A massive wildfire is burning about 15 km from the outskirts of Bordeaux, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. "Like we're in a warzone," one resident said as thick smoke covered the city. More than 300,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain. Firefighters are using aircraft to drop fire retardant, but hot and dry weather is making the fires worse. French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the affected area. Officials warned that the coming days could bring even higher temperatures, increasing the risk of more wildfires and making firefighting more difficult. (PC: Reuters, EPA/Shutterstock)

CJP volunteer Mohammad Junaid has alleged that people identifying themselves as Delhi Police picked him up after he distributed food to student protesters at Jantar Mantar. "We thought they were trying to kill us," Junaid said, claiming he was blindfolded, questioned overnight and later left in Mussoorie. He said officers asked about the funding for the food distribution. His family also alleged police questioned his father and searched their home. Ghaziabad Police said Junaid's father was only questioned and later released. CJP said Junaid is safe and receiving legal support.

A 75-year-old Indian-origin diamond trader, Dhiru Ramani, has been released in Mali after his family reportedly paid a ransom of €4 million (around ₹44 crore). Ramani was allegedly kidnapped in April after buying a gold mine in the West African country. Reports said the kidnappers had first demanded nearly ₹100 crore, but the family negotiated the amount. Ramani is still in Mali, where police are questioning him about the incident. His US-based family handled the negotiations without help from the Indian government. Ramani is originally from Amreli district in Gujarat and is linked to Surat's diamond trade.

CJP has warned the government that it will launch another protest if FIRs against student protesters are not withdrawn. "We demand that all the FIRs against the protestors be immediately withdrawn," spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said. He also urged the government to release detained students and stop filing new cases. CJP said the government had earlier assured that no legal action would be taken against protesters. AISA president Neha Bora also demanded that the government honour its promise. The warning comes after reports of student arrests and fresh police action in several states.

The CRPF has identified at least one Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel accused of firing pellet guns during the July 20 NEET paper leak protests in Delhi, with an internal inquiry now underway. According to officials, the personnel allegedly fired 7 rounds in Connaught Place, with 5 pellets striking protesters. The probe will examine why pellet guns were used and whether force protocols were violated. Several protesters suffered pellet injuries, while hospitals confirmed at least one case. The Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns, and senior RAF officials have reportedly criticised the use of excessive force during the protest. (PC: NDTV)

An IndiGo flight travelling from Dubai to Mumbai made an emergency landing at Rajkot International Airport on Monday after smoke was detected in the aircraft's cargo hold. Airport authorities said the flight was diverted as a precautionary measure. Rajkot Airport Director Diganta Borah confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers and crew were unharmed. Officials have launched an inspection to determine what triggered the smoke alert. The aircraft will remain under examination until the cause is identified. Further details are awaited as aviation authorities continue their assessment of the incident. (PC: HT)

The campaign against the Centre's E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy is gathering momentum after the end of the NEET paper leak protests. Activist groups have announced protest marches to Parliament on July 31 and August 4, demanding that consumers be allowed to choose between E20, E10 and pure petrol. Protesters are also seeking accountability from Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri over the policy. A LocalCircles survey claimed that 60% of pre-2023 vehicle owners reported mileage or maintenance issues. However, the Centre maintains that E20 fuel is scientifically validated and safe for all petrol vehicles. (PC: India Today)

Singer Papon has appealed for more support for flood-hit Assam as the state's flood death toll climbed to 68. More than 5.24 lakh people remain affected across five districts despite improving conditions. In a video shared on X, Papon thanked volunteers and donors while describing the widespread devastation, saying villages remain submerged, many people are homeless, and countless animals have died. He pledged to continue helping within his capacity. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said electricity is being restored in phases. The Army, NDRF, SDRF, Assam Rifles and other agencies continue rescue and relief operations across affected districts.

India made a mixed start to Day 5 of the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, secured direct qualification for the men's long jump final with an opening leap of 8.01m. Meanwhile, India's fastest sprinter Gurindervir Singh finished second in his men's 100m heat with a time of 10.30 seconds. However, stronger performances in later heats pushed him down the overall standings, leaving his semi-final qualification in doubt. India will also compete in boxing, weightlifting, gymnastics, swimming and para athletics as it looks to add to its medal tally. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on Monday said the right to peaceful and lawful protest is "absolutely guaranteed" under the Constitution and observed that police cannot order a lathicharge merely because people are protesting. Hearing petitions over alleged police action during the July 20 student march to Parliament and the reported AK-47 firing in Bihar, the court said police excesses must be investigated. It also indicated it may frame nationwide guidelines on handling protests. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, will continue hearing the matter on Tuesday, alongside a separate plea alleging attacks on police personnel during demonstrations. (PC: X)