Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended the killing of protesters in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), comparing the situation to how "enemies like India" allegedly deal with unrest. His remarks came after security forces opened fire during demonstrations, leading to multiple deaths and injuries. The comments have triggered widespread criticism from opposition leaders, rights activists, and social media users, who accused the government of justifying excessive force against civilians. The incident has intensified concerns over human rights, freedom of protest, and the government's handling of dissent in PoK, drawing renewed international attention to the region.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran's nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain site, could face fresh military strikes if Tehran continues activities perceived as threatening. Speaking amid rising tensions, Trump said the United States would not hesitate to act against any nuclear developments that endanger regional or global security. His remarks come as concerns grow over Iran's expanding nuclear programme and the possibility of renewed conflict in the Middle East. Iranian officials have condemned the warning, while analysts caution that such statements could further escalate already fragile regional tensions and diplomatic challenges. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply criticised the BJP's newly appointed Education Minister during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, calling him a "defender of rapists" over his alleged past remarks regarding the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano case. Gandhi questioned the government's decision to appoint him to a key ministry responsible for shaping the country's future, arguing that it sent the wrong message on justice and women's safety. The BJP strongly rejected the allegations, demanding evidence and accusing the Congress of making baseless political attacks to divert attention from substantive issues. (PC: X)

India's Valluri Ajaya Babu secured a silver medal in the men's 79kg weightlifting event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, narrowly missing gold by just one kilogram. The 21-year-old lifted a total of 330kg, including a Commonwealth Games record of 149kg in the snatch. Malaysia's Erry Hidayat Muhammad claimed gold with a 331kg total after a thrilling final attempt, while England's Chris Murray won bronze. Ajaya Babu's achievement also continues his family's sporting legacy, surpassing the bronze medal won by his father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao, at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. (PC: X)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has strongly criticised BJP MP Kangana Ranaut after her remarks against Gen Z protesters, saying the younger generation has contributed more to the country than she has. The exchange follows nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak, where thousands of students demanded accountability and education reforms. CJP accused Ranaut of insulting young citizens instead of addressing their concerns and questioned her political credibility. The controversy has intensified the debate over youth activism, freedom of expression, and the government's handling of the examination scandal, drawing widespread political and public attention. (PC: NDTV)

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kyushu region on July 28, causing widespread destruction and injuring more than 100 people. Part of a shopping mall collapsed, with many feared trapped beneath the debris as rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate survivors. Several buildings, roads, and public infrastructure were damaged, while power outages and transport disruptions affected thousands. Authorities issued tsunami warnings immediately after the quake but later lifted them as the threat diminished. Emergency services, including military personnel, continue rescue and relief operations, while officials have urged residents to stay vigilant due to the risk of strong aftershocks. (PC: Reuters)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday warned the government of another large-scale protest, alleging that students involved in the NEET agitation were being harassed by police. In a post on X, Dipke claimed authorities had launched a "witch-hunt" against students and demanded that the alleged action stop immediately. "If the witch-hunting of students is not stopped, we will organise a massive peaceful protest," he said. The warning comes days after the CJP suspended its demonstrations following the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. (PC: India Today)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with additional Patriot missile support expected to be a key topic of discussion. Zelensky is visiting Washington before attending the funeral of late Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine and Israel. Later in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House. Their talks are expected to focus on the ongoing conflict with Iran and regional security. The back-to-back meetings highlight Washington's continued engagement with two of its key allies. (PC: BBC)

India on Tuesday responded to reports that Pakistani influencers and Gen Z groups had expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protests in Delhi. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the focus should remain on Pakistan ending state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. "The people of India, including Gen Z, have been demanding that Pakistan end its state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. We hope their counterparts are taking due note," he said. Several Pakistani influencers had shared messages supporting the protesters, while Pakistan's Foreign Office earlier described the demonstrations as India's internal matter and declined to comment further.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday questioned the Centre over the police action against students protesting alleged exam irregularities, asking, "Who ordered pellet guns and AK-47s on students?" Speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations Bill, she asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah authorised the crackdown. Priyanka alleged students were treated "like terrorists" and accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests. She also claimed repeated exam paper leaks had eroded trust in the examination system and urged the government to answer who approved the use of force. (PC: India Today)