A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto region on Tuesday, prompting tsunami warnings and emergency alerts across the southern island of Kyushu. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that tsunami waves of up to 1 metre could reach coastal areas and urged residents to stay alert and follow evacuation instructions. Emergency earthquake warnings were issued for Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki prefectures. There were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries or major damage. Authorities are assessing the impact of the quake while continuing to monitor the tsunami threat and advise people to avoid coastal areas. 

India's medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has climbed to 10, including 2 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze medals. The contingent enjoyed its best day on July 27, winning 6 medals across weightlifting, athletics and para athletics. Sharmila Dhankar made history by becoming India's first Commonwealth Games para athletics gold medallist after winning the women's shot put F57 event. Mirabai Chanu claimed her third consecutive CWG gold in weightlifting. Sarvesh Kushare won India's first-ever men's high jump silver, while Gyaneshwari Yadav, Valluri Ajaya Babu and others added to India's impressive medal haul. (PC: NDTV)

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has offered up to $5.5 billion to settle about 76,000 lawsuits in the US alleging its talc-based baby powder and other products caused ovarian cancer. The healthcare giant continues to deny the allegations, saying scientific studies show its talc products are safe, asbestos-free and do not cause cancer. The proposed settlement requires approval from legal firms representing 95% of the remaining ovarian cancer claims before it can take effect. J&J said the agreement would help end years of litigation. The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder globally in 2022, switching to a cornstarch-based formula. (PC: BBC)

Former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has said India is "hugely angry" over the continued delay in extraditing fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, despite her signing the extradition order in 2021. Speaking on a podcast, Patel said the prolonged legal process had strained UK-India ties and complicated talks on the return of illegal migrants. Nirav Modi, wanted in India in the alleged $2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud and related money laundering cases, remains in a London prison. He has exhausted most legal options in the UK, and his extradition to India is widely expected after years of court proceedings. (PC: NDTV)

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control by law enforcement agencies after the July 20 protest in Delhi. The plea was filed by retired Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad along with two people who said they were injured by pellets during the protest. The petition asks the court to prohibit the use of metallic kinetic projectiles for dispersing civilian gatherings, provide compensation to all victims, and ensure complete medical treatment and rehabilitation. It alleges RAF personnel fired pellet rounds at protesters who were retreating without provocation. (PC: The Hindu, X)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday claimed a breakthrough in its standoff with the Centre, saying government representatives shared draft notifications promising to withdraw FIRs, release detained protesters and ensure no further police action against those involved in the anti-NEET paper leak agitation. The claim came hours after the party warned it would restart nationwide protests if the July 25 assurances were not put in writing. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said Bihar and Assam had already prepared draft notifications, while similar orders from the Centre and other BJP/NDA-ruled states were expected by Tuesday. The government has not yet publicly confirmed the claim. (PC: India Today)

French police arrested a man after he allegedly attacked three women with knives in Paris, leaving the victims injured. According to investigators, the suspect claimed during questioning that he acted because "Allah commanded" him to carry out the assault. Emergency responders treated the victims, whose injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. Authorities have launched a terrorism-related investigation to determine the motive, the suspect's background, and whether he acted alone. Security measures have been reinforced as officials continue examining the incident. The attack has renewed concerns over public safety and extremist-inspired violence in France.

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised young Hindu women who participated in the CJP protest, describing them as part of a "generation gutter" during her remarks on the ongoing demonstrations. She questioned their participation and accused them of being influenced by misleading narratives. Her comments triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders, activists, and social media users, with critics calling the remarks offensive and divisive. Supporters defended her right to express her views. The controversy has intensified political debate surrounding the CJP protests and freedom of expression, drawing widespread public attention. (PC: X)

A 25-year-old Uber driver from Punjab has been arrested in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, over allegations of sexually assaulting a female passenger. According to local police, the incident occurred after the woman hired the ride, and investigators launched an inquiry following her complaint. The accused has been taken into custody and faces charges related to sexual assault. Authorities are continuing the investigation and have appealed to the public for information, as they believe there may be additional victims. The case has raised renewed concerns about passenger safety and ride-hailing service accountability in Canada.

Iran has asserted that it continues to maintain full control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and is not seeking negotiations following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to halt military bombing. Iranian officials said the country's defense capabilities remain intact and dismissed speculation that the pause in hostilities would lead to immediate diplomatic talks. They stressed that any future negotiations would depend on changing circumstances and mutual respect. The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial global oil shipping route, making developments in the region closely watched by international markets and world powers. (PC: Reuters)