Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on 2 Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking a major escalation in regional tensions. Saudi authorities confirmed that the tanker Encelia was hit, causing a fire, but said all crew members were safe. The Houthis said the strikes enforced their newly announced maritime blockade. Meanwhile, the United States carried out its 12th consecutive night of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, including missile, drone and coastal defence sites. Iran reported 2 deaths in the attacks and claimed the Strait of Hormuz had been closed following explosions and renewed military activity. (PC: BBC)

A 14-year-old government school student from Andhra Pradesh has earned a place in Mission ShakthiSAT, the world’s first global all-girls lunar CubeSat mission. Kandula Jessie, a Class 10 student from Zilla Parishad Girls High School in Dhavaleswaram, was selected among India’s 20 participants after nearly 12,000 girls from 108 countries applied. The daughter of a carpenter, Jessie balanced her board exam preparation with advanced online space training. She will attend practical sessions in New Delhi from August 23 before the student-built lunar satellite is scheduled for launch from Sriharikota on October 11. Jessie hopes to join ISRO in the future. (PC: NDTV)

Actor Salman Khan has expressed support for students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, calling paper leaks "a very serious issue" and praising students for peacefully demanding reforms. In an Instagram post, Khan said the protest was the "right way" to seek change and described the students as courageous. He urged political parties not to politicise the movement, saying the issue was between students and the education system. Khan also expressed hope that the government would address the concerns and said he wanted India to become a global destination for quality education. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and strict punishment for those involved in exam paper leak cases. Calling students' welfare a top priority, Modi said those responsible "will not be spared." Responding to the announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most," accusing the government of damaging the education system. He also reiterated his demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as protests over alleged NEET-UG paper leaks continue.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that lays the foundation for a long-term partnership in nuclear energy. While the deal is aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia's peaceful nuclear programme, reports suggest it could eventually allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its own soil. US officials said the agreement includes safeguards to prevent nuclear proliferation and strengthen regional security. However, nuclear experts and some US lawmakers have raised concerns that uranium enrichment could increase the risk of future nuclear weapons development. The agreement will now go to the US Congress for review.  

Delhi Police has removed Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba from duty at the Jantar Mantar protest site after a video showed him allegedly slapping a woman protester during the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. The incident was raised before the Delhi High Court during a hearing on alleged police excesses against protesters. Former Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale said he filed a police complaint seeking an FIR against Lamba. The High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other evidence while hearing petitions over the police action. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases, saying protecting students' future remains a top priority. In a post on X, Modi said those responsible for harming the future of young people would face strict punishment and directed authorities to take all necessary steps. His statement comes during nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in exams, including the NEET-UG paper leak. The Opposition has demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, while the government has said the matter is under investigation. (PC: HT)

Iran warned it could strike bridges and critical infrastructure across the region after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants for any attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian official told Tasnim News Agency that Tehran would target regional infrastructure and energy facilities linked to US interests if Washington attacked Iranian assets. The warning came as the US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s “eye for an eye” policy. Iran also claimed it intercepted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring escalating tensions around the strategic global energy shipping route. (PC: Reuters)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has witnessed a sharp surge in participation, with many protesters saying the July 20 police lathi-charge and tear gas, rather than Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, became the turning point. Several students who had previously supported the movement online travelled to Delhi after videos of the police action went viral. Protesters say the crackdown transformed frustration over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak into widespread anger, drawing thousands to the protest site. The growing mobilisation has intensified pressure on the Centre as demonstrations demanding accountability over examination irregularities continue alongside nationwide political support and public outrage. (PC: PTI)

China signalled its willingness to properly handle sensitive issues with India as Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining stable bilateral ties despite existing differences. Speaking during diplomatic engagements, Wang said both countries should strengthen communication, deepen practical cooperation and manage disputes through dialogue. He emphasised that China is ready to work with India to safeguard peace and stability along the border while expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The remarks come as Beijing and New Delhi continue efforts to stabilise relations following years of border tensions. Wang underscored that healthy China-India relations serve the interests of both nations and contribute to regional as well as global stability and development. (PC: India Today)