🚢 Iran and Oman near deal to reopen Hormuz Strait

Iran and Oman are close to reaching an agreement to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping traffic. This potential reopening involves both countries collecting a service fee to cover security and environmental costs. A high-ranking source suggested the official announcement could come within hours or by tomorrow. U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent also indicated a deal might be possible on Tuesday or Wednesday. This development is unfolding amidst ongoing communications regarding the vital maritime passage. 🚢

🩺 India's TB and Diabetes Fight Shows Real Progress

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda stated that India has made significant strides in tuberculosis control between 2015 and 2024. In the Rajya Sabha, he revealed that the TB incidence rate dropped by 21%, while over 2.29 crore diabetes cases were noted in the last three years. TB mortality rate saw a 25% decline, and treatment coverage rose to 92% thanks to the Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The government is strengthening NCD care through 770 district and 6,410 community health centre clinics. Expenditure for these programs reached ₹6,763.85 crore in 2025-26. 🩺

🗳️ Kishor's 4Ms: The Blueprint to Win Elections

Prashant Kishor outlined the '4Ms' as essential for winning any election. He presented this strategy while campaigning for the Jan Suraaj Party in Patna, Bihar. On Monday, Kishor secured 64,151 votes, defeating BJP's Neeraj Kumar by 19,324 votes. The framework includes Messenger, Message, Missionaries, and Mechanics for electoral success. This model emphasizes that all four elements must sync up for a win. 🗳️

💧 Kabini dam releases 5.5 tmcft due to monsoon revival

Following heavy rainfall warnings in Kerala, Kabini dam started releasing water due to increased inflow. This happened in Mysuru district, with monsoon reviving in parts of Kerala on July 30 and 31. In a span of three days, approximately 5.5 tmcft of surplus water was discharged into the river. Authorities are monitoring the situation as Wayanad remains under 'Red Alert' until August 9-10. This sustained outflow helps manage the reservoir level despite current storage concerns. 💧

💥 US missile stocks nearly empty after Iran conflict

The United States has reportedly depleted much of its long-range missile stockpiles during the five-month war with Iran. Key weapons affected include the ATACMS and the newer Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which are primary US Army precision weapons. These missiles, each costing over $1 million, enable accurate strikes from a safe distance. Analysts warn that current production levels might not cover needs for another long conflict. The White House, however, has dismissed shortages, claiming ample munitions reserves. 🛡️

💡 Pixel 11 Pro Fold's new light is named HiLight

A new rear RGB LED notification matrix is being developed for the Pixel 11 Pro phones. This feature is being worked on by Google for the upcoming Pixel 11 series. While previously thought to be 'Pixel Glow,' the latest leaks point strongly to the name 'HiLight.' A leaked Pixel 11 Pro Fold graphic shared by Roland Quandt and Evan Blass confirms this alternate naming. Expectations are high for Google to formally introduce this feature at its New York launch event next week.

🌊 Floods spread in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta

Floodwaters breached new areas across Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts even as rainfall slightly decreased on Tuesday. Kottayam currently has 141 relief camps sheltering 6,848 people, while Pathanamthitta hosts 146 camps with 7,168 people. As of Tuesday evening, houses in areas like Eranjal were inundated, reaching levels not seen since the 2018 floods. Authorities rescued 3,878 people since Saturday, with NDRF continuing efforts as some residents refuse to leave marooned homes. Power was disconnected in many hit areas, complicating relief operations, and a migrant worker died from electrocution in Thiruvalla.

🌧️ Kerala Schools Close Due to Heavy Rains

Heavy rainfall across Kerala led to the closure of numerous schools and colleges. Authorities announced holidays in districts like Wayanad, Kasaragod, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta on August 5th. The IMD had issued red alerts for eight Kerala districts, warning of intense rainfall and associated risks. This precautionary measure was taken due to reported waterlogging and flooding concerns in multiple areas. People were advised to stay alert as travel restrictions were placed on key routes like Thamarassery Ghat.

😠 Udhayanidhi's arrest sparks protests across central districts

DMK cadres staged road blockade protests against the arrest of party leader Udhayanidhi Stalin in Thanjavur on Tuesday. This unrest occurred in central districts, where former Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi alleged the TVK government arrested him over the Mekedatu issue. The protests took place on Tuesday, with police detaining around 100 party workers in Tiruchi. Cadres condemned the arrest as politically motivated and demanded his immediate release. Security has been stepped up by police across various demonstration locations. 😠

🔪 Two Men Brutally Attacked in Cuddalore

Two men were fatally hacked by an unidentified gang near Chidambaram on Monday night. The victims were identified as A. Balakrishnan, 47, a TNSTC bus driver, and his cousin R. Ramakrishnan, 37, from Palvathunan village. The attack occurred when they were talking near a local temple premises. Balakrishnan died instantly, while Ramakrishnan passed away at the Government Medical College and Hospital. Police suspect a land dispute is the motive and are currently investigating the case. 🔪

🚨 Eyewitness turns hostile in K.M. Basheer hit-and-run case

The sixth prosecution witness, auto-rickshaw driver Shafeeq, turned hostile during the trial on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The witness testified that he could not identify the accused, Kerala IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman, who was in the dock. Shafeeq claimed the accident happened due to high speed, noting the driver had a beard, contradicting previous statements. This testimony differs significantly from the prior statement given to the police during the investigation. Another eyewitness, Manikuttan, had previously claimed Venkitaraman was driving under the influence at over 100 kmph near Keltron Junction. 🚨