India's men's hockey team made history with a thrilling 3-2 win over Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympics, their first Olympic victory against the Aussies in 52 years. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice, once from a penalty corner and once from a penalty stroke, while Abhishek added another goal. Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, in his final international tournament, delivered a stellar performance, making crucial saves. This victory secures India's spot in the quarterfinals, where their position in Pool B will determine their next opponent.

Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec has gone viral, earning the nickname 'Turkish John Wick' for his calm demeanor and remarkable marksmanship. Fans drew comparisons to the iconic action hero, prompting fan art and memes. The official X handle of the John Wick franchise responded to a tweet calling Dikec 'Turkish John Wick' with "Yeah." Dikec's performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he and teammate Sevval Ilyada Tarhan secured a silver medal, further fueled the buzz. This is Dikec's first Olympic medal, marking a milestone in his fifth Olympic appearance.

The Delhi High Court criticized the Delhi Police and civic authorities over the deaths of three IAS aspirants who drowned in a coaching centre's flooded basement. A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan transferred the investigation to the CBI, citing criminal neglect. The court rebuked the police for arresting an SUV driver instead of addressing infrastructural failings and highlighted the inefficiency of civic bodies. The court directed the formation of a committee to reassess Delhi's administrative, physical, and financial infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.

Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting, ranked third in the Elite Women 54-kg feather global standings, is under scrutiny at the Paris Olympics after failing a gender eligibility test. The 28-year-old, a three-time world championships medallist, previously faced disqualification alongside Imane Khelif at the 2023 women's world championships. Despite the controversy, Lin begins her Olympic campaign against Uzbekistan's Sitora Turdibekova. Lin's career highlights include gold medals at the Asian Championships, Asian Games, and the World Championships.

Amid escalating Middle East tensions, the Indian Embassy in Lebanon has issued three urgent advisories in four days. The first, on July 29, advised against non-essential travel following a rocket attack in the Golan Heights. A second advisory on August 1 warned of heightened risks after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The third advisory, also on August 1, recommended avoiding all travel to Lebanon following the death of Hamas commander Mohammed Deif. Concurrently, Air India has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until August 8 and is offering waivers on rescheduling and cancellation fees.      

India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed gratitude to China for their message of solidarity following the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged China's condolences and sympathies for the affected families. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously issued a statement on July 31, offering condolences and wishing for a swift recovery for the injured. This gesture comes amid strained relations between the two nations, which have recently engaged in “in-depth and constructive” diplomatic talks on border issues. The landslides, triggered by heavy rains, have claimed 308 lives and prompted international support and relief efforts.

Manu Bhaker advanced to her third final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, qualifying for the women’s 25m pistol event final with a score of 590 points, finishing second behind Hungary's Veronika Major. Bhaker, who previously won two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol events, showcased strong performances in both precision and rapid rounds despite a rocky start. Esha Singh, her teammate, finished 18th and did not progress to the final. Bhaker will compete for her third medal on August 3 at 1:30 PM IST.

India is set to play their final Pool B match against Australia on Friday at Stade Yves-du-Manoir. The team has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Ireland 2-0 and New Zealand 3-2, and drawing 1-1 with Argentina. Despite losing to defending champions Belgium, India showed promise, particularly in the first two quarters, where they dominated possession and created more chances. Abhishek scored for India, while the defense and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, in his final international tournament, performed admirably, preventing Belgium from capitalizing on penalty corners and scoring opportunities.

The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the sale of electoral bonds, citing the availability of other legal remedies. The court ruled that allegations of "quid pro quo" deals between political parties and corporate donors must be pursued through existing legal channels, such as approaching authorities with specific claims. The bench emphasized that judicial intervention is premature without exhausting these remedies. The decision means that petitioners must first seek relief through established legal processes before seeking court intervention, and only if those efforts fail can the court consider stepping in.

Merseyside Police have confirmed they are prepared for potential protests in the area, following social media posts promoting events in UK cities. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the force has extensive plans and resources in place to quickly respond to any disorder. Seven arrests have been made in connection with the Southport riots on Tuesday, with further arrests expected. Police are committed to bringing to justice those responsible for criminal damage and violence against officers and the community. The force is working to ensure public safety and maintain order in the face of potential unrest.