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She lost her gold — then won it again: Why Mel Woods claimed David Dixon Award

Scottish wheelchair racer Melanie Woods received the David Dixon Award for her outstanding performance. She won two gold medals in the T54 1500m and T54 400m events. Woods demonstrated remarkable resilience and sportsmanship after a controversial race rerun. She accepted the ruling with grace and won again, setting a new record. Her actions embodied the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.

Oil tumbles over 6% as Trump's Iran talks revive hopes of easing Middle East tensions

Oil prices dropped significantly as United States and Iran negotiations offered hope for de-escalation. Uncertainty surrounds these talks and ongoing security risks persist along vital shipping lanes. Brent crude futures experienced a sharp decline after President Trump announced potential discussions with Iran. This followed a substantial rally last month fueled by renewed conflict and tanker attacks.

Trump Signals Fresh Talks With Iran As Tehran Nears New Hormuz Route Deal With Oman

US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran would be held on Monday but stopped short of setting a deadline for reaching an agreement, days after saying he had called off an imminent military strike to allow more time for diplomacy. Trump had earlier said he delayed the attack in the hope of securing a swift deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and break the deadlock over Tehran's nuclear programme. The latest diplomatic signals came as tensions remained high in the Gulf, with shipping disruptions, reports of an explosion near a tanker, and continued uncertainty over one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes. ALSO READ | Iran Calls Hormuz Deal Report 'False' After Trump Cancels Planned Attack Iran Says Oman Agreement Is In Final Stages Iran said it was close to reaching an agreement with Oman over a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, although officials stressed that such a deal would not amount to fully reopening the waterway. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told state television that Tehran and Muscat were working towards a mutually acceptable route that would respect the sovereignty and security interests of both countries. "We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides – neither the northern route nor the southern route – but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security," Baqaei said. However, Baqaei maintained that any agreement would not restore the strait to conditions that existed before February 28, the day the war began. Earlier, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying negotiations with Oman were progressing towards completion and had entered their final stages, though he did not provide additional details. Shipping Disruptions Continue Despite Diplomatic Efforts The diplomatic developments unfolded as security concerns persisted in the region. On Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre reported that a tanker had experienced an explosion nearby in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel and its crew were reported safe. Shipping data showed that traffic through the strait slowed on Monday following reports of attacks on commercial vessels. Further south, however, two tankers carrying Saudi oil successfully passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait over the weekend despite threats by Yemen's Houthi movement against oil exports in the Red Sea. ALSO READ | Boycott, Clashes And Low Turnout Hit PoK Polls Phase 2; Voting Postponed Trump Avoids Timeline As Diplomacy Continues On Saturday night, Trump said on social media that Iran and other regional countries had requested additional time to complete an agreement that would result in the "immediate, complete and total" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and bring "an end to Iran's nuclear threat." He also urged Tehran to "rapidly make a deal". When later asked whether he had imposed a deadline for Iran to reach an agreement, Trump declined to respond. Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States could intensify military action against Iran before extending more time for negotiations. His latest decision to prioritise talks over military escalation marks another shift in the evolving conflict, although negotiations have yet to produce a comprehensive agreement.

Vismaya responds to criticism over student protest remarks

Vismaya Mohanlal reaffirms her stance supporting students protesting the NEET paper leak issue. She believes citizens should have freedom to question and express their opinions in a democracy. Dialogue should always take precedence over the use of force, she stated during an interview. Filmmaker Major Ravi defended her comments as compassionate and humanitarian, not political. Vismaya is preparing for her acting debut in an upcoming film scheduled for release soon.

Over to Ahmedabad! Neeraj Chopra receives CWG flag as 2030 countdown begins

Glasgow hosted the 2026 Commonwealth Games, concluding with India receiving the hosting rights for 2030. India finished fourth in the medal standings with 39 medals. The closing ceremony showcased India's culture and aspirations for Ahmedabad. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and PT Usha accepted the ceremonial baton. Ahmedabad will host the centenary Commonwealth Games in four years.

Fans Split Over Self-Mural: Clavicular penthouse photo sparks debate; critics see dictator narcissism, others defend art

Clavicular sparked a social media storm after a photo of a massive self-portrait mural inside his penthouse went viral. Many fans mocked the artwork, comparing it to a dictator-style portrait, while others defended it as an impressive artistic choice. The online debate quickly filled with jokes, criticism, and praise, turning the mural into a trending topic and leaving social media sharply divided over its meaning and symbolism.

Charlie Kirk Assassination Case: Candace Owens questions FBI timeline; casts doubt on evidence

Candace Owens has questioned the FBI's response timeline in the Charlie Kirk murder investigation, asking why agents arrived at Utah Valley University so quickly. She also challenged key parts of the prosecution's case against Tyler Robinson, including the evidence presented and the official account of the shooting, while continuing to raise doubts about the federal investigation.

Investments in PE-VC fall 6% to $20.3bn in Jan-July

India's private equity and venture capital investments surpassed twenty billion dollars this year. This figure shows a slight decrease compared to the previous year's performance. July saw investments of three billion dollars, remaining stable from last year's figures. Investors maintain long-term confidence in India's private markets despite global challenges. Sectors like renewable energy and B2B software startups are attracting significant investor attention.

