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)

Syria’s government and Druze leaders have announced a new ceasefire after deadly clashes in Sweida left over 300 people dead, including civilians and soldiers. Israeli forces, citing threats from militants, continued rare airstrikes in central Damascus, hitting the Defense Ministry and sites near the presidential palace. Israel’s Defense Minister vowed to escalate until Syrian forces withdraw. The violence follows sectarian tensions and Israeli concerns over militants near its Golan Heights border. Druze communities in Israel protested, while Syrian civilians reported killings, kidnappings, and atrocities. The U.S. expressed concern and is working to de-escalate the crisis through diplomatic channels. (PC: NDTV)

British actor Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months after multiple speeding offences. A UK court fined the Harry Potter star £1,044 for driving 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford last year. At the time, Watson already had nine points on her license. The 35-year-old actor, currently studying at Oxford University since 2023, did not appear in court; her representatives attended on her behalf. Her lawyer confirmed she will pay the fine. Watson, who is known for her environmental activism, recently returned to Cannes after a 12-year break to focus on her academic pursuits. (PC: HT)

The Karnataka government has blamed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Virat Kohli’s video appeal for the fatal June 4 stampede in Bengaluru that killed 11 people during the IPL victory parade. In its High Court report, the government said RCB ignored police denial of permission and promoted the event through public invitations. Kohli’s video, inviting fans, caused a crowd surge of over 3 lakh people. Confusion over last-minute entry rules triggered panic. Authorities cited poor planning, lack of coordination, and abrupt changes. Judicial inquiries, FIRs, and disciplinary action have been initiated. Compensation has been announced for victims’ families. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh’s cultural heritage faces growing threats following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, with iconic sites linked to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rabindranath Tagore, and Satyajit Ray either demolished or vandalised. The latest is Ray’s ancestral home in Mymensingh, being torn down despite India offering restoration help. Dhaka’s new leadership under Muhammad Yunus is accused of erasing links to India and shedding shared cultural history. India has protested, citing the significance of these sites to Bengal’s heritage. Meanwhile, rising concerns about attacks on minorities and growing Islamist influence deepen India-Bangladesh tensions, marking a sharp shift from decades of cultural and diplomatic cooperation. (PC: NDTV)

The US says it has agreed on "specific steps" to end escalating violence in Syria, following Israeli airstrikes on Damascus targeting the Syrian defence ministry. Over 350 people have died in sectarian clashes in Suweida province since Sunday. Israel claims the strikes aimed to protect the Druze community. The Syrian military began withdrawing from Suweida as part of a deal with local leaders. Syria accused Israel of inflaming tensions and killing civilians. The US, Israel, and Arab states reportedly coordinated ceasefire efforts. Israel vows further strikes if Syrian forces remain in Suweida, highlighting the region’s fragile security situation. (PC: India Today)

The US Embassy in India has issued a fresh advisory warning visa applicants against crimes like theft and assault, stating such actions could lead to visa revocation and future ineligibility. This comes after a viral video showed an Indian woman detained in Illinois for allegedly shoplifting $1,300 worth of goods from a Target store. In the footage, she pleads with officers to let her pay. “Law and order matter in the US,” the embassy said. The warning follows recent restrictions on US visas, including tighter scrutiny of applicants’ social media. Authorities stressed the consequences of breaking US laws while visiting. (PC: HT)

Pilots' unions have raised objections after a Wall Street Journal report suggested the Air India captain played a key role in June’s Boeing 787 crash in the US by allegedly cutting fuel flow to the engines, citing cockpit recordings. The Indian government has urged the public not to rush to conclusions, stating that investigations are ongoing. "Final reports must be awaited before assigning blame," a senior official said. The incident forced a safety pause on Air India’s international flights. Pilot groups say speculative reports risk damaging reputations without full facts being established. (PC: India Today)