The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, establishing the legal framework for a long-term, multi-billion-dollar partnership. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman also signed a bilateral safeguards deal aimed at advancing Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme while supporting nuclear nonproliferation objectives. The agreement comes amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and renewed scrutiny of nuclear programmes in the region. Reports suggest US companies could gain opportunities to help develop Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure, including a possible uranium enrichment facility. However, Washington insisted any cooperation would not create proliferation risks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming that commitment. (PC: AFP)

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed 16 metro stations from 7:30 am until further notice due to security concerns amid the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protest at Jantar Mantar. While interchange services remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat, trains are skipping several affected stations, disrupting travel for thousands of commuters. The protests, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak, intensified after the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march, which saw clashes between protesters and police. Opposition leaders criticised the closures, while passengers reported confusion, delays and being forced to travel beyond destinations before returning by road. (PC: Times Now)

Iran has warned that no country in the region will be able to export oil if Tehran is prevented from selling its own, escalating tensions with the United States. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the security of regional energy exports now depends on Iran's security, declaring, “Either all or none.” His warning followed US President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants after any attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US carried out its 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets. With threats also emerging around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, concerns over global oil supplies and shipping costs continue to intensify significantly. (PC: Reuters)

Global Banking School (GBS) has celebrated the graduation of 6,000 students during ceremonies held in Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and London this summer. The graduates completed courses in construction, business, digital technologies, and health and social care. Many studied while working full-time, running businesses, or caring for their families. GBS said the average age of this year's graduates was 41, reflecting its focus on flexible learning for working adults. The celebrations came after the institution recorded a 92% positivity score in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026, above the higher education sector average for the sixth consecutive year. Among the graduates was Kamrul Islam, who completed an HND in Construction Management while working as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor and running a perfume business. He said, "Balancing a full-time career, higher education and running a business was one of the biggest challenges I have faced." Another graduate, Yudzhel Medzhnun Shaban, from Penge in south-east London, said the course helped strengthen his management and technical skills while allowing him to continue operating his lift installation business. "Now I'm ready to grow bigger and provide more employment in my community," he said. GBS said many graduates are progressing into employment, entrepreneurship and further education across the UK.

Actor Salman Khan has spoken about the CJP-led student protests, calling them "such a peaceful movement." In an Instagram post, he said he felt sad that the protest turned violent and expressed support for students seeking a better education system. He described the alleged paper leak issue as serious and praised students for coming together peacefully. Salman also said the movement "should not be hijacked politically" and that the credit should go to the students. He expressed hope that the government would support their demands and strengthen the education system for future generations.

Delhi Police has directed all personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar to wear uniforms while on duty. The move came after viral videos showed some officers in civilian clothes carrying fibre canes during the CJP protest. The videos sparked criticism and raised questions about the use of plainclothes personnel during the police action. Officials said senior officers issued verbal instructions on Wednesday, asking all deployed personnel to report in uniform. The controversy also drew political reactions, with opposition leaders demanding answers about the identity of officers seen in civilian clothes. Police have not issued a detailed public statement on the matter.

IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi has said he plans to return to India after 16 years. He said he may return by the end of this year or early next year after getting relief in the 2009 IPL South Africa FEMA case. Reacting to the tribunal's decision, Modi said, "Truth has finally emerged." He added that he had always worked for the "well-being of the IPL." The Appellate Tribunal set aside most of the Enforcement Directorate's findings and penalties against him in the case. Modi has been living abroad since leaving India in 2010. (PC: AFP)

The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre and Delhi Police over petitions alleging police brutality during the CJP-led protest near Parliament. The court directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other records related to the incident. During the hearing, the Centre called the petitions "publicity seeking petitions" aimed at "hogging the limelight." The bench questioned the claim, asking, "How can you say this is a publicity petition?" Petitioners alleged excessive force, injuries to protesters and misuse of tear gas. The Centre said the crowd turned violent and police personnel were also injured.

France recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths during the June heatwave, according to the national health agency. Between June 17 and July 2, officials reported 5,764 excess deaths, with people aged 75 and above making up about two-thirds of the total. Authorities said the deaths were from "all causes" and have not yet been directly linked to the heat. Meanwhile, southern Europe continues to face extreme temperatures and wildfires. In Spain, a massive wildfire has burned thousands of hectares and forced evacuations. Italy and Greece are also battling heatwaves, wildfires and severe weather conditions. (PC: Getty Images)

The UK High Court has dismissed fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's lawsuit over his alleged 2021 kidnapping. The court struck out the case after Choksi failed to pay £677,000 as security for the defendants' legal costs. He must also pay the legal expenses of the four defendants, subject to court assessment. Choksi had claimed he was kidnapped from Antigua and taken to Dominica as part of a conspiracy planned in England. However, the court found no direct evidence linking the defendants to the alleged incident. Choksi continues to fight extradition in Belgium in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case.