Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu won India's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 by dominating the women's 48kg weightlifting event in Glasgow. She broke the Commonwealth Games snatch record with an 85kg lift before setting another Games record in the clean and jerk with 105kg, finishing with a record total of 190kg. Despite missing her opening attempts in both disciplines, Mirabai recovered strongly to seal a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold after triumphs in 2018 and 2022. Her commanding performance underlined her supremacy, with her entry total nearly 30kg higher than the next closest competitor, reaffirming her status among India's greatest weightlifters. (PC: Free Press Journal)

At least two people were killed and five others were injured after a mass shooting at Seattle's annual Bite of Seattle food festival near the iconic Space Needle. The gunfire erupted around 6 pm at the Seattle Center, where hundreds of vendors and live performances had drawn large crowds. Victims were rushed to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, while authorities launched an investigation into the attack. Seattle Police urged the public to avoid the area as officers responded to the scene. It was not immediately clear whether any suspects had been taken into custody. Videos circulating on social media captured the panic and chaos following the shooting.

The United States and Iran have halted military strikes against each other for a second straight day, raising hopes of renewed diplomacy after 13 days of intense escalation. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump was giving negotiations “a little bit of room,” while warning military options remain available if talks fail. Iran confirmed it had suspended retaliatory operations following the pause in US strikes. The temporary lull eased fears of disruptions to global energy supplies, sending Brent crude and WTI prices down nearly 6%. Despite the pause, both Washington and Tehran have signalled they remain prepared to resume military action if diplomatic efforts collapse. (PC: AFP)

A preliminary probe has found that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during the July 20 Parliament march in Delhi, with pellets reportedly injuring several protesters after striking the ground in the Connaught Place area, according to sources. The CRPF has launched a detailed review of the incident and is preparing an official investigation report following a comprehensive assessment. Sources said more than 47 RAF personnel were also injured during the clashes, some seriously. Authorities had deployed multiple crowd-control measures, including tear gas shells and lathi charges, to disperse demonstrators. The findings have intensified scrutiny over the use of force during the protest and the subsequent security response. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump shared AI-generated images on Truth Social depicting a US seizure of an Iranian oil tanker and airstrikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export terminal amid ongoing tensions with Tehran. One image shows Trump standing aboard a tanker carrying a US flag, while another portrays fighter jets bombing the strategically important Kharg facility, which handles a significant share of Iran's oil exports. The posts come as maritime operations and military activity continue to heighten tensions between the two countries. By depicting attacks on critical Iranian energy infrastructure, the AI-generated images have intensified attention on the possibility of further escalation in the already volatile regional security situation and conflict.

India enjoyed a successful Day 4 at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Mirabai Chanu winning a record-breaking gold medal in the women's 48kg weightlifting event. Chanu lifted a Games record total of 190kg, including record lifts of 85kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk, to claim her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold. India also won silver medals through Rishikanta Singh in the men's 60kg category and Raja Muthupandi in the men's 65kg event. Jhandu Kumar added a bronze in para powerlifting, taking India's overall medal tally to 4. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted a 6-member task force to recommend reforms to India's examination system following the paper leak crisis. The panel is chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and includes former ISRO chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, senior bureaucrats and experts from education, technology and logistics. The task force has been asked to suggest structural reforms, strengthen exam security and increase the use of technology in public examinations. The government said the panel will work to improve transparency, prevent paper leaks and restore public confidence in India's examination system. (PC: India Today)

A 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese background, identified as Abdul Ballout, was shot dead by police during an operation following a deadly attack at Berlin's Christopher Street Day Pride event. Prosecutors allege Ballout drove a van into a crowd before stabbing several people, killing 1 woman and injuring at least 29 others. Police said officers opened fire after the suspect charged at them with a knife. Authorities said Ballout had previously tried to join the Islamic State group and was known to police. Germany has raised its threat level and warned of possible copycat attacks as investigations continue. (PC: BBC)

India's Gen Z-led protests over alleged exam paper leaks have gained attention beyond the country's borders, with young people and commentators in Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka praising the movement. The protests, which eventually led to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, have been widely discussed on social media. Pakistani creators admired the protesters' unity and determination, while Nepali and Sri Lankan activists compared the demonstrations to youth-led movements in their own countries. Many highlighted the use of memes, reels and social media to mobilise support. The cross-border reactions reflect how India's student protests have resonated with young audiences across South Asia. (PC: India Today)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the LGBTQ+ community is a part of Indian society and deserves dignity and acceptance. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, he said such communities have always existed in India and should not be excluded. Bhagwat said Indian traditions have recognised people with different gender identities and sexual orientations. He added that they have the right to live with respect and have a place in society. His remarks are similar to his earlier statements supporting dignity for LGBTQ+ people. However, the RSS continues to oppose legal recognition of same-sex marriage despite supporting the decriminalisation of homosexuality.