Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is expanding his career beyond the pitch by making his debut as both an executive producer and actor in the upcoming television drama Day 1s. The series, centered on the world of football, will also feature Thierry Henry alongside acclaimed actor Damian Lewis. The project is being produced by UR•Marv Studios, co-founded by Ronaldo and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn. Filming is already underway, with the series expected to attract major streaming platforms. The move marks another milestone in Ronaldo's growing entertainment and business ventures beyond professional football. (PC: X)

The Bombay High Court has postponed the hearing of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's ₹11 crore defamation suit to August 5. Gadkari alleges that AI-generated deepfake videos and defamatory social media posts falsely linked him and his family to financial gains from India's E20 ethanol-blended petrol programme. He maintains that neither he nor his ministry had any role in formulating or implementing the policy. The lawsuit names Google, Meta, X, and unidentified individuals, seeking removal of the disputed content and compensation for reputational damage. The case highlights growing legal concerns over AI-generated misinformation and online defamation. 

India is working with Ukrainian authorities to trace two Indian seafarers who went missing after the merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar was hit at Ukraine's Odesa port on July 25. Four Indians were on board the ship, with two confirmed safe while search operations continue for the missing crew members. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is in touch with local authorities and the families of the missing sailors. India has also urged all sides to avoid attacks on commercial ships and civilian seafarers, stressing that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. (PC: HT)

China has completed and tested the world's largest 582-tonne superconducting fusion magnet, marking a major milestone in its artificial Sun programme. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the giant magnet will generate powerful magnetic fields to contain superheated plasma inside a fusion reactor. The breakthrough supports China's goal of producing electricity from nuclear fusion by around 2030. Researchers said the technology was developed entirely with domestic expertise and materials. While major engineering challenges remain before commercial fusion becomes a reality, the achievement strengthens China's position in the global race to develop virtually limitless, carbon-free clean energy. (PC: India Today)

Rescue teams continued overnight operations after a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto region on Kyushu island, leaving several people missing. Authorities said people remain unaccounted for at an Aeon shopping mall, where part of the second floor collapsed, and at a factory after a chimney fell. Firefighters are searching through debris as emergency crews respond across the affected area. The quake damaged roads, buildings and Kumamoto Castle, while more than 150 schools, tourist attractions and public facilities were closed. The tremor was also felt in neighbouring South Korea, officials said. (PC: BBC)

“I was beaten by my first husband and thrown out of the house,” said Sharmila Dhankar after scripting history at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The 40-year-old became India's first para-athlete to win Commonwealth Games gold, claiming the women's F57 shot put title with a season-best throw of 9.81m. Born with polio, Sharmila overcame years of domestic abuse, financial hardship and discrimination for giving birth to two daughters before rebuilding her life through sport. Supported by her family, she began para-athletics at 34 and completed an inspiring journey with India's second gold medal of the Games. (PC: NDTV)

Calling the Supreme Court's interim order "not acceptable," the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said the decision allowing investigations into student protest FIRs to continue contradicts assurances allegedly given by the Centre during negotiations. The court directed authorities not to take coercive action against protesters with no criminal record, ordered the release of eligible detained students, and asked officials to preserve evidence while allowing existing FIR investigations to continue. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the government had promised to withdraw all FIRs and warned the party would launch fresh nationwide protests if those commitments were not honoured. (PC: HT)

Thirteen Indian sailors are stranded aboard the cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port as drone and missile attacks continue near the Black Sea, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) said. The ship has 15 crew members, including 13 Indians, who are reportedly living under constant fear as the conflict escalates. The union has urged the Indian government, shipowners and other authorities to arrange their immediate evacuation. The appeal comes after recent attacks on merchant ships near Odesa, where Indian crew members were killed, injured or reported missing, raising serious concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers. (PC: India Today)

India men's cricket team assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has resigned after completing the England white-ball tour, ending his two-year stint under head coach Gautam Gambhir. A trusted member of Gambhir's support staff, the former Netherlands all-rounder is expected to join a former IPL championship-winning franchise ahead of the next season. His departure comes amid a broader reshuffle of India's coaching setup following recent performances. The BCCI is also making changes to the support staff, with fielding coach T. Dilip exiting and Subhadeep Ghosh set to take over, marking a significant transition in Team India's backroom structure. (PC: NDTV)

The CJP has alleged that protesters were attacked and threatened after Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit from his position. According to the party, several demonstrators faced intimidation despite assurances that no action would be taken against them. CJP claimed that the incident violated previous commitments and demanded accountability from authorities. The party warned that continued action against protesters could lead to renewed demonstrations. The allegations have intensified political debate, while authorities have not yet provided a detailed response to the claims.