Puja Khedkar, a 2023-batch IAS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, faces scrutiny for allegedly lying about her disability to clear the Civil Services exam. Khedkar called the situation a “media trial,” stating, "According to the Indian Constitution, a person cannot be considered guilty until the charges are proven." She promised to address all allegations before a committee and accept their decision. Allegations include misuse of power and submitting questionable disability certificates. The Centre has formed a committee to re-evaluate her documents.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow, India is seeking to increase exports to Russia by promoting rupee-rouble trade and urging Moscow to lift non-tariff barriers. Despite increased trade between the two nations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Indian exports have seen minimal growth. Indian trade secretary Sunil Barthwal highlighted efforts to improve trade relationships and boost exports of electronics, engineering goods, and marine products. Modi's visit also included discussions on enhancing cooperation in areas like nuclear energy and medicine, with a goal of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reflects on the criticism he faced for naming Rohit Sharma as India captain, replacing Virat Kohli. Ganguly recalls the backlash but feels vindicated after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup under Sharma's leadership. "When I handed Rohit Sharma the captaincy of the Indian team, everyone criticised me," Ganguly said. "Now that India has won the T20 World Cup under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, everyone has stopped abusing me for it." With both Sharma and Kohli retiring from T20Is, the Indian team is entering a new phase under head coach Gautam Gambhir, though the duo will continue in Tests and ODIs.              

A U.S. judge has dismissed the criminal case accusing Donald Trump of illegally retaining classified documents, ruling that Special Counsel Jack Smith was unlawfully appointed. Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by Trump, determined that Smith lacked the authority to prosecute. This decision marks a significant legal victory for Trump, who is seeking re-election. Prosecutors are expected to appeal, but the ruling casts uncertainty over the case's future. Trump had been indicted for keeping sensitive national security documents at Mar-a-Lago and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. The ruling is part of a series of favorable decisions for Trump.

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai prompted the IMD to issue an orange alert for Tuesday. Overnight showers caused waterlogging and traffic issues, while lake levels supplying water to the city jumped to 35.11%—surpassing last year's levels. Raigad district is under a red alert for extreme rainfall. Meanwhile, NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal met rival Sharad Pawar to discuss the Maratha-OBC reservation issue. Separately, Pune police are searching for Manorama Khedkar, wanted in a land dispute case, after an FIR was registered against her following a viral video.

The BJP's strength in the Rajya Sabha decreased to 86 after four members—Sonal Mansingh, Mahesh Jethmalani, Rakesh Sinha, and Ram Shakal—completed their terms on July 13. Consequently, the NDA's tally stands at 101, falling short of the 113 majority mark in the 245-member House. The BJP expects to secure additional seats in upcoming elections in states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Assam. Despite the vacancies, the party remains confident about winning new seats and maintaining its influence in the upper house.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian attended Mumbai's Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, posting on Instagram and expressing her love for India. She shared photos with the newlyweds and Isha Ambani, dressed in a Gaurav Gupta outfit. Kim captioned her post, "India has my heart," amidst the star-studded ceremony with Bollywood celebrities and business leaders. Her presence added glamour to the event, giving fans a glimpse into the opulent celebrations.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. “The loss of life over the last few months... is horrendous. It has to stop,” Lammy said. He also urged the release of hostages and an increase in aid flow to Gaza. Lammy held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa, emphasizing the UK's commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Zomato’s Founder and CEO, Deepinder Goyal, has joined the billionaire club after a 300% surge in Zomato’s stock since July 2023. The stock reached a new high of Rs 230, driven by the expected success of its quick commerce business, Blinkit. Goyal, now India's wealthiest professional manager, holds a 4.24% stake in the company, with a net worth exceeding Rs 8,300 crore. Blinkit’s valuation surged to $13 billion, further boosting investor confidence.

Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The 78-year-old told the New York Post he felt saved "by luck or by God." "I’m supposed to be dead," he said, describing the ordeal as a "surreal experience." A spectator was killed, and two others were wounded when Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Trump, who sustained a minor injury, declared it a "miracle" and vowed to continue his campaign. Despite the ordeal, he raised his fist defiantly, symbolizing resilience.