Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana trailer has drawn praise for its stunning visuals, large-scale action and powerful background score by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. Featuring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana and Sai Pallavi as Sita, the film promises one of the biggest cinematic spectacles in Indian cinema. However, the review notes that while the trailer succeeds in showcasing scale and visual effects, it falls short in creating an emotional connection. Ranbir Kapoor's performance is described as restrained, while Yash brings strong screen presence. The film now faces the challenge of matching expectations when it releases in November. 

A man from Bihar's Kishanganj district has claimed he was wrongly named in an FIR linked to the NEET paper leak protests despite living in Russia for the past 4 months. Mohammad Sadaqat made the claim in a video shared on social media, saying he was not present during the July 25 protest in Bahadurganj and sought a fair investigation. PTI could not independently verify the video's authenticity. The development comes as the Bihar government announced the withdrawal of all cases related to the NEET protests and ordered the release of those detained during the demonstrations. (PC: India Today)

The United States launched a "heavy wave" of airstrikes on Iran after Tehran allegedly attempted ballistic missile attacks on American forces in Jordan and targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military sites, including missile, drone and command facilities, were struck. Iranian state media reported that 3 civilians, including a 2-year-old child, were killed on Qeshm Island. The latest escalation follows months of conflict between the US and Iran, raising fresh concerns over regional stability despite recent efforts to restart diplomatic talks. (PC: BBC)

Actor Sonu Sood has criticised BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut over her controversial remarks about Gen Z protesters, calling the comments "shameful". Speaking to reporters, Sonu said young people are the reason actors achieve success and deserve respect. "If she has said that, then I think it is very shameful. It should not have been said," he said. Sonu also urged public figures to think before speaking, adding that "the public is another form of God." Kangana had earlier called Gen Z protesters "Generation Gutter", triggering widespread criticism and a fresh political and social debate. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Delhi Police's standard operating procedure (SOP) on the use of pellet guns during the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Hearing a petition challenging the alleged use of metallic pellets against protesters, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said pellet guns are allowed only in exceptional circumstances under police rules. The court asked the Centre and Delhi Police to explain the graded use-of-force protocol and whether it was followed. The petitioners alleged metallic pellets injured peaceful protesters, while police maintained they used plastic pellets and other crowd-control measures during the July 20 clashes. (PC: India Today)

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, ending a career that spanned more than a decade. The 38-year-old represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, scoring over 8,000 international runs. Rahane is best remembered for leading India to a memorable 2-1 Test series victory in Australia during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Virat Kohli's departure. He also captained Kolkata Knight Riders in recent IPL seasons and remained a key player for Mumbai in domestic cricket. Rahane thanked fans for their support, saying, "Cap 278 signing off. Forever grateful."  

The Supreme Court has cleared former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Talabira-II coal block allocation case, bringing an end to a legal battle that lasted more than 11 years. Nearly 2 years after Singh's death in November 2024, the court quashed a 2015 trial court order that had summoned him as an accused. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant reviewed the CBI's closure reports, which had recommended ending the case, and ruled that the trial court's observations should be set aside. Singh had held the coal ministry portfolio when the allocation was made, but the Supreme Court found no basis to continue proceedings against him. (PC: X)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has backed Rahul Gandhi's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the July 20 protest crackdown. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said Shah "must be held accountable" for the alleged use of force against students. In the Lok Sabha, Gandhi claimed Shah "ordered the students of India to be shot." The BJP rejected the allegation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked Gandhi to "show the order" and withdraw his remarks. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also denied any firing, saying "no shots were fired" and only tear gas was used.

A major incident has been declared after a large wildfire broke out at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, England. Around 90 firefighters are working to control the blaze, which spread quickly because of strong winds. People living nearby have been asked to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed. The fire came just hours after half of England was officially declared to be in drought. The government warned that droughts and extreme heat could become the "new normal" because of climate change. Firefighters are also battling wildfires in Scotland as hot, dry weather continues across the UK.

US President Donald Trump has suggested changes to a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries buying Russian energy. He said the bill should also give him powers to impose tariffs on Iran if needed. The bill has cleared a key vote in the US Senate and will move through more stages before becoming law. If passed, it could affect India, China and other major buyers of Russian oil. The proposed law may also impact India-US trade talks, as both countries are working on a bilateral trade agreement. (PC: Reuters)