🚢 Trump says Hormuz open, Iran says US must meet demands

President Donald Trump stated there are no talks with Iran, claiming the Strait of Hormuz is open and all mines are cleared. Iran countered by saying the strait will stay shut until the US meets specific demands. These conditions include lifting the port blockade and removing oil sanctions, according to negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that America is now "begging" to negotiate on Tehran's terms. This dispute highlights the ongoing tension over the strategically vital waterway.

🥣 Special Breakfast Service for Hearing & Speech Impaired Kids

A breakfast service was launched for children with hearing and speech disabilities at AIISH in Mysuru on Tuesday, August 18. The initiative was jointly undertaken by AIISH and the Akshaya Patra Foundation, inaugurated by Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO Yukesh Kumar. Akshaya Patra currently feeds over 20,000 government schoolchildren in Karnataka. This expansion aims to support disadvantaged people and differently-abled persons. The program is named 'Akshaya Patra' to ensure selfless service continues. 🥣

🧐 Shoulder Pain After Gallbladder Surgery: Study Finds Links

A study investigated the correlation of postoperative shoulder tip pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Researchers examined patients undergoing surgery in both low-pressure and standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum settings. The data reviewed covered various patient outcomes across different procedural pressures. This research aims to understand how the surgical technique affects post-operative patient discomfort. Future studies will likely focus on optimizing pressure settings for better recovery. 🧐

📚 Sonia Gandhi's memoir dropping in November

Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey in Love', is set to be published on November 10, 2026, by Alfred A Knopf. The book details her life journey from an Italian village to her romance that led her to India. It covers significant losses, including her mother-in-law and husband’s assassination, which changed her path. Although she resisted politics, she eventually led the INC to become its longest-serving president. The memoir offers an insider's view of India's 60 years of history and political shifts.

🕉️ Big annual festival kicks off in Nellore 🙏

The annual 'Bhagavan Sri Venkaiah Swamy Aradhana Mahotsavamulu' began at the Golagamudi Ashram on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. This event honors the Maha Samadhi of spiritual guru Venkaiah Swamy, who was from the Lord Dattatreya lineage. Officials anticipate about three lakh devotees will visit throughout the week-long celebrations. Arrangements include 275 rooms and four dormitories to host global attendees. The festivities culminate on August 24 with the Chariot Procession and Float Festival.

🕵️ Mastermind's family arrested in Jharkhand exam fraud probe

The Jharkhand CID arrested the wife and brother of Abhay Tiwari, a key accused in a massive exam fraud case. They were apprehended in connection with alleged links to the recruitment process in Jharkhand. The probe comes after massive student protests, which started on July 25th, leading to the cancellation of TDPL exams on Monday. Investigators are looking into if Tiwari's relatives benefited from compromised government jobs. The CID will now examine their records to uncover the full scope of the recruitment scandal. 🕵️

🚀 Suriya's film hits ₹150 crore in four days

The film Vishwanath and Sons grossed ₹150 crore worldwide in its fourth day of release. The movie, starring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju, was released last Friday by Sithara Entertainments. It crossed the ₹100 crore mark in just two days, with a net collection of ₹65.95 crore in India. This age-gap romance by Venky Atluri is performing strongly, outperforming Suriya's recent hit Karuppu. The team celebrated this massive success in Chennai on Tuesday. 🎬

🚨 Couple arrested for allegedly smothering husband and son

A 25-year-old woman and her male friend were arrested for allegedly murdering her husband and four-year-old son in Chikkabanavara. The victims, Abhinandan, 34, and his son, were found dead at their residence on Monday. Police suspect the killing followed an argument on August 15, and they allegedly smothered both victims. The woman initially claimed it was a cardiac arrest, but police found suspicious injuries and deleted phone records. Harini eventually confessed, leading to Vinay Kumar's arrest. 😥

😠 MLA's remark on Pune boy's death sparks massive backlash

An 11-year-old boy tragically died in a road accident in Pune's Malhunge area on Monday night while returning from tuition. NCP MLA Shankar Mandekar visited the site on Tuesday and made a controversial comment, stating, “If there are roads, accidents will happen.” Angry residents confronted him, blaming poor infrastructure for the preventable tragedy. Mandekar claimed he has raised road issues in the Maharashtra Assembly for two years and will meet Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. The incident has intensified scrutiny on local road safety concerns, demanding urgent official action. 😠

📚 Sonia Gandhi's memoir reveals life in Indian politics

Sonia Gandhi's highly anticipated memoir is set to offer readers an intimate look into her life as a major political figure. The book details her journey starting from a small village in Italy to the heart of Indian politics. It is scheduled for release on November 10, 2026, and includes new photographs and personal stories. The memoir provides reflections on the defining moments of her extensive life journey. This publication is expected to give a rare glimpse into her personal experiences.

🌿 Kerala teaches tourists safe wildlife photography

The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) has started a new program to train tourists in nature and wildlife photography. This initiative is being rolled out across KFDC eco-tourism destinations throughout the State. A pilot project will launch at Arippa eco-tourism destination, starting after Onam 2026. The training, led by P.M. Prabhu, covers camera skills and crucial forest etiquette. The main goal is to help visitors capture great shots safely without disturbing wildlife. 📸