India

PM Narendra Modi’s three-nation tour: Defence, critical minerals on table at India-Indonesia meeting today

India protests incorrect Kashmir map shown at Dhaka strategic studies seminar

An Indian diplomat raised a formal objection at a seminar in Dhaka after a map depicting Kashmir as part of Pakistan was displayed during a presentation. The protest was made on the spot while a former ambassador was presenting, with the Indian official asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. The former ambassador defended the map, stating it was used for representational purposes only. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.

Taylor Swift's Joe Alwyn breakup track goes viral after Travis Kelce wedding

Taylor Swift's song 'You're Losing Me' has resurfaced online following news of her marriage to NFL star Travis Kelce. Fans are revisiting the track's emotional lyrics, which many interpret as a reflection of her deteriorating relationship with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn. Producer Jack Antonoff previously revealed the song was written roughly 18 months before Swift and Alwyn's split became public knowledge. Lines such as 'And I wouldn't marry myself either' are now being read as foreshadowing the end of that relationship. The renewed interest contrasts the song's somber themes with Swift's apparent new beginning as a newlywed.

ARAI Report Warns E20 Fuel May Degrade Rubber Parts in E10-Compatible Cars

An unpublished report by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found that using E20 fuel in vehicles designed for E10 fuel can cause deterioration of rubber components. However, metallic parts were unaffected and vehicle emissions remained within regulatory limits. A BS-VI turbocharged engine showed problems following durability testing on E20 fuel, while a BS-IV engine did not exhibit similar issues. Two-wheeler engines demonstrated acceptable durability performance when run on E20 fuel. The report also noted that fuel consumption rose by two to six percent in vehicles using the higher ethanol blend.

Mbappe Condemns Racist Remarks by Paraguayan Senator After World Cup Match

France's World Cup victory over Paraguay was marred by a racism row involving Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla. Following a post-match altercation between Kylian Mbappe and Orlando Gill, Amarilla posted offensive comments targeting Mbappe on social media platform X. The French forward responded publicly, denouncing the remarks as racist and hateful. While condemning the senator's words, Mbappe also defended Paraguay's players, distancing them from the controversy.

NIA charges LeT chief Hafiz Saeed over Pahalgam attack that killed 26

India's National Investigation Agency has formally charged Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack. The assault claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local resident. The NIA built its case using digital evidence and on-ground investigation at the site. Saeed has been charged under new Indian penal codes for waging war against India. Since he is based in Pakistan, he will be tried in absentia before an Indian court.

Amitabh Bachchan called developer at 3 am, paid Rs 15 crore for Ayodhya land next day

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan personally called real estate developer Abhinandan Lodha, founder of The House of Abhinandan Lodha, at around 3 am to inquire about purchasing land in Ayodhya. Upon learning the price, Bachchan transferred Rs 15 crore the very next day. The revelation was made by Lodha himself, highlighting the actor's swift and decisive approach to the investment. This purchase is part of Bachchan's broader strategy of expanding his real estate holdings in Ayodhya over recent years.

Merino's stoppage-time goal sends Spain into World Cup quarter-finals

Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in a tense World Cup round-of-16 clash. Mikel Merino scored the only goal deep into stoppage time to seal the narrow victory. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was instrumental, delivering a commanding performance to keep a clean sheet. The result ends Portugal's tournament run and marks what appears to be the conclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. With the win, Spain advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since their 2010 title-winning campaign.

Username feature row: Govt gives WhatsApp 3 more days to reply to notice

Govt Orders ZEE5 to Pull Film 'Satluj' Over National Security Concerns

The Indian government directed OTT platform ZEE5 to remove the film 'Satluj', citing national security concerns. The movie, which had faced earlier censor objections, was released on ZEE5 under a new name after a prolonged delay. The film portrays the story of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The takedown order came shortly after the film finally became available to viewers online. Families of victims have opposed the removal, arguing that the film represents an important acknowledgment of a painful chapter in history.

