India

INS Trikand foils piracy attempt on merchant vessel in Gulf of Aden

Congress, AAP demand SC-monitored probe into Ram Temple donation irregularities

Congress has called on Prime Minister Modi to order a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into alleged financial irregularities in Ram Temple donations, labelling the matter a 'chanda chori mega scandal'. The party dismissed the Uttar Pradesh government's SIT inquiry as insufficient, alleging that senior officials are complicit in the wrongdoing. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal supported the demand, claiming that influential figures linked to land deals and temple construction are being protected from accountability. Both parties contend that only lower-level individuals are being arrested while those with greater power remain untouched. The opposition's coordinated criticism signals growing political pressure on the ruling establishment over the temple donation controversy.

Samit Dravid's batting style draws Rahul Dravid comparisons at Maharaja Trophy

Samit Dravid turned heads at the Maharaja Trophy with a batting technique that fans found strikingly similar to his father, cricket legend Rahul Dravid. Despite the comparisons, Samit is developing his own identity as a pace-bowling all-rounder, with a strong record in age-group cricket. His younger brother Anvay Dravid is also emerging as a cricketing talent, recently earning a call-up to India's Under-19 squad as a wicketkeeper-batter. The Dravid family appears to be nurturing a new generation of cricketers across multiple disciplines.

Yamal and Cubarsí become first teenage World Cup knockout starters since Pelé in 1958

Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí made history by becoming the first teenage pair to start a World Cup knockout match since Pelé and Altafini did so in 1958. Both players are Barcelona youngsters who have broken into Spain's senior setup at a remarkably young age. Yamal was awarded Man of the Match despite managing a hamstring concern throughout the game. Cubarsí complemented his teammate with a composed and error-free defensive display. The milestone marks a significant moment in World Cup history, drawing direct comparisons to one of football's greatest legends.

Delhi Schools Left Without Regular Teachers as Entire Staff Deployed for Election Duty

All regular teachers at two Delhi government schools have been assigned Booth Level Officer duties ahead of elections, leaving classrooms entirely in the hands of guest teachers. This has raised serious concerns about academic disruption, particularly for students preparing for board examinations. Educators argue that managing hundreds of students without permanent staff creates an unavoidable learning gap. While teachers acknowledge the significance of election duties, they are calling for a more equitable distribution of responsibilities across schools to minimise educational impact.

IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rain in Two Uttarakhand Districts

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand's Nainital and Bageshwar districts on Friday. The alert warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in certain parts of these areas. An orange alert typically signals that authorities and residents should be prepared for potentially disruptive weather conditions. The IMD's warning highlights the need for precautionary measures in the affected districts.

India and Japan Sign New Deals in AI, Energy and Defence During PM Takaichi's Visit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited India, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations between the two countries. Both nations signed new agreements spanning artificial intelligence, energy, and defence cooperation. A joint roadmap for economic security was adopted to bolster supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors. The two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral trade through a review of their existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The talks reflected a partnership grounded in deep mutual trust between India and Japan.

Rumours Swirl Over Alleged Secret Marriage Between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

Speculation is mounting that pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce may have already married in a private ceremony. Sources suggest the couple may have exchanged vows quietly, possibly in Tennessee, ahead of a reported July 3rd public event. Movements of their private jet near family residences have fuelled further rumours. If the reports hold true, the anticipated Madison Square Garden gathering would serve as a celebratory event rather than the actual wedding ceremony. Neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed or denied the claims.

Two Police Officers Shot Dead by Gunmen in Northwest Pakistan

Two police personnel, including a senior officer, were fatally shot in northwest Pakistan on Friday. The attack occurred when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a routine police patrol. A third officer sustained critical injuries in the incident. Authorities confirmed the attack but have not yet identified the perpetrators.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Reportedly Married in Private Ceremony

Pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce have reportedly tied the knot in a private ceremony, according to the New York Post. Both aged 36, the couple are said to be legally married following the intimate union. A large-scale celebration with over a thousand guests is reportedly being planned at Madison Square Garden later this week. The private ceremony appears to be a precursor to the more elaborate public event marking the milestone.

