In a large-scale overnight drone strike on July 19, Russian forces launched over 20 unmanned drones at the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, killing one resident and injuring six others, including a child, according to Mayor Hennady Trukhanov and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy . A multi-storey apartment building caught fire, with smoke and flames visible on upper floors as emergency crews rescued civilians, including parents carrying children wrapped in blankets . The assault is part of a broader wave of more than 30 missiles and 300 drones targeting multiple regions, underscoring Ukraine’s urgent need for improved air defences. (PC: Reuters)

Bollywood rapper Badshah cheekily promoted his upcoming US tour following the viral “kiss‑cam” moment at Coldplay’s concert in Boston. In a witty post, he reassured his audience—“Don’t worry, you’re safe”—to highlight that his shows would not spark similar awkward publicity. The humorous nod to the incident helped energize ticket sales and fostered excitement ahead of his American performances. Badshah’s marketing tact blends playful pop‑culture references with confidence-building, ensuring fans feel both entertained and at ease when attending his live events. (PC: News 18)

With India trailing 1–2 in the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the crucial 4th Test at Manchester (starting July 23) is uncertain, as he is scheduled to play only three of five matches . Veteran Ajinkya Rahane has endorsed left‑arm wrist‑medium Arshdeep Singh—a 26‑year‑old yet to make his Test debut—for the replacement role. Rahane praised Arshdeep's ability to swing the ball both ways, use his angle to roughen up the surface, and aid spinners . However, Arshdeep sustained a minor cut during net practice, with fitness expected to be confirmed in coming days. (PC: NDTV)

  In the early hours of July 19, a Nissan Versa crashed into a crowd outside the Vermont Hollywood nightclub on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood, injuring approximately 30 people, mostly women waiting in line . The car struck a taco truck and valet podium, with seven in critical condition, several seriously injured, and others stable . Paramedics also found one person with a gunshot wound, though its connection to the crash remains unclear . Club attendees rushed to aid victims before the arrival of the Los Angeles Fire Department and LAPD, who are now investigating the cause of the incident. (PC: AP)    

India’s Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein—will officially launch on October 1, 2025, announced Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal . After nearly 16 years of negotiations, India secured a binding commitment of US $100 billion in foreign direct investment over 15 years, aimed at generating approximately one million jobs . The pact opens high‑value European goods—like Swiss watches, chocolates, diamonds—to Indian markets via reduced or zero tariffs, and liberalises over 100 service‑subsectors . Alongside, a dedicated India‑EFTA Desk will facilitate investment and trade operations, marking a major advance in economic diplomacy and India’s integration into premium European value chains. (PC: PTI)

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to tech giants Google and Meta, directing executives to appear in New Delhi on July 21, 2025, amid an investigation into alleged money laundering via online betting apps . The ED suspects both platforms allowed illegal betting apps to flourish by facilitating targeted ad placements and algorithmic visibility, despite a 2022 Ministry advisory warning against promoting gambling . Officials are probing ad revenue received from these apps and examining compliance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) . Neither company has responded publicly so far. (PC: India Today)

In a historic first, Pakistan’s Mauj Collective staged the Ramayana in Karachi from July 11–13, directed by Hindu-born Yogeshwar Karera with an all‑Muslim cast. Drawing nearly 1,000 sold‑out attendees, the production used cutting‑edge AI visuals, live music, and creative social‑media promos (e.g., “What would Ram tweet from the forest?”) . Despite Indo‑Pak tensions, the play sparked admiration, bridging religious and cultural divides and receiving critic praise for its authentic storytelling . This bold, tech-infused adaptation represents a milestone in cultural diplomacy.  

Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, and two journalists. The suit targets a WSJ article alleging Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a lewd birthday letter in 2003 featuring a nude drawing. Trump called the report false, defamatory, and politically motivated. He denied any such letter existed, slamming the Journal as “fake news.” This legal move escalates Trump's battle with major media houses and coincides with growing pressure on the U.S. government to unseal Epstein-related court documents. Murdoch’s media empire has yet to officially respond. (PC: AFP)  

Delhi Police have arrested 35‑year‑old Sushmita Dev and her 24‑year‑old lover Rahul Dev, who is also her brother‑in‑law, for murdering her husband, 36‑year‑old Karan Dev, in Dwarka on July 13. Initial claims of accidental electrocution unraveled after suspicious behavior and resistance to autopsy. Karan’s brother, Kunal, discovered incriminating WhatsApp chats in which Sushmita and Rahul plotted to spike him with sedatives and electrocute him to seize his property and continue their illicit affair . The couple allegedly administered over a dozen sleeping pills before delivering a fatal electric shock. Both suspects are in custody as the investigation deepens. (PC: India Today)    

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chief Jennifer Homendy has criticized media reports on the Air India Flight AI 171 crash as “premature and speculative.” She backed India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which urged restraint amid ongoing investigations. The June 12 crash in Ahmedabad killed 260 people. AAIB’s preliminary report revealed both fuel control switches transitioned to “CUTOFF” seconds after takeoff, starving the engines. Cockpit audio captured confusion between pilots, but no definitive cause has been established. AAIB emphasized that the report outlines “what” happened, not “why,” and warned against drawing conclusions. The final report will determine root causes and recommendations. (PC: CNN & The Guardian)