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)  

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reaffirmed India’s strong support for the Dalai Lama’s authority to decide his own successor, emphasizing that only the Tibetan spiritual leader and the traditional religious conventions he follows can determine the process of reincarnation. His remarks come amid China's increasing claims that it should play a role in appointing the next Dalai Lama. Rijiju, speaking in Ladakh, rejected any external interference, stating that the issue is spiritual, not political. The statement aligns with the Dalai Lama’s recent declaration entrusting his succession solely to the Gaden Phodrang Trust. (PC: ANI)

India and Pakistan may face off in hockey for the first time since Operation Sindoor, with the Asia Cup scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7. Despite strained relations following April’s Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent military action, Pakistan’s hockey team has received clearance from India’s Home and External Affairs Ministries. "Pakistan is more than willing to come," a Hockey India source confirmed. Officials stressed that international tournaments differ from bilateral series and must go ahead. The Asia Cup could mark the first sporting engagement between the two nations since ties deteriorated in May 2025. (PC: NDTV)

Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, and Sunny Deol as Hanuman, is being hailed as a landmark cinematic event. The first glimpse of the film captures grandeur, emotion, and reverence for the epic, aiming to transcend mere mythology. With its diverse and power-packed cast, Ramayana blends faith, scale, and storytelling ambition. Tiwari’s vision reflects deep respect for the source material, promising a generational cinematic experience that unites audiences across India. The film is expected to set new standards in mythological filmmaking and redefine Bollywood’s approach to cultural epics.             

On Day 2 of the 2nd Test at Birmingham, India continued to dominate as skipper Shubman Gill reached 150, anchoring the innings after a steady partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja fell for 89 after a vital 150-run stand that helped India recover from early setbacks. England's Josh Tongue broke the stand by removing Jadeja in the 108th over. Despite the breakthrough, India crossed 400, with Washington Sundar joining Gill at the crease. Earlier, Gill’s aggressive reverse sweep and Jadeja’s fluent boundaries kept England under pressure. India had resumed the day at 310/5, with momentum firmly in their favour. (PC: BCCI)

A British F-35B stealth fighter jet remains grounded in Kerala 19 days after making an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport due to bad weather and low fuel during a UK-India naval exercise. The aircraft, unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales, later developed an "engineering issue." Despite efforts by a UK engineering team, repairs have failed. The UK is now planning to airlift the jet using a C-17 Globemaster, a rare operation for the fighter class. The Indian Air Force has extended logistical support, and the jet remains under 24/7 guard. No timeline for recovery has been shared. (PC: NDTV)

Just hours before Diogo Jota died in a car crash, his wife Rute Cardoso posted their wedding video on Instagram. The couple had married only 10 days earlier. Jota, 28, and his brother died in Spain when their car crashed and caught fire. Rute and Jota had been together since they were 13. They have three children. In the reel, Jota called the wedding “a day we will never forget.” Rute said it was her “dream come true.” The news has left fans and the football world heartbroken. Tributes are pouring in from around the globe. (PC: Rute Cardoso/Instagram)

During his speech in Ghana’s Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has over 2,500 political parties. His remark surprised many MPs, drawing laughter and smiles. “I repeat, 2,500,” PM Modi said with a chuckle. He spoke about India as the “mother of democracy” and said, “For us, democracy is not just a system, it is a value.” Modi highlighted India’s diversity, with many parties, languages, and dialects. Ghana’s Speaker later repeated the number, causing more laughter. PM Modi is on a five-nation tour, and this visit marks the first by an Indian PM to Ghana in 30 years. (PC: X/ @BJP4India)