Oyarzabal Double Powers Spain to 3-0 Win Over Austria, Into Last 16

Spain secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, while Pedro Porro added a header to complete the convincing win. The result extended Spain's unbeaten run to 35 matches, underlining their dominance in possession and attack. Austria put up a fight but were consistently outclassed by Spain's disciplined and clinical performance. Spain now advance to the knockout stage as one of the tournament's standout teams.

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Donate $26 Million To Charities Ahead Of Wedding

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated $26 million to charities this week ahead of their Friday wedding at Madison Square Garden.

Bank of Baroda pays ₹5,700 crore to settle NMC Health insolvency dispute

Bank of Baroda has reached an out-of-court settlement worth $600 million (approximately ₹5,700 crore) with administrators of the defunct NMC Health group. The agreement resolves a prolonged legal battle tied to cross-border insolvency proceedings and alleged fraud. NMC Health collapsed in 2020, triggering one of the largest corporate failures in the UAE. The settlement funds will be distributed among NMC's creditors. Bank of Baroda's shares reacted to the announcement following the deal's disclosure.

Puri calls mileage concerns over E20 fuel minor, dismisses social media claims

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has addressed growing public concern over ethanol-blended E20 fuel, describing circulating social media narratives as 'make-believe.' He acknowledged a marginal reduction in mileage but noted that E20 can offer benefits such as improved vehicle acceleration. The ministry has issued a detailed clarification to counter what it calls misinformation about ethanol blending. Officials also pointed to the long historical backing of ethanol as a fuel additive, referencing early advocates like Henry Ford, to reinforce its credibility and safety.

Patriots, 49ers emerge as top trade destinations for Raiders' Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby has been at the center of trade speculation since early 2026. A reported deal to send him to the Baltimore Ravens fell through after he failed a physical examination in March 2026. With the situation still unresolved heading into the new season, two new teams have emerged as frontrunners to acquire the pass rusher. The New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers are now considered the most likely destinations for the $106.5 million star.

Supreme Court voids NCLT, NCLAT orders citing fake AI-generated case laws

The Supreme Court has struck down orders issued by the NCLT and NCLAT after finding they relied on fabricated case laws generated by artificial intelligence tools. The bench stressed that human oversight must remain central to the delivery of justice and warned against uncritical dependence on AI. The court adopted a zero-tolerance stance, declaring any ruling based on unverified AI-generated legal precedents to be invalid. A dedicated committee has been formed to examine the broader implications of AI use within judicial proceedings. The ruling underscores growing concerns about the risks of delegating legal reasoning to automated systems without adequate verification.

Modi, Japan's Takaichi Reaffirm Commitment to Early Quad Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi have jointly called for an early Quad summit, underscoring the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The two leaders issued a joint statement strongly condemning cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan, naming groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both nations expressed support for India's membership in the International Energy Agency. India and Japan also jointly opposed unilateral actions destabilising the East and South China Seas.

Zuckerberg Admits Meta's AI Agent Progress Slower Than Expected

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged at an internal company town hall on Thursday that AI agent development has not progressed as anticipated. Speaking candidly to employees, he said the technology had failed to accelerate over the past four months in the way the company had expected. The remarks were captured in a recording later obtained by Reuters. The admission highlights the broader challenges tech companies face in advancing AI agent capabilities on their projected timelines.

Turkish Comedian Arrested at Istanbul Airport Over Jokes Deemed Offensive to Islam

A well-known Turkish comedian was taken into custody upon landing at Istanbul airport on Thursday. Prosecutors alleged that material from one of his stand-up performances was offensive to Islam. The arrest was made based on charges related to insulting the religion. The case has drawn attention to the boundaries of free expression in Turkey.

ED compounds 150+ FEMA cases with RBI nod to cut legal delays

India's Enforcement Directorate has resolved over 150 Foreign Exchange Management Act cases through compounding in the past 15 months. The settlements were carried out with no-objection certificates issued by the Reserve Bank of India. Under this approach, violators pay a prescribed penalty instead of facing prolonged legal proceedings. The move is aimed at speeding up case resolution and creating a more business-friendly regulatory environment in India.