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)

India said it is making diplomatic efforts to save Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed providing legal help and regular consular visits to her family. Priya, jailed since 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni national, was scheduled for execution on July 16, but it has been postponed. India is also seeking assistance from “friendly governments.” Priya claims she acted in self-defence after facing abuse. Yemen’s courts rejected her appeals, and the victim’s family refuses any settlement. She remains in Sana’a Central Prison as India continues its efforts. (PC: India Today)

Indian police have rescued Russian woman Nina Kutina and her two young daughters from a cave in Karnataka’s Gokarna forest. Kutina, 40, defended her cave life, claiming “nature gives good health” and her children were happy. Without valid documents, they now face deportation. Authorities say Kutina overstayed her Indian visa after years of travelling through Asia. Her Israeli ex-partner seeks custody of the girls. Kutina insists she wasn’t endangering her children, describing life in the forest as healthy and fulfilling. Police found her after spotting clothes drying outside the cave during a patrol to protect tourists. (PC: BBC)

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif alleged that England’s Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer deliberately targeted Jasprit Bumrah with bouncers during the 3rd Test at Lord’s. Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said England’s plan was to injure Bumrah if they couldn’t dismiss him as India pushed for an unlikely win. Bumrah supported Ravindra Jadeja with a gritty 54-ball stay before India lost the Test by 22 runs. Anil Kumble has urged India to play Bumrah in Manchester despite plans to rest him, warning that without him, India risks losing the series. England lead 2-1 in the five-Test contest. (PC: HT)

The UK's unemployment rate has climbed to 4.7% in the three months to May, reaching its highest level since 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure rose from 4.6% in the previous three months. Wage growth, excluding bonuses, also slowed to 5%, marking the lowest level in nearly three years. ONS said payroll numbers fell again, although revised tax data suggests the decline was less severe than earlier thought. The data comes as the Bank of England signals potential larger interest rate cuts if the labour market shows further signs of weakness. (PC: Itv news)

Indian government sources have rejected a US media report suggesting the Air India captain deliberately cut fuel flow before the June 12 crash in Ahmedabad. The Wall Street Journal alleged Captain Sumeet Sabharwal switched off fuel controls, causing the fatal Boeing 787 crash that killed 260. India’s preliminary probe found no evidence of deliberate action or technical faults. Air India completed inspections of its 787 fleet and reported no issues. The Federation of Indian Pilots urged against premature conclusions, calling speculative reports “irresponsible.” Both pilots involved deny switching off fuel; the investigation remains ongoing with no blame established yet. (PC: News18)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa stunned world number one Magnus Carlsen at the Freestyle Grand Slam Chess in Las Vegas, knocking the Norwegian out of the tournament. Playing with white pieces, the teenage chess prodigy dominated Carlsen to secure his spot in the quarterfinals, while Carlsen finished fifth in his group after further losses. Pragg’s win follows earlier victories over Vincent Keymer and WGM Bibisara Assaubayeva. Fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi also advanced from the Black Group, while Vidit Gujrathi was eliminated. Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann lead the field as the favourites heading into the next round. (PC: X)

Eight babies have been born in the UK free from hereditary mitochondrial disease thanks to groundbreaking IVF using DNA from three people. The method combines a mother’s egg, father’s sperm, and healthy mitochondria from a donor to prevent passing on the debilitating condition. Children inherit 99.9% of their DNA from their parents and 0.1% from the donor. The Newcastle Fertility Centre confirmed all babies are healthy and meeting milestones. Experts say this offers new hope to families affected by hereditary mitochondrial disorders. Around 20-30 such births are expected yearly in the UK despite ethical debates surrounding genetic modification. (PC: BBC)