Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized Gautam Gambhir for changing his stance on veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Now head coach, Gambhir had previously insisted senior players must perform to stay in the team but recently suggested they have plenty of cricket left. Srikkanth questioned Rohit's ability to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup at age 40, while acknowledging Kohli’s high fitness might see him through. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

A severe outbreak of norovirus has gripped Hyderabad's Old City, with areas like Dabeerpura and Yakutpura reporting up to 100 cases daily. The surge has overwhelmed hospitals, with many patients experiencing high fever, severe gastritis, dehydration, and low blood pressure. Doctors suspect large-scale water contamination as the source. Some patients require ventilator support due to respiratory distress, while others suffer kidney failure needing dialysis. The situation is dire, with experts noting an alarming increase in cases over the past three weeks, necessitating urgent medical intervention and water quality checks.

India responded to US concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, emphasizing the freedom of choice in a multipolar world. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India's longstanding relationship with Russia based on mutual interests. US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu expressed disappointment over the visit's timing, coinciding with Russia's attack on a Ukrainian hospital. Despite this, India noted the decline in its defense imports from Russia and stressed that bilateral ties are essential. PM Modi's visit marked 75 years of diplomatic relations, and he was awarded the Order of St Andrew the Apostle by President Putin.

A British police officer was suspended after a video showing him violently arresting a man at Manchester Airport went viral, sparking protests. The footage, filmed by an onlooker, shows the officer kicking and stamping on a man's head during the arrest. Greater Manchester Police referred the incident to an independent complaints watchdog. The video led to protests outside Rochdale Police Station, where demonstrators chanted against police brutality. The incident occurred following a reported assault at the airport, resulting in the arrest of two men and injuries to three officers. An independent review of police conduct is underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled pro-Palestine protesters as "Iran's useful idiots" during his fourth address to the US Congress, receiving a standing ovation despite a boycott by over 60 Democratic lawmakers. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris were among the notable absentees. Netanyahu's speech emphasized Iran's role in Middle Eastern terrorism and praised former President Donald Trump for his support of Israel. Outside, protesters demanded an end to US military aid to Israel, facing police intervention. Netanyahu is set to meet President Joe Biden, Vice President Harris, and Trump during his visit.

NASA is working with Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to update software and fine-tune systems as astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams prepare for departure from the International Space Station. The astronauts have been aboard for over a month, addressing glitches in the spacecraft. The updates and onboard measurements are crucial for assessing the Starliner's long-term performance, vital for future missions. This extended stay provides valuable data, ensuring the spacecraft's readiness for six-month missions. NASA plans a press conference to discuss the astronauts' potential return.

Relentless rainfall in Pune has led to severe flooding, claiming four lives and prompting mass evacuations. Three young men were electrocuted near Bhide Bridge, while a landslide in Adharwadi village killed one and injured another. In Lavasa, three people are trapped after a mudslide. Authorities, including NDRF and the Indian Army, are conducting rescue operations. District Collector Suhas Diwse urged residents to stay indoors as water from Khadakwasla dam overflowed, flooding the Mutha river. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar are closely monitoring the situation.

Russian and Chinese bomber jets, including Russia's Tu-95MS and China's Xian H-6, carried out a joint patrol over the Chukchi and Bering Seas and the North Pacific Ocean. This exercise, part of a 2024 military cooperation plan, adhered to international law and did not breach foreign airspace, as confirmed by Russia's defense ministry. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted the bombers in international airspace near Alaska, noting no threat. This patrol underscores the strengthening military ties between Russia and China amid ongoing global tensions.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called on Canada to act decisively against anti-India elements following a video by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatening Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya and Indians in Canada. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Canada should respond to these threats with the same seriousness as it did with recent threats against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Relations between India and Canada remain tense, exacerbated by recent acts of vandalism at a Hindu temple in Edmonton by Khalistani supporters.

Incessant rains have brought Maharashtra to a standstill, with Pune and Mumbai facing severe waterlogging. Pune's Pimpri-Chinchwad area has been flooded, resulting in four rain-related deaths. Mumbai, experiencing its second-wettest July on record, is also critically affected. Normal life has been disrupted, with schools shut and key services down. Air India has diverted and delayed some flights to Mumbai due to the heavy downpour. Authorities are working to restore normalcy, but residents are advised to exercise caution and stay indoors until the situation improves.