Washington Tops Global Pollution Charts After Trump's July 4 Fireworks

Washington D.C. briefly became the world's most polluted city following large-scale fireworks displays organized during the July 4 Independence Day celebrations. The festivities, promoted by President Trump, coincided with a record-breaking heat wave that swept across the region. The extreme heat disrupted traditional Independence Day activities, including parades, barbecues, and block parties. The combination of fireworks smoke and heat-wave conditions significantly degraded air quality in the capital.

Experts say impeachment of resigned judge Yashwant Varma serves no legal purpose

Parliament is set to table an inquiry report on the removal of former judge Yashwant Varma, who resigned in April amid allegations of unaccounted cash found at his residence. Constitutional experts argue that impeachment proceedings against him are now legally redundant following his resignation. They clarify that a judge's resignation takes immediate effect and does not require acceptance, meaning he no longer holds office. As a result, the tabling of the inquiry report is widely viewed as a political formality with no practical legal consequence.

Declan Rice's net worth spotlighted as England prepares for 2026 World Cup

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has established himself as one of England's most prominent footballers in recent years. Despite dealing with some injuries in recent matches, Rice has remained committed to performing for his national side. His long-term partner Lauren Fryer, with whom he has a son, has been a steady presence in his personal life. Fryer has largely kept a low profile and avoided the media spotlight despite her partner's high-profile career.

Trump Warns Iran: Strike Deal or Face Infrastructure Strikes

US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Monday, stating that Washington would either negotiate a deal or 'finish the job.' Trump asserted that the United States possesses the capability to severely damage Iran's critical infrastructure. The remarks came amid ongoing peace talks between the two nations. Trump's comments signal mounting pressure on Tehran to reach a diplomatic agreement with Washington.

Autopsy Confirms 12-Year-Old Bengal Girl Was Gang-Raped and Murdered in Baruipur

A 12-year-old girl was gang-raped and killed in Baruipur, West Bengal, with her body later recovered from a local pond. Forensic examination revealed severe physical injuries and suffocation as the cause of death, confirming she was dumped while still alive. Police have arrested three suspects and booked them under stringent legal provisions. The case has drawn strong political attention, with the Chief Minister demanding the death penalty for all those accused.

Henrico County, Virginia Faces 25% Electricity Rate Hike From July 1

Henrico County in Virginia has announced a 25% increase in electricity costs for government facilities, effective July 1. Local officials are urging employees to conserve power in response to the sharp rise. Some residents are also affected, with certain households reportedly seeing their electricity bills double. The surge in costs is being linked to the rapid expansion of AI data centers driving up regional energy demand. The situation highlights growing pressure on public and community resources as the tech industry scales up infrastructure.

Govt proposes 3-year window for keeping vehicles in another state

For hours, Pune cut off from Mumbai as rain hits highways, buses and railway tracks

Landslide on Pune-Mumbai Expressway Link Triggers 18-Hour Traffic Shutdown

A significant landslide blocked the Pune-Mumbai Expressway connecting link for approximately 18 hours, halting traffic along the route. Around 100 tonnes of mud and rock debris fell onto the road close to tunnel two. The incident followed exceptionally heavy rainfall, recorded at nearly three times the 24-hour average for the area. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has engaged IIT-Bombay experts to conduct a technical evaluation of the affected stretch. Authorities stated that ensuring public safety remains their foremost concern as assessment work continues.

SIT Report Flags Oversight Failures in Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement Case

A preliminary SIT report has found that former Ram Temple trust functionary Anil Mishra failed to prevent the alleged theft of donations at the shrine. His oversight lapses reportedly allowed suspects to misappropriate funds collected at the temple. Close to seventy incidents of suspected pilferage were recorded on CCTV cameras. Subhash Srivastava, who oversaw the counting room, has also been flagged for serious dereliction of duty. The report identifies six individuals suspected of involvement in the theft and misappropriation of temple funds.