🧵 Women powering Banarasi saree making in Varanasi

Shaheen, a woman in her late forties, performs 'katorna' by trimming threads from a nearly finished Banarasi saree in Madanpura, Varanasi. She learned this intricate process from her mother-in-law while living in this old weaving neighbourhood. Visits revealed that women contribute significantly to sorting, inspecting, and finishing sarees alongside household chores. While male artisans operate the loom, women's labor is often absorbed into the household's payment structure. This system makes individual contributions, like Shaheen's, often invisible in the final transaction. 🧶

🎾 Shelton vs Nakashima: ATP Montreal Final Showdown

The ATP Montreal final pits defending champion Ben Shelton against surprise finalist Brandon Nakashima in an all-American clash. Nakashima, who faced tough three-set matches, advanced from the quarterfinals to the final on September 17th. Shelton leads the head-to-head record 5-0 against Nakashima, despite their matches being very competitive. Nakashima needs to convert break point chances against Shelton’s strong serve to have a chance. Shelton is playing at his best this year and is favored to win the title. 🎾

🤩 Oberoi and Yash vibe before Ramayana epic fight

Vivek Oberoi and Yash shared a warm behind-the-scenes moment before their intense combat scene in 'Ramayana'. The two actors, along with director Nitesh Tiwari, were seen bonding on the set of the mythological epic. This clip shows them rehearsing lines just before their major clash as Vidyutjihva and Ravana. The film, which features Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, is a two-part saga. It is set to release internationally on November 6 and in India on November 8. 🤩

🇱🇰 SL captain warns India ahead of Galle Test

Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva suggested the mental game will be key in the upcoming Test series. He stated that while India lost series against New Zealand and South Africa on turning wickets, they haven't forgotten how to bat against spin. Sri Lanka's strategy involves letting the pitch age over four and five days to favour spinners. De Silva believes their temperament gives them an advantage in difficult, changing pitch conditions. Furthermore, he highlighted that KL Rahul poses the biggest threat to the Sri Lankan side. 🏏

📊 MSCI India Index shakeup: Who's in and who's out? 📈

MSCI announced changes to the MSCI India Index, adding Lenskart Solutions and Adani Energy Solutions among others. These additions were made on Thursday, August 13, alongside the removal of SBI Cards and Astral from the main index. Nuvama Alternative Research estimates that these inclusions could bring in up to $600 million in potential inflows. Furthermore, Astral and Balkrishna Industries are being moved to the MSCI India Smallcap Index. The changes affect several stocks across different indices, leading to varied financial expectations.

⚓ Six sailors tried to jump overboard on USS Abraham Lincoln

At least six sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln reportedly attempted to jump overboard due to mental stress. This incident occurred while the nuclear-powered carrier, part of Carrier Strike Group 3, was deployed in the Arabian Sea. The deployment started on November 21 and has now surpassed 260 days without a set end date. Poor conditions, including limited land access, are fueling demands for accountability from lawmakers. Democrats are now pressuring the administration for answers regarding the extended deployment.

🚢 Six sailors attempt overboard jumps on USS Lincoln

At least six US service personnel aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln reportedly attempted to jump overboard due to extreme mental stress. This occurred while the nuclear-powered carrier, part of Carrier Strike Group 3, is on deployment for the US Pacific Fleet. The deployment began on November 21 and, after redeployment to the Middle East, has seen the ship at sea for over 260 days. Reports cite poor conditions and limited land access as factors affecting the crew's well-being. Lawmakers are now demanding answers from the administration regarding the sailors' treatment.

⚓ Hormuz still blocked: Iran clashes with Trump claims

Tensions remain high as Iran disputes claims that the Strait of Hormuz is open, signaling no breakthrough in the peace talks. This dispute involves the US and Iran over the terms of ending their five-month conflict, with contradictory messages being exchanged. Data from Kpler shows that ship traffic through the waterway is near a 3-month low, down from a previous daily average of 130. Iran's foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, criticized US intelligence, while Iran's authority stated the strait remains blocked until their conditions are met. Both sides are demanding reparations and have hardened their negotiating positions moving forward. 🚢

✨ Designer quits 9-to-5, questions life's meaning

Designer and entrepreneur Charmie Kapoor recently quit her full-time job after nearly a decade of work. This decision was made by Kapoor in her personal reflection shared on social media. The shift involved moving away from the comfort of salary notifications and deadlines. She explored personal projects and a mango toast venture instead of chasing a traditional career path. Kapoor now balances existentialism and absurdism, finding new meaning outside of work. 🧘‍♀️

🚇 Delhi traffic advisory for Independence Day rehearsal 🚦

Traffic restrictions are active around the Red Fort today, August 13, due to the Independence Day full-dress rehearsal. Delhi Traffic Police announced these diversions will be in place from 04:00 AM to 10:00 AM for security purposes. Authorities have suggested several alternate routes for commuters planning to travel across the city. Consequently, DMRC is strongly advising all Delhi NCR citizens to use the Delhi Metro for their journeys. This shift to public transport is recommended to navigate the disrupted traffic movement responsibly.

💹 Market dips, but some stocks are hitting highs

The Nifty50 and Sensex showed a decline as IT and realty stocks put pressure on the market. Astral's share price jumped 9.1 per cent after reporting a 48 per cent Y-o-Y increase in Q1FY27 net profit on the NSE. BofA raised Paytm's target price to ₹1,775, seeing it benefit from MDR implementation. Meanwhile, Tata Group shares saw a ₹44,000 crore market-cap dent following N Chandrasekaran's resignation. Investors are watching these movements closely for the next trading sessions. 📈