US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to planned military strikes against Iran following requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern nations. A preliminary agreement has been reached among regional allies to end the conflict. The deal reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear threat. Israel has also agreed to support the US-led peace efforts. This comes after high tensions and previous military engagements, including the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in February. https://malayalam.oneindia.com/news/international/trump-iran-wont-be-attacked-for-now-says-broad-agreement-reached-on-deal-to-end-the-war-592787.html

Performing the Shiv-Parvati Gathbandhan ritual during the holy month of Sawan is believed to fulfill desires and ensure marital bliss. Shiv and Parvati symbolize the ideal couple, and tying their knot using a sacred thread (mouli) can remove marriage obstacles. The process involves cleansing the idols with Gangajal, offering clothes and makeup items, and chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Devotees often perform this on Sawan Mondays to seek blessings for a peaceful and happy married life. Positive intent and donation after the ritual are considered highly auspicious. https://samacharnama.com/astrology/shiv-parvati-gathbandhan-vidhi-wishes-are-fulfilled-by/cid19063374.htm

Agricultural activist Mannargudi Sethuraman, speaking on News18 Tamil Nadu's 'Sollathigaram' program, emphasized that the government must address agricultural issues legally and without delay. He urged for swift action on pending farmer concerns, stating that legal solutions are necessary and procrastination by the authorities should be avoided. https://tamil.news18.com/videos/tamil-nadu/sollathigaram-2175417.html

RTI activist Amit Tiwari has filed a complaint against Cockroach Janata Party president Abhijit Deepke, demanding a probe into his family assets. Tiwari questioned how Deepke's father, a junior engineer earning Rs 60,000-65,000 per month, could afford his son's expensive higher education in the USA. The complaint was sent to the Maharashtra government, Election Commission, and Customs Board, also raising concerns about the funding of the unregistered political party CJP. https://www.ntnews.com/national/probe-into-deepaks-assets-demanded-rti-activist-files-complaint-2471249

The article explores the deep spiritual bond between Earth and humanity, equated to the sacred bond of a mother. Hinduism reveres Earth as 'Bhumi Devi', while the Atharvaveda calls her the cradle of humanity. Sikhism, through Japji Sahib, honors Earth as 'Mata', and Islam treats it as a sacred trust from God. Sufi saints like Baba Farid, Kabir, and Bulleh Shah emphasize the transience of life, reminding that humans originate from and eventually return to the soil. The narrative highlights how different faiths converge on respecting the Earth as a living, sacred entity rather than just a resource. https://jantaserishta.com/editorial/earth-and-humanity-an-eternal-spiritual-symbiosis-4816358

Charhi police in Hazaribagh district, acting on a tip-off, seized a large quantity of foreign liquor from a blue WagonR car near NH-20. The vehicle was traveling from Ramgarh to Hazaribagh. During checking, the driver attempted to flee but crashed into a divider and escaped into the forest. A search of the vehicle (BR01AY-3065) revealed 100 bottles of 750ml foreign liquor, including brands like Blenders Pride and Royal Challenge. The police have seized the car and the illicit alcohol for further investigation. https://nationalpresstimes.com/2026/08/02/acting-on-a-tip-off-the-charhi-police-station-seized-a-large-quantity-of-indian-made-foreign-liquor-imfl-from-a-blue-wagonr/

Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar reiterated his government's commitment to protecting the interests of the state's farmers regarding the Cauvery water dispute. He urged pro-Kannada outfits to withdraw the 'Karnataka Bandh' call scheduled for August 13, stating that rainfall has improved the situation. Following an all-party meeting, he emphasized prioritizing drinking water needs and consulting legal experts for the Supreme Court hearing. He also noted that the Tamil Nadu CM postponed his Bengaluru visit upon request to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. The Mekedatu project was highlighted as a permanent solution for the state's water needs. https://www.nationalexpress.co.in/national/chief-minister-shivkumar-committed-to-protecting-the-interests-of-karnataka/article-10350

CM Vishnu Deo Sai addressed the 'Strengthening Digital Justice' workshop in Raipur, highlighting the historical changes brought by new criminal laws. Replacing 150-year-old colonial laws, the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Sakshya Adhiniyam aim to provide swift, transparent, and time-bound justice to citizens. Digital tools like e-Sakshya, e-Summon, and Nyay Shruti are making the process more effective. Chhattisgarh has digitized all police stations and registered nearly 1.97 lakh FIRs online. The state government is committed to providing all resources for modernizing the justice system. https://www.asalbaat.co.in/2026/08/blog-post_130.html

Preparations are complete for the counting of votes for the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar on August 3. The process will take place at AN College, Patna, across 14 tables in 30 rounds. A three-tier security system featuring 25 companies of central forces and BSAP personnel is in place. The main contest involves BJP's Neeraj Kumar Sinha, RJD's Rekha Gupta, and Jan Suraaj's Prashant Kishor. Kishor has alleged that 18 of his party workers were detained by police without clear reasons during the election period. https://www.deshbandhu.co.in/bihar/bihar-countdown-to-the-bankipur-by-election-vote-count-begins-the-fate-of-25-candidates-will-be-decided-313499