Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post on Monday, saying it was “time to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice.” In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar thanked her for her “unwavering support” and called their working relationship “wonderful.” He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “cooperation and support.” Dhankhar said, “Serving in this transformative era of our nation's history has been a true honour.” He took office on August 11, 2022. Until a new Vice President is chosen, the Rajya Sabha’s Deputy Chairperson or another member selected by the President will take over duties. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Three people were killed and three others injured in a blast at Mariyammal Firecracker Factory in Naranapuram near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, on Monday. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and police have launched an investigation. Sivakasi, known as India’s fireworks hub, has witnessed multiple fatal blasts in recent months. Locals reported a loud explosion that triggered panic across nearby areas. Rescue teams and fire services rushed to the scene. Earlier in July, a similar factory blast in Virudhunagar district claimed 8 lives. Authorities are under pressure to enhance safety measures across the firecracker industry. (PC: News18)

An Air India A320 flight from Kochi skidded off Mumbai airport’s main runway during heavy rain on Monday morning. Flight AI-2744 veered 17 metres off Runway 27, causing three tyre bursts and engine cowling damage. Fortunately, the aircraft safely taxied to the bay and all passengers and crew disembarked unharmed. Mumbai airport activated its secondary runway 14/32 to maintain operations. DGCA has launched an investigation. Air India confirmed the aircraft is grounded for inspection, stressing passenger safety remains the top priority. Past monsoon seasons have seen similar runway excursions at Mumbai’s busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. (PC: X)

Over 200 MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha submitted a motion seeking the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma on Monday in connection with the cash discovery row. The petition was backed by 145 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs, surpassing the constitutional requirement. Key figures like Rahul Gandhi, Anurag Thakur, Supriya Sule, and KC Venugopal signed the motion. Justice Varma denies wrongdoing, but a Supreme Court panel found evidence of misconduct. Union minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed cross-party support for the move under Articles 124, 217, and 218 of the Constitution. (PC: HT)

During Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, ten-year-old Svarn Singh from Tara Wali village in Punjab bravely supplied water, tea, milk, and lassi to Indian soldiers engaged in a gunfight with Pakistani forces. His selfless actions, done without prompting, earned admiration from the troops and his community. In recognition of his courage and patriotism, the Indian Army’s Golden Arrow Division has pledged to fully sponsor Svarn’s education. Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar felicitated him at Ferozepur Cantonment, calling him a “quiet hero.” Svarn, a class 4 student, dreams of becoming a soldier himself and serving the nation one day. (PC: Anandabazar)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Monsoon Session of Parliament as a “celebration of victory” following the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s precision military strike on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. The operation, launched after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, achieved its target within 22 minutes, razing the homes of terrorist masterminds. Modi emphasized the world’s growing interest in India’s military capabilities and praised the armed forces for their swift execution. He also highlighted India’s economic progress, reduction in inflation, and the symbolic significance of the monsoon season for agriculture and national renewal. The session marks a moment of pride and resilience for the nation. (PC: Ani News) 

In a landmark judgment, the Bombay High Court acquitted all 12 individuals convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, overturning the 2015 MCOCA trial court verdict. The blasts killed 189 and injured over 800. Five of the accused had been sentenced to death, while seven received life imprisonment. The High Court cited lack of credible evidence, invalid confessions allegedly obtained under torture, and unreliable witness testimonies. The prosecution failed to identify the type of explosives used or establish a clear link between the accused and the crime. The court ordered their release, marking a dramatic reversal in one of India’s most significant terror cases. (PC: NDTV & BBC)

An encounter erupted between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Sunday during a joint cordon and search operation by police and the Indian Army in the Khankoo forest, between Dachhan and Nagseni. Acting on intelligence inputs, forces were fired upon by terrorists, prompting retaliation. The gunfight lasted briefly, with no casualties reported so far. Reinforcements have been deployed as the search to track and neutralise the terrorists continues. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed on X that contact with the terrorists has been established and the operation remains underway in the Kishtwar sector. (PC: HT)

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the Centre’s readiness to discuss Operation Sindoor during the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting Monday. Speaking at an all-party meeting, he emphasized the need for smooth coordination between the government and Opposition. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 6–7 in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, will be among key topics debated. The government also plans to address US President Donald Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which India denies. Rijiju confirmed over 100 MPs have signed a motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Verma, including 40 Congress MPs. The session will also introduce 17 new bills. (PC: Facebook)

In a brutal incident near Balanga in Odisha’s Puri district, a 15-year-old girl was abducted by three unidentified men on motorcycles, dragged to a secluded riverbank, doused in petrol, and set ablaze on July 20. She suffered 70–75% burn injuries and was initially treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. A 14-member team stabilized her condition before she was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced care. Police suspect a personal dispute and have launched a statewide manhunt. Odisha CM Mohan Majhi assured swift justice and strict punishment for the culprits in this heinous crime.