Amarnath Yatra Suspended on Both Routes Due to Heavy Rains
Authorities have suspended the Amarnath Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps due to heavy rainfall across Kashmir. The decision was made to ensure the safety of the pilgrims, as the tracks have become hazardous. Over 3.93 lakh pilgrims have already visited the holy cave shrine this year. Convoys from the Jammu base camp have also been halted, and the suspension will continue until weather conditions improve, affecting thousands of devotees currently on the pilgrimage.
Indian Champions Forfeit Cricket Match Against Pakistan Citing National Stance
The Indian Champions team has refused to play its semifinal match against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends tournament in Birmingham. The team, comprising former star players like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, cited the nation's official stance against bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The decision underscores how deep-seated political tensions between the two countries continue to dictate interactions in the international sporting arena.
No Hidden Chamber in Puri Jagannath Temple's Treasury, Confirms ASI
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed there are no hidden chambers within the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, settling decades of speculation. A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey conducted during recent conservation work found no secret spaces or shelves inside the walls or under the floor. The Ratna Bhandar, which houses the deities' valuables, was opened for repair after 46 years, and the ASI's findings put a long-standing mystery to rest.
Flash Floods Devastate Himachal's Mandi, Killing Three
A cloudburst triggered severe flash floods in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, resulting in at least three deaths and one person missing. The deluge inundated houses and buried over 20 vehicles in debris, with areas like Jail Road and Saini Mohalla being worst-hit. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been closed at multiple points due to washed-away sections. The disaster compounds the state's monsoon woes, which have already caused losses exceeding ₹1,500 crore this season. An orange alert for further heavy rain has been issued.
More Negotiations Needed for US-India Trade Deal, Says Top US Official
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that more negotiations are required to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with India. With an August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariffs approaching, Greer noted that while discussions have been constructive, India's long-standing policy of protecting its domestic market presents a challenge. The statement suggests that a deal is not imminent, potentially impacting trade relations and markets. Indian officials have maintained that talks are progressing well and an agreement could avert the new tariffs.
Severe Flooding in Beijing Kills at Least 34 People
Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in and around Beijing, leading to the deaths of at least 34 people. The majority of fatalities occurred in the city's outlying Miyun and Yanqing districts. Authorities have relocated over 80,000 residents as a precautionary measure and released water from a reservoir that reached its highest level since 1959. The severe weather has washed away cars, downed power lines, and prompted a top-level emergency response, with residents urged to stay indoors.
Dozens of Pilgrims Killed in Jharkhand Bus-Truck Collision
A tragic road accident in Jharkhand's Deoghar district has killed numerous Kanwariya pilgrims and injured over 20 others. The incident occurred early Tuesday when a bus carrying the devotees collided with a truck loaded with gas cylinders. Official police reports confirm at least five deaths, with some officials citing a higher toll of nine, while an MP claimed 18 fatalities. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, and authorities fear the death toll may rise as several victims are in serious condition.
India-born Shailesh Jejurikar Named Next CEO of Procter & Gamble
American FMCG giant Procter & Gamble has appointed India-born Shailesh Jejurikar as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. An alumnus of IIM Lucknow, Jejurikar joined P&G in 1989 and currently serves as its Chief Operating Officer. His appointment places him in an elite group of Indian-origin executives leading major global corporations, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella and Google's Sundar Pichai, highlighting a significant trend in international business leadership.
Security Forces Neutralise Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack
Indian security forces have killed three terrorists responsible for the recent civilian killings in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint mission named 'Operation Mahadev,' the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police eliminated the perpetrators in the Harwan area of Srinagar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the successful operation in Parliament, condemning the "barbaric act" where civilians were killed based on their religion. The operation is seen as a significant counter-terrorism success, addressing a high-profile attack.
ISRO and NASA to Launch Joint Earth Observation Satellite NISAR on July 30
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is scheduled for launch on July 30 from Sriharikota. The landmark joint mission, a first between the two space agencies, will use dual-frequency L-band and S-band radar to monitor Earth's surface with unprecedented detail. Weighing 2,392 kg, NISAR will track changes in ecosystems, ice sheets, and the planet's crust, providing crucial open-access data for climate change research, disaster management, and resource monitoring, with data made freely available within days of observation.
TCS to Lay Off 12,000 Employees in Restructuring Amid AI Shift
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT firm, plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 2%, affecting around 12,000 jobs in the 2026 fiscal year. The company states the move is part of a major restructuring to become a "future-ready" organization, not a cost-cutting measure. The layoffs will primarily impact mid and senior-level employees whose roles are difficult to redeploy as TCS shifts focus towards artificial intelligence and new technologies, reflecting a significant transformation in the IT sector.
Stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple Kills Six, Injures 28
A stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar killed at least six devotees and injured 28 others on Sunday. The incident occurred during a heavy rush of pilgrims when panic was allegedly sparked by a rumour of an electric current leak on the staircase route. The Uttarakhand government has ordered a magisterial probe into the tragedy and announced compensation for the victims. The event has once again highlighted the persistent challenges of crowd management and safety at major religious sites across India.
Supreme Court Pushes for 'Mass Inclusion' in Bihar Voter Roll Revision
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept Aadhaar and voter ID cards as valid identity documents for Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The court emphasized that the goal should be "mass inclusion, not en masse exclusion," addressing concerns that the exercise could disenfranchise up to 2.9 crore voters in the poll-bound state. While refusing to stay the publication of the draft roll, the court's intervention aims to prevent wrongful exclusion of eligible citizens.
Cambodian and Thai Leaders Meet for Ceasefire Talks Amid Deadly Border Clashes
Leaders from Thailand and Cambodia are meeting in Malaysia for urgent talks aimed at halting five days of deadly border clashes. The conflict, which has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 260,000, prompted international calls for peace. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is hosting the negotiations as ASEAN chair. The violence marks a rare military confrontation between the member states, with both sides trading blame for initiating the hostilities. An immediate ceasefire is the primary goal of the talks.
CII Demands Central Law to Ensure Time-Bound Government Services for Businesses
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for a new central legislation to guarantee the time-bound delivery of government services to businesses. The industry body argued that procedural delays and uncertainty over approval timelines hurt operational efficiency and investment. The proposed law would mandate timelines for approvals and refunds, impose penalties for delays, and establish a robust grievance redressal system. The move aims to enhance predictability and improve the overall ease of doing business in India.