Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon successfully completed his first 6.5-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), marking a major milestone in his space career. Working alongside veteran astronaut Jessica Meir, Menon helped upgrade the station's power infrastructure in preparation for installing next-generation International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA). The mission was the first of three planned NASA spacewalks this month aimed at improving the ISS's long-term operational capabilities. Throughout the extravehicular activity, astronauts followed strict safety procedures while carrying out critical maintenance tasks that will support future scientific research and space exploration missions. (PC: Reuters)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 1,800 lives, while frontline health workers have launched protests over months of unpaid wages. Medical staff warn that delayed salaries are undermining treatment efforts, surveillance, and patient care at a critical stage of the outbreak. Demonstrators say many workers have continued risking their lives despite not receiving promised compensation. Health authorities fear the strike could disrupt containment measures and worsen the humanitarian crisis. International agencies continue supporting the response, but officials stress that timely funding and payment of healthcare workers are essential to controlling the epidemic. (PC: AP)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government after videos showed giant industrial fans being used to dry waterlogged sections of the ₹4,200-crore Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway. Calling it a "new wind of BJP progress," he mocked the administration on social media, questioning the quality of infrastructure despite massive public spending. The incident sparked political controversy, with the opposition alleging poor construction standards and mismanagement. The BJP defended the project, while officials said the measures were temporary to restore traffic quickly following heavy rainfall. The episode has intensified debate over infrastructure quality and accountability. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said India's Generation Z should not be labelled anti-national, asserting that many young people are raising legitimate concerns about the country's future. Speaking at an event, Bhagwat urged society to engage with students rather than dismiss their views, noting that questioning and debate are natural among youth. He stressed that patriotism should not be judged solely by disagreement with authority and encouraged constructive dialogue between generations. Bhagwat also highlighted the importance of understanding young people's aspirations and addressing their concerns to strengthen national development and social harmony. (PC: Reuters)

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is considering withdrawing India from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup due to a scheduling clash with a landmark international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil. Both events are expected to take place during the same FIFA international window, making participation in both difficult. AIFF believes the Brazil fixture would provide unparalleled global exposure, valuable experience for Indian players, and boost football's popularity in the country. However, opting out of the ASEAN Cup could affect India's regional commitments and draw criticism over sacrificing competitive tournament football for a high-profile exhibition match. (PC: AIFF)

Nigerian security forces have rescued more than 300 people abducted by militants in what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described as the country's largest single-day hostage recovery operation. The intelligence-led mission, carried out by the military, police, and counter-terrorism units, took place in the forests of Kainji Lake National Park. Those rescued included victims kidnapped during earlier attacks in Kwara and Niger states. The freed hostages are receiving medical treatment before reuniting with their families. The operation marks a significant success in Nigeria's ongoing fight against militant violence and widespread kidnapping. (PC: AP)

An Indian fishing trawler carrying 11 fishermen met with an accident after reportedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line into Sri Lankan waters near Neduntheevu (Delft) Island in the Palk Strait. According to the Sri Lankan Navy, the vessel allegedly engaged in illegal bottom trawling before running aground on a reef, sustaining partial structural damage. The Navy launched a rescue operation, confirming all 11 fishermen were safe and not in immediate danger. Legal proceedings are underway. The incident underscores the continuing maritime and fishing disputes between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait. (PC: The Hindu)

A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations of sexual abuse, harassment and misogyny at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, the UK's largest military training centre for recruits under 19. Four former women recruits alleged they were sexually assaulted or harassed while aged 17, accusing fellow recruits and some staff of fostering a toxic culture. Police received 16 reports of sexual offences linked to the college in the past year, while Ministry of Defence data recorded 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour since 2018. The British Army said the allegations were "extremely distressing" and pledged support for victims. (PC: NDTV)

Students of the Government Seth Anandilal Poddar Higher Secondary School for the Deaf and Mute in Jaipur staged a silent protest over poor sanitation, unsafe classrooms, water shortage and other basic issues. Using only sign language, the students demanded better facilities without raising slogans. After an official inspection confirmed their complaints, the Rajasthan Education Department removed the school principal and placed a teacher and a Class IV employee under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO). A special committee has also been formed to recommend long-term improvements, including repairs to the school building, toilets, drinking water facilities and overall campus infrastructure.  

The Centre has spent ₹74.59 crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits between January and July 2026, according to data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha. Modi visited 13 countries during the period, including Israel, France, Australia and New Zealand. The highest expenditure, ₹17.46 crore, was incurred during his visit to Norway, followed by ₹11.92 crore for Israel. The MEA also said total spending on the Prime Minister's overseas bilateral visits since 2021 has reached ₹557.51 crore, with the figures excluding inflation and currency fluctuations. (PC: HT)