The alleged busting of a Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked module in West Bengal has exposed what investigators believe is an evolving Pakistan-backed strategy to expand intelligence-gathering operations deep inside India. According to intelligence sources, the accused allegedly received instructions from Pakistan-based handlers to monitor VIP movements, infiltrate public protests and gather information for potential future operations. Investigators said communication took place through encrypted platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X and Session. The alleged plan included procuring authentic police uniforms to infiltrate student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, monitor gatherings, incite violence and create disorder. Authorities are verifying whether any operational team was formed or deployed to execute the alleged conspiracy. (PC: Zee News)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a potential leadership challenge after several FIFA Council members reportedly united in opposition to his leadership. According to reports, growing dissatisfaction over governance, decision-making, and the concentration of power has triggered internal discussions about seeking alternative leadership ahead of future elections. The rebellion marks one of the most significant internal challenges to Infantino since he became FIFA president in 2016. While no formal challenger has yet emerged, the growing unrest within football’s governing body signals increasing pressure on Infantino and could reshape FIFA's leadership and governance in the coming months. (PC: EPA)

The body of renowned mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja has been recovered days after a devastating avalanche struck during an expedition in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The avalanche claimed the lives of several team members and triggered an extensive search operation under difficult weather and terrain conditions. Purja, celebrated for scaling all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in record time, was among those missing after the disaster. Recovery teams located his body following days of intensive efforts. The tragedy has deeply shocked the global mountaineering community, with tributes pouring in for Purja and the other victims. (PC: NDTV)

Kerala continues to reel under relentless monsoon rains, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirming that eight people have died, 13 were injured, and eight remain missing in rain-related incidents across the state. Torrential rainfall has triggered floods, landslides, and widespread disruption, forcing evacuations and damaging homes, roads, and public infrastructure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and heightened risk of disasters. Rescue and relief operations are underway, while authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow safety advisories as severe weather persists. (PC: The Hindu)

Two firefighting helicopters collided midair while battling a major wildfire in the Psatha area, west of Athens, Greece, triggering an urgent search and rescue operation. The crash occurred as hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft struggled to contain fast-moving blazes fueled by strong winds, extreme heat, and dry conditions. Authorities said one helicopter crew was rescued, while efforts continued to locate the second crew. The wildfires have already destroyed more than 100 homes, scorched vast forest and farmland, and forced evacuations across affected regions. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that Greece faces “extremely difficult” days ahead. (PC: AP)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make her first public appearance in India since being ousted from power nearly two years ago. On August 5, she will address a virtual event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi, where she is expected to outline her political roadmap and proposed return to Bangladesh. Since arriving in India in 2024, Hasina has avoided public events and media interactions. Her speech comes amid ongoing legal and political challenges, making it a closely watched development with potential implications for Bangladesh's future political landscape. (PC: Reuters)

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is overhauling its crude procurement strategy amid supply disruptions in the Middle East caused by the US-Iran war and shipping challenges through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. IOC has significantly increased its reliance on spot purchases, with their share rising from 50% to nearly 84%, according to Director (Finance) Anuj Jain. He said the company is closely monitoring developments daily to optimise crude sourcing in an increasingly volatile market. IOC continues to depend heavily on spot purchases of Russian crude while also boosting imports from West African and Latin American producers to diversify supplies and strengthen energy security amid geopolitical uncertainty. (PC: Times Now)

At least 72 people have died after an estimated 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta in the largest mass migration to the territory. Spanish officials said most migrants have since returned to Morocco, while security forces continue patrolling the area. Authorities have blamed criminal gangs and social media rumours for encouraging the crossing. The crisis has sparked political tensions across Europe, with several EU countries calling for a coordinated response to prevent further uncontrolled migration. Pope Leo XIV also expressed concern and appealed for a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 100-week Nasha Mukta Yuva Abhiyaan, a nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating drug abuse and promoting a drug-free India. Addressing the launch via video conference, Modi urged young people to stay away from drugs and become leaders of the movement. Every Sunday over the next 100 weeks will feature activities such as sports, cultural programmes, art and meditation to encourage participation. The campaign is part of the government's broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Modi also said strict action is being taken against drug traffickers while focusing on protecting India's youth from substance abuse. (PC: HT)

Amid escalating tensions with the United States, Iran has intensified diplomatic outreach by holding high-level consultations with key regional partners over growing security concerns in the Middle East. According to Iranian officials, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held urgent talks with counterparts and senior leaders from Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia to discuss the rapidly evolving situation following recent US actions. During discussions with Pakistan's Field Marshal and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Araghchi warned against what Tehran described as destabilising US actions and cautioned that further military adventurism could worsen regional insecurity. He reiterated that Iran remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security against any aggression. (PC: AFP)