🌍 Trump asks Americans to accept higher gas prices amid Iran tension ⛽

Donald Trump urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices as the US-Iran conflict intensifies over the Strait of Hormuz. This call was made during a rally in Garden City, New York, as Iran maintains control over the waterway's operation. On Friday, the average US gallon of gas reached $4.08, a 29% rise from last year, while oil futures saw increases. The conflict continues because Iran has not agreed to resume talks, stalling ceasefire progress. Moving forward, Trump vowed to declare Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran.

🚨 KTR says ruling party exposes Telangana corruption

K.T. Rama Rao stated that corruption in Telangana is now being exposed by ruling party legislators, not just opposition parties. This was said by him after the Independence Day celebrations in Hyderabad on Saturday. The seriousness of the situation is highlighted by a ruling MLA making corruption allegations against the government. Rao also claimed Telangana was used as an ATM for the AICC and demanded a transparent central investigation. He further criticized CM A. Revanth Reddy's focus, demanding welfare benefits reach all sections.

🔥 Fadnavis supports Modi's 'intellectual Naxalals' comment

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis backed PM Narendra Modi's 'intellectual Naxals' remark during the Independence Day address in New Delhi. Fadnavis stated that while armed Naxalism is over, a more dangerous ideological form is prevailing in the system. He cited a Congress programme incident as an example of this 'dimagi Naxalism' among people. Furthermore, he clarified conditions for women's reservation, referencing the 2023 legislation needing Census and delimitation completion. He urged the Opposition to support the new constitutional amendment if they genuinely want women's reservation by 2029.

🦠 Ebola keeps spreading in Congo, cholera hits six nations

The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 2,000 deaths, potentially topping the 2014-2016 record. The WHO noted the virus might have been circulating since February, delaying detection due to weak surveillance. Simultaneously, cholera is spreading across six countries in West and Central Africa, prompting a $15 million appeal from UNICEF. WHO is tripling treatment capacity to 3,000 beds over the next 12 weeks to control the spread. Researchers are also evaluating the Ervebo vaccine in a Phase 3 trial to combat the ongoing crisis. 🦠

📢 Assam CM asks settlers to list Assamese as mother tongue

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma asked non-local residents to register Assamese as their mother tongue during the ongoing Census. He made this appeal due to observed declines in Assamese speakers in previous Census counts. Data from 1971 showed 59.53% spoke Assamese, which dropped to 48.38% by 2011. Sarma emphasized that Barak Valley and tribal groups should list their own languages. The self-enumeration period runs from August 2nd until August 16th this year. 🧐

💖 Limerence vs. Love: Are you in love or just hyped?

Limerence is an intense state where one constantly thinks about a person and seeks signs of their interest. Dr. Munia Bhattacharya, a Senior Consultant Psychologist at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, explains that this feeling often focuses on the excitement, not the actual person. True love, she notes, is more grounded, choosing someone despite their imperfections once the initial excitement fades. Clinical Psychologist Saikishore warns that the mental image can become a fantasy, not the real person. This distinction highlights the difference between seeking validation versus building a mutual connection.

🕊️ Congress backs Sikh prisoners' release

The Congress party has signaled its support for the release of Sikh prisoners. This political stance comes in the context of ongoing Bandi Sikh politics across various regions. Specific details regarding the number of prisoners or exact dates were not provided in the source material. The party's move reflects a growing political focus on minority rights and reconciliation efforts. Future developments are anticipated as political negotiations continue on this sensitive issue.

🤒 H1N1 flu popping up early in Chennai

H1N1 influenza cases have been reported across several Chennai hospitals in recent weeks. Senior consultants at Apollo Hospitals and MGM Healthcare noted the emergence of these cases earlier than the typical September and October period. Reports indicate patients are showing symptoms like fever, body ache, and fatigue, with some needing intensive care. Experts recommend vaccination, noting that flu vaccines are available year-round. They caution that a surge in cases might happen in the coming months due to the monsoon. 🤒

🚌 72 Tourist Buses Booked in Ernakulam for Tax Evasion

The Motor Vehicles department booked operators of 72 inter-State tourist buses for allegedly evading Kerala road tax. This action took place in Ernakulam district following a surprise inspection by nine squads. The violations were flagged on Saturday, August 15, 2026, across Kalamassery, Angamaly, and Perumbavoor. Demand notices were issued to recover over ₹1 crore in unpaid tax from the vehicles. The MVD plans to intensify these joint inspections across the state to curb tax evasion. 🚌

🇮🇳 Twin cities celebrate 80th Independence Day with pride

The spirit of Independence Day filled Hubballi-Dharwad as people of all ages celebrated the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. The tricolour was hoisted across government offices and educational institutions in the twin cities. This year's celebrations also coincided with the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna. Dignitaries paid floral tributes at his statue, and contingents participated in parades. Leaders urged citizens to commit to national development and a developed India by 2047.

🏛️ Andhra leaders gather for 'At Home' event

Governor S. Abdul Nazeer hosted the 'At Home' event on the Lok Bhavan lawns in Vijayawada on Saturday. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and High Court Chief Justice Lisa Gill attended the gathering. The Governor praised The Hindu newspaper for its commitment to social causes and national integrity. Many dignitaries, including ministers and police officials, were present for the occasion. The event was held to commemorate the 80th Independence Day.