🔫 Congress leader shot dead in Karnataka, suspect arrested

A local Congress leader, David D'Souza, was shot dead by assailants in Karnataka's Udupi district. The attack occurred on Friday, and the incident was captured on CCTV footage. The prime suspect, Raju from Uttar Pradesh, was later arrested after a police encounter near Byndoor. The killing sent shockwaves through local political circles, with the motive still under investigation by the police. Authorities are currently hunting for two other identified suspects in the case. 🔫

🔫 Congress leader David D'Souza shot dead in Udupi

Local Congress leader and former panchayat president, David D'Souza, was fatally shot by two unidentified gunmen in Udupi district, Karnataka. The attack occurred on Friday after two men allegedly opened fire on him before fleeing the area. D'Souza was rushed to a hospital but passed away while being transported for treatment. The motive behind this sudden killing is currently unknown to the authorities. Police have launched a full investigation, examining CCTV footage and witness statements to trace the attackers. 😟

🎬 Five actors auditioned for X-Men's Charles Xavier

Five actors auditioned for the key role of Professor Charles Xavier in the new Marvel Studios X-Men reboot. The auditions took place for the project, which is set to begin production next year in the UK. Names like Christopher Abbott, Bill Skarsgård, and Tom Pelphrey were among those who tried out for the part. The reboot will feature Kit Connor as Scott Summers and Sadie Sink as Jean Grey. Production is slated to start next year, though a final release date is not yet set.

🌍 Ending Iran's War Could Bring Biggest Threat to Regime

Experts suggest that resolving the ongoing conflict in Iran might expose the current regime to its most significant danger. This potential vulnerability affects the political stability within Iran. The analysis focuses on current geopolitical dynamics leading up to late 2023. The regime's internal weaknesses could become apparent once external conflicts subside. Future stability hinges on how these underlying issues are managed. 🌍

🏈 Travis Kelce links investment to Six Flags launch

Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end, has highlighted his $200 million investment in Six Flags ahead of the new season. He teamed up with Jana Partners in October 2025 to secure a 9% economic stake in the amusement park operator. Six Flags is now launching 2027 Season Passes starting August 7th to commemorate the deal. Kelce shared how the parks hold many cherished childhood memories for his family. The special pass sale runs until September 7th, as fans await the season's start. 🏈

🔬 FDA approves first mRNA flu vaccine for seniors

The FDA has approved mFlusiva, the first mRNA flu vaccine in the US, offering a new option for adults aged 50 and older for the 2026–2027 season. Moderna is rolling this out with full approval for ages 50 to 64 and accelerated approval for those 65 and up. The approval followed trials involving over 40,000 adults across 11 countries. This vaccine is faster to produce than traditional egg-based shots and showed 27% higher effectiveness in trials. Further studies are ongoing for younger age groups to broaden the approval. 🔬

🤝 Haryana Energy Minister talks to striking workers

Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij confirmed ongoing discussions with employee unions before a proposed strike. The unions were planning a three-day strike scheduled from August 11 to August 13, 2026, in Chandigarh. Key demands included stopping privatization, smart meter implementation, and Agri DISCOM approval. Vij clarified that privatization is before HERC and smart meter tenders haven't been floated yet. The government remains committed to dialogue and aims to convince the employees to withdraw their planned action.

🤝 Israel and US veto France for Hezbollah verification role

Israel and the US have vetoed France's potential role in verifying Hezbollah's disarmament under a US-brokered deal. This decision was made during talks held at the US embassy in Rome regarding the June 26 agreement. The final selection of verifying countries now rests with Washington, which can choose multiple nations. Furthermore, Beirut has rejected any proposal to use private security firms for this monitoring task. Discussions are ongoing concerning the verification force's mandate and coordination with the Lebanese army.

⛽ Oil Prices Fluctuate Amid Strait of Hormuz Speculation

Oil prices are experiencing choppiness as global investors are closely monitoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Traders and analysts are assessing the potential for the strait to reopen fully. Specific figures and dates regarding the reopening have not been officially confirmed by any major body yet. The current volatility reflects market uncertainty concerning global energy supply chains. Investors are waiting for concrete developments before making significant moves in the market. 📈

🦠 Drug-resistant fungus Candida auris is on the rise 🦠

Cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris are increasing again across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported this hard-to-treat yeast in 27 states this year. As of July 25, 3,437 confirmed cases were reported, following 4,290 cases in 2025. The fungus poses a major threat, especially to immunocompromised patients in healthcare settings. Doctors are now using combinations of drugs to combat this difficult infection.

👵 India is aging before getting rich, warns study

A new study warns that India is rapidly aging even as it develops economically. By 2050, 347 million people, or one in five citizens, are projected to be over 60, with nearly 70% residing in rural areas. This demographic shift puts huge pressure on local care systems due to shrinking families and rising chronic illness. Currently, nearly 94% of elderly care is provided within households, disproportionately burdening women. TRI proposes a 'neighbourhood of care' model to utilize existing rural institutions for integrated support.