India has condemned recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon and called for their safety. India’s UN envoy said peacekeepers serve in difficult conditions and their protection must be a priority. He added that India led UN Security Council Resolution 2589 to ensure accountability for crimes against them. The statement followed an incident involving UNIFIL, where one peacekeeper was killed and another injured. The UN said the source of the attack is unknown. India paid tribute to the fallen “Blue Helmets” and urged all sides to ensure their safety. (PC: economic times)

A British broadcast engineer working on the Indian Premier League was found dead in his hotel room in Mumbai. The deceased, 76-year-old Ian William Langford, was staying at the Trident Hotel while covering matches. Hotel staff found him lying on the floor after he did not respond to calls. A doctor declared him dead at the scene. Police have registered a case of “unnatural death” and started an investigation. Officials said there were no signs of foul play so far. The body has been sent for examination. Langford was part of the broadcast team for IPL matches. (PC: India Today)

Iran has warned of strong retaliation as the war with the US and Israel enters its second month. A spokesperson of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Iran’s forces will “cut off legs of any aggressor” entering the country. Reports said Russian Chechen units are ready if a US ground war begins. US forces struck a major ammunition site in Isfahan using bunker-buster bombs, triggering more explosions. Fighting between Iran and Israel continues. US President Donald Trump warned of strikes on Iran’s energy sites if talks fail. Iran called US peace proposals unrealistic. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump is looking to use the upcoming Artemis II mission as a key moment for national unity and global competition. The mission will send four astronauts towards the Moon, marking the first deep space crewed flight since 1972. Officials say it is a step towards a permanent lunar base and future Mars missions. Trump has linked the effort to US strength and leadership. NASA chief Jared Isaacman said the goal is not just to visit but to stay. The mission also comes amid rising rivalry with China over space resources and influence. (PC: BBC)

Italy has refused to allow the United States to use its air base in Sicily for operations linked to Iran, according to Reuters. The move comes days after Spain denied similar access to US aircraft. Italy’s decision reflects growing reluctance among European allies to join the conflict. Reports said European Union nations do not want direct military involvement in the Iran war. The refusal is seen as a setback for the US as it seeks support from NATO partners. It may also add to tensions within the administration of US President Donald Trump over the handling of the conflict. (PC: India Today)

IndiGo has appointed William Walsh as its new chief executive officer, replacing Pieter Elbers. The airline said the move is subject to regulatory approvals. Walsh is currently Director General of IATA and will join by August 3, 2026. He earlier led British Airways and IAG. IndiGo chairman Vikram Singh Mehta called him an “exceptional global aviation leader”. He said Walsh’s experience will help the airline grow in a competitive market. Walsh said he is “delighted to lead IndiGo” and praised its strong foundation. He will oversee strategy, operations and growth plans as the airline expands. (PC: HT)

The United States struck Iran’s Isfahan using 900-kg bunker buster bombs, targeting a large ammunition depot near military sites. Officials said the strike aimed to destroy missiles and stored explosives. Isfahan is a key defence hub and houses a major nuclear facility. Reports suggest highly enriched uranium may be stored there. A US official told The Wall Street Journal that a “high volume of bunker busters” was used. These bombs are designed to hit deep underground targets. Satellite data showed fires and secondary blasts after the strike. The attack followed warnings from US President Donald Trump of wider action if no deal is reached. Iran has not confirmed the strike. 

Authorities in Dubai said no oil leaked after a Kuwaiti tanker caught fire in a drone strike. The Al Salmi tanker was carrying about two million barrels of oil and was docked at the port. It was on its way to China when the attack took place. A fire broke out after the strike. Emergency teams responded and brought the situation under control. “Response teams have successfully contained the incident, with no oil leakage and no injuries reported,” the Dubai media office said. Officials confirmed the vessel was secured and there was no environmental damage reported. (PC: X)

Delhi Police have arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Shabbir Ahmed Lone after a month-long operation. Officers said he was running a cross-border network from Bangladesh. He had set up a base in Kolkata to support activities in Delhi. Police said recruits, including Bangladeshi nationals, were sent to paste anti-national posters as a test. They later carried out recce of Kalkaji temple and Gauri Shankar temple. “Lone was the mastermind behind the module,” said additional CP Pramod Kushwaha. After earlier arrests, Lone re-entered India via Nepal to rebuild the network. He is now in five-day police remand. (PC: X)

Donald Trump is willing to end the military operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing officials.   The report said reopening the key shipping route could extend the conflict beyond the planned four to six weeks. The White House said, “We’re on day 30 today.”   Officials said the US wants to weaken Iran’s navy and missile stocks before winding down fighting. The focus is on meeting core goals first.   If the strait remains shut, Washington may push allies in Europe and the Gulf to reopen it later. The closure has slowed global oil and cargo movement. (PC: The hindu)