🗳️ AOC eyeing 2028 presidential run?

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez mentioned she hasn't ruled out a 2028 bid for US President or a Senate seat. She made these comments on Sunday, August 9th, while campaigning for the November midterm elections. Prediction markets currently list her among the top contenders for the Democratic nomination. AOC feels it is a time for the Democratic Party to renew itself with a young, exciting electorate. She remains focused on winning the midterms while keeping future political possibilities open.

🕊️ Iran links Hormuz reopening to US concessions

Iran is nearing a pact with Oman to define new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. This potential deal is contingent on the U.S. meeting several demands from Tehran. Specifically, Iran requires compensation, an end to sanctions, and cessation of military threats from the U.S. The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that direct talks won't resume until Washington adheres to an interim deal signed in June. Message exchanges are ongoing through intermediaries while the matter progresses. 🚢

📈 5 stocks to watch this Monday from experts

Market experts have recommended five stocks for investors to monitor on Monday, including ITC and Punjab National Bank. The suggestions come from analysts like Vijay Laxmi Ambala and Sachin Janardan Sarvade across various companies. Specific entry points, price targets, and stop-loss limits have been provided for each stock to manage risk effectively. For example, ITC is recommended with a target of Rs 310-325 and a stop loss at Rs 270. These calls aim to give investors actionable insights for potential gains in the market. 📈

🚨 Iran names new security head linked to AMIA bombing

Iran has appointed a new security chief in a significant move. This individual is reportedly wanted by Interpol in relation to the deadly AMIA bombing. The announcement was made recently, though specific dates are not provided in the report. This appointment comes amid ongoing international scrutiny over past terrorist incidents. The role is expected to significantly shape Iran's internal security apparatus going forward. 🚨

😠 Sanders demands ban on super PACs in Dems' primaries

Bernie Sanders called for Democratic leaders to immediately ban super PACs from Democratic primary elections, labeling the current system as corrupt. He specifically criticized outside spending, naming AIPAC for its over $30 million in Michigan's primary. Corporate super PACs have already spent a record $517 million during the 2026 midterm election cycle. Sanders argues these special interests aim to influence primaries only to back Republicans later. He urges action, echoing his earlier push for an abolition act and public financing. 💸

💧 Telangana plans ritual for better monsoon rain 🌧️

The Telangana government is organizing a 'Varuna Yagam' ritual to pray for better rainfall during the current monsoon season. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will attend the concluding ceremony at the Nagarjuna Sagar project in Nalgonda district. The state needs better inflows into the Krishna and Godavari river basins as of the second week of August. Current storage at Nagarjuna Sagar is 145.65 TMC out of 312.045 TMC, significantly less than last year's level. The government is also exploring measures like irrigation subsidies and drought-tolerant crops.

🗿 Dinosaur-era coral found in MP tribal shrine

A revered stone guarded by the Baiga tribe in Dindori was identified as a rare coral fossil. This ancient relic dates back sixty-five million years to the dinosaur era in Madhya Pradesh. The discovery was made by a team documenting the district's geological wealth. Scientists believe the tribal worship tradition around the stone could date back 8,000-10,000 years. Selected findings from Dindori will soon be showcased in a new gallery at the state museum in Bhopal. 🗿

🚢 Trump on Iran talks: 'Chess game' approach

US President Donald Trump stated that the US is currently 'low-keying' negotiations with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz deadlock. This statement was made while noting Iran's economy is in a 'very bad shape' and watching its inflation. The Strait of Hormuz, vital for world energy, has been shut since February 28th following US and Israeli actions. Trump expressed confidence that the situation will resolve, comparing it to a chess game. Iran, however, denies direct talks and demands the lifting of sanctions first. 🚢

🔬 Drug-resistant TB evades standard tests, study shows

Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB) is posing a major health threat globally. Researchers from IIT-Guwahati and IIT-Madras noted that current WHO-approved tests miss mutations outside the Rifampicin resistance determining region (RRDR). In Eswatini, 30% of tested drug-resistant TB cases had missed mutations, allowing the strain to spread. These non-RRDR mutations alter bacterial structure or aid recovery, making treatment harder. Health systems need to adopt tools like whole genome sequencing or MAS-PCR to stop silent spread.

🏏 Sarfaraz Khan joins India squad for Sri Lanka tests

Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan shared his first post after being named to the India Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. He replaced Sai Sudharsan, who is recovering from a toe injury during the India A tour. The two-match Test series against Sri Lanka begins on August 15, 2026, with the first game in Galle. This series is crucial as India is currently fifth in the World Test Championship points table. The team will link up in Colombo before traveling to Galle for the first Test.

📈 Stock picks for August 8: Bagadia suggests 5 buys

The Indian stock market was subdued on Friday, August 7, as crude oil recovery and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty created investor jitters. Sumeet Bagadia, of Choice Broking, recommends five breakout shares to buy on Monday, August 8. These recommended stocks include Physicswallah, Grasim Industries, Fortis Healthcare, BEML, and Honasa Consumer. He believes the broader trend remains positive despite short-term consolidation near the Nifty 50's 24,600 level. Investors should watch the support at 24,300–24,370 for future buying signals. 📈