Russia said it remains in contact with India following the deaths of four Indian seafarers in the missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, but insisted its military campaign would continue. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian forces would keep targeting vessels Moscow believes are transporting military supplies for Ukraine. The remarks came a day after India lodged a strong diplomatic protest, summoning Russia's Charge d'Affaires and condemning the attack. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was struck while departing Ukraine's Odesa port, killing 10 crew members, including four Indians and six Syrians. India called attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crews "deplorable" and unacceptable. (PC: NDTV)

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the ongoing controversy over the NEET paper leak and examination reforms. Calling the situation "very serious" and "very grave", Patnaik said several students were violently attacked and injured during the protests. Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time since the controversy erupted, he said he agreed with Opposition parties demanding Pradhan's resignation. His remarks add to growing political pressure on the Narendra Modi government over the handling of the NEET crisis, as Opposition leaders continue to seek accountability and reforms in the examination system. (PC: The Telegraph)

A Mittal-backed consortium led by businessman Amit Bhatia is in talks to acquire a significant minority stake in Liverpool FC at a valuation exceeding $6 billion, according to reports. The proposed deal would rank among the largest investments in Premier League history and value Liverpool among the world’s most expensive football clubs. Bhatia has already transferred his stake in Queens Park Rangers to the club’s majority owner, a move seen as preparation for the potential Liverpool investment. Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have confirmed discussions with prospective investors as they explore strategic investment options while retaining overall control of the club. (PC: Getty Images)

The United States launched an 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, with US Central Command saying the operation targeted military capabilities used to threaten vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump warned Iran the campaign was far from over, saying the country faced significantly greater destruction if hostilities continued. Iranian state-affiliated media reported explosions in multiple regions, including Mahshahr, Tabriz, eastern Tehran and Sirik, with air defence systems activated overnight. The strikes come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key flashpoint. The extent of damage and casualties was not immediately disclosed by either side. (PC: Reuters)

India's drug regulator has approved Japanese drugmaker Takeda's Qdenga, making it the country's first approved dengue vaccine. The two-dose vaccine, designed for individuals aged 4 to 60, protects against all four dengue virus serotypes and can be administered regardless of prior dengue infection. Takeda expects Qdenga to become available in India during the first half of 2027 through private healthcare settings. In late-stage trials, the vaccine demonstrated 80.2% efficacy against confirmed dengue cases one year after the second dose and 90.4% efficacy against dengue-related hospitalisations after 18 months. Takeda is also partnering with Biological E to expand manufacturing capacity for global supply. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has reportedly conveyed a confidential message from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir during high-level talks in Rawalpindi, according to Pakistani security sources cited by News18. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni reportedly delivered the message during a 50-minute meeting focused on a new mediation framework aimed at reducing West Asia tensions. The discussions also covered regional security, border management and bilateral cooperation, with Iran reportedly praising Pakistan's diplomatic role and describing Islamabad as an "anchor for peace". Sources said Asim Munir is expected to discuss the message with the United States during upcoming diplomatic engagements while Pakistan continues positioning itself as a mediator. (PC: Reuters)

Delhi witnessed fresh political protests on Tuesday over the NEET issue. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders were detained after staging a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. They demanded action over the alleged NEET exam irregularities and police action against CJP protesters. Earlier, students and supporters gathered again at Jantar Mantar to continue the protest. CJP leaders said they would not march to Parliament again but would continue their agitation. The BJP accused the Congress of using students for politics, while the Congress said it was standing with the protesting students. (PC: PTI, X@Congress)

More people joined the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar a day after clashes between protesters and police. Many students and supporters said they came after seeing videos of the police action on social media. Several protesters showed injuries they claimed were caused during the July 20 clashes. They continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the examination system. Some protesters also claimed outsiders added to the violence, but these claims could not be independently verified. Delhi Police said many officers were also injured during the clashes.

A video showing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters cleaning Jantar Mantar after the 'Chalo Sansad' march has gone viral on social media. The footage shows protesters using brooms to clean papers, posters and other waste left at the protest site. Many social media users praised the gesture and called it responsible. However, the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified. The CJP protest has continued for over a month, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET exam irregularities. The protest also includes activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Tuesday after the Delhi High Court approved his transfer. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 24 days over alleged NEET exam irregularities. Safdarjung Hospital said his vital signs were stable at the time of discharge, but he continues to have low blood cell counts and low potassium levels. The High Court also directed Medanta to form a team of doctors to monitor his health. Wangchuk has refused to end his hunger strike until the protesters' demands are met.