* Flat opening likely: Gift Nifty at 24,542.50 points to a largely flat start for Indian equities amid mixed-to-weak global cues. * Domestic tax collections offer support: Net direct tax collections rose 23.09% to over ₹8.11 lakh crore till August 10, signalling continued strength in domestic economic activity. * Corporate tax collections robust: Net corporate tax collections increased 19.83% to around ₹2.70 lakh crore, while non-corporate tax collections rose 23% to ₹5.07 lakh crore. * STT collections surge: Securities Transaction Tax revenue jumped 51% to ₹33,824 crore, reflecting healthy activity in the capital markets. * Market bias: Cautious to range-bound, with a stronger directional move likely only after fresh global cues emerge.