Tensions remain high in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after 9 people were killed during recent protests, with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) pressing ahead with its planned march to Muzaffarabad. Pakistani authorities have deployed around 4,000 Rangers and tightened security across the region to prevent demonstrators from reaching the capital. Checkpoints have been set up and movement has been restricted in several areas. JAAC has accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests, while officials say the security measures are aimed at maintaining law and order. The planned march is expected to further test the volatile situation. (PC: India Today)

Seventeen-year-old Indian-origin student Riddhi Chauhan has become the Battalion Commanding Officer of her school's Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC) unit in Queens, New York, leading nearly 300 cadets. The daughter of Indian immigrants with roots in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Riddhi has also secured admission to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, a pathway to the United States Naval Academy. She joined the programme to build confidence and leadership skills, rising through multiple leadership roles before earning the top student position. Riddhi says discipline, service and teamwork have shaped her journey toward becoming a future US Navy officer. (PC: X)

France captain Kylian Mbappe delivered a blunt assessment after his team's 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, admitting Les Bleus did not deserve to reach the final. Mbappe said France failed tactically and technically, struggling to execute their high-press strategy as Spain dominated midfield. "Our touches and movement were not worthy of a World Cup semi-final," he said after the loss. Despite scoring 8 goals in the tournament, Mbappe said the squad must accept the disappointment, learn from the defeat and return stronger when the new club season begins with Real Madrid. (PC: NDTV)

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 18th day at Jantar Mantar, with his health reported stable but weakening. The protest, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged exam irregularities, marks a sharp turn in Wangchuk's relationship with the Centre. In 2023, Pradhan had described his meeting with Wangchuk as a "wonderful conversation", but ties later deteriorated over Ladakh's constitutional demands and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). After months in jail during the Ladakh agitation, Wangchuk is now urging the government to begin dialogue as his supporters continue demonstrations in Delhi.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect on July 15, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a "significant milestone" that will deepen economic ties between the 2 countries. Modi said the agreement will create new opportunities for businesses, farmers, MSMEs, workers and professionals while strengthening bilateral trade. The deal provides duty-free access for nearly all Indian exports to the UK and lowers tariffs on several British products entering India in phases. It also expands cooperation in services, investment and government procurement, with both nations expecting stronger trade, economic growth and job creation. (PC: The Indian Express)

New videos and intelligence inputs have raised fresh security concerns for India after Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was reportedly seen training its cadres in artificial intelligence (AI), water-based infiltration and combat skills. Security officials say the training includes swimming, special operations, martial arts and modern technology. Some sessions are reportedly being held at Pakistan's Mangla Dam, where 26/11 Mumbai attacker Ajmal Kasab and other terrorists had also trained. Officials believe these new capabilities could strengthen LeT's operational planning, cyber activities and infiltration attempts. Indian agencies are closely monitoring the group's evolving tactics and training programmes.

The UK government has proposed a midnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube set to be unavailable by default from 12:00 am to 6:00 am. Teenagers will be able to switch the setting off if they choose. The plan also includes disabling addictive features such as auto-play and infinite scrolling by default. Ministers say the measures will improve sleep, focus and family time. However, campaigners and child safety experts argue the opt-out option weakens the proposal, while others warn it could limit access to support during emergencies. (PC: BBC)

Writer E. Jean Carroll has received $5.63 million from U.S. President Donald Trump after a federal judge ordered the release of the money following the end of his appeals in a civil case. A New York jury in 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages, with interest increasing the total payout. Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations and described the case as politically motivated. The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear his appeal. A separate $83.3 million defamation judgment against Trump remains under appeal.

A ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a data breach involving files linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India's largest nuclear facility. The hackers allegedly published thousands of documents, including purported blueprints, supplier details and project records, on the dark web after targeting contractor Reliance Infrastructure. The company confirmed a partial breach involving a third-party server hosted by Yotta and said the government has been informed. Authorities, including CERT-In, are investigating the incident. Officials said there is no evidence that the leaked documents relate to the plant's core nuclear reactor systems supplied by Russia's Rosatom. (PC: India Today)

England's biggest challenge against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal may not be stopping Lionel Messi alone, but controlling the defending champions' influential midfield. Led by Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes, Argentina have dominated games by controlling possession and creating space for Messi. England's midfield trio of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson will be key to disrupting that rhythm. Thomas Tuchel's side will also look to exploit space on the wings and avoid sitting too deep against an Argentina team that has repeatedly produced late goals during the tournament. (PC: X)