At least 3 people died after a ferry carrying around 280 passengers caught fire near Indonesia’s Talise Island on Sunday. The KM Barcelona VA was en route to Manado Port when the blaze broke out around 1:30 pm local time. Many passengers, including children, jumped into the sea to escape the flames. Rescuers and local fishing boats saved nearly 150 people, but others are feared trapped. Video footage showed thick black smoke rising from the ferry. Authorities suspect possible electrical faults or fuel leaks and have launched a probe. Survivors described scenes of panic as the fire spread rapidly. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the UK and Maldives from July 23-26, 2025. In London, Modi will hold talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to strengthen India-UK ties in trade, defence, technology, and education. He will also meet King Charles III. In Maldives, Modi will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations as ‘Guest of Honour’ and meet President Mohamed Muizzu to review the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. This visit reflects India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, aimed at enhancing cooperation with key maritime neighbours.

An encounter erupted between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Sunday during a joint cordon and search operation by police and the Indian Army in the Khankoo forest, between Dachhan and Nagseni. Acting on intelligence inputs, forces were fired upon by terrorists, prompting retaliation. The gunfight lasted briefly, with no casualties reported so far. Reinforcements have been deployed as the search to track and neutralise the terrorists continues. The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed on X that contact with the terrorists has been established and the operation remains underway in the Kishtwar sector. (PC: HT)

A video of a man eating fried chicken inside ISKCON’s Govinda restaurant in London has gone viral, sparking outrage. The man, identified as African-British, entered the strictly vegetarian restaurant, asked staff about meat options, and then proceeded to eat KFC chicken inside. He also offered it to staff and patrons, despite being informed the restaurant prohibits meat, onion, and garlic. Other diners objected, and security escorted him out. Social media users condemned the act as disrespectful and provocative, with some calling it religious intolerance. ISKCON followers demanded action to uphold the sanctity of their beliefs and establishments.

Israel has issued fresh evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, urging civilians and displaced Palestinians to move towards al-Mawasi. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned of imminent operations, sparking fear among tens of thousands and families of Israeli hostages possibly held there. The IDF has conducted airstrikes but no ground invasion yet. Health officials reported over 40 killed near Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital as people waited for UN aid. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 58,895 people have died since the war began in October 2023. The UN warns Gaza faces starvation without urgent humanitarian aid. (PC: BBC)

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to play the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the upcoming match is a must-win. Akash Deep, who starred at Edgbaston, is nursing a recurring back issue and may sit out. Arshdeep Singh also sustained a hand injury during nets, prompting selectors to call up Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj as cover. Team sources confirm Bumrah will play only three Tests this series, meaning if he features in Manchester, he’ll miss the Oval Test. Akash may replace him there. India’s bowling lineup faces uncertainty, but Bumrah’s inclusion signals an aggressive push to level the series. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the Centre’s readiness to discuss Operation Sindoor during the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting Monday. Speaking at an all-party meeting, he emphasized the need for smooth coordination between the government and Opposition. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 6–7 in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, will be among key topics debated. The government also plans to address US President Donald Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which India denies. Rijiju confirmed over 100 MPs have signed a motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Verma, including 40 Congress MPs. The session will also introduce 17 new bills. (PC: Facebook)

In a brutal incident near Balanga in Odisha’s Puri district, a 15-year-old girl was abducted by three unidentified men on motorcycles, dragged to a secluded riverbank, doused in petrol, and set ablaze on July 20. She suffered 70–75% burn injuries and was initially treated at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. A 14-member team stabilized her condition before she was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced care. Police suspect a personal dispute and have launched a statewide manhunt. Odisha CM Mohan Majhi assured swift justice and strict punishment for the culprits in this heinous crime.

Five powerful earthquakes struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, within an hour, prompting a tsunami alert for Russia and Hawaii. The strongest quake, initially reported as magnitude 6.7, was upgraded to 7.4 by EMSC and USGS. All quakes occurred at depths of around 10 kilometers. The 7.4 magnitude quake, hitting at 0849 GMT, led the USGS to warn of hazardous tsunami waves within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. No significant damage or casualties have been reported so far. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and Russia’s Emergencies Ministry have issued alerts, urging coastal residents to remain vigilant. (PC: The Straits Times)

A viral video has sparked outrage after an African-British man entered ISKCON’s Govinda restaurant in London—a strictly vegetarian Hindu establishment—and ate KFC chicken inside. After being told meat wasn’t served, he pulled out the chicken, consumed it, and offered it to staff and patrons. Internet users condemned the act as racist and hateful toward Hindus, calling it a deliberate violation of cultural and religious norms. Many questioned why police weren’t called, while others highlighted the man’s awareness that Hindus wouldn’t retaliate. The incident has ignited debates on religious intolerance, cultural sensitivity, and the need for mutual respect in diverse societies.