The US has urged India to use its close relationship with Russia to persuade President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made the request, noting India's longstanding ties with Russia. The US encourages India to promote a peaceful resolution, respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This appeal comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, with the international community seeking a diplomatic solution. The US seeks India's support in promoting a peaceful outcome, leveraging their unique relationship with Russia.

Tragedy struck in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district as four Army personnel, including an officer, lost their lives in a gunfight with terrorists on Monday night. The encounter occurred during a joint operation by Rashtriya Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Desa forest belt. The 'Kashmir Tigers', a shadow group of Jaish-e-Mohammad, claimed responsibility for the attack. The deceased include three jawans and an officer, who succumbed to their injuries early Tuesday. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the sacrifices made by Indian security forces.

Mumbai is grappling with severe rainfall, surpassing July’s average in just two weeks. The Regional Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in Konkan. A red alert is in place for Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, while Satara and Kolhapur are on orange alert. The rains have caused significant waterlogging, disrupting traffic and operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The NDRF has deployed teams across affected areas. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation warns of a 3.34-meter high tide.

A disability rights group has lodged a complaint against cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina after a video featuring them dancing to a viral song sparked controversy. The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People filed the complaint with Delhi's Amar Colony police station, accusing the players of mocking disabilities. The video, now deleted, drew criticism for insensitivity. Harbhajan apologized amid backlash, acknowledging unintended offense. Critics, including para-athlete Manasi Joshi, condemned the video for potentially encouraging bullying of children with disabilities in India.

At least 35 people were killed and 230 others injured due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Jalalabad and several districts of Nangarhar province, eastern Afghanistan. The downpour led to the collapse of trees, walls, and roofs, causing severe casualties. Quraishi Badloon, head of the department of information and culture, expressed concern over the possibility of further casualties. Victims and the wounded were rushed to local hospitals for treatment. This disaster follows earlier devastating floods in May, highlighting Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural disasters, crucial for its predominantly agrarian population.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau called singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh "a guy from Punjab," causing a controversy. Many felt he should have called Dosanjh an Indian artist. BJP's Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused Trudeau of "mischief." Trudeau met Dosanjh at his Toronto show and praised him on social media. Critics say Trudeau's words fuel separatist sentiments amid strained India-Canada relations. Dosanjh clarified that being Punjabi means being Indian, highlighting his roots and music career tied to India. Trudeau’s remarks overshadowed his praise for Dosanjh’s success.

The UK Home Office has announced the final ballot for the India Young Professional Scheme 2024. This scheme allows young Indian nationals to live, work, and study in the UK for up to 24 months. The ballot opens on July 16 and closes on July 18, 2024. Applicants must be 18-30 years old, have a bachelor’s degree, savings of £2,530, and no dependent children. The scheme offers 3,000 places for 2024, with most already filled in February. Entry to the ballot is free, but successful applicants must pay £298 for the visa.

Police in northern Italy have rescued 33 Indian farm workers from slave-like conditions. Lured by promises of good jobs, they worked over 10 hours a day for low wages, which went to pay off debts. Their passports were taken, and they lived in poor conditions. Two Indian men, who recruited them, were arrested with about $545,300. The rescued workers, who had paid large sums for work permits, are now getting help from social services. This case highlights the ongoing issue of worker exploitation in Italy's agricultural sector.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke at the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. He took a veiled jab at Pakistan, stressing the need to identify and punish those involved in terrorism. "Combating terrorism requires a very comprehensive approach - not just the perpetrators of heinous acts of terrorism, but the facilitators, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism - they all need to be identified and punished," Jaishankar said. He highlighted the ongoing threat from UN-designated terror groups still active in the region. Jaishankar believes the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) can propose effective measures against terrorism.

President Joe Biden condemned violence and emphasized democratic principles following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania rally. Biden stressed that the power to shape America should remain with the people, not through violent acts. The suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by law enforcement after shooting Trump and injuring others. Biden urged national unity, stating, "It’s time to cool it down," during a televised address. The incident sparked discussions on political tensions and security measures, prompting calls for restraint and unity in the face of escalating political divisions.