Bangladesh-born author Taslima Nasrin will return to Kolkata on August 1 for the first time in nearly two decades to attend an event against religious fundamentalism at Rabindra Sadan. Organised by Secular Mission, Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters' Foundation (HRBFF), and Poschimbongyer Jonnyo, the programme will feature poetry recitals, discussions on free thought, and a civic reception. Nasrin left Kolkata in 2007 after violent protests over her writings, including Dwikhandito. Organisers said the West Bengal government assured her security for the visit. Her return has reignited political debate, while organisers insist the event aims to promote free thought and oppose religious fundamentalism. (PC: Bizz Buzz)

The Centre clarified that an Indian passport is issued under the Passports Act, 1967, to regulate the departure of Indian citizens after due verification, amid debate over whether it can serve as proof of citizenship. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said passport issuance follows the Passports Act, 1967, and Passports Rules, 1980, through an established verification process. He also noted that fewer than 8% of Indians currently possess a passport. The clarification came in response to questions linked to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The issue sparked political controversy after earlier remarks describing passports primarily as travel documents rather than standalone proof of citizenship.

An Indian man, identified as Sohail, was allegedly stabbed around 15 times at a shopping mall in Utah in what authorities are investigating as a religion-based hate crime. Police said the accused, 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly admitted targeting Muslims after Sohail told him, "I'm from India... I'm Muslim." Sohail underwent multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition. Bystanders overpowered the suspect before police arrived. Friends said Sohail, the sole earning member of his family, has no medical insurance, prompting a GoFundMe fundraiser. Larsen was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct as investigators continue probing the alleged hate-crime motive. (PC: NDTV)

A legal battle is underway in the UK High Court after Peterborough City Council sold the site housing the 40-year-old Bharat Hindu Samaj Temple to the Khadijah Mosque, part of the United Kingdom Islamic Mission. The temple, established in 1986 by Indian families expelled from Uganda, serves nearly 14,000 Hindus across eastern England. Trustees claim their £1.3 million bid to buy the property was overlooked and have challenged the council’s decision as unlawful. The council says the sale followed a fair process. The court’s ruling will determine the future of the region’s only Hindu temple.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In Instagram posts, Kashyap called Wangchuk a "braveheart" and said he lacks the courage to undertake such a protest. He also criticised the government's alleged silence, saying he feels ashamed to remain quiet. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28, demanding an open dialogue with the government over issues linked to the NEET controversy. Several celebrities, including Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, and Naseeruddin Shah, have also voiced support for the activist. (PC: HT)

FIFA has appointed Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England in Atlanta. The decision has drawn attention because Lionel Messi has won all 5 matches in which Elfath has served as referee or match official. While the statistic has sparked debate among fans, there is no evidence that the referee has influenced those results. Elfath, a FIFA referee since 2016, has already officiated 3 matches at the 2026 World Cup. He was also the fourth official during the 2022 World Cup final, which Argentina won against France. (PC: India Today)

A freight train was trapped between massive wildfires in Ontario, Canada, as fast-moving flames surrounded the railway tracks. Videos from inside the locomotive showed crew members describing the situation as "scary" while smoke and fire closed in. According to reports, part of the crew had detached a locomotive to rescue a foreman, but poor visibility caused it to collide with its own train. The collision reportedly sparked additional fires, forcing the crew to evacuate on foot. All crew members escaped safely. Ontario is battling 128 active wildfires, with several communities under evacuation orders.

Trinamool Congress has claimed that activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has become "extremely critical" after 18 days of hunger strike, warning that the Centre would be responsible if anything happened to him. In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, TMC leader Saket Gokhale urged the government to begin talks with Wangchuk and the protesters demanding accountability over alleged NEET and CBSE exam irregularities. Gokhale said Wangchuk has lost over 8 kg and remains under constant medical supervision. The Centre has not officially responded to the latest allegations or the demand for dialogue.

Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England has taken on a political tone after Vice-President Victoria Villarruel called England "the usurping pirates" ahead of the match. In a post on X, she said the game was about more than football, linking it to Argentina's long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina. She also referenced football legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, calling the clash symbolic for the nation. Argentina and England will meet in Atlanta, with the winner advancing to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York. (PC: NDTV)

Riddhi Chauhan, an Indian-origin teenager from the United States, has earned widespread recognition after being appointed commander of nearly 300 U.S. Navy Junior ROTC cadets. Her leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to public service have made her a standout among her peers. Chauhan now aims to secure admission to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, with aspirations of serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. Her achievement has inspired many in the Indian diaspora, highlighting the growing contributions of Indian-origin youth in American military leadership and educational excellence. (PC: X)