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) .

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a “gold standard,” offering preferential access for Indian exports while safeguarding sensitive sectors like dairy, rice, and sugar. The pact boosts labour-intensive industries like textiles, footwear, gems and opens doors for high-quality UK goods. However, Goyal warned that India will “react and retaliate” if the UK’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set for 2027, harms Indian export interests. Though CBAM isn’t part of the legal text, India issued a diplomatic note reserving its right to rebalance. Both nations also plan joint efforts on critical minerals and advanced technologies under Vision 2035.

Amid escalating border violence between Thailand and Cambodia, U.S. President Donald Trump said the conflict “very much” reminded him of the India–Pakistan standoff earlier this year. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed he had spoken to both Cambodian PM Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai, urging an immediate ceasefire. He warned that trade deals with either nation would be paused until peace is restored. The clashes, now in their third day, have killed at least 33 and displaced over 150,000. Trump’s remarks follow his controversial claim of brokering the India–Pakistan ceasefire, which India denies but Pakistan credits him for. (PC: X and US Embassy)

In a striking diplomatic shift, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu declared India as his country’s “closest partner” during PM Modi’s state visit to Malé. The announcement follows a ₹5,000 crore credit line from India, earmarked for hospitals, housing, schools, and infrastructure. Both nations agreed to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expected to benefit traders on both sides. Muizzu’s praise marks a turnaround from his earlier “India Out” stance and controversial ministerial remarks in 2024. The visit, preceded by trips to Turkey and China, signals a recalibration of Maldives’ foreign policy, with India reaffirming its role as a first responder and development ally.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the formation of ‘Rudra’ all-arms brigades, integrating infantry, mechanised units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems with tailored logistics. Two brigades have already been converted. Simultaneously, ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions were launched to deliver swift, high-impact border operations. Every infantry battalion now includes Drone Platoons, while artillery gains Divyastra Batteries and loitering munitions. Indigenous missile systems bolster air defence. The announcement follows Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes on Pakistani terror infrastructure. The Army’s transformation reflects a shift toward agile, tech-driven warfare, reinforcing national security and deterrence posture.

A 26-year-old woman collapsed during a Home Guard physical test in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and was allegedly gang-raped in a moving ambulance while unconscious. The assault occurred on July 24 during her transport to a hospital. She later informed police that three to four men attacked her. An FIR was filed, and two suspects ambulance driver Vinay Kumar and technician Ajit Kumar were arrested. CCTV footage confirmed the vehicle’s route. A Special Investigation Team and forensic experts are probing the case. Political leaders, including Chirag Paswan, condemned the incident, calling it a failure of law and order in Bihar. (PC: Deccan Herald & Zee News)

On Kargil Vijay Diwas (26 July 2025), the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) launched the “Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana”, a nationwide initiative offering free legal aid to soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families. Justice Surya Kant, Executive Chairman of NALSA, inaugurated the scheme in Srinagar. Legal aid clinics have been set up at Sainik Welfare Boards across India, staffed by panel lawyers, retired servicemen, and para-legal volunteers. These clinics will assist with pension disputes, family issues, land conflicts, and property matters. The initiative also allows case jurisdiction transfers, ensuring justice is accessible to soldiers posted far from home. (PC: Money Control)

In response to rising complaints of harassment and detentions of Bengali migrant workers in other states, the West Bengal Police launched a WhatsApp helpline (9147727666) to provide assistance. Families can report issues with name and address details, enabling authorities to coordinate with local officials across states like Maharashtra and Haryana. However, the move sparked political friction. The BJP launched a rival helpline, alleging the state initiative was biased and politically motivated. The issue has become a flashpoint between Trinamool Congress and BJP, highlighting the deepening politicization of migrant welfare efforts.