Senior Trinamool Congress leader and Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra has left the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and joined the rebel Trinamool camp headed by Ritabrata Banerjee, marking a major political setback for the party. Mitra resigned from all organisational posts, citing dissatisfaction with the leadership and alleging that Abhishek Banerjee refused to step aside despite internal differences. However, he said he had “only changed rooms, not the house,” insisting he still believes in the Trinamool ideology. His move is expected to deepen divisions within the party and reshape West Bengal's political landscape. (PC: The Hindu)

The United States launched a new wave of precision airstrikes on Iranian military targets after President Donald Trump warned that Iran's power plants and bridges would be targeted unless Tehran agreed to a new deal. The strikes focused on military sites, including coastal defence systems and missile facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar, while reporting dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries from recent U.S. operations. The escalating conflict has heightened fears of a wider regional war and raised concerns over global energy supplies. 

Iran has threatened to block additional oil and gas trade routes after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington ends what it called "acts of aggression" and warned that other regional export routes could also be targeted. The US military said its latest drone, air and naval strikes hit Iran's coastal defences and missile sites to reduce threats to commercial shipping. Meanwhile, Iran claimed it carried out attacks on US-linked targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, with regional allies reporting interceptions of drones and missiles. (PC: BBC)

A petition demanding Argentina's removal from the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reportedly gathered more than 7.5 million signatures, with supporters alleging repeated referee favouritism during the tournament. The online campaign claims controversial officiating decisions have unfairly benefited the defending champions, particularly in their knockout matches. However, FIFA has not responded to the petition and there is no indication that Argentina faces any disciplinary action. Argentina remain in the tournament and are set to face England in the semi-final. The petition reflects growing frustration among some football fans but has no impact on FIFA's competition rules. (PC: 

Tensions remain high in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after 9 people were killed during recent protests, with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) pressing ahead with its planned march to Muzaffarabad. Pakistani authorities have deployed around 4,000 Rangers and tightened security across the region to prevent demonstrators from reaching the capital. Checkpoints have been set up and movement has been restricted in several areas. JAAC has accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests, while officials say the security measures are aimed at maintaining law and order. The planned march is expected to further test the volatile situation. (PC: India Today)

Seventeen-year-old Indian-origin student Riddhi Chauhan has become the Battalion Commanding Officer of her school's Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC) unit in Queens, New York, leading nearly 300 cadets. The daughter of Indian immigrants with roots in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Riddhi has also secured admission to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, a pathway to the United States Naval Academy. She joined the programme to build confidence and leadership skills, rising through multiple leadership roles before earning the top student position. Riddhi says discipline, service and teamwork have shaped her journey toward becoming a future US Navy officer. (PC: X)

France captain Kylian Mbappe delivered a blunt assessment after his team's 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, admitting Les Bleus did not deserve to reach the final. Mbappe said France failed tactically and technically, struggling to execute their high-press strategy as Spain dominated midfield. "Our touches and movement were not worthy of a World Cup semi-final," he said after the loss. Despite scoring 8 goals in the tournament, Mbappe said the squad must accept the disappointment, learn from the defeat and return stronger when the new club season begins with Real Madrid. (PC: NDTV)

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 18th day at Jantar Mantar, with his health reported stable but weakening. The protest, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged exam irregularities, marks a sharp turn in Wangchuk's relationship with the Centre. In 2023, Pradhan had described his meeting with Wangchuk as a "wonderful conversation", but ties later deteriorated over Ladakh's constitutional demands and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). After months in jail during the Ladakh agitation, Wangchuk is now urging the government to begin dialogue as his supporters continue demonstrations in Delhi.

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect on July 15, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a "significant milestone" that will deepen economic ties between the 2 countries. Modi said the agreement will create new opportunities for businesses, farmers, MSMEs, workers and professionals while strengthening bilateral trade. The deal provides duty-free access for nearly all Indian exports to the UK and lowers tariffs on several British products entering India in phases. It also expands cooperation in services, investment and government procurement, with both nations expecting stronger trade, economic growth and job creation. (PC: The Indian Express)

New videos and intelligence inputs have raised fresh security concerns for India after Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was reportedly seen training its cadres in artificial intelligence (AI), water-based infiltration and combat skills. Security officials say the training includes swimming, special operations, martial arts and modern technology. Some sessions are reportedly being held at Pakistan's Mangla Dam, where 26/11 Mumbai attacker Ajmal Kasab and other terrorists had also trained. Officials believe these new capabilities could strengthen LeT's operational planning, cyber activities and infiltration attempts. Indian agencies are closely monitoring the group's evolving tactics and training programmes.