British Columbia has declared a provincial state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire rapidly expanded near Okanagan Lake, forcing more than 20,000 people to evacuate. The Bald Range wildfire nearly doubled in size overnight to around 9,500 hectares, destroying homes and threatening communities including Summerland and Peachland. Officials described the fire’s behaviour as extremely intense, with changing conditions complicating firefighting and rescue operations. Some residents were trapped and had to be rescued by aircraft. More than 100 wildfires are burning across the province, while firefighters are receiving international assistance. Authorities continue to issue evacuation orders and alerts as dangerous conditions persist. 

Protesting students in Jharkhand will continue their agitation despite the government addressing most of their demands over alleged exam irregularities. Student leaders said they will march to the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10. They are demanding a CBI probe and said they will not compromise without it. Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the government will investigate the allegations through the CID and seek an ED probe into financial issues. He also said fast-track courts will be formed and chargesheets filed within 90 days. The government has also proposed an expert committee to suggest recruitment reforms. Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged dialogue.  

India pacer Mohammed Siraj surprised everyone with a powerful batting display against Sri Lanka in a warm-up match. India needed 16 runs from the final over to reach the target of 207. Siraj hit three straight sixes in the last over to finish the game. He had already hit one six in the previous over. India had reached 191/4 before the final over. Although the match was technically over after Siraj’s three sixes, both teams continued playing as warm-up rules allowed it. Siraj remained unbeaten on 32 runs from 15 balls. His performance showed his growing confidence with the bat.  

Singer Sonu Nigam surprised fans by singing during his surgery. He shared a video from the operating theatre on Instagram. In the video, Sonu can be heard singing Mohammed Rafi’s famous song Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki from the 1949 film Dulari. He said he gave an impromptu performance for his doctor and the medical team. Sonu also said he was singing despite the pain because of his love for music. The video received many reactions online. Fans wished him a quick recovery. The reason for his surgery has not been revealed. In June, Sonu had spoken about a painful nerve-related condition.

The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas and other exports. The measure, passed 86–11, names India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan among potential targets. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war. However, the tariffs are not automatic; the bill gives the US president authority to impose them, with the actual rate determined through the US trade process. The legislation now faces consideration in the House. (PC: Reuters)

The Jharkhand government has agreed to cancel the controversial 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, meeting one of the key demands of protesting aspirants. However, students have refused to end their agitation, insisting on a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the examination process. Protesters have raised concerns over alleged leaks and discrepancies in evaluation and results. Talks between student representatives and the state government have failed to resolve the deadlock. The agitation in Ranchi is expected to continue, with protesters demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in Jharkhand’s competitive examination system. (PC: ANI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point Gaza peace plan and ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank while he remains in office. Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed. Trump had described the proposal as a major breakthrough aimed at ending the war, disarming armed groups and establishing transitional Palestinian governance. Hamas, however, has also set conditions, demanding an end to Israeli attacks and military withdrawal before discussing disarmament. The opposing positions threaten to complicate efforts to implement the US-backed roadmap. (PC: Reuters)

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that her car was attacked with stones, mud and slippers while she was travelling through North 24 Parganas to meet the family of deceased TMC worker Birju Keot. Banerjee claimed protesters surrounded her convoy and that police failed to intervene effectively. She said the incident could have endangered her life. The BJP condemned the incident but denied any involvement, calling for police action and an impartial investigation. The allegation has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with both TMC and BJP exchanging accusations over the incident. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point plan for Gaza, saying Israel will not withdraw its troops until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed. Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel would continue military operations to prevent threats against its forces and citizens. Trump’s Board of Peace had said an agreement was reached for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups. Hamas, however, has linked the surrender of its heavy weapons to an end to Israeli military action and a withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu said Israel was discussing the next steps with US officials. (PC: BBC)

Senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz was found dead at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, after reportedly eating at an unfamiliar restaurant, according to reports. He later reached Quba Mosque for prayers but suddenly collapsed near the entrance and died. The cause of his death remains unclear. Qari Saeed was reportedly responsible for supporting the families of Lashkar members killed in encounters in Jammu and Kashmir. His death comes days after senior LeT operative Rizwan Hanif claimed that more than 30 members of the banned group had been killed by “unknown men” across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over the past few years. (PC: NDTV)