Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” after a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a Dhaka school, killing 19 people and injuring over 100. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured. India stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and is ready to extend all possible support and assistance,” Modi said. The F-7 BGI aircraft crashed into Milestone School shortly after takeoff, sparking a huge fire. Bangladesh declared a day of mourning, with dozens of injured, mostly students, still in hospital. (PC: News18)

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, was found dead in his Gettysburg hotel room on July 13, following a ghost tour featuring the infamous Annabelle doll. Authorities confirmed no signs of foul play, but the “haunted” doll was missing from the room. Autopsy results are awaited. Rivera had led the “Devils on the Run” tour at the Soldiers National Orphanage before his death. The Annabelle doll, linked to paranormal legends since the 1970s and popularised by The Conjuring films, has sparked conspiracy theories following the incident. The New England Society for Psychic Research will continue their tours in Rivera’s memory. (PC: NDTV)

Israel launched its first combined ground and air assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, with tanks entering the city and airstrikes targeting key locations. Thick smoke rose as thousands of displaced Palestinians fled towards what they hoped were safer areas. Deir al-Balah reportedly holds Israeli hostages. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said over 59,000 people have died since October 2023, with 19 more deaths from starvation in the past 24 hours. Over 1.5 million face severe malnutrition. Israeli airstrikes continue across Gaza, with foreign media, including the BBC, still barred from reporting freely inside the enclave. (PC: BBC)

NASA is investigating alarming vision problems reported by astronauts after long missions aboard the International Space Station. Many astronauts returning from space have experienced worsened eyesight, requiring stronger reading glasses. Medical exams revealed optic disc swelling and eyeball flattening, linked to fluid shifts caused by prolonged zero gravity. The condition, now termed Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), poses a significant challenge for future long-duration missions, including Mars exploration. NASA is collecting extensive data to develop countermeasures. Experts warn these eye issues highlight the broader health risks astronauts face during extended stays in space’s harsh, weightless environment. (PC: India Today)

Three people were killed and three others injured in a blast at Mariyammal Firecracker Factory in Naranapuram near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, on Monday. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and police have launched an investigation. Sivakasi, known as India’s fireworks hub, has witnessed multiple fatal blasts in recent months. Locals reported a loud explosion that triggered panic across nearby areas. Rescue teams and fire services rushed to the scene. Earlier in July, a similar factory blast in Virudhunagar district claimed 8 lives. Authorities are under pressure to enhance safety measures across the firecracker industry. (PC: News18)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iran’s Supreme Leader’s aide in Moscow to discuss Tehran’s nuclear programme and rising tensions with Israel. This follows his June 23 meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where Putin assured support in de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict after US strikes. Kremlin sources said Moscow reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic solutions and stability in the Middle East. The meeting signals continued Russia-Iran cooperation amid global scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Both sides emphasised the need to prevent further escalation. The US has warned against deepening Russia-Iran ties in military and nuclear sectors. (PC: India Today)

An Air India A320 flight from Kochi skidded off Mumbai airport’s main runway during heavy rain on Monday morning. Flight AI-2744 veered 17 metres off Runway 27, causing three tyre bursts and engine cowling damage. Fortunately, the aircraft safely taxied to the bay and all passengers and crew disembarked unharmed. Mumbai airport activated its secondary runway 14/32 to maintain operations. DGCA has launched an investigation. Air India confirmed the aircraft is grounded for inspection, stressing passenger safety remains the top priority. Past monsoon seasons have seen similar runway excursions at Mumbai’s busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. (PC: X)

The US trade team will visit India in August for the next round of negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. The fifth round concluded in Washington last week, with key discussions on agriculture, automobiles, and SCOMET items. India seeks tariff relief on steel, aluminium, and autos, while the US demands concessions on industrial goods, EVs, wines, and agri-dairy products. India remains firm on dairy duties and aims to protect farmer interests. Both sides are targeting an interim pact before August 1, ahead of Trump’s suspended tariffs deadline. The full agreement is expected by fall. India’s exports to the US rose 22.8% in Q1 FY26, reinforcing trade momentum. (PC: Reuters & The Telegraph)

Lancashire cricket club will honour West Indies legend Clive Lloyd and former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer by naming stands after them at Old Trafford during the India-England fourth Test starting July 23. Engineer, who played for Lancashire between 1968-1976, scored 5942 runs and took 429 catches, while Lloyd, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, spent two decades transforming the club’s fortunes. Both legends are celebrated for their immense contributions. Engineer, now settled in Manchester, expressed gratitude for the recognition. The ceremony is expected on Day 1 of the Test, with former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar attending. (PC: India Today)

India faces a double blow ahead of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is ruled out of the remaining two Tests due to a left knee injury sustained during a gym session. Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh also misses the fourth Test after injuring his left thumb in training. The BCCI has added Anshul Kamboj to the squad as cover. India trails 1-2 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and must win in Manchester to stay alive. Akash Deep’s fitness remains uncertain, while calls for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion grow. The fourth Test begins July 23 at Old Trafford. (PC: NDTV & KreedOn)