India's Sarnath, the sacred Buddhist site near Varanasi where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes it India's 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sarnath features the iconic Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar. UNESCO criteria for inclusion require sites to represent masterpieces of human genius, exhibit cultural interchange, or bear unique testimony to civilisations. India's other sites include Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, and Kaziranga.

India's Finance Ministry has flagged demand compression as a serious concern for the economy, indicating weakening consumer spending and reduced purchasing power among citizens. Sluggish rural demand, stagnant wages, high inflation, and unemployment have contributed to this slowdown. Compressed demand affects production, corporate earnings, and GDP growth. The Ministry emphasized the need for policy interventions like boosting government spending, tax relief, and social sector investments to revive consumption. Experts warn prolonged demand weakness could derail economic recovery.

The US military launched new strikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi positions in Yemen, escalating tensions across West Asia. An American-linked oil tanker was attacked in Egyptian waters, reportedly by Houthi militants disrupting Red Sea shipping routes. These developments follow ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which has drawn in regional proxies. The US reaffirmed its commitment to protecting commercial shipping and deterring Iranian-allied groups. Diplomatic efforts continue amid fears of broader regional escalation involving multiple nations.

**US Strikes on Iran: Key Details**

The US launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas in Iran following a deadly drone attack on a US military base in Jordan, which killed three American soldiers and injured dozens. The Jordan attack was attributed to Iran-backed militias. President Biden vowed to hold responsible parties accountable. The strikes targeted weapons depots and militia command centers linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Iran condemned the strikes as escalatory. The region remains on high alert as tensions between the US and Iran intensify, raising fears of a broader West Asian conflict. Global leaders urged restraint to prevent full-scale war.

International Tiger Day, celebrated July 29, highlights India's remarkable tiger conservation success. India's tiger population rebounded from 1,411 in 2006 to over 3,600, housing 75% of the world's wild tigers. Project Tiger and protected reserves drove this recovery. However, challenges persist—habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and shrinking corridors threaten progress. Experts warn that growing populations need expanded, connected habitats. India's success is commendable, but sustaining it demands stronger enforcement, community involvement, and addressing encroachment.

The US Senate is advancing a bill that could impose up to 100% tariffs on countries, including India, that continue purchasing Russian oil and energy. The legislation targets nations helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions amid the Ukraine war. India, a major buyer of discounted Russian crude, faces significant economic impact if enacted. The move reflects growing US frustration over allies maintaining trade ties with Moscow. If passed, it could strain US-India relations, raise fuel costs, and disrupt global energy markets, pushing India to diversify its oil sources.

The 2026 BRICS Summit, to be hosted by India, may see Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting the country. This would mark a significant diplomatic moment, especially given India-China border tensions and Russia's global isolation over the Ukraine war. The summit gains further importance amid the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Israel, Iran, and regional players. India, as host, aims to strengthen multilateral dialogue, boost BRICS cooperation, and position itself as a key mediator on global issues, balancing ties with both Western nations and BRICS partners.

The U.S. military launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Iraq and Syria after foiling a planned missile attack on American forces in the region. The strikes targeted weapons storage facilities, command centers, and launch sites used by Iran-backed groups. Tensions have escalated amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with Iranian proxies frequently targeting U.S. bases. The Pentagon confirmed the defensive action was necessary to protect American personnel and deter future attacks, warning Iran of further consequences if provocations continue.

India's government investing in AI companies raises concerns about fair competition. Critics argue state-backed funding gives select firms unfair advantages over startups and private competitors, distorting the market. Such investments may create monopolistic tendencies, discourage innovation, and limit equal opportunities for smaller players. Opponents suggest the government should instead focus on creating regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and skill development programs that benefit the entire AI ecosystem equally, rather than picking winners through direct financial involvement in private enterprises.

**Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, India's first deep-water transshipment port, is poised to transform India's maritime trade. Developed by Adani Ports with ₹7,525 crore investment, it features a natural depth of 20+ metres, enabling mega container ships to dock. Currently, 75% of India's transshipment cargo goes to Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai, costing billions. Vizhinjam, located near international shipping routes, can recapture this cargo, saving foreign exchange and boosting exports significantly.**

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, currently in exile in India, expressed willingness to return to Bangladesh but warned she "could be killed" if she goes back. She fled in August 2024 amid massive anti-government protests led by students over job quota reforms, which turned violent, killing hundreds. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus replaced her. Hasina faces multiple criminal charges, including murder and crimes against humanity. She accused conspirators of orchestrating her ouster and fears political persecution upon return.

As of July 2026, small finance banks are offering highly competitive fixed deposit rates, with the highest reaching up to 8.10%, significantly outpacing major commercial banks. Seven leading small finance banks, including Unity, Utkarsh, Equitas, Suryoday, Jana, AU, and Northeast, are attracting depositors with superior returns on various tenures. While large banks like SBI and HDFC offer FD rates between 6.5%-7.25%, small finance banks provide 7%-8.10% for similar tenures. These banks are RBI-regulated and deposits up to ₹5 lakh are insured under DICGC, ensuring safety. Senior citizens typically receive an additional 0.25%-0.75% premium. Experts advise comparing tenures, premature withdrawal penalties, and auto-renewal terms before investing.

# ब्रेंट क्रूड $92 के पार: भारत पर बढ़ता खतरा

ब्रेंट क्रूड ऑयल की कीमत $92 प्रति बैरल के पार पहुंच गई है। अमेरिका-ईरान के बीच बढ़ते तनाव, मध्य-पूर्व में अस्थिरता और OPEC+ देशों द्वारा उत्पादन कटौती जारी रखने से कीमतें तेजी से बढ़ी हैं। भारत अपनी कुल तेल जरूरत का लगभग 85% आयात करता है, इसलिए कच्चे तेल की बढ़ती कीमतें भारत के लिए बड़ा जोखिम हैं। इससे पेट्रोल-डीजल महंगा हो सकता है, मुद्रास्फीति बढ़ सकती है, व्यापार घाटा बढ़ेगा और रुपये पर दबाव आएगा। चालू खाता घाटा (CAD) भी प्रभावित होगा, जिससे आर्थिक विकास दर पर नकारात्मक असर पड़ सकता है।

Johnson & Johnson's baby powder faced allegations that its talc-based products were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. Talc and asbestos are naturally found near each other in mines, raising contamination risks. Studies linked prolonged talcum powder use to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or applied near genitals, can cause chronic inflammation and DNA damage, triggering cancer. J&J faced thousands of lawsuits and discontinued talc-based powder in 2020, switching to cornstarch. The company denied wrongdoing but proposed a multibillion-dollar settlement.

A search-and-rescue operation is underway in the South China Sea after the Vietnamese cargo ship Khoi Nguyen 18 sank near Yongshu Reef with 62 crew members aboard. Out of the 62 on board, 39 crew members have been rescued so far, while 23 remain missing. Joint search efforts involving six Chinese vessels, a rescue helicopter, and a Vietnamese vessel were deployed following a distress signal, searching life rafts in the area.