India

Mumbai, Thane, Palghar Schools Shut as IMD Issues Orange Rain Alert

Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar were closed after authorities declared a holiday in response to an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect student safety amid forecasts of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Government and private offices, however, remained operational during the closure. Residents were advised to limit non-essential travel as the heavy rain continued to disrupt daily life. Institutions were given the option to hold online classes if needed.

FIFA Lifts Balogun Red Card Ban; Belgium Eyes Legal Action Ahead of US Clash

FIFA has controversially overturned Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, making the striker available for the USA's upcoming World Cup match against Belgium. US coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed the decision, citing reasons of ethics and integrity. President Donald Trump also publicly praised FIFA's ruling. Belgium, however, expressed shock at the decision and is reportedly considering legal action against it. The episode has raised concerns about the precedent such a ruling could set in international football governance.

Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board becomes first in India to include Hindu members

The Madhya Pradesh government has reconstituted its 10-member Waqf Board following amendments to the Waqf Act. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav appointed Sanwar Patel as the board's new chairman. Two Hindu members, Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava, have been inducted into the board. This marks the first instance of a state-level Waqf Board in India including non-Muslim members under the revised legislation.

Banks shut in West Bengal and Mizoram on July 6 amid regional holidays

Several bank branches across India are closed on select dates in July due to state-specific public holidays. On July 6, branches in West Bengal and Mizoram remain shut. Additional regional closures are scheduled in Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Sikkim, and Tripura on other dates this month. Branches are also closed on Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Customers can continue to use digital banking services without interruption during these holidays.

Washington's air turns world's worst after July 4 fireworks extravaganza

Monsoon Rains Disrupt Flights, Trigger Flood Alerts Across India

Heavy monsoon rainfall has caused significant disruptions to air travel and prompted flood alerts across multiple parts of India. Flight operations were grounded at affected airports due to intense rain and strong gusty winds. High-density routes, including the Delhi-Mumbai corridor, were among the most impacted by the adverse weather conditions. The disruptions are part of a broader pattern of weather-related challenges that typically accompany India's ongoing monsoon season.

Haaland, Messi and Mbappé share Golden Boot lead with 7 goals each at 2026 World Cup

Three of football's biggest stars — Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé — have each scored seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking an unprecedented milestone in the tournament's history. Haaland's late brace proved decisive as Norway pulled off a major upset against Brazil, sending the Scandinavian side into the quarterfinals. The feat has set up a compelling three-way race for the Golden Boot award. The simultaneous performance of these modern greats at the same scoring tally has never been seen before at a World Cup.

Ram Temple Trust Meets to Address Resignations and Embezzlement Allegations

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has convened a crucial meeting to address serious internal issues. The gathering comes amid allegations of embezzlement that have surfaced within the organization. The trust is also expected to deliberate on resignation demands linked to the controversy. The meeting signals growing pressure on the trust's leadership to respond to the ongoing dispute.

Anti-Trump, Anti-Netanyahu Slogans Erupt at Khamenei Funeral in Tehran

The funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei drew large crowds in Tehran, where inflammatory rhetoric dominated the atmosphere. Posters and graffiti at the Grand Mosalla venue openly called for the assassination of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Crowds echoed similar slogans throughout the proceedings. The event also saw the public reappearance of several senior Iranian leaders who had reportedly been in hiding. The funeral gathering underscored the heightened tensions between Iran and its geopolitical adversaries.

Mumbai's Wettest July Day in 50 Years Kills 8, Disrupts Flights and Schools

Mumbai was battered by record-breaking rainfall on what became the city's wettest July day in over half a century. A building collapse in Mankhurd killed six people, five of whom were children. Unusually strong winds also uprooted trees across the city, causing additional fatalities. Flight operations were disrupted due to the severe weather conditions. Authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions as more heavy rainfall was forecast.

Category 5 Super Typhoon Bavi makes landfall, hits US Pacific islands with destructive winds

Gurugram Man Allegedly Shoots Wife Dead in Girlfriend's Room, Flees to Nepal

A 25-year-old man in Manesar, Gurugram, allegedly murdered his wife just three months after their marriage. The suspect reportedly brought his wife to his girlfriend's room, where she was shot dead. The man and his girlfriend are believed to have fled to Nepal following the incident. Authorities are currently investigating the case and working to trace the absconding couple.

NTA to Release Re-NEET 2026 OMR Sheets and Final Answer Key by July 20

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to publish Re-NEET 2026 OMR response sheets, the final answer key, and results on its official website by July 20. Candidates will be able to access their OMR sheets by logging in with their credentials to verify the responses recorded during the exam. The final result will be compiled after all submitted objections to the answer key have been reviewed and resolved. Scorecards released to candidates will include personal details, all-India ranks, and qualifying status. Expected qualifying marks and admission cutoffs are also anticipated to provide an early indication of counselling trends.

Explosion at retired Army officer's home in Rewari leaves five injured

A powerful blast struck the residence of a retired Army Subedar in Hans Nagar, Rewari, injuring at least five people. The explosion was so forceful that residents in the area compared the impact to an earthquake. Four of the five injured were transferred to a hospital in Rohtak for advanced medical care. Significant structural damage was reported inside the house. Police and forensic teams have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hits back at Kejriwal over 'who are you' remark on Nabin

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has sharply responded to former CM Arvind Kejriwal after he questioned the identity of a political figure named Nabin. Gupta took to X to introduce Nabin and outline his political background and credentials. She accused Kejriwal of letting political frustration turn into arrogance, stating that his ego remains unchecked. Gupta suggested that Kejriwal is feeling desperate and disheartened following recent political setbacks.

Indian Markets Set for Flat Open as Global Cues Remain Mixed

Indian stock markets are expected to open on a flat note, according to early market indicators. Global market signals remained mixed, offering no clear directional cue for domestic traders. Brent crude oil slipped below the $72-per-barrel mark, adding to the cautious sentiment. Investors are likely to tread carefully amid the uncertain international backdrop.

Trump Shares Meloni Restraining Order Meme Days Before NATO Summit Meeting

US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by sharing a meme suggesting she needs a restraining order against him. The post came just ahead of their anticipated face-to-face meeting at the NATO summit. The friction follows Trump's claims that Meloni sought photos with him and that Italy denied US aircraft access to its runways. Meloni firmly dismissed these allegations as entirely fabricated. The episode marks a sharp deterioration in what had previously been a cordial relationship between the two right-leaning leaders.

Oil price today: Crude slips after OPEC+ announces raising output targets from August

ISRO Successfully Tests Solid Motor for Gaganyaan Parachute Trial Vehicle

India's space agency ISRO has successfully tested a solid motor intended for a new sub-orbital rocket supporting the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The vehicle is designed to carry the crew module to high altitudes to evaluate its parachute recovery system. The motor was adapted from an existing PSLV rocket motor, demonstrating ISRO's approach of repurposing proven technology. The successful test represents a key milestone in ensuring astronauts can safely return to Earth after spaceflight.

Jaishankar meets Qatar PM, praises mediation role in US-Iran talks

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during an official visit to Qatar. The two leaders reviewed the full scope of bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on energy, trade, investments, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of shared concern. Jaishankar acknowledged Qatar's mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. Technical talks related to the US-Iran negotiations are expected to be held on July 11, though the venue has not yet been finalised.