, alongside the National Anthem. The amendment, passed during the Monsoon session, allows for punishment up to three years or a fine for obstructing its singing. Previously, Section 3 only covered the National Anthem, but now both songs are equally protected by law. The next steps involve ongoing court hearings regarding the mandatory singing of all stanzas. 🎶

🎬 'Dhurandhar' is Netflix's biggest non-English hit

The film 'Dhurandhar' has been declared the world's most-watched non-English movie of 2026 by Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. He noted that the film, starring Ranveer Singh, is bigger than every other English movie, second only to the US and UK in viewership. Between January and June 2026, the first film garnered 37 million views and topped charts in 22 countries. The two 'Dhurandhar' films have collectively earned over Rs 3,100 crore globally. Sarandos believes India's cinematic moment is happening constantly, not just in TV series. 🎬

💧 Future-proofing Indian cities with smart water design

Urban India faces a major water emergency due to rapid population growth and increased demand. The solution involves designing water-wise cities around natural features like rivers and aquifers, similar to Melbourne and Singapore. Key strategies include capturing rainwater, reusing treated wastewater, and managing groundwater sustainably in Indian cities. Investments must adopt a 'triple test' considering environmental and life-cycle costs, moving beyond just big infrastructure. Ultimately, durable change requires strong institutions that think long-term and build public trust. 💧

📈 NBFC stock surges 10% on massive Q1 profit jump

A microfinance lender saw its profit surge over twelvefold this quarter due to lower credit costs and better collections. This performance was recorded by Muthoot Microfin Limited in the Indian market. Net profit hit ₹81.3 crore, a jump from ₹6.2 crore last year, while total income reached ₹670.6 crore by the current date. The company deliberately slowed client growth to ensure better borrower quality over sheer scale. Future performance depends on the broader microfinance credit cycle and new lending scaling. 📈

🔥 Houthi attacks spook oil markets ⛽

Yemeni Houthis recently struck Saudi Arabia’s Najran province, resulting in the deaths of 11 civilians. This action occurred amidst reports of Iran considering new restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, oil prices rose today, with Brent crude crossing above $80 to trade at $83.80 per barrel. Saudi officials suggest coordinated attacks on energy infrastructure by Houthis and Iran-affiliated groups are planned. These escalating tensions complicate Middle East energy exports, moving away from earlier signs of potential peace.

🚨 Maharashtra govt warns FDA chief over mutton row

The Maharashtra government has issued its first formal warning to FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe regarding the ongoing Saoji mutton controversy. This action targets the chief in his capacity as the head of the Food and Drug Administration in the state. The specific incidents related to the mutton quality have been noted since early June 2024. This intervention comes as public concerns regarding food safety in the region have been escalating. Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance with food standards moving forward. 🚨

💍 Soha & Saba on missing Saif Ali Khan's wedding

Soha Ali Khan and Saba Pataudi recalled why they missed Saif Ali Khan's wedding to Amrita Singh. They revealed that they were too young to attend the intimate ceremony in 1991. At the time, Saba was 15 and Soha was only 13, and they were told not to spread the news. Soha mentioned the wedding was a last-minute affair, which surprised many people. The couple later had two children before their divorce in 2004.

🌧️ Delhi under red alert due to heavy rain

A three-hour red alert has been issued for Delhi following intense rainfall across the region. Gurugram is currently grappling with significant flooding in several areas. The heavy downpour started on Monday, impacting multiple parts of the National Capital Region. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to manage the increasing waterlogging issues. Further updates on the weather pattern and relief efforts are expected over the next 24 hours. 🌧️

🛡️ Banks can't lock your phone for loan default, RBI clarifies

The Reserve Bank of India has issued new guidelines regarding loan defaults. These rules clarify that banks are not allowed to lock an individual's mobile phone as a consequence of defaulting on a loan. The directive was released recently to protect consumer rights across the financial sector. This move aims to prevent undue harassment and ensure fair lending practices for all borrowers. Banks must now adhere to these regulations for loan recovery procedures moving forward.

🏆 21yo Tommy Cherry smashes Rubik's Cube record

21-year-old Tommy Cherry recently broke the Guinness World Record for solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded in 11.56 seconds. The American student achieved this feat on June 28, demonstrating incredible mental discipline and perseverance. His journey started as a curiosity when he first solved a cube at age 11 back in July 2015. Cherry continuously pushed his limits, improving upon his previous 2021 record of 15.27 seconds. This shows that consistent hard work leads to major achievements in life and academics. 🧠

🌧️ Assam floods hit hard; death toll climbs to 97

The flood situation in Assam worsened significantly on Friday, with two more fatalities pushing the death toll to 97. This crisis is affecting nearly 1.68 lakh people across 15 districts, with Golaghat being the worst hit area. As of August 7, 2026, water levels in rivers like Dhansiri are above the danger mark, causing displacement. Railway connectivity in Sivasagar has been restored, allowing direct train services to resume. Jharkhand has also pledged Rs 3 crore aid to the Assam Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. 😥