Producer Namit Malhotra recently premiered the first glimpse of Ramayana, touted as India’s costliest film (₹835 crore), across major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai . Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the two‑part epic stars Ranbir Kapoor (Lord Ram), Yash (Ravana), Sai Pallavi (Sita), and Sunny Deol (Hanuman), with music by A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer . The 3‑minute 3D IMAX teaser brought audiences to their feet with slick VFX and emotive visuals . Malhotra emphasized this film celebrates India’s cultural narrative on a global scale, marking a groundbreaking moment in Indian cinema . Part 1 is set to release during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 following in 2027. (PC: Deccan Herrald)  

A transformer near the Trauma Centre at AIIMS in Delhi caught fire following a blast on July 3 at around 3:34 PM. Delhi Fire Services swiftly deployed eight fire tenders, extinguishing the blaze by approximately 3:55 PM. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, and the fire was confined to the transformer unit. Authorities confirmed the incident and noted AIIMS has yet to release an official statement. The quick emergency response ensured patient safety remained uncompromised. (PC: HT Photo)  

A deadly drive-by shooting in Chicago’s River North neighborhood late Wednesday left 4 people dead and at least 14 injured, police confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred outside a restaurant and lounge hosting a rapper’s album release party. A vehicle reportedly drove up and someone inside opened fire on the crowd before fleeing the scene. Three of the injured are in critical condition. Emergency services from Northwestern Medicine are treating multiple victims. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues into one of the city’s deadliest shootings this year. (PC: News18)

During his historic address to Ghana’s Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the depth of India’s democratic fabric, stating that India is home to over 2,500 political parties—an assertion that drew surprised reactions from Ghanaian lawmakers. He described Indian democracy as “not merely a system, but a way of life” deeply rooted in culture. Drawing on shared colonial pasts, Modi praised India-Ghana ties and called for a reformed global order that empowers the Global South. He also emphasized collaboration on climate action, development, and regional security. His speech received wide acclaim. (PC: X)

India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved military procurements worth ₹1.3 lakh crore, including surface-to-air missiles, armoured recovery vehicles, and electronic warfare systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Defence on Thursday, was taken under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. All 10 acquisition proposals were cleared under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category, aimed at boosting indigenous defence manufacturing. The move reflects India’s growing emphasis on military self-reliance and enhanced combat readiness. The new equipment will significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces across multiple domains. (PC:  AFP)

A British Royal Navy F‑35B, forced into an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram on June 14, remains grounded due to technical snags despite ongoing repair efforts . Kerala Tourism seized the moment, sharing a viral AI-generated image of the jet nestled among coconut trees with a fake five-star endorsement: “I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend.” The whimsical campaign highlights Kerala’s lush beaches, backwaters and cultural heritage—“God’s own country”—which drew 22.2 million tourists last year . UK and Indian teams are coordinating repairs; the jet will be moved to a maintenance hangar once UK engineers arrive. (PC: Reuters)

Shubman Gill made history on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston by becoming the first Indian captain to score a double century on English soil. His unbeaten 200 marked a major milestone in his career and in Indian Test history. Leading India from the front, Gill’s fluent innings helped the team recover from early setbacks and dominate England. Ravindra Jadeja earlier contributed 89 before falling to Josh Tongue. Washington Sundar played a fearless supporting role as India surged to 473/6. England, struggling for breakthroughs, found themselves on the back foot as Gill’s knock defined the day’s play. (PC: BCCI)

Monojit Mishra (“Mango”), a former student leader and practising lawyer, allegedly orchestrated the June 25 gang‑rape of a 24‑year‑old law student inside a guard room at South Calcutta Law College. He admitted directing co‑accused Pramit Mukherjee (20) and Zaib Ahmed (19) to film the assault, intending to blackmail the survivor into silence . Investigators recovered multiple videos from his phone and discovered his history of sexual violence, body‑shaming, photo manipulation, and misuse of campus power via political clout and admission control . CCTV evidence shows the victim trying to escape before being dragged back . A Special Investigation Team is probing digital forensics, mobile records, and broader involvement in the institution’s toxic culture. (PC: X)  

During his historic July 2 visit—India’s first prime ministerial trip to Ghana in over 30 years—PM Narendra Modi and Ghana’s President John Mahama upgraded bilateral ties to a “Comprehensive Partnership.” They inked four MoUs covering cultural exchange, health, standardisation, and an institutional Joint Commission . Modi emphasised collaboration in FinTech by introducing UPI to Ghana, expanding trade and shared investment ($2 bn already, aiming to double trade in five years), and exploring defence, critical minerals, maritime security, energy, agriculture, and pharmaceutical cooperation . He also affirmed mutual commitment to counter‑terrorism and bolstering security through solidarity. (PC: Reuters)  

The Delhi government has temporarily suspended its policy to impound end‑of‑life (EoL) vehicles—diesel older than 10 years and petrol over 15 years—just two days after implementation due to technical glitches and public outcry . Environment Minister Sirsa announced that while these vehicles won’t be impounded without proper infrastructure, the fuel denial policy—mandated by the Commission for Air Quality Management and in effect since July 1—remains active . ANPR camera failures, faulty loudspeakers, and lack of data systems triggered the pause . The government has written to CAQM and awaits guidance, promising impoundment only when robust systems are in place. (PC: News 18)