The CBI arrested engineer Pankaj Kumar for stealing a NEET-UG question paper from the National Testing Agency's trunk in Bihar. Kumar, a 2017 NIT Jamshedpur graduate, and his accomplice Raju Singh, who distributed the leaked paper, were caught in Patna and Jamshedpur. The paper leak originated at Oasis school in Hazaribagh, where staff failed to report broken seals on question paper sets. The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, has faced multiple cheating allegations, with over 60 arrests made so far. The CBI continues to investigate irregularities in the exam.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams led an emergency drill on the International Space Station (ISS) after debris from a satellite posed a threat. The drill involved all nine astronauts, focusing on handling crises like pressure leaks and fires. Williams and Butch Wilmore have been busy with essential maintenance, including refilling temperature loops and coolant systems. They also worked on scientific research and reviewed procedures for managing station fluids. Williams expressed confidence in the safety of the Starliner spacecraft, despite issues with its propulsion system, which have delayed the mission indefinitely.

Three people died in Bangladesh during violent clashes over government job quotas. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse students protesting for a merit-based system. The quota scheme reserves half of civil service posts for specific groups, including children of heroes from the 1971 liberation war. Critics say it benefits pro-government groups. Violence erupted as students demanded changes, while ruling party supporters opposed them. Protests have spread nationwide, with students blocking rail lines and highways. The situation remains tense as the government faces increasing pressure to address the quota system.

Maharashtra has paused the district training of IAS officer Puja Khedkar amid accusations of fraud in her UPSC exam. Khedkar is alleged to have misrepresented herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) recalled her for further action. Pune Police will investigate the authenticity of her medical certificates. A government panel will review her case and report in two weeks. Khedkar claims a media trial against her and insists that "truth will prevail."

LT Foods, a well-known Indian-origin food company, has opened a new, advanced facility in the United Kingdom. This move aims to meet the rising demand for premium rice and rice-based products in the UK, which is a £1 billion market. The new facility, located in Harlow, covers 100,000 square feet. It features the latest technology to ensure high-quality products. LT Foods plans to offer both branded and private-label products from this facility. The company has already partnered with four leading UK retailers and aims to expand further. LT Foods has invested £7 million initially in the facility, with plans to invest up to £50 million in the coming years. They expect to generate £50 million in revenue over the next two years, aiming for £100 million within five years. The facility can produce 60,000 tonnes of rice per year, creating job opportunities for local talent. Mr. Vijay Arora, Chairman & Managing Director of LT Foods, said, "We are very excited about our newest cutting-edge facility in the UK. It is an important market for our future growth as we intend to make deep inroads in this market. LT Foods long-term goals include solidifying its market presence in the UK, becoming a leader in the rice and rice-based food segment, and continually innovating to meet the evolving demands of consumers. This new facility is a critical step in achieving these objectives and furthering LT Foods' mission of delivering high-quality rice products to global consumers." Mr. Ashwani Arora, Managing Director & CEO, emphasized the company's commitment to stakeholders. "Our stakeholders have always been at the heart of our success. By expanding into the UK, we aim to bring our high-quality offerings closer to consumers while ensuring that we continue to provide exceptional value to our stakeholders. The UK presents a unique opportunity for us to expand our market reach and cater to a diverse consumer base. This new facility is a testament to our strategic vision and our ability to adapt and grow in dynamic markets. With this new facility, we are confident that we will be able to enhance our market presence, drive growth, and deliver sustained value to all our stakeholders." Mr. Vikas Magoon, Managing Director of LT Foods Europe B.V., also shared his enthusiasm. "The opening of this new state-of-the-art facility in the UK is a testament to our commitment to meeting the rising demand for high-quality rice products among the consumers in the UK. This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with our vision to bring our quality offerings closer to our consumers. The UK market presents a tremendous opportunity for LT Foods to grow and innovate. With our new facility in Harlow, we are well-positioned to leverage this potential, ensuring efficient delivery of our food brands and enhancing our market presence. Our investment here reflects our belief in the UK market's potential and our dedication to contributing positively to the local economy." With this new facility, LT Foods aims to enhance its market presence and deliver quality rice products to UK consumers.

Mihir Shah, accused in the BMW hit-and-run case, has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. On July 7, Shah's BMW allegedly hit a two-wheeler in Worli, killing a 45-year-old woman and injuring her husband. He evaded arrest for three days before being traced to an apartment in Virar. Police used mobile phone location to track him down. Shah is the son of a Shiv Sena politician. The case has sparked outrage and highlights the issue of reckless driving and VIP culture. The police investigation is ongoing.

Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager following the team's Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. During his tenure, Southgate led England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, the final of Euro 2020, and the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. He won eight knockout games, a record surpassed only by the combined total of all other England managers. The FA will now search for a new head coach to lead the team in the 2026 World Cup. England's next match is against Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on September 7.

In a shocking incident, Mukesh Sahani's father, Jitan Sahani, was found murdered in his Darbhanga residence. The VIP chief's father was killed in a gruesome manner, with his body recovered in a mutilated condition. The Darbhanga SP, Jagunath Reddy, confirmed the incident. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case, comprising the SDPO and SHO. The motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained. The incident has sent shockwaves in the political circles, with many leaders condoling the demise of Jitan Sahani.

The Congress has condemned the killing of four soldiers in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda, demanding the government take full responsibility for the security lapse. Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers, including an officer. The latest incident comes a week after a terrorist ambush in Kathua district claimed five soldiers' lives. The Congress is seeking strict action against the culprits and a thorough investigation into the repeated security lapses. The party is holding the government accountable for the tragic loss of life.

Hardik Pandya is all set to lead team India in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting July 27 in Pallekele. The all-rounder, previously vice-captain under Rohit Sharma, has been deemed fully fit for the series. The T20Is will be played from July 27 to 30, followed by ODIs in Colombo from August 2 to 7. The team squad is expected to be announced shortly. This will be Pandya's first series as India captain, marking a new milestone in his career. The series will be an important fixture for both teams, with key players set to showcase their skills.