France and Spain are racing to contain large wildfires burning across several regions before a new heatwave intensifies the situation. Thousands of firefighters, aircraft, and emergency teams have been deployed to control the fast-spreading blazes, which have forced evacuations, destroyed forests, and threatened homes. Authorities warn that soaring temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds could fuel further outbreaks in the coming days. Residents in affected areas have been urged to follow evacuation orders and avoid fire-prone zones. The fires highlight the growing impact of extreme weather and climate change across southern Europe during summer. (PC: EPA)

The Bihar government has announced that it will withdraw all FIRs, criminal complaints, and show-cause notices filed against people who participated in protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. It also decided to release all those jailed in connection with the demonstrations, assuring that no further punitive action will be taken against protesters involved before the notified deadline. The decision aims to ease tensions following widespread student-led protests demanding transparency and accountability in the examination process. The move has been welcomed by protest groups as a major relief, while legal support for affected students will also continue. (PC: ANI)

India continued its impressive campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games as wrestler Sharmila Dhankar won the country's second gold medal, creating history with a dominant performance in her event. Her victory strengthened India's position on the medal table, taking the nation's overall tally to 10 medals. Indian athletes also delivered strong performances across multiple disciplines, adding silver and bronze medals to the country's count. The successful run reflects India's growing strength in international sports and boosts confidence for the remaining events. Fans celebrated the achievement as the contingent aims for an even bigger medal haul. (PC: NDTV)

An internal CRPF inquiry has revealed that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The probe found that one RAF personnel fired seven pellet rounds, with several hitting protesters and causing injuries. The review also identified lapses in crowd-control procedures, stating that the force used did not fully follow standard operational protocols. Authorities have ordered corrective measures, including stricter adherence to force guidelines and warnings before using force. The findings have intensified demands for accountability and transparency over the handling of the student protest. (PC: X)

India's medal tally at the Commonwealth Games 2026 climbed to 6 after weightlifters Gyaneshwari Yadav and Bindyarani Devi added 2 more medals on Day 5 in Glasgow. Gyaneshwari won silver in the women's 53kg category, while Bindyarani secured bronze in the women's 58kg event. India now has 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals, with another medal already assured in boxing. Five Indian athletes remain in medal contention, including Tejaswin Shankar in the men's high jump and V Ajaya Babu in weightlifting, as India aims to strengthen its position in the medal standings. (PC: NDTV)

Three people were killed and several others injured after a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday evening. Seattle Police said two suspects exchanged gunfire during the crowded event, with one suspect arrested and another still being sought. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. Among the injured is a 2-year-old boy, while four others remain in stable condition. The victims were identified as a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. Police have launched an investigation into the motive behind the shooting. (PC: BBC)

Canadian authorities have arrested 19 people, including 13 individuals of Indian origin, after dismantling an alleged cross-border drug trafficking network in one of Ontario's largest-ever drug busts. The operation, named Project Bay, uncovered nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs worth more than CA$139 million. Police said the network used commercial trucking routes to smuggle narcotics from the US into Canada. Officers seized 973 kg of cocaine, 660 kg of methamphetamine, 49 kg of opium, firearms, cash, jewellery and electronic devices. Investigators said the operation dealt a major blow to organised crime operating across the Canada-US border. (PC: India today)

New satellite images show China has deployed at least 11 J-20 stealth fighter jets at two airbases facing India, highlighting the People's Liberation Army Air Force's growing presence along the Himalayan frontier. Seven J-20s were spotted at Hotan airbase in Xinjiang, while four were seen at Damxung airbase in Tibet. Defence experts say the deployment reflects China's routine operation of fifth-generation stealth fighters near India. The J-20's stealth capabilities give it an advantage over India's current fighter fleet, which lacks stealth aircraft. India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still years away from operational service. (PC: NDTV)

Canadian authorities have arrested 19 people, including 13 individuals of Indian origin, after dismantling an alleged cross-border drug trafficking network in one of Ontario's largest-ever drug busts. The operation, named Project Bay, uncovered nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs worth more than CA$139 million. Police said the network used commercial trucking routes to smuggle narcotics from the US into Canada. Officers seized 973 kg of cocaine, 660 kg of methamphetamine, 49 kg of opium, firearms, cash, jewellery and electronic devices. Investigators said the operation dealt a major blow to organised crime operating across the Canada-US border. (PC: X)

The Bihar government has announced it will withdraw all cases registered against protesters before 6 pm on July 26 and immediately release those arrested. The decision follows criticism over the police crackdown during protests linked to the CJP movement demanding former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Police had detained 694 people across the state, including 355 sent to judicial custody. CJP welcomed the move, calling it a "big relief" for students and protesters. However, police action continued in West Bengal and Prayagraj, where more arrests were made in connection with protest-related violence. (PC: PTI)