A young girl from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, has touched millions of hearts after an emotional video highlighting racial discrimination went viral on social media. In the video, she tearfully describes how a man asked whether she was Chinese, prompting her to defend her identity and belonging to India. She says, “Mera abbu India hai, hum bhi India hai... Humko India bolo, Chinese mat bolo.” Her innocent yet powerful words have sparked widespread discussions about the discrimination and stereotyping faced by people from India’s Northeast. The viral video has also renewed calls for greater awareness, respect and acceptance of India’s cultural and ethnic diversity.

The Vande Bharat train reportedly reached nearly 100 kmph while crossing the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a major railway milestone. The Railway Ministry approved raising the maximum permissible speed on the 111-km Katra–Banihal broad-gauge section to 100 kmph. Earlier, speeds were limited to 85 kmph between Katra and Sangaldan and 75 kmph between Sangaldan and Banihal. The speed enhancement is expected to reduce travel time and improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir, while supporting tourism, trade and economic activity. However, Northern Railway later clarified that approval was granted, but no train had yet operated at 100 kmph. 

Hyderabad-born researcher Rohan Naidu has drawn attention for his remarkable journey from engineering dropout to contributing to a significant discovery involving a black hole and a star. After leaving engineering, Naidu pursued his interest in astronomy and astrophysics, eventually entering the field through research. His work reportedly helped scientists identify an unusual celestial system involving a black hole and a companion star, offering valuable insights into how such extreme objects interact and evolve. The discovery highlights the importance of perseverance and curiosity in scientific research. Naidu’s journey has also inspired attention in India, demonstrating how unconventional academic paths can lead to important achievements in astronomy. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court has formed a High-Powered Committee to investigate allegations of police excesses and violence during last month's NEET protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, the panel will also examine allegations of targeted violence, harassment and molestation of women protesters. It will assess whether police used force lawfully and proportionately, including allegations involving lathi charges, tear gas, pellet guns and electric batons. The committee will conduct periodic reviews and submit interim findings to the Supreme Court for further action. (PC: India Today)

Indian authorities demolished temporary structures and barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday, days after Pakistan removed similar installations outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Sources said the structures were used for managing queues, visitors and parking near the visa section. India had reportedly requested Pakistan not to remove the installations in Islamabad, but the demolition went ahead. Authorities in Delhi later carried out a similar exercise using heavy machinery. The developments come as ties between India and Pakistan remain strained following last year's military confrontation under Operation Sindoor. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian caregiver Rajeev Acharya was allegedly stabbed to death at his employers' residence in Jerusalem, Israel, on July 23. Israeli authorities have charged Avior Zaken, the grandson of the elderly couple Acharya worked for, with premeditated murder. According to the Indian Embassy, Acharya suffered multiple injuries and died due to severe blood loss. The accused remains in custody as legal proceedings continue. The Indian Embassy is in contact with Israeli authorities and is monitoring the case. Indian community members have also called for justice, support for Acharya's family and stronger safety measures for foreign workers. (PC: NDTV)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to move back to the UK from the US later this month with their children, according to reports. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said their security arrangements were a “private matter” and wished the couple well. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to live in a private, non-royal residence outside London. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to begin school in Britain in September. However, there are no plans for Harry and Meghan to return as working members of the royal family. (PC: BBC)

Vinay Maheshwari, an Indian man from Indore, was laid off from his job in the US while working on an H-1B visa. With only 60 days to find another employer, he applied for hundreds of jobs but failed to secure one. As his savings quickly ran out, Maheshwari took up a cleaning job at a hostel in North Carolina in exchange for room and board. He later returned to India and wrote a book, Rerouted, inspired by his experience. Maheshwari said his story highlights the uncertainty faced by workers dependent on H-1B visas. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court has formed a five-member High-Powered Expert Committee to investigate allegations of excessive force during protests over the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and other states. The panel will examine claims of harassment and molestation, particularly involving female protesters, and serious injuries caused during police action. The court ordered authorities to preserve CCTV, drone and body-camera footage, along with PCR call records. It also reiterated the release of detained minors, except those accused of serious crimes, and directed police to protect protesters’ personal information. (PC: NDTV)

At least 15 people were killed after Russia launched a major overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. Apartment blocks, warehouses, a children’s hospital and a school were damaged, while thousands lost power. President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed the deaths on Ukraine’s shortage of air defence missiles and urged Western allies to supply more Patriot interceptors. Mayor Vitali Klitschko also appealed for additional ammunition and anti-missile systems. Ukraine said Russia launched 168 drones and 44 missiles, with air defences shooting down most drones and cruise missiles but reportedly no ballistic missiles. (PC: BBC)