19‑year‑old IM Divya Deshmukh has etched history by reaching the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia — making her the first teenager in 34 years to secure a spot in the upcoming Women’s Candidates Tournament . Along her journey, she defeated top-tier opponents, including GM Zhu Jiner, GM D. Harika, and ex‑World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semifinals . Her semifinal win also earned her a maiden Grandmaster norm . This breakthrough marks a historic moment for Indian and teenage chess. (PC: The Hindu)

The Election Commission of India has officially launched the election process for a new Vice President, two days after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation on July 21, 2025, citing health concerns . The Home Ministry's notification on July 22 triggered Constitutional protocols under Articles 67–68. The EC is setting up the electoral college—including elected and nominated MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—and finalising returning officers; a formal election schedule is pending . Although the NDA holds a numerical edge, the opposition INDIA bloc is regrouping . The new VP is expected to assume office by late August, embarking on a full five-year term. (PC: PTI)

For seven years, Harshvardhan Jain, a 47‑year‑old MBA graduate and son of a Ghaziabad businessman, operated a bogus “embassy” from a rented bungalow in Kavi Nagar. Jain posed as a diplomat for several fictitious micro‑nations—Westarctica, Lodonia, Saborga and Poulvia—complete with luxury cars bearing fake diplomatic plates, forged passports, stamps, seals and photos morphed with world leaders. He lured victims into overseas job‑placement schemes and hawala transactions through shell companies. The UP STF arrested him on July 22, 2025, seizing ₹44–45 lakh in cash, foreign currency, four vehicles, dozens of forged documents and diplomatic insignia. His arrest exposed links to controversial figures and prior legal cases. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Monsoon-triggered disasters have claimed 76 lives and left 34 missing in Himachal Pradesh since June 22, officials reported. Torrential rains have caused 40 flash floods, 23 cloudbursts, and 25 landslides, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹1,247 crore. As of Wednesday, 385 roads, including National Highways 70 and 707, remain shut due to landslides, with 252 closures in Mandi alone. Additionally, 263 power transformers and 220 water supply schemes are affected. Light to moderate rainfall continued across the state, with Manali recording 57 mm. The State Emergency Operation Centre is coordinating relief efforts amid ongoing disruptions. (PC: HT)

Gujarat’s Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has arrested four men linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The suspects were caught in a multi-state operation based on secret intelligence. They are from Delhi, Gujarat, and Noida. Officials say they spread radical content online and wanted to bring Islamic law to India through violence. One man was in touch with a Pakistani Instagram user. Police also found a sword and jihadi documents at one suspect’s home. The group used apps that auto-delete messages. This arrest is seen as a big step in India’s fight against terrorism, especially after the April Kashmir attack. (Screengrab/X/@PTI_News)

Heavy rains on July 23 drenched Delhi-NCR, causing widespread waterlogging and snarled traffic across major junctions like ITO and Tikri Kalan—nicknamed “public swimming” spots as commuters waded through knee‑deep water . While many areas like Patparganj and Indirapuram faced severe flooding and uprooted trees, the BJP praised the Rekha Gupta-led administration for ensuring smooth flow at Minto Bridge—a notorious flood-prone underpass—citing improved drainage as the success factor . The IMD forecasts continued rain in coming days, urging residents to avoid low-lying zones and travel only when necessary.

On July 23, 2025, IndiGo’s ATR‑76 aircraft (flight 6E‑7966, VT‑IYA) aborted its 11 a.m. takeoff from Ahmedabad to Diu after one engine triggered a fire warning during the takeoff roll. The pilot issued a “Mayday” and the flight was safely halted on the runway. All 60 passengers and crew disembarked without injury. IndiGo stated that standard operating procedures were followed, and the aircraft will undergo thorough maintenance before returning to service. Passengers were offered refreshments, accommodation, and refunds as needed. DGCA and IndiGo will jointly investigate the technical glitch. (PC: ANI)

Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force, Noida unit, raided a rented property in Ghaziabad’s Kavi Nagar on July 22, arresting Harsh Vardhan Jain for operating a fake embassy representing non-existent micronations like “West Arctica,” “Seborga,” “Lodonia,” “Poulvia” and others . Jain posed as a diplomat, promising overseas jobs and brokering deals through forged diplomatic passports, seals, morphed photos with world leaders and vehicles with fake diplomatic plates . Authorities seized ₹44–45 lakh cash, foreign currency, four luxury cars with plates, 18 fake plates, 12 micronation passports and Ministry of External Affairs seals . Jain faces charges of forgery, impersonation, hawala and money laundering; investigations into his network continue. (PC: The Hindu)

Six gelatin sticks and detonators were discovered in a plastic bag near the toilet at Bengaluru’s Kalasipalya BMTC bus stand, prompting a swift response from the police and Anti-Terrorist Squad. The explosives were concealed inside a plastic cover and found by a staff member who alerted security after an unattended bag remained unclaimed. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) confirmed the recovery and said an FIR is yet to be registered. The area has been secured, and a probe is underway to trace the source and motive. Authorities have not ruled out foul play, and no suspects have been identified yet. (PC: India Today)

Actor Tanushree Dutta has alleged harassment inside her home and claimed threats from a “Bollywood mafia gang,” likening her situation to that of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. In a video shared online, Dutta said she’s been followed, spied on by planted maids, and mentally tormented for years. “I fear for my life,” she told News18, adding she plans to lodge a police complaint. Dutta, who ignited India’s #MeToo movement in 2018 with accusations against Nana Patekar, clarified she’s not reopening old cases but seeking justice for fresh threats. Mumbai Police has not yet responded to her claims. (PC: News18)