A tragic roof‐collapse at the government school in Piplodi village, Jhalawar district, Rajasthan on July 25, 2025, killed seven students and injured 28–35 others as they gathered for morning prayers. Several children had warned teachers about debris falling, but their concerns were reportedly dismissed just minutes before the roof gave way. Around 35 students were inside; rescue workers, villagers, and staff pulled the trapped out amid chaos .Following the tragedy, five teachers were suspended and a high‑level state inquiry ordered, while compensation and full medical support were promised for the victims. (PC: PTI)

Thailand has declared martial law in eight districts bordering Cambodia after intense artillery exchanges erupted on Friday. Seven districts in Chanthaburi and one in Trat are now under military control. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned the conflict could escalate into war, stressing Thailand’s right to defend its sovereignty. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet blamed Bangkok for breaching a Malaysia-brokered truce. The deadly clashes have killed at least 15 and injured dozens, forcing over 130,000 Thai civilians to evacuate. The UN Security Council plans an emergency meeting, while the US, China, and Malaysia have offered to mediate the growing crisis. (PC: HT)

At the AI Summit in Washington, US President Donald Trump criticized major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple for hiring workers from India and outsourcing manufacturing to China. Urging firms to "put America first," Trump said such practices must end under his administration. He also announced three executive orders aimed at boosting the US AI sector — fast-tracking infrastructure, ensuring ideological neutrality in AI systems, and limiting exports of AI products to reduce foreign dependency. The remarks have sparked uncertainty for Indian tech professionals working in AI, software, and data science roles across the US. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Malé, declared India and the Maldives “not just neighbours, but co-travellers,” celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties. Speaking alongside Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, he announced a ₹4,850 crore ($565 million) line of credit for infrastructure projects and launched talks for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. The leaders also unveiled commemorative stamps and inaugurated housing, road, and defence projects. Modi reaffirmed India’s role as a “First Responder” in crises, emphasizing mutual trust in defence cooperation. The visit highlighted India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “MAHASAGAR” visions for regional partnerships and maritime collaboration.

Thailand has warned that deadly clashes with Cambodia could "move towards war" after fighting spread to 12 locations along the border. At least 16 people, including 14 Thai civilians, have been killed, and tens of thousands evacuated. Acting Thai PM Phumtham Wechayachai accused Cambodia of targeting civilians, while Cambodia accused Thailand of using banned cluster munitions. Despite ASEAN offering mediation, Thailand insists on bilateral talks. The UN Security Council is expected to meet Friday. The conflict stems from long-standing border disputes, recently reignited after a Cambodian soldier was killed in May. Civilians, many elderly and children, remain in shelters. (PC: India Today)

An Indian Army jawan, Agniveer Lalit Kumar of 7 JAT Regiment, was killed and two others injured in a landmine blast on July 25 during an area domination patrol in Krishna Ghati sector near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps paid tribute on X, calling it a "supreme sacrifice." The incident comes amid high alert in the region ahead of the Budha Amarnath Yatra. Security forces had recently fired at suspected infiltrators and conducted extensive search operations in Poonch, Rajouri, and other border areas. Heavy deployment continues in the region. (PC: HT)

At the Congress’s Bhagidari Byay Sammelan in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “all show, no substance,” saying, “Dum nahin hai.” He blamed the media for inflating Modi’s image and criticised the BJP government for sidelining SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in bureaucracy and academia. Admitting regret, Gandhi said he failed to protect OBCs since 2004 but vowed to rectify this with a caste census. He also highlighted that reserved seats in central universities remain vacant. BJP’s Amit Malviya responded, calling Gandhi’s remarks hypocritical and accused him of divisive politics based on caste identity. (PC: India Today)

As artillery fire erupted along the Cambodia-Thailand border, Thai seamstress Pornpan Sooksai rushed to save her five cats—Peng, Kung Fu, Cherry, Taro, and Batman. "If I leave the cats behind, they'd die," said the 46-year-old, who evacuated with nine family members. Nearly 140,000 people have fled the Thai frontier amid escalating conflict over a disputed border zone. Jets, tanks, and artillery are now in use, with 16 reported dead. At a shelter in Surin city, Sooksai’s cats, visibly traumatized, are recovering. “I had a panic attack in the car,” she added. Her preparedness saved both pets and people. (PC: NDTV)

Newsletter Summary (111 words) Parliament will hold a special 16-hour discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor next week, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed. The Lok Sabha will begin the debate on July 28, followed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29. The decision was made by the Business Advisory Committee amid opposition demands for Prime Minister Modi’s presence and response. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, prompting India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. Despite ongoing disruptions in the Monsoon Session, the government prioritized this issue. The discussion is expected to draw national and international attention, with potential implications for India’s counterterrorism strategy and regional diplomacy. (PC: Sputnik India & Tata Group)

England seized control on Day 2 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, reaching 225/2 in response to India’s 358. Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) forged a dominant 166-run opening stand, dismantling India’s bowling attack. Debutant Anshul Kamboj and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one wicket each. Rishabh Pant’s courageous 54, scored with a fractured foot, was a highlight of India’s innings. England captain Ben Stokes led with a five-wicket haul, his first in eight years. Joe Root and Ollie Pope remain unbeaten, poised to push for a lead. India’s bowlers must strike early on Day 3 to prevent England from running away with the match and potentially the series. (PC: The Times Of India)