West Asia war uncertainty keeps businesses on edge

Businesses face significant cost management challenges due to ongoing West Asia conflict. Commodity inflation and freight charges create persistent planning uncertainties for companies. This instability may lead to postponed capital deployment and fewer new job additions. Consumers can expect widespread price increases across various products and services. Companies are considering further pricing interventions to manage margin impacts.

Quote of the day by Cicero: 'If we are not ashamed to think it, we should not be ashamed to say it'

Cicero, the Roman statesman, passionately argued for the alignment of one's thoughts with spoken words, critiquing the harmful effects of self-censorship. He posited that institutions become vulnerable when necessary truths go unspoken, a lesson still applicable in today's workplaces and government. The consequences of silence can be dire, stifling effective problem-solving. Open dialogue is essential for maintaining integrity and avoiding misguided decisions.

Quote of the day by Homer: 'Of all creatures that breathe and move upon the earth, nothing is...'

Homer's Odyssey explores the delicate balance of human existence, revealing how unpredictability shapes our lives. The ancient Greeks regarded people as ephemeroi—fleeting beings, a stark contrast to the enduring gods. This perspective remains significant today, as seen in the volatility of financial markets and professional sports, where fortunes fluctuate rapidly. Embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to humility and more effective planning.

Boycott, Clashes And Low Turnout Hit PoK Polls Phase 2; Voting Postponed

The second phase of the elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) saw widespread public boycotts and protests across the Muzaffarabad division. Polling stations throughout Muzaffarabad city remained largely deserted, with scenes of voter apathy, including polling personnel captured asleep at empty booths. Amid three consecutive days of intense clashes, arson and violence, voting in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 was officially postponed until August 4. Similarly, election authorities halted polling at 52 polling stations in LA-28 Muzaffarabad-2 due to critically low turnout, deferring the process until August 4. Low Turnout Polling was scheduled from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM across nine seats in the Muzaffarabad division and 12 contentious refugee seats. Voting was conducted in only eight seats in Muzaffarabad, alongside the 12 refugee constituencies spread across Lahore, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Jhelum, Rawalpindi and Gujarat. Driven by calls for a boycott from the Awami Action Committee, the second phase registered an average voter turnout of just 42 per cent. The boycott severely impacted turnout at polling stations across the Muzaffarabad division, as well as polling stations established for refugee seats across Pakistan. At Booth 16 in Tando Allahyar, Sindh, zero votes were cast. In Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, the Government Girls College polling station recorded only one vote. Polling stations in Islamabad Sector G-9/2 saw just 14 of 138 registered votes cast, while the Women's College polling station in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, recorded only 23 votes out of 210. Also Read: 'Pak Army Worse Than Israel': PoK Man Breaks Down On Camera, Calls Asim Munir 'Zalim' Clashes And Casualties By the afternoon, the situation in Muzaffarabad had deteriorated rapidly. In the Langarpura area of LA-29 Muzaffarabad-3, violent confrontations erupted between demonstrators and Pakistani Rangers. Security personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells and live rounds at the crowds. By 4:00 PM, the clashes had spread to the Neelum Bridge, engulfing the landmark in thick plumes of tear gas and bringing movement in the regional capital to a standstill. The election-day unrest followed weeks of civil agitation that intensified on July 29, when residents in Muzaffarabad protested against Pakistani Rangers' crackdowns in Rawalakot, Mirpur and Kotli. Demonstrators burned tyres, set fire to banners and flags of pro-Pakistan political parties, and engaged in stone-pelting. During polling hours in Neelum Valley, Pakistani Rangers opened fire on crowds, killing three people. According to the report, security force firing has claimed 53 lives in one week. It further states that the total death toll from Rangers' firing since civil agitation began on June 7 has risen to 127. In LA-27 Muzaffarabad-1 in the Kotla area, where polling was officially suspended, local residents gathered at key crossroads to celebrate the postponement. While the PoK Election Commission attributed the suspension to rain and landslides, the report states that polling officers and ground officials said protesters had blocked major supply routes with boulders and occupied nearby hilltops, threatening polling parties with stone-pelting. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has demanded the complete annulment of the PoK legislative elections, citing low turnout, state violence and the regional boycott. JAAC leader Sardar Umar Nazir called for the formation of an interim administration to implement the October 2025 accord negotiated with the Action Committee. He also announced a region-wide anti-Pakistan military protest across PoK on August 5. In the first phase of polling, held on July 27 across 13 seats, Shehbaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats, while Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four. The report concludes that video footage allegedly showing state-sponsored electoral fraud, combined with growing public defiance, has undermined the legitimacy of the election. Also Read: ‘Enemies Like India’: Pakistan Defence Minister Defends Force Against PoK Protesters | WATCH

US scientists analysed 55 storm and atmospheric variables to identify hurricane rapid intensification

Coastal communities might soon benefit from enhanced hurricane forecasting. A groundbreaking statistical model predicts rapid hurricane intensification up to five days in advance, significantly improving early warnings. This innovation analyzes a multitude of environmental factors, allowing forecasters to anticipate dangerous storm developments with increased accuracy, ultimately safeguarding lives and property from unexpected hurricane threats.

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