The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed authorities to release all minors and students without criminal records who were arrested or detained during nationwide protests over exam paper leaks. The court also ordered that no coercive action be taken in cases linked to FIRs filed against students involved in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in Delhi and other states. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the protection would not apply to those with criminal antecedents. The court also ordered preservation of protest-related evidence and indicated it may order an independent probe into alleged police excesses. (PC: India Today)

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has offered up to $5.5 billion to settle about 76,000 lawsuits in the US alleging its talc-based baby powder and other products caused ovarian cancer. The healthcare giant continues to deny the allegations, saying scientific studies show its talc products are safe, asbestos-free and do not cause cancer. The proposed settlement requires approval from legal firms representing 95% of the remaining ovarian cancer claims before it can take effect. J&J said the agreement would help end years of litigation. The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder globally in 2022, switching to a cornstarch-based formula. (PC: BBC)

French police arrested a man after he allegedly attacked three women with knives in Paris, leaving the victims injured. According to investigators, the suspect claimed during questioning that he acted because "Allah commanded" him to carry out the assault. Emergency responders treated the victims, whose injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. Authorities have launched a terrorism-related investigation to determine the motive, the suspect's background, and whether he acted alone. Security measures have been reinforced as officials continue examining the incident. The attack has renewed concerns over public safety and extremist-inspired violence in France.

Iran has asserted that it continues to maintain full control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and is not seeking negotiations following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to halt military bombing. Iranian officials said the country's defense capabilities remain intact and dismissed speculation that the pause in hostilities would lead to immediate diplomatic talks. They stressed that any future negotiations would depend on changing circumstances and mutual respect. The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial global oil shipping route, making developments in the region closely watched by international markets and world powers. (PC: Reuters)

France and Spain are racing to contain large wildfires burning across several regions before a new heatwave intensifies the situation. Thousands of firefighters, aircraft, and emergency teams have been deployed to control the fast-spreading blazes, which have forced evacuations, destroyed forests, and threatened homes. Authorities warn that soaring temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds could fuel further outbreaks in the coming days. Residents in affected areas have been urged to follow evacuation orders and avoid fire-prone zones. The fires highlight the growing impact of extreme weather and climate change across southern Europe during summer. (PC: EPA)

Three people were killed and several others injured after a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday evening. Seattle Police said two suspects exchanged gunfire during the crowded event, with one suspect arrested and another still being sought. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. Among the injured is a 2-year-old boy, while four others remain in stable condition. The victims were identified as a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. Police have launched an investigation into the motive behind the shooting. (PC: BBC)

A massive wildfire is burning about 15 km from the outskirts of Bordeaux, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. "Like we're in a warzone," one resident said as thick smoke covered the city. More than 300,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain. Firefighters are using aircraft to drop fire retardant, but hot and dry weather is making the fires worse. French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the affected area. Officials warned that the coming days could bring even higher temperatures, increasing the risk of more wildfires and making firefighting more difficult. (PC: Reuters, EPA/Shutterstock)

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.