India

India sends notices to Telegram and Signal over username fraud concerns

The Indian government has issued formal notices to Telegram and Signal, following an earlier directive sent to Meta's WhatsApp. Authorities are demanding that both platforms explain how their username systems work and what safeguards are in place to prevent fraud, impersonation, and scams. The platforms have been given three days to respond to the government's queries. Officials also specifically questioned Telegram about its username feature, expressing concerns over its potential misuse for cybercrime.

TMC leader flags MPs’ safety in letter to Speaker Om Birla after mob attacks Mahua Moitra in Nadia

Trump Plans Record-Breaking July 4 Fireworks Show Amid Health Concerns

Washington is set to host what is being billed as the world's largest fireworks display to mark the United States' 250th anniversary on Saturday. The event is being organized under the Trump administration as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Health experts have raised alarms over the scale of the fireworks show, describing it as ill-advised. Concerns center on the potential air quality and public health impact of such a massive pyrotechnic display in a densely populated area.

Usain Bolt's net worth hits $90M in 2026, nine years after retirement

Retired sprint legend Usain Bolt has accumulated an estimated net worth of $90 million as of 2026, nearly a decade after leaving competitive athletics. His wealth is driven by long-standing endorsement deals and various business ventures that have kept him financially prominent globally. His partner, Kasi Bennett, has independently built a net worth of $1–2 million through her own entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits. Together, the Jamaican couple holds a combined net worth of approximately $92 million. Their financial profile reflects a lifestyle that balances family life, luxury, and continued business growth.

Ayodhya Temple Trust Is Autonomous, Not Answerable to Government: MHA

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ayodhya temple, operates as an independent body with no governmental accountability. The Union Home Ministry had confirmed this position to the Central Information Commission last year. The trust is scheduled to hold a key meeting on July 6 to address resignations linked to an ongoing donation controversy. Decisions regarding senior figures such as Champat Rai and Anil Mishra will be taken internally by the trust's own members. The development underscores the self-governing nature of the body overseeing one of India's most prominent religious sites.

China Proposes New Economic Corridor Linking Bangladesh and Myanmar

China is advocating for a new economic corridor connecting Bangladesh and Myanmar, modeled on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The proposal was discussed during Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China. As part of the initiative, China is involved in developing the Mongla port in Bangladesh to enhance regional connectivity. Beijing has indicated openness to other countries joining what it describes as a 'transnational initiative.' The project has caught India's attention given its proximity to the country's eastern border.

Court Withholds MBBS Degree Over Fees Linked to Maoist Group Funds

A Division Bench ruled that an MBBS student cannot receive their degree until fees connected to a Maoist group are repaid. The court acknowledged that educational certificates typically cannot be withheld in fee disputes, but noted this case was exceptional. The fees in question had been seized by the National Investigation Agency as alleged proceeds of crime. The ruling hinges on the criminal nature of the funds used to pay the student's tuition.

Indian Navy Foils Piracy Attempt on Merchant Ship in Gulf of Aden

INS Trikand, an Indian Navy warship, successfully repelled a piracy attempt targeting MV Golden Arsenal, a merchant vessel headed to India, in the Gulf of Aden. Marine commandos from the MARCOS unit boarded the ship to neutralize the threat and secure those on board. Prior to the intervention, the crew had taken shelter in the vessel's citadel as a precautionary measure. The ship sustained some damage during the incident. The operation underscores the Indian Navy's continued efforts to safeguard maritime security in the region.

NHAI terminates Delhi-Mumbai Expressway contractor over poor work after damage video goes viral

A video showing road damage on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan has triggered widespread criticism online. The National Highways Authority of India had already terminated the original contractor's agreement in April 2025 citing consistently poor performance. A new contractor has been brought in to carry out repairs, with the costs to be borne by the former contractor. Planned restoration work includes micro-milling and permanent reconstruction, to be carried out after traffic is diverted. Authorities are currently investigating the underlying cause of the pavement deterioration.

India's Defence Ministry Set to Approve Rs 1 Lakh Crore in Military Acquisitions

India's Defence Ministry is preparing to greenlight procurement proposals worth over Rs 1 lakh crore at a Defence Acquisition Council meeting. The approvals are expected to include 300 K-9 Vajra howitzers and 600 HAMMER missiles intended for fighter aircraft. The Indian Army is also set to strengthen its air defence capabilities through the acquisition of Russian Verba systems. The meeting is notable as it marks the first time key defence chiefs will be present together for such a procurement decision. The push reflects India's broader effort to modernize and upgrade its armed forces.

