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)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, insisting that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. Responding to the Prime Minister’s assurance of a stronger crackdown on examination leaks, CJP maintained that accountability begins with the minister heading the education system. The party reiterated that its demand for Pradhan’s resignation remains non-negotiable despite the government's promise of swift investigations and stricter punishment for those responsible. The development comes amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with the Opposition also pressing for Pradhan’s resignation while the Centre has agreed to a parliamentary debate but ruled out accepting the demand.

Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. The group said it targeted the Encelia and Layla with drones and missiles for allegedly violating its maritime embargo on Saudi shipping. Saudi authorities confirmed the Encelia was hit, causing a fire but no casualties, while UKMTO also reported a projectile strike. Meanwhile, US strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, with Iranian media reporting two deaths. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the Strait of Hormuz was completely closed after an explosion, saying three tankers were intercepted. Escalating tensions threaten global oil supplies and key international shipping routes. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment in paper leak cases, calling youth welfare the government’s top priority. Posting on X amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Modi said authorities have been directed to take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to justice. He described the move as part of a broader effort to safeguard students’ interests and reiterated that those harming their future “will not be spared.” The announcement comes as the Opposition and CJP continue demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, while the government has agreed to an in-depth parliamentary debate but rejected the resignation demand.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, establishing the legal framework for a long-term, multi-billion-dollar partnership. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman also signed a bilateral safeguards deal aimed at advancing Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme while supporting nuclear nonproliferation objectives. The agreement comes amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and renewed scrutiny of nuclear programmes in the region. Reports suggest US companies could gain opportunities to help develop Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure, including a possible uranium enrichment facility. However, Washington insisted any cooperation would not create proliferation risks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming that commitment. (PC: AFP)

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed 16 metro stations from 7:30 am until further notice due to security concerns amid the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protest at Jantar Mantar. While interchange services remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, trains are skipping several affected stations, disrupting travel for thousands of commuters. The protests, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak, intensified after the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march, which saw clashes between protesters and police. Opposition leaders criticised the closures, while passengers reported confusion, delays and being forced to travel beyond destinations before returning by road. (PC: Times Now)

Iran has warned that no country in the region will be able to export oil if Tehran is prevented from selling its own, escalating tensions with the United States. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the security of regional energy exports now depends on Iran's security, declaring, “Either all or none.” His warning followed US President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants after any attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US carried out its 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets. With threats also emerging around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, concerns over global oil supplies and shipping costs continue to intensify significantly. (PC: Reuters)

Global Banking School (GBS) has celebrated the graduation of 6,000 students during ceremonies held in Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and London this summer. The graduates completed courses in construction, business, digital technologies, and health and social care. Many studied while working full-time, running businesses, or caring for their families. GBS said the average age of this year's graduates was 41, reflecting its focus on flexible learning for working adults. The celebrations came after the institution recorded a 92% positivity score in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, above the higher education sector average for the sixth consecutive year. Among the graduates was Kamrul Islam, who completed an HND in Construction Management while working as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor and running a perfume business. He said, "Balancing a full-time career, higher education and running a business was one of the biggest challenges I have faced." Another graduate, Yudzhel Medzhnun Shaban, from Penge in south-east London, said the course helped strengthen his management and technical skills while allowing him to continue operating his lift installation business. "Now I'm ready to grow bigger and provide more employment in my community," he said. GBS said many graduates are progressing into employment, entrepreneurship and further education across the UK.