Taylor Swift paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death at 80, describing her as “truly the gift that kept on giving.” Swift praised Parton’s generosity, authenticity, humour and lasting influence, saying her legacy would remain everlasting because of the countless lives she changed. She also called Parton “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person” and highlighted her songwriting and philanthropic work, particularly the Imagination Library, which provides books to children. Swift concluded her tribute with a personal message: “Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.” (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has blacklisted 45 vessels, including two ships owned or operated by India-based entities, for allegedly violating its rules while transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority accused the vessels of non-compliance but did not provide detailed evidence for each case. The blacklist reportedly exposes affected ships to possible fines, detention or cargo confiscation. The development comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and a sharp decline in maritime traffic through the strait. The move could increase risks for Indian shipping companies and further disrupt regional energy and commercial trade. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for one week following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton at 80. The presidential proclamation directs flags at federal buildings, military installations, naval vessels and US diplomatic facilities abroad to remain at half-staff until sunset on September 1, 2026. Trump described Parton’s death as a “true loss for millions” and praised her extraordinary contribution to music and culture. Parton, whose career spanned nearly seven decades, was celebrated for hits including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as her philanthropy. (PC: X)

India’s food regulator, FSSAI, has backed away from proposed colour-coded warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat following industry opposition. Major companies argued that such labels could confuse consumers and questioned their effectiveness. The issue is now under Supreme Court scrutiny after health activists sought stronger nutritional disclosures. Experts say clearer front-of-pack warnings could help consumers make healthier choices amid rising obesity concerns. The report also highlights differences between products sold in India and Western markets, including higher sugar content in some beverages. Nearly 80% of India’s packaged food products may be high in fat, sugar or salt. (PC: NDTV)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opposed a planned August 29 event featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden. Mamdani said he found the RSS’s vision of India “exclusionary” and contrasted it with his belief in a pluralistic and secular society. However, he acknowledged that the city may not have legal authority to cancel the privately organised gathering. Bhagwat is visiting the U.S. as part of the RSS’s centenary-year global outreach programme and is expected to address around 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora. Several interfaith and civil rights groups have also urged the venue to cancel the event. (PC: Reuters)

Dolly Parton, the legendary American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, died peacefully in Nashville on August 25, 2026, aged 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her family and representatives. Parton rose from a humble Tennessee background to become one of country music’s most influential figures, known worldwide for hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her career spanned music, film, business and philanthropy. She also founded the Imagination Library, which promotes childhood literacy. Parton leaves behind a lasting cultural legacy and millions of admirers worldwide. (PC: AP)

Six people, including five women, were killed and at least 12 others injured after a private travel bus collided with a moving truck in Telangana’s Suryapet district early Wednesday. The bus, carrying around 42 passengers, was travelling from Hyderabad towards Eluru and Vijayawada when it rammed into the truck around 4:30–5:20 a.m. near Durgapuram stage. The impact severely damaged the front of the bus, killing six passengers at the scene. Three injured passengers were reportedly in critical condition and shifted to Vijayawada for advanced treatment. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. 

Erebus Anomaly, a Maine Coon kitten from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has set a Guinness World Record after being confirmed to have 29 toes, the most ever recorded on a cat. His unusual number of digits is caused by polydactyly, a genetic condition that produces extra toes. Erebus surpassed the previous record of 28 toes, held by Canadian cat Jake since 2002 and recently matched by Michigan kitten Toby. The kitten also survived a serious bout of pneumonia after suffering an aspiration event shortly after birth. His owners described his recovery as miraculous. Guinness officially recognised Erebus’s record on May 13.

The U.S. military said on Tuesday that a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea killed four people. The U.S. Southern Command said intelligence showed the vessel was actively involved in narcotics trafficking and described those killed as “narco-terrorists.” The military did not identify the individuals or disclose the exact location of the strike. The attack is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign against alleged drug-trafficking networks, which began in September 2025. More than 210 people have reportedly been killed in similar strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Human rights organisations and UN experts have questioned their legality. (PC: X)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told foreign officials that the United States does not plan to launch new strikes on Iran “for the time being,” according to Axios, citing a US official and another source familiar with the matter. Instead, Washington is focusing on economic pressure through a new sanctions initiative and a naval blockade that the US believes is squeezing Iran, while American forces move increasing amounts of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. The shift may indicate that President Donald Trump wants the conflict to wind down. However, military action has not been ruled out entirely. Rubio reportedly left open the possibility of strikes if Iran attacks the US first. (PC: Times now)