Defence Minister Rajnath Singh fiercely criticized opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha for questioning the outcome of Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Singh rebuked queries about Indian aircraft losses, stating the opposition never asked how many enemy jets were shot down. He emphasized the operation’s success: nine terror hubs destroyed, over 100 terrorists neutralized, and no Indian soldier harmed. Singh urged focus on national achievements rather than “comparably minor matters,” warning that misplaced scrutiny could harm armed forces’ morale. The operation concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, following decisive strikes across Pakistan-occupied territories.

In a major breakthrough, Indian Army’s Special Forces neutralized Hashim Musa, the mastermind behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, during an intense encounter in the Harwan–Dachigam forests near Srinagar. Musa, a former Pakistani SSG commando turned Lashkar-e-Taiba handler, was tracked through intelligence inputs and overground worker interrogations. He had infiltrated India in 2023 and was linked to multiple attacks across Baramulla, Ganderbal, and Rajouri. The operation, part of Operation Mahadev, also eliminated two other foreign terrorists. Security forces recovered M4 rifles, AK-47s, and grenades. Musa’s death marks a significant blow to Pakistan-backed terror networks operating in Jammu & Kashmir. (PC: Instagram)

After five days of intense border fighting that killed 35 people and displaced over 200,000, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The breakthrough came during mediation talks in Malaysia, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The conflict, centered around disputed jungle territory with ancient temples, saw heavy artillery and accusations of cluster bomb use. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention and tariff threats added pressure for resolution. Despite ongoing distrust and sporadic shelling, both nations committed to peace talks. The ceasefire will take effect at first light on July 29, marking a critical moment for regional stability. (PC: Reuters & The Telegraph)

Türkiye has successfully tested its most powerful non-nuclear bombs GAZAP and NEB-2 Ghost each weighing 970 kg and deployable from F-16 fighter jets. GAZAP features a thermobaric warhead and disperses 10,000 particles across hundreds of square meters. NEB-2 is a next-gen bunker-buster capable of penetrating 90 meters underground, causing landslides and gas leaks. Both were showcased at the IDEF 2025 defense expo in Istanbul. Türkiye’s rapid defense advancements, including the Tayfun Block-4 hypersonic missile, signal growing self-reliance. Concerns rise in India over potential exports to Pakistan, given Türkiye’s strong military ties with Islamabad and its stance on Kashmir.

In a bizarre administrative lapse, Bihar’s Masaurhi zone issued a digitally signed residence certificate to a dog named Dog Babu, listing his parents as Kutta Babu and Kuttiya Devi, complete with a canine photo. The certificate, processed via the RTPS portal, bore the digital signature of Revenue Officer Murari Chauhan, raising serious concerns about system integrity. Officials confirmed the certificate was canceled immediately and an FIR filed against the applicant, computer operator, and issuing officer. The incident, part of the ongoing State Identification Registry (SIR) drive, has triggered political backlash and a 24-hour probe. A similar case involving a tractor was reported weeks earlier. (PC: Times Now)

A mysterious interstellar object named 3I/ATLAS, traveling at 130,000 mph, is baffling scientists with its unusual trajectory and speed. Detected on July 1, 2025, it’s estimated to be 15 miles wide and will reach perihelion in November, temporarily vanishing from Earth’s view. Experts, including Harvard’s Avi Loeb, suggest it may be an alien surveillance probe, aligning eerily with Baba Vanga’s 2025 prophecy of extraterrestrial contact. Loeb warns of potential hostile intent, sparking global debate on planetary defense. The object’s strategic path near Jupiter, Mars, and Venus adds to speculation. As November approaches, astronomers and defense agencies are on high alert. (PC: News Bytes & Times Now)

India is intensifying diplomatic efforts with South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya to secure the next batch of African cheetahs for its ambitious reintroduction project. While Botswana has committed to sending four cheetahs, delays persist due to political shifts in South Africa and broad negotiations with Kenya. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is coordinating logistics, with plans to relocate cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary. So far, 20 cheetahs have been translocated, eight from Namibia and 12 from South Africa. Despite setbacks, India remains committed to expanding its cheetah population, with 26 currently in Kuno, including 17 cubs born locally. (PC: Smithsonian Magazine & The Times of India)

Indian security forces may have cornered three foreign terrorists linked to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre during Operation Mahadev, launched in the Dachigam forests of Jammu & Kashmir. Intelligence sources suggest a high probability that the attackers believed to be affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba are among those neutralized. The April attack claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, and was executed by terrorists who had scouted multiple locations before striking Baisaran Valley. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) continues its probe, citing Pakistan-based coordination and advanced jungle warfare tactics. The operation marks a major breakthrough in India’s counterterror efforts and could close a months-long manhunt. (PC: Moneycontrol & India Today)

Following Shubman Gill’s masterclass in Manchester, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar stated that while India missed the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, they didn’t miss their contributions. Gill’s 722-run tally in the series just 16 short of Joe Root’s record has kept India competitive despite the retirement of Kohli, Rohit, and R Ashwin. Manjrekar noted Rohit averaged just 10 in his last two series, and Kohli 30 over five years. England’s Jonathan Trott admitted his team couldn’t have coped similarly. With one Test left at The Oval, Gill stands poised to become India’s highest scorer in a single England tour. (PC: India Today & Mint)

American YouTuber Tyler Oliveira claimed he contracted four types of Salmonella during his India trip, despite eating exclusively at five-star hotels. Responding to criticism of Western tourists “romanticizing poverty,” Oliveira argued that even luxury travel isn’t immune to India’s sanitation challenges. He blamed contaminated eggs sourced from a chicken farm near a trash heap and shared medical reports to support his claim. While some defended his concerns, others accused him of defaming India and generalizing based on anecdotal evidence. The incident reignited discussions on public health, civic infrastructure, and the fine line between cultural critique and insensitivity. (PC: X)