India has firmly rejected NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte’s warning of “100 % secondary sanctions” on countries continuing energy trade with Russia, citing its right to prioritize energy security amid global market and geopolitical conditions . MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal cautioned against “double standards” from the West . Meanwhile, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized India’s diversified energy sourcing—from 27 to around 40 countries, including Guyana, Brazil, and Canada—and expressed confidence in meeting demand even if Russian imports are impacted . Russia still supplies about 35 % of India’s oil, but India will revert to its pre‑Ukraine crisis procurement strategy if required. (PC: Reuters)

Connie Francis, the iconic singer behind the viral hit “Pretty Little Baby,” has died at 87, her copyright manager Ron Roberts confirmed. Known for topping the Billboard Hot 100 as the first solo female artist, Francis’ popularity soared in the late 1950s with hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.” Recently, her 1961 track “Pretty Little Baby” gained viral fame on TikTok and Instagram. Francis had been hospitalised earlier this month for hip treatment and tests for severe pain. Tributes are pouring in for the late singer, remembered as a trailblazer in American pop music history. (PC: HT)

At least 60 people died after a fire broke out in a newly opened shopping centre in Kut, Iraq. The blaze tore through the five-storey Corniche Hypermarket on Wednesday night, with many victims trapped inside. Officials say most of the deceased suffocated in bathrooms, and 14 bodies remain unidentified. Firefighters rescued 45 people, but others are still missing. Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered an urgent investigation and pledged stricter safety measures. Survivors blamed the lack of fire safety systems. Three days of mourning have been declared in Kut as families search for missing loved ones. (PC: BBC)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 14 premises — 12 in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur and 2 in Mumbai — linked to the Chhangur Baba religious conversion case. The probe focuses on a ₹2 crore transfer from accused Naveen to Shehzad Sheikh. Sheikh’s homes in Bandra and Mahim were searched; he is being questioned. Chhangur Baba, alias Jamaluddin, is accused of running a mass religious conversion racket targeting Dalits and the poor. Co-accused Neetu and Naveen were arrested by the UP ATS. The ED is investigating allegations of money laundering and foreign funding, with Baba allegedly amassing assets worth ₹100 crore. (PC: India Today)

A resurfaced clip from the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada is going viral as viewers spot Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly wearing traditional Indian Chandbali earrings—crescent‑shaped jhumkas—during a pivotal scene . In the scene, her elegant all‑black outfit is complemented by statement Chandbalis, sparking surprise among fans who've watched the movie "100 times" and missed them . The viral moment underscores the film’s subtle nod to Indian aesthetics, as global fashion trends increasingly honour Indian jewellery. The revelation comes just ahead of The Devil Wears Prada 2, slated for 2026. (PC: NDTV)  

On July 17 in Patna, a Janata Dal (United) party leader was shot and killed by unidentified assailants in a targeted late-night attack, marking the second political murder in just four days . This follows the July 13 killing of BJP functionary Surendra Kewat, part of a disturbing spree of seven murders in ten days across Bihar . Opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, are sharply criticizing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration over deteriorating law and order, labeling Bihar as the “crime capital” . Police have launched investigations and are on high alert ahead of upcoming state elections. (PC: News 18)        

In a shocking early-morning incident on July 17, five gunmen stormed Paras Hospital in Patna’s Raja Bazaar and fatally shot Chandan Mishra, a murder convict out on parole and admitted to the ICU for treatment . CCTV footage shows the assailants entering calmly, firing multiple rounds, and fleeing before law enforcement could respond . Police suspect a gang rivalry motive and have registered a case, launching a manhunt for the shooters . The incident has sparked public outrage over Bihar’s deteriorating law and order, with opposition leaders condemning the government and demanding accountability.  

Indore has been declared India’s cleanest city for the 8th consecutive year in the Swachh Survekshan 2024 survey. The results were announced on Thursday, with Surat and Navi Mumbai securing the second and third spots. Noida was ranked cleanest in the 3-10 lakh population category, followed by Chandigarh and Mysore. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at a New Delhi ceremony attended by Union Housing Minister Manohar Lal. In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow marked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s birthday with a citywide cleanliness drive led by Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and councillors to promote sanitation awareness. (PC: News18)

A preliminary investigation into the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad has centered on the actions of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. According to cockpit voice recordings, both engine fuel control switches were moved to the “cut‑off” position seconds after takeoff, with the first officer audibly questioning, “Why did you cut off?”, before the switches were re‑engaged within about 10–14 seconds—though too late to avert disaster . The AAIB’s initial report confirmed the switch movement but flagged no mechanical or maintenance faults . U.S. and U.K. aviation bodies are assisting, but investigators have not determined if the switch action was intentional, accidental, or electrically triggered . The full probe could take up to a year. (PC: The Hindu)  

Prince Harry has retraced Princess Diana’s footsteps by visiting a landmine site in Angola, echoing her 1997 humanitarian efforts. Supporting the Halo Trust, Harry highlighted the continuing threat landmines pose to civilians, especially children. “Children should never have to live in fear of playing outside or walking to school,” he said. Diana’s iconic 1997 walk in protective gear brought global attention to Angola’s hidden dangers from war. Harry’s visit reinforces the royal family’s commitment to humanitarian causes and landmine clearance. The Duke’s efforts aim to spotlight ongoing global challenges and honour his mother’s impactful legacy in Angola. (PC: BBC)