India's injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will bat on Day 5 of the fourth Test against England in Manchester despite a fractured right foot, confirmed batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Pant had earlier scored a gritty half-century on Day 2 after sustaining the injury. India ended Day 4 at 174/2, trailing by 137 runs, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill leading a strong fightback. Kotak praised their determination and Gill’s changed mindset. Meanwhile, England is uncertain about Ben Stokes' bowling availability due to cramps. His absence could affect England’s chances on a slow pitch heading into the final day of the Test. (PC: BCCI)

Aid agencies have condemned air drops into Gaza as a “grotesque distraction,” warning they cannot meet the massive humanitarian need. The Israeli military, along with the UK, UAE, and Jordan, have launched air drops amid blocked land routes. The UN says 6,000 aid trucks remain stalled, awaiting clearance. Over 127 deaths due to malnutrition, including 85 children, have been reported. The World Food Programme warns one in three Gazans aren’t eating for days. Aid officials stress ground access is safer and more effective. Dropped parcels have injured civilians, sparking chaos. Gaza faces mass starvation under what experts call a “man-made famine.” (PC: X)

A stampede at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi Temple on Sunday claimed 6 lives and left several others seriously injured. The tragedy occurred as large crowds gathered during the holy Shraavana season. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the stampede. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that SDRF, local police, and other rescue teams quickly reached the site and are conducting relief operations. “I’m in constant contact with the administration,” Dhami posted on X, assuring that the situation is being monitored closely. Injured devotees are being rushed to hospitals as the state reels from the tragic incident. (PC: HT)

Saurabh Anand, a 33-year-old Indian-origin man, was brutally attacked by five teenagers outside a Melbourne shopping centre. He suffered multiple stab wounds, a fractured spine, and nearly lost his hand, which was reattached after emergency surgery. The teens ambushed him on July 19 with a machete, inflicting life-threatening injuries. Police have arrested four suspects; two were released on bail, prompting Anand to call for justice and tougher measures. The attack highlights a surge in youth violence in Victoria, where machete-related crimes are rising. A full ban on machetes takes effect in the state from 1 September amid growing public concern. (PC: India Today)

On July 26, 2025, Israel’s military announced the start of humanitarian airdrops in Gaza and established corridors for UN convoys, amidst escalating starvation and blocked aid delivery . Gaza health officials say at least 25 civilians were killed overnight—many while attempting to approach aid trucks—and children continue to starve; one 5‑month‑old infant died weighing less than at birth . Ceasefire talks remain stalled as Israel recalls negotiation teams and signals pursuit of “alternative options” should truce attempts fail . The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 59,000, with over half being women and children. (PC: AP)

On July 26, 2025, American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami, aborted takeoff at Denver International Airport after its landing gear tire caught fire, triggering thick smoke along the left rear undercarriage . All 173 passengers and six crew members evacuated safely, sliding down inflatable emergency chutes onto the runway; one person suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized . The fire was quickly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department by about 5:10 p.m. local time . The FAA has launched a formal investigation into the landing gear malfunction, and the aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection.

Thailand has formally agreed in principle to a ceasefire with Cambodia and will commence bilateral dialogue to resolve the escalating border conflict, its Foreign Ministry announced late July 26, 2025 . The announcement comes as the war‑torn frontier enters its fourth day, with more than 33 dead and over 150,000 displaced amid heavy artillery and air bombardment . U.S. President Donald Trump has urged immediate peace talks, warning he would block trade negotiations—including a looming 36% tariff—unless hostilities cease . Meanwhile, ASEAN and the U.N. have backed mediation, and Malaysia has offered to facilitate discussions. (PC: Reuters)

On July 25, 2025, the Piplodi Primary School building in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan, collapsed, killing seven schoolchildren and injuring over 20 others . Among the victims were siblings 12‑year‑old Meena and her six‑year‑old brother Kanha, prompting their mother to lament, “I had only two children…and both are gone. My home is empty…” . Another grieving parent questioned why teachers were outside while students were inside during the collapse . In response, authorities suspended five school staff, registered a negligence case, and ordered a probe. The state government announced ₹10 lakh compensation and job offers for each bereaved family, alongside plans to rebuild the school. (PC: ANI)

On July 26, 2025, a 42-year-old man allegedly entered the Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan, at about 4:43 p.m. and randomly stabbed 11 people with a folding knife . A deputy arrived within minutes and, with help from bystanders—including an armed shopper—took the suspect into custody . Victims were rushed to Munson Medical Center, where six are in critical condition, and five are seriously injured . Authorities describe the act as random, with no evidence of any accomplices or motive yet . Walmart and the FBI are cooperating; Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is closely monitoring the situation. (PC: NDTV)

The Odisha government on July 26, 2025 placed Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts on high flood alert, following heavy rainfall in upstream Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar regions. Rivers Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Baitarani have breached danger levels, swelling rapidly and threatening low-lying areas . District collectors have been instructed to expedite evacuation from vulnerable zones, set up shelters, and ensure food, water, and medical assistance . Rescue units from ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services have been deployed with boats and patrolling teams; government leave has been cancelled to maintain full readiness . Authorities expect peak river levels by late Sunday and continue 24×7 monitoring via the state flood cell. (PC: PTI) .