India

Mamata Banerjee Faces Political Setback Amid Bengal Egg Price Controversy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing political criticism following a recent electoral loss. The controversy has been compounded by a sharp rise in egg prices in the state, which has drawn public attention. The Bengali word for egg, 'dim', has been used satirically in political commentary to describe the situation. Critics have used the price surge as a symbol of broader governance concerns under Banerjee's administration. The dual setback — political and economic — has intensified scrutiny of her leadership in West Bengal.

This 143-million-year-old dinosaur discovered in Thailand, can rewrite parts of Jurassic history

Uttarakhand Monsoon: 118 Roads Blocked, Red Alert Issued Amid Swollen Rivers

Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread disruption across Uttarakhand, with around 118 roads blocked due to debris and fallen stones. Authorities have issued a red alert in the state as rivers continue to swell from the intense rainfall. The closures are affecting connectivity across multiple districts in the hilly state. Residents and travelers have been urged to exercise caution given the dangerous conditions.

Reinstated Mormon Pastor Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Crimes After Earlier Abuse

Wade S. Christofferson, a former Mormon church leader, has pleaded guilty in federal court to coercing and enticing minors. He had previously been removed from his position over earlier abuse allegations, but was later reinstated by the church. The latest investigation was triggered after a sexually explicit FaceTime call involving a child was discovered. Christofferson now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison.

ONGC Seeks Government Nod to Build 1.75 MMT Petroleum Reserve

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has announced plans to construct a petroleum reserve with a capacity of 1.75 million metric tonnes. The company intends to seek the federal government's approval to use the storage facility for commercial purposes. ONGC stated the reserve would be built in the national interest. The move is part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen India's energy storage infrastructure.

17-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Run Over During France World Cup Celebrations

A 17-year-old girl died in France while celebrating the country's World Cup victory. The incident occurred in Aulnoye-Aymeries, a town near the northern city of Maubeuge. The teenager was riding on a truck during the celebrations when she fell and was subsequently run over by the vehicle. The tragic accident cast a shadow over the nation's World Cup jubilation.

Actor Rajesh Sharma hospitalised after insect bite on Prabhas film set; AICWA demands probe

Actor Rajesh Sharma remains hospitalised following an alleged insect bite sustained on the set of Prabhas' film. A medical statement released by his family was removed within 24 hours of being posted, raising concerns. The All Indian Cine Workers Association has called for an investigation into the incident, demanding that medical expenses be covered and those responsible for negligence be held accountable. According to NDTV, Sharma's breathlessness and blood sugar levels have stabilised, though doctors have not yet declared him out of danger.

PM Modi Reaches New Zealand, Wrapping Up Three-Nation Asia-Pacific Tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in New Zealand as the final stop of his three-nation diplomatic tour. The visit follows earlier engagements in Indonesia and Australia. Modi stated that the tour is aimed at strengthening India's Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR Vision. The trip also underscores India's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Supreme Court to hear Ram Mandir donation fraud petitions on July 13

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for July 13 on petitions related to alleged financial irregularities in Ram temple donations. Three separate petitions have been filed seeking a CBI investigation supervised by the court into the suspected embezzlement. The petitioners are also calling for a forensic audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's complete financial records. Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have already launched a probe into the matter, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. Members of the temple trust have expressed confidence in the existing investigation and its administration.

Typhoon Bavi Triggers Mindanao Landslides, Killing 15 and Leaving Six Missing

At least 15 people have been killed and six others reported missing after two landslides struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. The landslides were triggered by heavy rainfall associated with Typhoon Bavi. Philippine authorities confirmed the casualties as the storm continued its path through the region. Typhoon Bavi was simultaneously tracking toward Taiwan, raising further regional concern.

Delhi HC upholds Rajpal Yadav's conviction, sentences actor to 3 months in jail

The Delhi High Court has upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases, sentencing him to three months in prison. The court dismissed his petitions that had challenged the trial court's earlier ruling. Yadav had already paid around Rs 4.25 crore to the complainant company prior to this verdict. The actor continues to face a separate legal dispute involving a significant outstanding loan amount.

'Actions & ideology don't match': BJP MLA asks own govt on Savarkar Bharat Ratna delay

Rice meant for ethanol production ‘diverted’ in Madhya Pradesh, probe underway

23% of Karnataka Youth Are Neither Employed Nor in Education

A significant portion of Karnataka's youth population — around 23% — are currently neither employed nor enrolled in any educational program. This growing concern highlights a widening gap in both job creation and educational outreach across the state. Bengaluru, as the state's economic hub, bears a disproportionate burden of absorbing this disengaged youth population. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of existing government schemes and employment policies in Karnataka. Authorities face mounting pressure to address structural barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce or pursuing education.

France Returns 23 Ancient Syrian Artifacts to Damascus After 15 Years

France has returned 23 historically significant Syrian artifacts during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus. The collection includes Roman bronze objects, Byzantine and Islamic-era pieces, and a vibrant mosaic panel. The mosaic had originally decorated the iconic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. The items had been held in France for approximately 15 years before being repatriated to Syria.

Adani Group Partners French Firm to Enter Low-Carbon Chemicals Sector

Adani Group has announced a partnership with a French company to develop low-carbon chemicals in India. The collaboration marks the conglomerate's entry into the low-carbon chemicals space. This move represents a strategic expansion for Adani beyond its existing renewable energy and infrastructure businesses. The partnership signals Adani's growing interest in sustainable industrial solutions within India.

How 13 rabbits released in 1859 created Australia’s worst ecological crisis

Sonam Wangchuk loses 7.5 kg after 13-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 7.5 kg over 13 days of fasting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, saying his condition has stabilized despite visible physical deterioration. He invoked his constitutional right to peaceful protest, urging authorities not to interfere with the demonstration. Wangchuk is backing students who are demanding accountability over examination irregularities, alongside unresolved political issues concerning Ladakh. He has called for the education minister's resignation, arguing it would help rebuild young people's trust in the political system. The protest is set to intensify with a planned march to Parliament scheduled for July 20.

How the US Detonated a 1.4-Megaton Nuclear Bomb 400km Above Earth

The United States once conducted a high-altitude nuclear test known as Starfish Prime. The test involved the detonation of a 1.4-megaton thermonuclear bomb approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth's surface. The experiment was carried out as part of Cold War-era nuclear testing programs. The detonation took place in the upper reaches of the atmosphere, far above populated areas.

Italian Ex-Spy Arrested for Selling NATO Classified Secrets to Russia

A 59-year-old retired Italian intelligence officer has been arrested on charges of passing NATO classified secrets to Russian operatives. The spy allegedly received €4,000 in cash for each piece of classified information exchanged. Covert handoffs were conducted through concealed notes hidden in walls and clandestine meetings held in parks. The case highlights ongoing concerns about espionage threats targeting NATO member states from Russian intelligence networks.