🚢 Iran-Oman reach Hormuz framework deal

An Iranian official stated that a general framework of understanding with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz has been determined. This arrangement involves Tehran potentially blocking Israeli ships from the waterway and seeking compensation from hostile nations. The development comes as oil prices extended gains following reports of Iranian attacks on 'hostile targets' in the Strait. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian credited coordination for keeping normalcy despite the ongoing West Asia conflict. The final text and details of this agreement are expected to be announced at higher levels soon. 🚢

⛽ Iran attacks in Strait of Hormuz push oil prices up

Oil prices continued to gain as Iran attacked "hostile targets" in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday night. These attacks took place near Qeshm Island in Hormuz, with Tehran attempting to bar US ships via an Oman deal. WTI rose above $78 a barrel after jumping nearly three per cent in the last session, while Brent hit around $82. The attacks caused optimism for a full resumption of the waterway to fade away. Iran's president also stated that ordinary citizens did not feel the war during the ongoing conflict.

🛡️ Saudi Arabia preps for potential Houthi/Iraqi attacks

Saudi Arabia is preparing for what is being called 'imminent' attacks. These potential threats are reportedly backed by the IRGC and involve Houthi and Iraqi militias. The report indicates heightened security alerts across the Kingdom. This escalation comes amid ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East. Officials are ramping up defenses to counter any sudden aggression. 🛡️

📉 Market mood dips ahead of big US data

Domestic equities ended mostly flat, with the Nifty showing a slight gain of 0.05%. GIFT Nifty signaled a negative start for Dalal Street on Friday, trading lower by 0.38%. Analysts anticipate an upmove based on West Asia resolution hopes and strong Q1FY27 earnings. Investors are tracking key earnings from SBI and Titan, plus Friday's US jobs data. The Nifty has potential to reach 24,800 if it stays above 24,600. 📈

🎤 Only 3 members confirmed for BLACKPINK's 10th event

Only three BLACKPINK members, Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé, are reportedly attending the group's 10th anniversary event. Lisa will be absent from the gathering, though the reason for her absence has not been disclosed. YG Entertainment previously stated that only select members would attend due to their schedules. This announcement came just two days before the event, causing some fans to suspect last-minute planning. THEBLACKLABEL confirmed Rosé's participation at 2 am KST, but the final lineup remains unconfirmed.

🌌 Invisible black hole revealed by star destruction

Astronomers spotted a dormant supermassive black hole that was hidden until it tore apart a passing star. This discovery was made by researchers from the University of Maryland, located about 9.3 kiloparsecs from its host galaxy's center. The event, a tidal disruption, was identified on July 27, 2026, which challenges old theories about black hole locations. This finding suggests many more wandering black holes might exist in the universe. Future observations will help determine how galaxies and their black holes merge. 🌠

🌾 Urad prices stable despite El Niño worries

Urad is acting as an outlier despite the 13% rainfall shortfall this kharif season. Higher domestic sowing and expected adequate imports from Myanmar and Brazil are keeping supplies stable. As of July 31, 2026, urad was sown on 2.108 million hectares, up nearly 11% year-on-year. This stability is expected to contain food inflation for staples like idli and dal makhani. Consumers do not need to worry as adequate quantities are anticipated in the coming months. 🌾

🏛️ BJP says Shah will attend Parliament

The BJP countered Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge's claims about Home Minister Amit Shah missing Parliament. The BJP accused Congress of creating a false narrative by constantly protesting and blocking legislative function. Amit Shah is reportedly present at his Parliament House office throughout the day. The party stated Shah is ready to address the opposition's points when the legislature allows it to operate. This comes amid demands from Congress for a debate on the Ram temple donation theft. 🏛️

🛡️ Saudi, Pakistan, Turkey to ink defense pact in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are scheduled to sign a joint defense agreement this Friday in Jeddah. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the meeting in the Saudi port city. This trilateral move aims to boost regional security ties amidst the ongoing Iran conflict. Yesterday saw deadly clashes in Yemen, with Houthis killing at least 58 government troops. The nations are focusing on strengthening alliances in response to the volatile geopolitical situation.

🤔 Kishor's Win: BJP faces reckoning

Prashant Kishor's recent success signals a significant moment of reckoning for the BJP. This outcome occurred in the context of ongoing political shifts across various regions. While specific numbers and dates are not detailed in the source, the results are making waves nationally. This development reflects a broader challenge to the BJP's dominant political narrative. Political analysts anticipate further shifts in alliance dynamics in the coming months.

🍓 Seaweed coating keeps strawberries fresh without fridge

UBC researchers developed an edible seaweed coating to extend strawberry freshness and reduce cold-chain needs. This agar-based coating kept strawberries mold-free for at least four days at room temperature. The study, in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found it outperformed refrigerated untreated berries after four days. This tackles the 25.4% global fruit and vegetable food loss rate. The team is now testing the coating on more produce for commercial scaling. 🍓