🚢 US vs Iran battle for Strait of Hormuz control

The Strait of Hormuz remains highly contested as the US and Iran clash over control of this vital waterway. This dispute is happening between the US and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly six months into the war, traffic has plummeted from 120 ships daily to just 14 vessels on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump claims total control, while Iranian officials insist the Islamic republic manages the strait. This ongoing blockage is seriously disrupting global energy supplies and maritime trade. ⛽

🤝 India talks reassuringly with US on trade deal

India has held reassuring discussions with the U.S. regarding a proposed law imposing 100% tariffs on nations importing large amounts of Russian oil. The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which could affect India and four other countries. This bill is currently awaiting introduction and voting in the House of Representatives to become law. India already faces a 10% tariff on 55% of its exports due to a forced labour investigation. Both sides remain committed to the trade deal agreed upon on February 3, 2026.

🏏 Gambhir and Gill need clear talks with Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan has returned to the Indian squad for the two Tests against Sri Lanka, replacing the injured Sai Sudharsan. The debate centers on whether Dhruv Jurel or Sarfaraz will start in the first Test at Galle on August 15. Ravichandran Ashwin advises that Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir must be clear in their messaging to Sarfaraz. This clarity is needed so Sarfaraz can focus on playing well against spin in sub-continental conditions. This direct communication will help him build his career without wasting time on uncertainty. 🏏

📱 Samsung Galaxy Z8 preorders surge globally

Samsung Galaxy Z8 preorders have seen a significant spike across the globe. The increase was registered globally by the brand's sales team. Data shows a jump exceeding 30% in preorders. This strong showing indicates high market demand for the new foldable device. Further sales targets are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

🌍 UAE releases assets to appease Iran amid tensions

The UAE has released billions of dollars of Iran's frozen assets and transferred several planes to ease regional tension. This action was taken by the UAE to persuade Iran to spare the country from future attacks amidst US-Iran hostilities. The transfers included two tonnes of gold valued at $283 million and 15 commercial planes, moving from Abu Dhabi to Tehran. This move is part of broader efforts to keep the UAE out of the renewed fighting between Washington and Tehran. Further aircraft are expected to arrive in Iran with the assistance of Emirati companies. ✈️

⚽ Real Madrid's friendly win: Stars and flops

Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruña in their penultimate friendly match of the season. The match took place on Wednesday night, featuring performances from various players at the Santiago Bernabeu. Brahim Diaz scored the only goal during the first half of the game. Jose Mourinho was utilizing this friendly to build squad fitness before the final game against Schalke on Saturday. Bernardo Silva shone as a star, while Vinicius Junior and Antonio Rudiger were noted as flops.

🏆 Cena vs Orton: Who's the ultimate WWE legend?

John Cena and Randy Orton built a massive rivalry spanning three WWE eras, making them defining stars of the Ruthless Aggression Era. Both were multiple world champions, with Cena boasting 16 reigns and Orton having 14. Cena became a franchise player known for merchandise and charity, while Orton earned fame as the 'Apex Predator.' Cena's mainstream visibility is huge, but Orton's consistency and in-ring skill are top-tier. Their decades-long clash cemented them as WWE's most iconic figures.

🧠 Brain spots language network even when you're chilling

Researchers discovered a language-specific neuron network in the adult human brain using fMRI scans. This was found in over 1,900 scans from 1,199 individuals, led by Cory Shain at Stanford. The network is generally in the left hemisphere's frontal and temporal regions, showing individual variations. This finding could help develop new therapies for communication issues from strokes or injuries. Scientists can identify this stable structure regardless of whether a person is doing a language task. 🧠

🛡️ Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink defence deal

Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last week. This pact involves senior ministers from the three nations and aims to deepen defence industry cooperation. The agreement, signed on August 7, stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Mechanisms will be established for high-level coordination, including joint exercises and tech sharing. Turkiye stated the pact is open to expansion, with Egypt being a potential candidate. 🤝

🏛️ Kerala HC overturns FCRA denial for two NGOs

The Kerala High Court overturned the Union Home Ministry's refusal to renew the FCRA registration for two Kerala-based NGOs. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas found that the Intelligence Bureau reports lacked evidence of any violation against either organization. The court directed the competent authority to reconsider both applications within three months from August 11. The NGOs, Kerala Social Service Forum and Save A Family Plan India, have held FCRA registration since 1985. The ruling stressed that peaceful protest cannot be automatically deemed an 'undesirable purpose'.

🎬 Kanikka on Kiara comparison and Batwara 1947

Actor Kanikka Kapur shared details about her upcoming film, Batwara 1947, which stars Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta. She revealed that director Rajkumar Santoshi noticed her work in Dono and cast her after three audition rounds. Kanikka addressed social media comparisons to Kiara Advani, stating she's tired of answering the question. The film explores the Partition from the perspective of the other side, Pakistan. Her grandparents are actively promoting the film now that the release is close.