Iran has asked Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the U.S. attacks Iranian infrastructure. The Houthis have reportedly positioned missiles and drones in readiness to target commercial shipping. This plan raises concerns about disruptions to key oil export routes, particularly as tensions escalate with the U.S. and Israel. Analysts warn that attacks on shipping in the Red Sea could have significant global repercussions. Saudi Arabia is closely monitoring the situation, suspecting coordination between the Houthis and Tehran, which could increase economic pressure on the U.S.

Sixty US Senators have backed a bill proposing tariffs of up to 100% on India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan for buying Russian oil. Supported by President Trump, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 aims to empower the administration to impose these tariffs, with exemptions for European allies. The bill allows for tariff reassessment every 180 days and includes a waiver provision for the President. India's imports of Russian crude oil reached record levels in June, making it the second-largest buyer after China. The bill modifies a previous proposal that suggested a 500% tariff.

India's space program is experiencing a significant loss of talent as over 100 experienced scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have resigned or retired recently. In response, the Department of Space has restricted resignations for key mission personnel. Experts attribute this exodus to better opportunities in the growing private space sector, which offers competitive salaries and flexible work environments. Organizational challenges at Isro, including slowed mission execution and centralized decision-making, further exacerbate the issue. The DoS's directive aims to retain crucial expertise for national missions like Gaganyaan amidst this shifting landscape.

A train-van collision in Murshidabad, West Bengal, resulted in the deaths of five people, including three school students and a cyclist. The incident occurred when a passenger train collided with a school van at a railway crossing that had been opened prematurely. Four others were critically injured. The gateman has been arrested, and railway officials expressed regret over the tragedy. Local residents criticized the gateman's negligence and questioned the railway's safety measures. Following the accident, train services were temporarily disrupted as residents protested by blocking the tracks. Compensation of Rs 10 lakh has been announced for the victims.

Aryan Gupta, a student from Ludhiana, scored 715 out of 720 in the NEET UG 2026 exam, tying for the top rank with Panshul Bansal. After the exam's cancellation due to a paper leak, Aryan initially struggled but regained focus with support from his brother and the realization of a shared experience among 22 lakh students. His dedication involved studying 16-17 hours daily while balancing leisure activities. With a personal motivation to become an oncologist, Aryan encourages others to trust their hard work and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Iran has asked Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the U.S. attacks Iranian infrastructure. The Houthis have reportedly positioned missiles and drones in readiness to target commercial shipping. This plan raises concerns about disruptions to key oil export routes, particularly as tensions escalate with the U.S. and Israel. Analysts warn that attacks on shipping in the Red Sea could have significant global repercussions. Saudi Arabia is closely monitoring the situation, suspecting coordination between the Houthis and Tehran, which could increase economic pressure on the U.S.

Sixty US Senators have backed a bill proposing tariffs of up to 100% on India, China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan for buying Russian oil. Supported by President Trump, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 aims to empower the administration to impose these tariffs, with exemptions for European allies. The bill allows for tariff reassessment every 180 days and includes a waiver provision for the President. India's imports of Russian crude oil reached record levels in June, making it the second-largest buyer after China. The bill modifies a previous proposal that suggested a 500% tariff.

India's space program is experiencing a significant loss of talent as over 100 experienced scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have resigned or retired recently. In response, the Department of Space has restricted resignations for key mission personnel. Experts attribute this exodus to better opportunities in the growing private space sector, which offers competitive salaries and flexible work environments. Organizational challenges at Isro, including slowed mission execution and centralized decision-making, further exacerbate the issue. The DoS's directive aims to retain crucial expertise for national missions like Gaganyaan amidst this shifting landscape.

A train-van collision in Murshidabad, West Bengal, resulted in the deaths of five people, including three school students and a cyclist. The incident occurred when a passenger train collided with a school van at a railway crossing that had been opened prematurely. Four others were critically injured. The gateman has been arrested, and railway officials expressed regret over the tragedy. Local residents criticized the gateman's negligence and questioned the railway's safety measures. Following the accident, train services were temporarily disrupted as residents protested by blocking the tracks. Compensation of Rs 10 lakh has been announced for the victims.