A Bihar Police constable has been suspended after a viral video showed him firing an AK-47 during the July 25 'Bihar Bandh' protest over alleged NEET exam irregularities in Siwan. The suspended constable, identified as Abhishek Patel, was attached to the District Intelligence Unit. Police have launched a departmental inquiry, saying officers had clear instructions not to open fire. Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court seeking action over the incident. While police denied any injuries from the firing, local reports said 3 people were hurt, including a 15-year-old boy who remains stable after surgery. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he plans to travel to New York in September to address the United Nations General Assembly, despite recent remarks from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani that he is "not welcome" in the city. Netanyahu told Fox News he would use the UN platform to "speak the truth" about Israel and the Israeli-American alliance. He also rejected the International Criminal Court's war crimes charges against him, calling them "bogus." During the interview, Netanyahu sharply criticised Mamdani, accusing him of sympathising with Hamas and aligning with those responsible for the October 7 attacks. The exchange highlights growing political tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and international accountability efforts. (PC: AFP)

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)

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'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)

Karyna Shuliak, a Belarusian American dentist linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, remains in New York City, according to recent reports. She reportedly lives in a condominium on Manhattan's Upper East Side and has remained connected to members of the Epstein family. Reports say she could inherit part of Epstein's estate, though no final outcome has been confirmed. Shuliak has not been charged or identified as a victim in investigations related to Epstein's sex trafficking case. Renewed public interest in her has followed recent media reports and fresh attention on people connected to Epstein after new developments in the case. (PC: X@anthon7yandrews)

Iran has rejected proposals for a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and set three conditions for fresh talks with the United States. Tehran said discussions must first recognise Iran's control over the strait. It also demanded the release of frozen Iranian funds before any talks on its nuclear programme. Reports said Oman-mediated talks on reopening the waterway are making progress after the US paused military strikes. Iran claimed it remains in full control of the strait and accused the US of violating an earlier agreement by directing ships through alternative routes instead of the corridor approved by Tehran. (PC: Reuters)

Massive wildfires near Bordeaux in southwest France have forced more than 220,000 people to evacuate. Around 42,000 hectares of land have burned, making it one of France's biggest forest fires since World War II. More than 2,500 firefighters are battling the flames, helped by military teams and police. Strong winds and dry weather continue to spread the fire. Flights at Bordeaux Airport have been delayed or cancelled, and roads have been closed. Spain is also facing severe wildfires, with over 90,000 people evacuated. Officials warned that high temperatures and low humidity could make the situation worse. (PC: Getty Images)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is ready to disagree with US President Donald Trump if it is in Britain's national interest. In an interview with the BBC, Burnham said he had a good first meeting with Trump and found him warm. However, he said he would always put Britain's interests first. Burnham also said he had concerns about the conflict with Iran and would speak out when needed. He ruled out holding an early general election before 2029. On defence spending, Burnham said the government is working on a plan but did not give a timeline for reaching its target. (PC: BBC)