India increased LNG imports between May and July by rapidly diversifying supplies after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz sharply reduced cargoes from top supplier Qatar. Higher imports from the US, Oman, Nigeria and Angola helped offset losses from the Gulf chokepoint, ensuring adequate fuel for city gas distribution, fertiliser, power generation and industrial demand. India, which imports about half of its natural gas needs, prioritised energy security despite elevated global LNG prices triggered by the West Asia conflict. The shift highlights India's growing flexibility in sourcing LNG from multiple regions, reducing dependence on a single supplier during geopolitical crises and helping maintain domestic gas supplies despite prolonged maritime disruptions. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iran's worsening economic crisis is forcing families to adopt a "survival economy" as inflation and the ongoing war with the US erode household incomes. According to Iranian media, people are selling natural hair, used perfume bottles, second-hand clothing and other personal belongings, while many are renting laptops instead of buying them to reduce costs. Annual inflation reportedly reached 66%, with year-on-year inflation nearing 88%, driving families to cut spending, delay purchases and rely on instalment payments for healthcare. The hardship comes as diplomatic uncertainty continues, with US President Donald Trump claiming peace talks are underway while Tehran insists no direct negotiations with Washington are taking place. (PC: Reuters)

Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi described terrifying moments after the aircraft encountered severe mid-air turbulence, leaving 17 people injured, including four cabin crew members. Flight AI2379, carrying 137 passengers, suffered a sudden loss of altitude during the cruise phase before landing safely in Delhi. Several injured passengers were taken to hospital, with Air India saying no one suffered serious injuries and some had already been discharged. Eyewitnesses recalled passengers being thrown into the air, luggage flying loose and panic spreading through the cabin. The airline has assured continued medical assistance and support for those affected while investigating the incident.

The Supreme Court has proposed a pilot project to deny fuel to uninsured vehicles and asked the Centre and IRDAI to prepare an implementation plan. The court also directed authorities to integrate Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras with insurance databases to automatically detect uninsured vehicles and issue e-challans. It recommended handheld verification devices for traffic police, stricter penalties for uninsured driving and extending mandatory third-party insurance by one year for new private cars and two-wheelers. The bench stressed that mandatory insurance ensures timely compensation for accident victims and noted that nearly 56% of vehicles on Indian roads remain uninsured, leading to prolonged litigation and delayed relief. (PC: Reuters)  

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has ruled out an immediate entry into electoral politics, saying its priority is to build a nationwide social movement focused on youth concerns. Founder Abhijeet Dipke told Reuters the organisation would consult supporters before deciding its future direction, adding that any political party would only be formed if there was overwhelming public demand. Dipke said young Indians had lost faith in political institutions, courts and the media, and CJP wanted to restore accountability rather than seek power. After leading protests over exam paper leaks that prompted the Education Minister's resignation, the movement plans to keep championing issues affecting India's youth instead of contesting elections. (PC: Reuters)

India's free UPI payment system could see a major policy shift after the government proposed amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act that would allow Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on select UPI transactions in the future. If approved, the changes would primarily target high-value payments above ₹2,000 made to large merchants, while person-to-person transfers and most consumer payments are expected to remain free. No MDR has been introduced yet, but the proposal creates the legal framework for future charges. The payments industry has long sought such a move, arguing it would help fund infrastructure, innovation and the continued expansion of India's digital payments ecosystem. (PC: Image created using AI for representational purposes)

Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi described moments of panic after severe turbulence jolted the aircraft mid-flight, throwing some travellers from their seats. One passenger said his father, who was not wearing a seat belt as the sign was off, struck the cabin ceiling before falling to the floor. His mother reportedly suffered swelling near her eye after being hit by a loosened overhead luggage compartment. Photos from inside the aircraft showed visible damage to the cabin interior. Despite the frightening incident and injuries to some passengers, the flight landed safely, with the episode renewing attention on in-flight turbulence safety and seat belt use.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing escalating unrest as weeks of protests, violent clashes and internet shutdowns deepen tensions with authorities. According to a BBC report, dozens of people have been killed over the past two months, though protesters and officials dispute the circumstances surrounding the deaths. In Rawalakot, makeshift clinics have emerged to treat injured demonstrators, highlighting the strain on local healthcare. Protesters insist they are ordinary civilians demanding their rights and reject allegations linking them to terrorism. The unrest, coupled with staggered elections and communication restrictions, has become one of the most significant challenges to Islamabad's control over the region, with tensions showing little sign of easing. (PC: ANI)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said the government has no role in former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's media interaction scheduled for August 5 in New Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the event is being organised by a private media organisation and that the government neither supports nor endorses any views expressed there. The clarification came after Bangladesh urged India to ensure that Hasina and other Awami League leaders do not use Indian territory for political activities. Hasina, who has been living in India since August 2024, is expected to address the event virtually. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan boxer Qudratullah has reportedly gone missing after leaving the team's hotel following his event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. According to a source quoted by PTI, the boxer disappeared even though his passport was with the team manager. The Pakistan Boxing Federation has faced similar incidents in the past. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, 2 Pakistani boxers also went missing after the event. In 2024, boxer Zohaib Rasheed reportedly disappeared during an Olympic qualifier in Italy. Pakistan finished the Glasgow Commonwealth Games with 1 bronze medal, won by female boxer Fatima Zehra. (PC: NDTV Sports)