Former Tamil Nadu Minister P. Geetha Jeevan has accused the TVK government of disregarding democratic values following the arrest of DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan. She alleged that the government is suppressing freedom of speech and criticized the police for illegally detaining 32 women functionaries past 6:00 PM, releasing them only late at night. She condemned the lack of respect shown to an elected representative. https://www.dinamani.com/all-editions/edition-thirunelveli/tuticorin/2026/Jul/21/%E0%AE%9C%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%A8%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%88-%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BF-%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9C%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B1%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B1%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81

A study of 500,000 adults from the UK Biobank suggests that sleeping between 6 to 8 hours daily can slow down biological aging. Researchers found that those sleeping 6.4 to 7.8 hours had the lowest aging markers across organs like the heart and brain. Conversely, sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours was linked to accelerated aging due to stress, metabolism changes, or underlying health issues. Experts recommend consistent sleep schedules and avoiding screens before bed for better health. https://tv9telugu.com/lifestyle/how-many-hours-should-you-sleep-to-stay-young-study-reveals-the-ideal-sleep-duration-for-healthy-aging-1870250.html

A man in Malaysia reportedly issued a 'Talaq' (divorce) to his wife after losing a bet on Argentina's defeat in a World Cup final match. The incident, which went viral on social media, has drawn criticism from religious scholars who warn that conditional divorces lead to serious legal and religious complications. Authorities have advised the couple to approach the Sharia court for a formal resolution, emphasizing that marriage and divorce should not be treated as a game or bet. https://vanakkammalaysia.com.my/%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9C%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%A3%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%BE-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4/

Photos of new Chennai MTC buses have sparked controversy on social media as their red and yellow color scheme resembles the flag of the ruling TVK party. While some critics question the use of public funds for party branding, supporters claim it is a traditional transport department design. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay has ordered that all new government buses must be air-conditioned without increasing ticket fares, suggesting ad revenue to cover costs. Official confirmation on the bus design is awaited. https://tamil.abplive.com/news/tamil-nadu/chennai-mtc-new-buses-tvk-party-colors-chief-minister-vijay-tnn-268386

Public sector banks have written off corporate loans worth approximately ₹7.75 lakh crore between FY 2014-15 and 2025-26. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed Parliament that only ₹3.10 lakh crore (40%) has been recovered so far. The government refused to disclose the names of 1,249 large borrowers with write-offs exceeding ₹100 crore each, citing confidentiality under Section 45E of the RBI Act. Officials clarified that 'write-off' is a technical accounting process to clean balance sheets and not a loan waiver, as recovery efforts continue. MP Hanuman Beniwal criticized the government for lack of transparency and for ignoring farmer loan waivers while providing relief to large corporates. https://www.patrika.com/national-news/corporate-loans-worth-7-75-lakh-crore-written-off-government-refuses-to-disclose-company-names-20764276

Spain secured their second World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in a thrilling final held in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time following a cross from Pedro Porro. Despite brilliant saves from Argentina's Emiliano Martinez, the Spanish side dominated possession and defense. Rodri won the Golden Ball, Unai Simon took the Golden Glove with seven clean sheets, and France's Kylian Mbappe earned the Golden Boot with 10 goals. Young talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Paz also shone during the tournament. https://mangalam.com/news/detail/856942-opinion-news-details.html

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% additional tariff on Canadian goods by invoking the 100-year-old Section 338 of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. The move targets over $20 billion worth of products including cement, wine, and furniture, citing discriminatory trade practices by Canada against US auto and dairy sectors. While energy and critical minerals are temporarily exempt, the decision has sparked fears of a global trade war and supply chain disruptions. The tariffs are set to take effect from August 19. https://www.newscontinuous.com/international/trump-canada-tariff-100-year-old-law-trump-attacks-canada-with-50-tariff-invokes-100yearold-smoothawley-law-citing-discrimination/

BRS Khammam district leader Katta Krishnarjunarao's birthday was celebrated grandly in Wyra. Party leaders from BRS and CPI, along with fans and activists, attended the event. He cut a cake and shared his joy with the supporters. Many local leaders extended their warm wishes and hoped for his continued success in public service. https://www.ntnews.com/khammam/katta-krishnarjuna-raos-birthday-celebrations-in-wyra-2458225

Construction of Gabion protection walls at Valakkodu and Thenmala on the Kollam-Thirumangalam National Highway is stalled due to the delay in obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Southern Railway. Although a contract worth ₹2.41 crore was awarded months ago, the Madurai Division of the Railways has not responded to multiple requests. The landslide-prone area near the railway tracks poses a significant risk to motorists, especially at night, as the project remains in limbo. https://www.mathrubhumi.com/kollam/news/localnews-kollam-khk3vbum

Iran has warned the US of severe retaliation if it attempts to seize Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran's oil exports. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran is prepared for any US ground assault. Donald Trump had previously hinted at seizing the island as part of stricter measures against Iran. Additionally, the US is considering strikes on the Pickaxe mountains, suspecting hidden nuclear facilities. Iran emphasizes that such a conflict would lead to significant US casualties and a major political blow to Trump. https://www.sathyamonline.com/pravasi/pravasi-america/iran-warns-of-retaliation-if-us-ground-forces-move-to-capture-12182925