🏛️ Vijay's government to drop maiden budget in TN

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government will present its first-ever Budget in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson will unveil the State Budget for 2026-27 at 10 a.m. The government previously flagged financial issues, noting a debt of ₹13.18 lakh crore and revenue collapse. This Budget is significant as it aims to outline the roadmap for fulfilling numerous welfare promises made before the 2026 election. Officials suggest major announcements for youth and women will be included in the proposals. 💰

⚽ Barça trusts young star Balde to bounce back

Barcelona remains confident in 22-year-old Alejandro Balde to rediscover his peak form this season. The Catalan player, who was a breakthrough talent in 2022-23, faced scrutiny after Joao Cancelo arrived on loan in January 2026. Despite recent stagnation, Balde spent the summer in intensive personal fitness preparation. The club believes he still has the quality to be a top-tier left-back, even with Cancelo's presence. Hansi Flick needs to work closely with him for the position to be sorted for the next decade. ⚽

👓 Snap bets big on AR glasses amid AI race

Snap posted higher-than-projected quarterly sales, signalling optimism for its upcoming AR glasses debut. The Santa Monica company saw revenue jump 19% to $1.6 billion for the quarter ending June 30. Snap projects Q3 sales of up to $1.74 billion, beating projections of $1.70 billion. CEO Evan Spiegel sees the Specs glasses as the company's largest long-term opportunity in the AI race. Despite this, Snap faces regulatory headwinds and investor skepticism regarding its new hardware. 📱

😂 Salman Khan playfully roasts Badshah on Alliance

Salman Khan made a joke during his visit to the Alliance house while talking to rapper Bali. Bali revealed that Badshah taught him how to use voice modulation during performances. This exchange happened during Salman's supportive visit to his brother Sohail Khan on the reality show. Salman teased Bali about whether Badshah even understood his own teachings. This light moment contrasts with Salman later sharing memories of his time in jail.

😠 Jharkhand Students Protest Over Recruitment Issues

Student protests in Jharkhand are escalating due to allegations of irregularities in the JPSC recruitment process. Demonstrators are demanding more transparency, accountability, and a CBI probe into the whole matter. The agitation is currently putting pressure on both political parties and the government's response. This issue has sparked a broader discussion regarding governance and hiring procedures. Future action will likely depend on the authorities' handling of these serious claims. 😠

🩺 Poor countries cope with US aid cuts for AIDS

UNAIDS reported 570,000 AIDS deaths last year, with only 32m of 41m people living with HIV on ARVs. US funding for AIDS combat fell by $2.1bn in 2024 after policy changes. New MOUs shift aid from direct cash to government-to-government agreements until 2030. Some countries like Kenya and Nigeria are signing, while others cite data sharing concerns. 🌍

✈️ Air India flight hits rough patch over Delhi

An Air India flight experienced severe turbulence, causing a brief loss of altitude around 300 feet. This happened to Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi. At least 17 people, including four cabin crew, sustained injuries on Tuesday morning. The DGCA has launched a probe into the incident to understand the sudden altitude change. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

🕊️ Israel-Lebanon talks resume in Rome

A seventh round of US-mediated talks has started in Rome to establish new pilot zones for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. High-level political and military officials from both sides are attending the three-day diplomatic discussions. The June 26 framework deal called for Israeli forces to progressively redeploy in exchange for Hezbollah's disarmament. However, Israel continues to maintain a buffer zone, stating it's necessary for security reasons. Lebanon plans to propose new withdrawal areas, potentially covering Bint Jbeil or Khiam.

🏥 DR Congo's biggest Ebola center opening this week

Democratic Republic of the Congo is launching its largest Ebola treatment center this week in Bunia. This facility, the Rwankole Ebola Treatment Centre, is set to host 100 beds and over 300 staff members. As of July 30, the WHO reported 3,605 confirmed cases, which included 1,587 deaths. The center offers specialized care, including dedicated facilities for pregnant women with suspected Ebola. Authorities are urging a stronger public health response as the epidemic continues to accelerate. 🏥

🤝 Can Pakistan keep US-Iran talks alive amid mistrust?

Pakistan has invited top Iranian officials to Islamabad as mediation efforts to ease tensions with the US are being revived. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke to Abbas Araghchi, and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also invited Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. This outreach happens as President Donald Trump harshly criticized Tehran's handling of talks regarding the war. Pakistan maintains its role as a mediator, even as previous de-escalation attempts have repeatedly failed. The future depends on whether trust can be rebuilt despite deep underlying issues. 😟

⚽ MBSG crushes South United 8-0 in Durand Cup

Mohun Bagan Super Giant dominated South United FC in a massive 8-0 victory at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Tuesday. The match saw Manvir Singh score a hat-trick, while Suhail also bagged a brace for the Mariners. This win secures MBSG's top spot in the Group-A of the Durand Cup 2026. The team maintains a superior goal difference ahead of rivals East Bengal in the tournament. The focus now shifts to the remaining fixtures as they continue their strong run. ⚽