Russia Kills 21 in Major Drone and Missile Strike on Kyiv

Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Kyiv, resulting in at least 21 deaths. The Ukrainian capital was struck with intense force, prompting authorities to issue air raid warnings across the city. Over 50,000 residents sought shelter inside subway stations as the assault unfolded. Loud explosions were reported throughout the capital during the attack, according to the Kyiv Metro authority.

New Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth Meets Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

General Dhiraj Seth, who assumed charge as India's new Chief of Army Staff on June 30, paid a courtesy call on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting was confirmed by officials on Thursday. Such calls are a customary protocol followed by newly appointed service chiefs upon taking office. Seth's visit to the Defence Minister marks one of his first formal engagements since assuming the top military post.

Cafe Explosion in Damascus Kills 9, Authorities Preparing Initial Report

A blast at a cafe in Damascus, Syria, has killed at least nine people. The explosion occurred in the Syrian capital, causing significant casualties. Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi stated that the Interior Ministry is preparing to release its initial findings on the incident. The cause and circumstances behind the explosion have not yet been officially disclosed.

14 Arrested After Nagpur Mob Assaults Traffic Cop, Vandalizes His Car

A traffic police officer was attacked by a group of eight bikers on Mankapur Road in Nagpur following a minor traffic dispute. The assailants dragged the cop out of his vehicle, assaulted him, issued death threats, and vandalized his car before fleeing the scene. Authorities launched a swift investigation using CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to identify the perpetrators. Police subsequently arrested fourteen individuals in connection with the incident, three of whom had prior criminal records.

Gurugram Man Kills Girlfriend After She Discovers He Is Married

A man in Gurugram allegedly murdered his girlfriend after she discovered he was already married. The victim is believed to have confronted the accused upon learning of his marital status, which reportedly led to the fatal incident. Police have since apprehended the suspect in connection with the case. Investigators recovered a kerosene bottle and the accused's mobile phone from his shop as part of the evidence. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Omar Abdullah urges India-Pakistan talks, cites RSS support for dialogue

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for renewed diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan, describing dialogue as the only viable way to reduce tensions. He questioned why J&K politicians face criticism for advocating talks when RSS leaders have made similar calls without facing backlash. Abdullah stressed the importance of improving relations with neighbouring countries. He also invoked the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was known for his efforts to foster India-Pakistan ties.

Canada to Reveal 10 Founding Nations of New Global Defence Bank

Canada has announced it will soon disclose the names of ten founding nations set to establish a new global defence bank. The institution aims to strengthen the military capabilities of allied countries by providing affordable financing. The bank is designed to raise up to £100 billion, equivalent to approximately $133 billion, in low-cost funds. The initiative reflects growing international efforts among allies to collectively bolster defence spending and infrastructure.

Venezuela Man Pulled Alive from Earthquake Rubble After 8 Days Trapped

A Venezuelan man named Hernan Alberto Gil Flores was rescued alive after being trapped for eight days beneath rubble in La Guaira, a coastal town in Venezuela. He had been buried since June 24 following an earthquake that caused the collapse of the Galerias Playa Grande shopping center. Rescue workers pulled him from the basement of the mall, where he had remained stranded for over a week. He was brought out on a stretcher, covered in dust, and surrounded by helmet-wearing rescue personnel.

Central Officials and Ladakh Groups Resume Informal MHA Talks in Leh

Informal discussions between central government officials and Ladakh representatives are set to resume in Leh, focusing on outcomes of previous meetings and other key issues. The talks come after a recent shutdown was observed in Ladakh to protest alleged backtracking by the government on earlier agreements. Key demands include the establishment of a legislative body and constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. Meanwhile, a prominent activist continues a hunger strike in Delhi to press these demands. The discussions aim to narrow differences over the long-term political and constitutional future of Ladakh.

Mehbooba Mufti, J&K leaders travel to Tehran for Khamenei funeral

Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti joined several other regional politicians in travelling to Tehran to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mehbooba was notably the only non-Shia politician from J&K and Ladakh among the invited attendees. A special aircraft was arranged for the delegation due to the suspension of regular commercial flights to Iran. The group's invitation reflected the longstanding historical and strategic relationship between India and Iran. The presence of prominent Indian regional figures at the state funeral underscored the diplomatic significance of the occasion.