Two security personnel were killed and four injured in an IED blast triggered by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday night. The incident occurred as a joint team of STF, DRG, CRPF, and CoBRA personnel were returning from an anti-Naxalite operation. The deceased constables, Bharat Sahu and Satyer Singh Kange, were part of the STF. The team had launched the operation on Tuesday following intelligence inputs about Naxalite presence in the area. The blast highlights the ongoing threat of Naxalite violence in the region, and the sacrifices made by security personnel in combating it.

President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, according to the White House. He is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is experiencing mild symptoms. Biden will self-isolate in Delaware while continuing to perform his duties as President. He was in Las Vegas earlier in the day for an event. The White House said the President's isolation is a precautionary measure to protect others. Biden's diagnosis was announced by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. He will continue to work remotely while in isolation, with no disruption to his presidential duties expected.

Aanvi Kamdar, 27-year-old social media influencer, died after falling into a 300-foot gorge at Kumbhe waterfall in Raigad, Maharashtra. She was shooting a video with seven friends when she slipped into a deep crevice around 10:30 am. Local authorities and rescue teams responded promptly, with additional support from the Coast Guard and Maharashtra State Electricity Board staff. Unfortunately, Aanvi succumbed to her injuries. The incident occurred on July 16 during a trip with friends. An investigation is underway. Aanvi was a resident of Mumbai and had a significant following on social media.

According to sources, a new batch of terrorists has infiltrated Jammu region in the past six months, carrying out recent attacks. Most are suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) recruits from Pakistan's Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. Two groups, 'People's Anti-Fascist Front' and 'Kashmir Tigers', claimed responsibility, but are believed to be JeM fronts. The terrorists are highly trained and motivated, with some having battle experience in Afghanistan. Former Pakistan Army soldiers may be among them. The security establishment is investigating and monitoring the situation closely. The attacks have raised concerns about the resurgence of terrorism in the region.

India's UN Representative, R Ravindra, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages without conditions. He addressed the UN Security Council's Open Debate on the Middle East, reiterating India's condemnation of attacks on Israel and civilian casualties. India has provided $120 million in aid to Palestine and advocates for peaceful resolution through dialogue. Ravindra emphasized the need for restraint and de-escalation, urging a return to negotiations. India's stance prioritizes the well-being of civilians and a lasting resolution to the conflict.

US President Joe Biden suggested Vice President Kamala Harris might be the best candidate to succeed him, stating she "could be president of the United States." Speaking at the NAACP convention, Biden praised Harris, calling her a "great vice president" and emphasizing her qualifications. The President's comments come amid discussions about his potential retirement and the future leadership of the Democratic Party. Biden, 81, reassured the audience of his administration's commitment to Black voters, highlighting Harris's historic role as the first Black and female Vice President.

Protests have spread across Bangladesh as students revolt against a 30% job quota for the grandchildren of freedom fighters. Although the Supreme Court suspended the quota reinstated by the High Court on July 1, students continue to demand a merit-based system for civil service jobs. The unrest, resulting in six deaths and numerous injuries, has led to the closure of schools and colleges. Experts suggest the protests reflect broader frustrations with employment opportunities and governmental policies. Despite assurances from the government, students remain adamant, intensifying the crisis.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, describing him as significantly matured in politics. In an interview with PTI, Sen recalled knowing Rahul as an articulate student at Cambridge, uncertain about his future. Sen highlighted Rahul's evolution, especially through the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra,' and noted his improved articulation in political matters. He emphasized Rahul's crucial role as the Leader of the Opposition, particularly in addressing inequality and sectarianism in India. Sen concluded that Rahul's leadership will be tested in how effectively he navigates these issues during the Modi-led NDA government.

Russia and Ukraine have conducted a prisoner exchange, releasing a total of 190 soldiers, with each side freeing 95 detainees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the release of Ukrainian soldiers, facilitated by mediation from the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry announced the return of their servicemen, highlighting sporadic exchanges amid ongoing conflict since Russia's invasion in 2022. Discussions during the exchange included humanitarian efforts and family reunification, showcasing rare direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv officials.

Gautam Gambhir, India's new head coach, completed a productive meeting with Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee ahead of announcing the squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka series. The meeting, facilitated by BCCI, discussed squad compositions for ODIs and T20Is. Speculation surrounds Rohit Sharma's potential inclusion as captain for the ODI series, while the debate between Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav for the T20I captaincy intensifies. Gambhir aims to shape a new-look Team India after succeeding Rahul Dravid, focusing on strategic selections for the tour starting July 27.