Iran has closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz following increased tensions and military strikes by the United States, which reportedly killed 17 people. The closure poses a severe risk to global crude oil and gas shipments. While a previous interim peace deal brokered by Pakistan and Qatar had briefly opened the route, recent retaliatory attacks between the two nations have reignited the conflict. U.S. President Trump has warned of massive missile strikes if American interests are targeted, while Iran has threatened to strike regional enemy bases. https://www.dinamani.com/world/2026/Jul/12/iran-has-closed-the-strait-of-hormuz-again-risk-of-disruption-to-shipping-traffic

Several popular Bollywood horror films from the 90s and 2000s were inspired by Hollywood concepts. The 2003 anthology film 'Darna Mana Hai' is often compared to 'Campfire Tales', while 'Bach Ke Zara' is seen as inspired by 'The Evil Dead'. Tushar Kapoor's 'Kucch To Hai' shares striking similarities with 'I Know What You Did Last Summer', and the 2010 film 'Kaalo' resembles 'Jeepers Creepers 2'. While not always direct remakes, their ideas and storytelling styles were heavily influenced by Western cinema. https://www.patrika.com/entertainment-news/darna-mana-hai-to-kuch-to-hai-hollywood-remake-list-20740588

From July 30 to September 7, 2026, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain will offer moving darshan during all aartis for the first time. Devotees will enter through Triveni Museum and Neelkanth gates. The Bhasma Aarti timing is revised to 3-5 AM daily, and 2:30 AM on Mondays. A total of 6 processions (Sawarīs) will be held during the Shravan-Bhadrapada period, concluding with the Royal Procession on September 7. All devotees will also be allowed to offer water to the deity. https://www.swadeshnews.in/religion/mahakal-darshan-2026-shravan-new-entry-arrangement/226898

A traditional recipe for Pesara Bellam Kudumulu using moong dal, rice flour, and jaggery. The process involves roasting and boiling moong dal, mixing it with jaggery and coconut to form a sweet filling. This filling is then stuffed into cooked rice flour dough shaped like small puris, folded, and steamed for 15 minutes to create a healthy and tasty snack. https://www.ntnews.com/cooking/pesara-bellam-kudumulu-recipes-2451450

A memorial meeting for Ochira Madathil Bhaskaran Pillai was held in Kattanam, inaugurated by Minister M. Liju. The event, chaired by Bharanikkavu Vasudevan, saw participation from prominent figures including former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan. In addition to the memorial speeches, various aid projects were also launched during the function attended by several local leaders. https://www.mathrubhumi.com/alappuzha/news/localnews-alappuzha-orge0a2j

Drinking ginger water daily offers numerous health benefits including improved digestion, weight loss, and blood sugar control. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties boost immunity and relieve throat pain and body aches. It is also an effective remedy for menstrual cramps and bloating. https://tamil.asianetnews.com/webstories/life-style/benefits-of-drinking-ginger-water-on-empty-stomach-327zn2a

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu visited Mumbai on Sunday to meet Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, who recently underwent surgery on his right shoulder. Naidu spent over 30 minutes at the hospital, inquiring about Kalyan's health and treatment progress with the doctors. He wished him a speedy recovery and directed officials to ensure all necessary medical support. During the visit, the leaders also reportedly discussed state development and current political scenarios. https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2026/andhra-pradesh/guntur/ap-cm-chandrababu-naidu-visits-pawan-kalyan-in-mumbai-hospital-after-shoulder-surgery-vk-1541104.html

Kerala Excise and Tamil Nadu Police launched a joint operation in the border areas of Palakkad to curb illegal spirit and liquor smuggling. Inspections were conducted in Puravipalayam and Eruthempathy panchayats, focusing on abandoned houses and coconut groves. Led by Assistant Excise Commissioner A.R. Nigeesh and Coimbatore DSP Thankam, the teams plan to continue the drive in the coming days despite no seizures on the first day. https://www.mathrubhumi.com/palakkad/news/localnews-palakkad-qdb0w8vh

The Food Safety Department conducted a crackdown on adulteration in Mundawar, Khairthal-Tijara. Under the guidance of District Collector Atul Prakash and CMHO Dr. Arvind Get, Food Safety Officer Hemant Kumar Yadav sampled mustard oil, sweets, paneer, and mixed fruit juice from four different stores. The samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing. Officials stated that legal action under the FSSAI Act 2006 will follow once reports are received. All shopkeepers were also instructed to maintain hygiene standards. https://nationalpresstimes.com/2026/07/13/action-taken-by-the-district-food-safety-department/