India

BTS to headline FIFA World Cup Final halftime show amid long football ties

BTS is set to perform at the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, marking a significant milestone in the group's relationship with global football. Over the years, the South Korean K-pop group has had notable encounters with football icons including Son Heung-min, David Beckham, and Neymar. Member Jungkook further cemented the group's ties to the sport with a widely praised solo performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The full group's upcoming appearance reflects a broader cultural convergence between K-pop and international football on the world's biggest stage.

Bodies of 15 Indians killed in Vietnam boat capsize repatriated to Mumbai

The remains of 15 Indian nationals who died in a boat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island have been flown back to Mumbai. The victims included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. The tragedy occurred on Friday when a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island. One Indian survivor remains hospitalised in the region following a medical procedure. Vietnamese authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and taken the boat operator into custody.

Kyle Sandilands' Glenorie Estate Draws Huge Interest After $800K Price Reduction

Australian radio broadcaster Kyle Sandilands has slashed the asking price of his former weekend retreat in Glenorie, New South Wales, by $800,000. The semi-rural Hills District estate was first listed in late February 2025 with a price guide of $5.7 million to $5.9 million. After failing to sell at auction in May, the property is now being offered at between $4.9 million and $5.1 million. The significant price reduction has propelled the listing to become one of the most-viewed properties in New South Wales.

Christopher Plummer's Historic Connecticut Estate Lists for $12.995 Million

An 1866 Colonial estate in Darien, Connecticut, once owned by actor Christopher Plummer, has been listed for sale at $12.995 million. The waterfront property features modern upgrades alongside its historic architecture. It offers direct access to a private sandy beach, making it a prime example of luxury coastal living. Given Darien's competitive real estate market, the listing is expected to attract strong buyer interest.

NCP secretary challenges Sunetra Pawar's election as national party president

A legal notice has been issued challenging the validity of Sunetra Pawar's election as national president of the NCP. The notice questions whether proper constitutional protocols were followed during the election process. Senior leader Praful Patel acknowledged a leadership vacuum within the party and the need for corrective steps. The notice also flags inconsistencies in documents the party submitted to the Election Commission. The party has been given 15 days to declare the election and office-bearer list null and void.

Narottam Mishra Campaigns Emotionally for BJP Candidate in Datia By-Election

Senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra, once among Madhya Pradesh's most influential politicians, appeared at a campaign event in Datia for the ongoing Assembly by-election. He was present to lend support to BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari ahead of the crucial vote. Mishra's emotional display during the event drew significant attention and became a talking point in local political circles. The moment has come to symbolize the shifting dynamics of power and influence in Datia's political landscape.

Ladakh Plans Hill Councils for All 7 Districts to Boost Local Governance

Ladakh is set to establish Hill Councils across all seven of its districts as part of a push to strengthen local governance in the Union Territory. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra announced the plan, which also includes a UT-level governing body to oversee the councils. This overarching body would be structured under a customised Article 371 framework tailored to Ladakh's unique administrative needs. The proposed UT-level institution would hold legislative, executive, financial, and administrative authority above the seven Hill Councils.

BRS to Hold Youth Rally in Hyderabad Over Congress's Unfulfilled Job Promises

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has launched a fresh campaign against the ruling Congress government in Telangana, targeting its failure to fulfill job promises. As part of this pressure campaign, the party is set to organize a public meeting titled 'Yuva Sangrama Sadassu' on July 18. The event will be held at Saroornagar Stadium in Hyderabad. The rally is aimed at highlighting the Congress government's unmet commitments to youth employment in the state.

Nashik Family Chased 15 km, Vehicle Attacked After Resisting Molestation

A family in Nashik, Maharashtra was chased for approximately 15 kilometres after they resisted an alleged molestation attempt. The attackers pursued the family and attempted to assault them using wooden sticks and iron rods. The family's vehicle was severely damaged during the violent confrontation. The incident highlights a troubling pattern of retaliatory violence against those who speak out against harassment.

Ex-Spanish PM Rajoy faces racism row over 'no French players' remark

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked a racism controversy after claiming France's football team had 'no French players' ahead of a World Cup semi-final. His comments were widely condemned as xenophobic and racist by political leaders in both Spain and France. French officials pushed back strongly, emphasizing that all players in the national squad hold French citizenship. Authorities stressed that athletes should be evaluated on their talent and merit, not their ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

'More destructive than US': China hits out at Japan's military role in South China Sea

Heavy Rain Floods Guwahati, Causing Severe Traffic Disruption

Heavy rainfall caused significant flooding across Guwahati, leaving thousands of residents stranded in lengthy traffic jams. Floodwaters overflowed onto a major highway, submerging one of its carriageways entirely. Authorities were compelled to step in and reroute traffic away from the affected stretch. The waterlogging severely disrupted the movement of commuters and vehicles across the city.

Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle International Criminal Court

The Trump administration has launched a campaign against the International Criminal Court, targeting the tribunal's jurisdiction over American officials and military personnel. Washington contends that the ICC poses a direct threat to US national sovereignty and self-governance. The administration plans to deploy diplomatic pressure and potential sanctions as tools to undermine the court's operations. The broader goal is to shield American citizens from prosecution by an international body the US does not recognize as having authority over its nationals.

Curbs across Old Srinagar for Martyr’s Day, even Omar minister stopped

Karthik doubts Andy Flower will take England Test coach role due to IPL ties

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has expressed doubt that Andy Flower will become England's next Test coach. While Karthik considers Flower a strong candidate for the role, he believes the appointment is unlikely given Flower's existing commitments. Flower is currently bound by a three-year contract with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This arrangement would conflict with England's Test match schedule, making a dual role highly challenging.

One Person Killed in Maine Shooting Involving ICE Agents

A shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Maine has resulted in one fatality, according to the state's House Speaker. The incident marks a significant development in a state that has seen heightened immigration enforcement activity in recent months. ICE had previously announced in late January that it had ended its "enhanced operations" in Maine following hundreds of arrests. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of the deceased have not yet been fully disclosed. Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.

'Will we just watch him succumb?' : Sonam Wangchuk's health worsens after 16 days of fast

BJP targets Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi over absence from landslide-hit Wayanad

The BJP has criticised Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi for not visiting Wayanad in the wake of a deadly landslide, calling them part-time politicians and political tourists. Rahul Gandhi has not made a public appearance in nearly three weeks, drawing further scrutiny given Wayanad's importance as his former constituency. The district holds significant political weight for the Gandhi family, making their absence more conspicuous. The Congress party has defended both leaders, arguing that staying away helps keep the spotlight on relief and rescue operations rather than politics.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Railways upgrades 10 stations at Rs 424 crore cost

US Uses Sea Drones in Combat for First Time, Strikes Iran Submarine Base

The United States military conducted a strike on an Iranian submarine facility at the strategically important Bandar Abbas port. Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels were deployed to carry out the attack. This marks the first recorded instance of American forces using sea drones in active combat operations. The strike targeted a key naval installation, signaling a significant shift in US military tactics.