⛈️ Collectors facing online storm over flood holidays

District Collectors across the State are facing intense pressure on social media regarding holiday declarations amid heavy monsoon rains. In Ernakulam, Collector G. Priyanka announced a holiday for Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha on Sunday night, August 2, before expanding it to the whole district by 11:30 p.m. on August 2. Kozhikode Collector Madhavikutty M.S. detailed that decisions rely on local assessments and IMD alerts, not just public opinion. She warned against decisions swayed by social media pressure, noting the risks of unnecessary closures. Another Collector anonymously echoed these sentiments, describing the backlash as stressful.

🍚 Special rice counters launched in Vizag markets

Special rice sales counters providing steam and raw rice at lower prices were inaugurated at Seethammadhara Rythu Bazar on Monday. The inauguration was done by District Collector Gobbilla Vidyadhari and MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju in Visakhapatnam. In the first phase, these counters are opening in seven Rythu Bazars across the district. This initiative, backed by the State government, aims to ease the burden of rising food prices on consumers. Eligible families can buy up to 10 kg of rice monthly through these special counters. 🍚

♟️ AP players head to National U-19 Chess meet

Eight players, four boys and four girls, have been selected to represent Andhra Pradesh at the National U-19 Chess Championship. This selection happened after a State-Level Under-19 Chess Championship in Visakhapatnam. A total of 240 players participated in the two-day event, which concluded recently. The tournament was organized by the Visakha Chess Association and Aditya Chess Academy. These eight athletes will now compete in the national tournament scheduled for October.

📱 Flip Phone Showdown: Samsung vs. Motorola

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Motorola Razr Ultra are currently facing off in a major foldable phone battle. These two devices are being compared head-to-head by tech reviewers. Key specifications and performance metrics are being analyzed as of this comparison. The rivalry highlights the growing competition in the premium foldable market segment. Consumers will soon decide which foldable experience fits their needs best.

🏛️ High-Power Committee planned for ASR tribal issues

The ASR district administration started nominating tribal organization reps for a new High-Power Committee on tribal matters. Tribal reps proposed retired IAS officer Baburao Naidu and legal adviser Kobba Srinivas during a meeting at the Collectorate. The committee is planned to have IAS officers, legal experts, and tribal organization representatives. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani initiated this proposal earlier. Representatives committed to pursuing their demands through peaceful and democratic means moving forward.

❤️ Hypertensive Heart Disease and CAD Risk Assessed

Researchers examined the relationship between hypertensive heart disease and the severity of coronary artery disease. The study was conducted using the Duke Coronary Artery Disease Index for assessment. The findings analyzed data points related to disease progression and risk factors. This research helps understand how high blood pressure affects heart health conditions. Future studies will likely build upon these insights for better patient care.

🎉 World Anglo-Indian Day observed in Visakhapatnam

The Anglo-Indian Community Association of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam Branch, celebrated World Anglo-Indian Day in Seethammadhara on Monday. Association office-bearers attended the event, which started with a Holy Mass led by Fr. Sibi of SFS Church, Madhurawada. MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao attended the evening function as the chief guest. He highlighted the community's contributions across railways, education, armed forces, and healthcare. Lifetime Achievement honours were given to Anita Pereira, Christabel Stevenson, and Aubrey Bernard Hoyle.

💥 Ukraine drone strikes crash Russian oil refining

Russian crude processing dropped to a 24-year low in July after Ukraine expanded its drone attacks beyond refineries. These strikes targeted refineries, tankers, pipelines, and export infrastructure across Russia. The processing rate hit 3.6 million barrels per day in July, significantly below the seasonal average. This disruption forces producers to export more crude, increasing strain on already hit ports. Russia is now extending bans on fuel exports while trying to reroute oil through Baltic ports. 🚢

🔬 Viagra might have a new cancer-fighting superpower

Israeli scientists discovered a surprising new potential benefit of Viagra in cancer treatment. Researchers, including those from the US National Cancer Institute, found this connection during their study. They determined that combining sildenafil with statins could enhance cancer spread restriction. This research sheds new light on the diverse applications of existing medications. Further studies are expected to explore these findings more deeply. 🔬

📚 HTBF asks Andhra University for scholarship help

Help The Blind Foundation (HTBF) has approached Andhra University seeking support for its scholarship outreach program. The request specifically asks the University to notify principals of its affiliated colleges about the initiative. This is for the 2026-27 academic year, with volunteer V. Narayan Rao authorized to manage student applications. HTBF, founded in 2010, aids economically disadvantaged visually impaired students with various support systems. Furthermore, the foundation requested a coordinator for an intro meeting on August 5 at Waltair Club, Visakhapatnam.

📚 AP TET-2026 test setup complete in Visakhapatnam

Preparations for the Andhra Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (AP TET-2026) have been finalized in Visakhapatnam district. District In-charge Collector Gobbilla Vidyadhari directed departments to coordinate for a smooth process. A total of 21,522 candidates will take the CBT from August 5 to August 16 across eight centers. The test will run in two daily sessions, with security and special arrangements for candidates in place. Candidates are advised to arrive an hour early and follow all hall ticket instructions.