Saudi Aramco has announced a significant reduction in crude oil prices for Asian countries, including India, by $11 per barrel for August. This move comes as Brent crude fell to $72 per barrel following the easing of US-Iran tensions and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait are increasing supply under OPEC+ quotas, leading to expectations of a drop in petrol and diesel prices in India. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/world/world-news-saudi-arabia-effects-deepest-crude-price-cut-in-26-years-check-all-details-inside-875059

A school bus from Chitkara International School went out of control in Panchkula and rammed into six vehicles on the road. Despite about 20 children being on board at the time of the accident, no serious injuries were reported, and all students are safe. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/punjab/panchkula-school-bus-accident-6-news18-985069.html

The Amarnath Yatra has commenced with high-level security arrangements in Pathankot. Multi-layered security involving the Punjab Police, Indian Army, BSF, and Air Force has been deployed. The Air Force will conduct aerial surveillance of the route, while SOG commandos and CCTV cameras monitor community kitchens (langars). Essential facilities like medical camps, 24-hour food services, and emergency trauma centers are established along the Jalandhar-Jammu National Highway to ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims. https://punjab.news18.com/news/pathankot/amarnath-yatra-2026-begins-pathankot-ready-with-langars-and-multi-layer-security-forces-check-post-local18-985067.html

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Maharashtra's Nashik, Thane, and Raigad districts. In response, authorities have closed schools and colleges in Mumbai and five talukas of Nashik, including Trimbakeshwar and Igatpuri. Prominent temples like Trimbakeshwar and Saptashrungi are closed for a day to ensure devotee safety. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation as heavy rains caused river overflows and disrupted train services at Nalasopara station. NDRF and Navy teams are on high alert. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/india/maharashtra-monsoon-heavy-rain-imd-weather-forecast-pune-mumbai-expressway-train-cancelled-school-college-closed-check-all-details-inside-875060

Local residents in Pathankot foiled an attempted burglary at a closed house late at night. One suspect, identified as Abhishek from Gurdaspur, was caught red-handed with a gas cylinder while his accomplices escaped. Police recovered an Activa scooter from the spot and have registered a case at Division No. 2 Police Station. Investigation is ongoing to nab the absconding suspects. https://punjab.news18.com/news/pathankot/pathankot-theft-attempt-foiled-accused-caught-with-gas-cylinder-accomplices-escape-investigation-js-local18-985065.html

Alok Mittal, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mittal, who was serving as the DG of Prisons in Haryana, was previously a contender for the Haryana DGP post. He has also served in the NIA and is a recipient of the President's Police Medal. He is scheduled to retire on June 30, 2029. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/india/haryana-news-ips-alok-mittal-appointed-dg-bprd-check-all-details-inside-875058

An 85-year-old resident of Bengaluru, N.G. Kesari, earned 28 lakh rupees after a 40-year-old sandalwood tree in his courtyard fell during heavy rain. He had meticulously protected the naturally grown tree for decades using an iron cage. Following the incident, he informed the forest department, and the tree, weighing nearly one ton, was purchased by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited. The state government also honored him with the 'Sandalwood Shiromani' award for his preservation efforts. https://punjab.news18.com/news/ajab-gajab/a-40-year-old-tree-fell-in-the-yard-of-the-house-the-fate-of-an-85-year-old-man-was-revealed-985072.html

In a recent RTO auction in Jalandhar, the fancy number PB 08 GA 0001 was sold for a whopping Rs 8.52 lakh. Remarkably, this VIP number was purchased for an Activa scooter, which costs only around Rs 1.10 lakh. The bid amount is equivalent to the price of nearly 8 new Activa scooters. Other numbers like 0007 and 0005 also fetched high prices of Rs 3.11 lakh and Rs 2.83 lakh respectively, highlighting the craze for fancy vehicle numbers in the city. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/070726/vip-number-purchased-for-activa-in-jalandhar-for-rs-852-lakh.html

The article details the 84-day Kargil War of 1999, marking its 26th anniversary. It covers the initial detection of Pakistani infiltrators by local shepherds on May 3, the brutal killing of Indian soldiers, and the subsequent military response involving the Air Force. The conflict concluded with India's victory on July 26, 1999, after reclaiming occupied territories in the Dras and Batalik sectors despite extreme weather conditions. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/nation/070726/read-the-full-story-of-those-84-days-in-1999-from-the-infiltration-of.html

The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Punjab, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh for the next three days. In Punjab, 11 districts including Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Mohali are under alert. Himachal Pradesh faces an orange alert in districts like Shimla and Kangra. Temperatures have dropped by 1.7 degrees, providing relief from the heat. Experts suggest this rain will benefit the ongoing paddy season. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/state/punjab-likely-heavy-rain-alert-in-some-isolated-places-in-punjab-and-himachal-weather-update-pbs26070700490