🚢 Trump calls Hormuz 'US Territory' amid Iran standoff

Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social calling the Strait of Hormuz 'NEW U.S. Territory'. This came after he asserted the US had 'total control' over the vital oil transit route. On Tuesday, August 18, he shared the map, while Iran vowed to keep the waterway closed. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated the Strait would remain closed until the US fulfills its June MoU conditions. The region sees heightened tensions following a recent vessel strike, as the June agreement collapsed. 🚢

🎉 TN boosts maternity leave for government workers

Tamil Nadu's Minister for Human Resources Management, D. Sarathkumar, announced a major change in the Assembly on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The maternity leave for the third child of women government employees is now increased from 12 weeks to a full 365 days. Currently, women employees receive 365 days for their first two children, while those with two or more children get up to 12 weeks. Additionally, an app named ‘Vetri Paathai’ will cost ₹20 lakh for competitive exam aspirants. Furthermore, a new building costing ₹12.5 crore is planned for the TNPSC headquarters. 👩‍💼

🎮 Mastering Sage in VALORANT by 2026

Red Bull is dropping guides on how to master the agent Sage in VALORANT. This content is aimed at players looking to level up their game strategy. The detailed guides are expected to be available starting sometime in 2026. Sage's abilities are crucial for team defense and site execution in competitive play. Players should keep an eye out for the release to improve their in-game performance.

🌟 Maternity leave boost for government women employees

Maternity leave for the third child of women government employees has been increased to 365 days by Minister for Human Resources Management D. Sarathkumar. This announcement was made in the Assembly on Tuesday, adding to the existing 365 days for the first two children. The minister also detailed several development projects, including an app costing ₹20 lakh for exam aspirants. Furthermore, a ₹12.5 crore building is planned for the TNPSC headquarters, and a new computer lab will be set up. Under the 'Simple Governance' initiative, 150 government services are slated for this financial year. 👩‍💼

⚽ Hansi Flick names interim Barca captains for Gamper Trophy

Hansi Flick addressed the captaincy situation before Barcelona's Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly on Wednesday. He confirmed Raphinha will captain the game, alongside Eric Garcia and Pedri. Flick stated the final captaincy will be decided by a player vote once squad changes are complete. This decision is pending potential player arrivals or departures before the 2026-27 season. Barcelona is also reportedly close to signing Rodri and Joao Cancelo. 🧐

🩺 Silent Kidney Disease: Know Before It's Too Late 🧐

Kidney disease can progress without noticeable symptoms, as shown by a 52-year-old man whose kidneys were at only 25% function. Nephrologists advise anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity to consider regular kidney screening. Early detection allows for treatment like controlling blood pressure and diabetes to protect existing function. Simple tests including blood pressure, serum creatinine, and UACR are recommended for awareness. Protecting kidney health proactively is better than waiting for complications to arise.

🧐 Godse linked to RSS, family claims in Pune court

Nathuram Godse was reportedly an active member of the RSS, as stated by his grandnephew. The claims were made in a Pune court setting. These assertions relate to the personal background of the historical figure. This information sheds light on his affiliations leading up to the major event. Further proceedings will determine the veracity of these family claims.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia tightens financial rules for UAE

Saudi Arabia has increased its scrutiny over money transfers heading to the United Arab Emirates. This move is reportedly part of growing tensions between the two Gulf nations. The new, unannounced regulations place the UAE among several high-risk countries for financial crime in Saudi Arabia. Businesspeople have reported delays or returns of transactions by Saudi banks without official reasons. This friction follows years of disagreements, recently highlighted by diverging stances on the war in Yemen and Iran. 🧐

🩺 Low Haemoglobin: It's Not Always About Iron

Anaemia occurs when blood has less required haemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport and causing symptoms like tiredness. Dr Rahul Chawla shared five causes while speaking on Instagram on August 17. These causes include nutritional deficiencies, blood loss, RBC destruction, kidney issues, and genetic problems. Simply taking iron might not fix the issue if the root cause is something else. Medical consultation is key to addressing the underlying health condition. 🩺

🏒 Hockey expert says India-Pakistan rivalry has changed

Former captain PR Sreejesh believes the India-Pakistan hockey rivalry lacks its former intensity due to India's upgrades. He noted that India improved in fitness, strength, and decision-making, which altered the competitive dynamic. India needs a win against Pakistan on Wednesday to secure a second-round spot in the World Cup. Previously, late-game conceding was an issue, but now India excels at scoring late to win. Sreejesh also urged the team to press higher up the pitch during matches. 🏒

🏎️ Vin Diesel confirms Fast Forever filming starts December 🎬

Vin Diesel has confirmed the filming start window for the final Fast & Furious movie, titled Fast Forever. The production is set to begin in December of this year, with director Louis Leterrier returning. The movie is scheduled for a March 17, 2028 release, following four years of development. Diesel expressed deep emotion after reading the script, calling it worthy of a finale for Dom Toretto. The next installment might focus on racing roots, given Fast X's box office performance.