On July 30, 2025, during a BJP cavalcade in West Bengal, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari confronted a man who shouted “Joy Bangla” from the roadside. Adhikari reportedly halted his vehicle, disembarked with security personnel, and threatened the man, saying he would “skin you alive”. The man later claimed he was assaulted by the BJP leader’s security team. The confrontation quickly turned chaotic amid political tensions and deep symbolism attached to the slogan. The incident underscores heightened polarization in the state ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: NDTV)

On July 30, 2025, around 11:30 AM, a convoy moving from Durbuk to Chongtash in eastern Ladakh was struck when a massive boulder fell on one of the vehicles near Charbagh, in the Galwan region (~200 km from Leh). Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh Mankotia and Lance Dafadar Daljeet Singh (14 Sindh Horse) were killed instantly. Three officers—Major Mayank Shubham, Major Amit Dixit, and Captain Gaurav—were critically injured and evacuated to the Army Hospital in Leh. The Fire and Fury Corps and Northern Command paid tribute, calling their sacrifice noble and reaffirming support to the bereaved families. (PC: PTC News)  

On July 30, 2025, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite was launched aboard India’s GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Marking the first collaboration of its kind between NASA and ISRO on Earth observation, the mission aims to monitor minute shifts in the Earth’s surface—including landslides, earthquakes, glacial melt, and soil moisture—using advanced dual-frequency radar technology. NISAR will scan the Earth every 12 days, providing free and high-resolution data globally. This mission is a major step in understanding climate change, natural disasters, and land-use patterns with unprecedented accuracy. (PC: ISRO)

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering a volcanic eruption and prompting tsunami alerts across the Pacific. The Klyuchevskoi volcano, one of the world’s tallest, began spewing lava on its western slope soon after the quake. “A descent of burning hot lava is observed… powerful glow above the volcano, explosions,” said the Russian Academy of Sciences. While tsunami alerts for the US and Asia are being downgraded, South American countries remain on high alert. The quake ranks among the six strongest ever recorded. Massive landslides and volcanic activity are being reported in the region. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff plus penalties on Indian imports starting August 1, citing India’s continued oil and defense trade with Russia and what he called “strenuous and obnoxious” non-monetary trade barriers. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said India is a “friend” but maintains high tariffs and a massive trade deficit with the US. He claimed India's actions contradict global efforts to isolate Russia. The announcement follows stalled trade talks between the two countries. Indian ministers S. Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal met shortly after. Trump earlier imposed a 26% tariff in April, which was later paused. (PC: India Today)

Seven more people, including children, have died from malnutrition in Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, raising the total to 154 since 2023. UN-backed experts say famine is "currently playing out" in Gaza. Aid remains critically short, with only 109 trucks entering Tuesday—many looted. Six Palestinians were reportedly killed near an aid site in Rafah, but the IDF disputes this. Israel blames Hamas for the crisis, while the UK’s pledge to recognise Palestine by September triggered backlash from Israel. US envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Israel this week to discuss the escalating crisis. (PC: BBC)

Air New Zealand has named Nikhil Ravishankar as its new CEO. He will take over on October 20, after current CEO Greg Foran steps down. Ravishankar has been the airline’s Chief Digital Officer for nearly four years. Before that, he worked at Vector and Accenture. The airline is dealing with engine issues and global supply delays. It also faces tough competition from Qantas and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand’s Chair, Dame Therese Walsh, said Ravishankar brings a fresh view and strong experience. She added that airlines face big tests like climate change, rising costs, and fast-changing technology in the years ahead. (PC: LinkedIn/Nikhil Ravishankar)

India and the UK have signed a 10-year defence roadmap to work together on weapons, engines, and security. The plan, part of Vision 2035, focuses on making complex weapons, jet and warship engines, and building strong supply chains. Both countries will also do joint research and share new defence ideas. A new maritime security centre will be set up to help Indian Ocean nations. Military training and exercises will increase. They will also work on cyber security, underwater systems, and energy weapons. The deal aims to boost defence ties and ensure safety and peace in the region for years ahead.

Spain is offering a Digital Nomad Visa for just Rs 8,000, allowing people to live and work there for one year. This visa is for non-EU citizens, like Indians, who work remotely or are self-employed with foreign clients. One key rule is that only 20% of your income can come from Spain. You must also show a university degree or three years of work experience, steady income, and health insurance. The minimum monthly income should be around 2,763 euros (Rs 2.7 lakh). It’s a great chance to enjoy Spain’s beauty while working remotely from a new country. (PC: Freepik)

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 30-year-old Shama Parveen from Bengaluru. She is accused of leading a terror module linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Officials say she managed the group’s operations from Karnataka. Her arrest comes after four men were caught earlier from Gujarat, Delhi, and Noida. The suspects used a social media app to stay in touch and were planning major attacks across India. The group had links outside the country. A UN report also warned that Al-Qaeda is trying to grow in South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Investigation is still ongoing. (PC: India Today)