Following Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation citing health reasons, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh has emerged as a leading contender for the post. Singh, a Janata Dal (United) MP, is seen as a trusted NDA ally and a non-controversial choice. The BJP-led NDA is expected to announce its nominee soon. The Constitution mandates a swift election to fill the vacancy. Dhankhar’s departure surprised many on Parliament’s monsoon session opening day. Other names under consideration reportedly include senior Union ministers or state governors. Dhankhar’s tenure was marked by frequent clashes with opposition MPs during heated parliamentary sessions. (PC: HT)

The Ashoka pillars at Lauriya Nandangarh and Rampurva in Bihar’s West Champaran are on UNESCO’s Tentative List but not yet designated as World Heritage Sites, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told Parliament. Listed under 'Serial Nomination for Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes,' these pillars remain well-preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. India’s nomination spans multiple states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi. The UNESCO Tentative List is a prerequisite for future World Heritage inclusion. The government clarified no plans currently exist to build a museum in Valmiki Nagar constituency. (PC: India Today)

The U.S. is set to introduce a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for most non‑immigrant visa applicants under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025. This fee, non‑waivable and charged annually with inflation adjustments, applies to tourists, students, temporary workers and exchange visitors but exempts those on the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers who meet all visa conditions can leave on time, no unauthorized work may get reimbursed after departure. U.S. Travel Association warns the fee could deter international visitors ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup and ’28 Olympics. (PC: Mint & History.com)

The UK and 27 other nations have condemned Israel for the “inhumane killing” of Gaza civilians seeking aid, calling for an immediate end to the war. In a joint statement, they criticized Israel’s “dangerous” aid delivery model and highlighted over 800 deaths near aid sites. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Israel’s actions are harming its global standing. Gaza’s health ministry reported rising deaths from hunger and malnutrition, with hospitals running out of food. Israel rejected the criticism, blaming Hamas for obstructing aid. The UN warned Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with 90,000 women and children needing urgent treatment. (PC: BBC)

Elon Musk’s Tesla Diner has officially opened in Los Angeles, blending retro Americana with futuristic tech. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, the diner features a drive-in movie theatre, robot servers like Tesla’s Optimus, and comfort food served in Cybertruck-style boxes. Visitors can order directly from their car screens, with audio synced to Tesla’s sound systems. The venue includes 80 Superchargers and a rooftop dining area. Musk visited on July 14, calling it “one of the coolest spots in LA.” Originally teased in 2018, this two-storey diner marks another blend of Tesla’s innovation with lifestyle experiences. (PC: NDTV)

Hemanth Kumar Muneppa, a 33-year-old Indian-origin astrologer, was arrested in New York for allegedly scamming a 68-year-old woman out of $42,000. Claiming to remove “evil spirits,” Muneppa faces charges including grand larceny and fortune-telling fraud, a rarely used New York law. He allegedly drove the woman to withdraw money after convincing her he could buy powers to protect her. Bank staff alerted authorities, leading to his arrest. He pleaded not guilty and was released with an ankle monitor. Another woman claimed her daughter was also misled. Police are seeking additional victims in this ongoing investigation. (PC: India Today)

Maurizio Cattelan’s famed banana artwork “Comedian” has been eaten again, this time at France’s Centre-Pompidou Metz on July 12, 2025. A visitor consumed the taped banana, prompting swift action by museum staff who quickly replaced it, per Cattelan’s instructions. The Italian artist was reportedly disappointed, clarifying the banana is replaceable and the artwork symbolizes absurdity in financial speculation. The banana has been eaten several times before — in Miami (2019), Seoul (2023), and by Chinese collector Justin Sun in 2024. The artwork last sold for $6.24 million and remains a global symbol of art market satire. (PC: CNN)

Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will leave the organisation by August-end to rejoin Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. Gopinath, the IMF’s first woman Chief Economist in 2019, became FDMD in 2022. Confirming the move, IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva praised Gopinath’s leadership on global economic issues including Argentina and Ukraine. Gopinath posted on X, “After 7 amazing years at IMF, I return to my academic roots.” She will resume at Harvard from September 1, 2025. (PC: X)

On her 30th birthday and first day at a new job, Athulya Sekhar from Kerala was found dead in her Sharjah apartment. Her family alleges years of domestic abuse and dowry harassment by her husband, Satheesh, who has been booked for murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Dowry Prohibition Act. The complaint details strangulation, kicking, and head trauma. Videos released show visible injuries and Satheesh attempting to hit her. He denies involvement, claiming he seeks answers too. Athulya’s father insists she wouldn’t die by suicide, citing her bond with her daughter. The family is coordinating with Sharjah Police and the Indian Consulate for investigation. (PC: Manorama Online & Hindustan Times)

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school compound in Dhaka, killing 19 people, including 11 children, in the country's deadliest air accident since 1984. The F-7 aircraft malfunctioned during routine training and exploded upon impact with the school. The pilot attempted ejection but did not survive. The school was closed for summer vacation, but students and staff were present for a special program. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. Authorities have grounded similar aircraft pending review. This tragedy has triggered widespread mourning, raising serious concerns over military flight operations in densely populated urban areas. (PC: Mint & Hindustan Times)