India

Anand Rathi Analyst Picks JSW Energy, GMDC, and IRCTC as Top Buys for Aug 12

Mehul Kothari, DVP of Technical Research at Anand Rathi Shares, has recommended three stocks for investors on August 12, 2026. The picks include JSW Energy, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), and IRCTC. These recommendations are based on technical research analysis conducted by the brokerage firm. Investors tracking short-term opportunities may consider these stocks as potential buy candidates for the day.

Iran Threat Triggered Deception Operation Behind Trump's Plane Switch in Turkey

A credible Iranian threat against President Donald Trump prompted a covert deception operation during his recent trip to Turkey. A US official familiar with the matter disclosed the information to The Washington Post. The operation involved a switch of the presidential aircraft as a security precaution. When asked about the plane change, Trump responded with a casual attitude, saying he does not worry about such matters.

Ronaldo and Georgina Wed in Private Portugal Ceremony; Viral Guest Images Are Fake

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have officially tied the knot after being together for roughly a decade. The couple held an intimate, private wedding ceremony in Portugal. Viral images circulating on social media purportedly showing football stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane at the event are fabricated. These images were either digitally manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence tools. Experts and fact-checkers are urging social media users to verify content before accepting it as genuine.

India's squash rise needs coaching depth and pro ecosystem, says Chotrani

Indian squash is experiencing a surge in popularity, boosted by Anahat Singh's historic World Junior title and a growing number of top-ranked professionals. However, star player Veer Chotrani argues that sustained success demands more than just infrastructure and funding. He highlights the need for stronger coaching, quality training partners, and a well-developed professional ecosystem within the country. Chotrani also stresses that Indian families must begin treating sport as a credible career path alongside conventional education.

Google Gemini Hits 1 Billion Monthly Users, Fastest-Growing Product in Company History

Google's Gemini mobile app has surpassed one billion monthly active users, marking it as the fastest-growing consumer product in the company's history. CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged the milestone, crediting the app's rapid adoption across diverse user groups. Users are increasingly relying on Gemini for everyday tasks through voice commands and image-based inputs. The app generates over 150 million images daily, particularly serving small businesses, and has also gained notable traction among Apple device users.

Himachal Pradesh Introduces Widow and Orphan Cess on Petrol and Diesel

The Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a new cess on petrol and diesel, designated to support widows and orphans in the state. The levy is currently set at 60 paise per litre, though state law permits the government to charge up to Rs 5 per litre. Analysts suggest the initial 60 paise rate could be a starting point, with potential increases in the future. The cess will directly impact fuel prices for consumers in the hill state.

Six Wall Street firms back Nvidia amid circular financing concerns

Nvidia has partnered with six major Wall Street investment firms to raise hundreds of billions of dollars for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The initiative is designed to broaden access to Nvidia's high-performance computing resources for AI development. By involving independent financial institutions, Nvidia aims to demonstrate genuine market demand for its AI solutions. The move also serves as a response to allegations of 'circular financing', where a company is accused of artificially inflating demand through self-referential funding arrangements. The partnership signals a new financing model emerging within the rapidly expanding AI industry.

North Korea launches second ballistic missile in a week before US-South Korea drills

North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea on Wednesday, marking its second such test within a week. The launch drew swift condemnation from both South Korea and Japan, who called it a provocation. The test comes ahead of scheduled large-scale joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. North Korea has continued advancing its weapons testing program despite ongoing international concern and pressure.

Pakistan Says US-Iran Peace Deal Could Be Close as Talks Advance

Pakistan has indicated that a peace deal between the United States and Iran may be nearing completion. The country has been playing a mediating role in the conflict alongside Qatar. Separately, talks between Iran and Oman regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime shipping have reportedly reached an advanced stage. The potential agreement signals a possible diplomatic breakthrough in the longstanding tensions involving Iran.

Container Ship Pays $4 Million to Jump Panama Canal Queue

A container ship called the Seaspan Benefactor paid approximately $4 million to skip the waiting queue at the Panama Canal. The amount is described as near-record high for such an auction slot. The payment was made by the vessel's owner, according to sources familiar with the matter. The sources requested anonymity as the auction data is private. The high fee reflects growing demand for priority passage through the critical waterway.

Govt to offer sops up to Rs 5,000 for e-2-wheelers till Mar 2028

FSSAI Bans Plastic Packaging for Pan Masala, Mandates Tin or Glass Only

India's food safety authority has prohibited the use of plastic materials in the packaging of pan masala products. The ban covers a wide range of plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC, synthetic polymers, copolymers, and laminates. Manufacturers will now be required to use only tin or glass containers for packaging pan masala. The move is aimed at reducing plastic use in food-contact materials and improving packaging safety standards.

Delhi-NCR to See Light Rain Through August 17, IMD Forecasts

The India Meteorological Department has forecast light rainfall across the Delhi-NCR region continuing until August 17. Cloudy skies have already settled over the area, bringing intermittent rain on Tuesday. The wet weather has had a noticeable impact on road traffic across the region. Residents are advised to account for delays and disruptions during the extended spell of rainfall.

Russia Fires North Korean Missiles at Ukraine, Killing at Least 10

Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight attack across Ukraine, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens more. Ukrainian authorities made the announcement on Tuesday, condemning the strikes as a significant escalation. Kyiv specifically accused Moscow of deploying North Korean-supplied missiles during the assault. The attack marks a notable development in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the alleged military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

HC Directs Centre and MP Govt to Fund Rs 1 Crore Gap in Indore Girl's Treatment

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought Rs 1 crore in financial assistance from the central and state governments for a critically ill girl from Indore requiring expensive medical treatment. The court observed that despite the central government's contribution of Rs 50 lakh and approximately Rs 8 crore raised through crowdfunding, a funding shortfall of Rs 1 crore still remains. The bench directed both governments to step in and bridge this gap to ensure the child receives timely care. The case highlights the enormous financial burden of the girl's medical condition and the role of public fundraising in supporting her treatment.

'I go by Secret Service, military': Trump confirms switching planes in Turkey over Iran threat

Thane youth held 16-year-old girl under digital arrest for 3 months, sexually assaulted her

A youth from Thane allegedly subjected a 16-year-old girl from Nagpur to three months of 'digital arrest', controlling her through mobile access, threats, and continuous video calls. During this period, the girl was held captive, sexually assaulted, and injured with a knife on multiple occasions. Her parents filed a missing person complaint, prompting police to launch an investigation and rescue the victim. Authorities subsequently traced items linked to the assault to local pet shops in the area.

BJP drops Pulwama unit chief after police book him for extortion

Landslide strikes Mumbai's Kurla, rescue ops underway for trapped residents

A landslide struck Gaushiya Chawl in the Kurla area of Mumbai on Wednesday morning, raising fears that several people may be trapped under debris. Emergency services, including fire brigade and police teams, were swiftly deployed to the site to carry out rescue operations. Authorities are actively working to determine the full extent of the damage and the number of people affected. The situation remains developing as officials await further updates on casualties and structural impact.

Remote location, reluctant parents: Madhya Pradesh battles odds amid outbreak that left 6 kids dead