India

Central Banks Boost Gold Reserves to Hedge Against Geopolitical Risks

Global central banks are increasing their gold holdings as geopolitical tensions drive a strategic reassessment of reserve assets. A new survey indicates that a significant number of central banks plan to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in their reserve portfolios. Gold is being prioritized as a protective asset, while the euro and Chinese renminbi are being considered as alternative reserve currencies. However, both alternatives come with their own set of challenges that limit their immediate appeal. Central banks are also turning to artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency as they navigate an era of prolonged global uncertainty.

Pune Fort Murder Case: Lawyer Disputes Accused's Identity, Police Eye Gait Analysis

Chetan Chaudhary and Siya Goyal stand accused of pushing Ketan Agarwal, Goyal's fiancé, off Lohagad Fort in Pune. Chaudhary's lawyer has contested claims that his client is the individual seen wearing a hoodie at the fort, challenging a key piece of evidence. In response, police are planning to conduct a gait analysis to scientifically verify whether the person in the footage is indeed Chaudhary. Gait analysis examines a person's walking pattern to establish or rule out identity. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to build their case against the accused.

NIA arrests TMC councillor Shakir Ali over 2023 Ram Navami violence in Rishra

The National Investigation Agency has arrested Shakir Ali, a Trinamool Congress councillor and husband of former MP Aparupa Poddar, in connection with communal violence that erupted during Ram Navami celebrations in Rishra in 2023. Investigators cited contradictions in Ali's statements related to clashes that broke out during a BJP MLA's rally. The NIA is probing the broader conspiracy behind the violence. Ali's arrest has triggered protests, and his wife Aparupa Poddar also faces charges of allegedly obstructing police from performing their duties.

Viral video leads Mumbai police to knife used in local train stabbing

A viral video played a key role in recovering the weapon used in a fatal stabbing aboard a Mumbai local train. A hotel manager tipped off police after his staff discovered the knife, enabling its retrieval. The suspect, accused of fatally stabbing a fellow passenger following an argument, has had his custody extended to July 6. Authorities are now investigating the motive behind the attack and whether the knife had been used in any prior incidents.

Amit Shah launches FCRA 2.0 portal: Monitoring foreign donations in real time gets a boost

Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly pursuing Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski

The Toronto Maple Leafs are said to be interested in acquiring Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski via trade. Werenski recently completed a Norris Trophy-caliber season, making him one of the most coveted blue-liners in the NHL. Analysts warn that the cost of such a deal would be substantial given Werenski's standout performance. Adding to the speculation, Werenski's personal friendship with Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews has drawn further attention to Toronto's reported pursuit.

US Supreme Court Allows States to Ban Transgender Athletes from Women's Sports

The US Supreme Court has upheld laws that bar transgender athletes from competing in women's sports teams in public schools and colleges. The ruling allows Idaho, West Virginia, and roughly two dozen other Republican-led states to enforce these restrictions. Under the measures, students must compete according to the sex assigned to them at birth rather than their gender identity. The decision marks a significant legal victory for Republican-led states that have pushed for such legislation.

Wall Street Posts Modest Gains but S&P 500 and Nasdaq Head for Monthly Loss

US stock markets recorded mixed but slightly positive movement as investors balanced optimism around rebounding AI stocks with ongoing concerns over interest rates and geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are on track for their first monthly decline in three months, despite the quarter-end uptick. Better-than-expected jobs figures pointed to a resilient US economy, though the data simultaneously raised fears about persistent inflation. The strong employment numbers have renewed speculation that the Federal Reserve may pursue further interest rate hikes.

UP Woman Kills Mother-In-Law During Argument Over Phone Call

A woman in Malmalia Jagdishpur village, Uttar Pradesh, fatally attacked her mother-in-law on Monday night. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute that arose over a phone call. The woman allegedly slit her mother-in-law's throat during the altercation. Authorities have been informed and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Big blow to Trump: US Supreme Court junks executive order restricting birthright citizenship

Paul Flack, Brother of Late TV Host Caroline Flack, Dies at 55

Paul Flack, the brother of the late television presenter Caroline Flack, has died at the age of 55. He was discovered unresponsive at his home in Sandringham on June 21, 2026. The cause of his death has not yet been determined, and an inquest is currently underway. Flack worked as a graphic designer and artist and was known for his involvement in his local community. His sister Caroline, a prominent British TV host, died by suicide in 2020.

Hindu Priest Allegedly Abducted and Tortured in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Subhash Deuri, a Hindu law student and temple priest, was allegedly abducted by unidentified men in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The assailants reportedly tortured him and coerced him into arranging ransom payments during his captivity. Deuri was later discovered unconscious and taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though no formal police complaint has been filed so far.

Are UP prisoners eating ‘unsafe’ spices? Report shows batch failed quality tests

Magnificent 7 Tech Stocks Lose $2.3 Trillion in Market Value This Month

The seven largest US tech companies — Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Tesla, and Amazon — have collectively shed $2.3 trillion in market value in recent weeks. Several of these firms have recorded double-digit percentage declines amid a broad sell-off in the technology sector. The downturn follows years of heavy AI-related spending, much of it debt-funded, with investors now pressing for measurable financial returns. Analysts describe the shift as a transition from lean, asset-light business models toward capital-intensive infrastructure buildouts. Upcoming quarterly earnings reports are expected to be a key test of whether AI investments can translate into meaningful revenue growth.

BJP Bengal Chief Condemns Egg-Throwing, Warns Against Arrogance After Poll Wins

BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya has publicly condemned the act of throwing eggs by party members, calling it contrary to the party's culture. He warned that such behavior could damage the BJP's image across the country and urged members to avoid it. Bhattacharya also cautioned his party against becoming arrogant following recent electoral victories, noting that voters had already punished the TMC for similar hubris. Additionally, he called for a probe into government expenditure on legal fees.

Gaurav Khanna speaks on love and loyalty after wife announces divorce

Actor Gaurav Khanna made his first public appearance after his wife Akanksha Chamola announced their separation. He was attending a promotional event for the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 when he addressed the situation. Khanna expressed that he would not step back from the love he has for his wife, signalling his continued emotional commitment. Chamola had earlier revealed on Lock Upp 2 that the two had mutually decided to divorce, citing their diverging life paths following a year spent apart.

Engineers build robotic fish that swim, dock and recharge themselves with no feeding required

Taijul Islam equals Shakib's record with 19th Test five-for against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed his 19th five-wicket haul in Test cricket during the match against Zimbabwe. The milestone places him level with compatriot Shakib Al Hasan and ahead of Australia's Mitchell Starc among left-arm bowlers in Test history. Taijul's achievement cements his status as one of the most prolific left-arm spinners in the format globally. However, his individual success came in a losing cause, as Zimbabwe recorded their biggest-ever Test win by an innings and 85 runs.

Dominion Dynamics raises record C$139M to build Canada's defence tech powerhouse

Canadian defence technology company Dominion Dynamics has secured a record C$139 million in Series A funding, marking a milestone in the country's defence investment landscape. CEO Eliot Pence stated his ambition is to establish a major Canadian defence prime contractor. The company plans to focus on Arctic-hardened surveillance systems and autonomous platforms. The capital will drive development of its AuraNet software and Scout autonomous system. The move aligns with Canada's broader defence industrial strategy amid increasing global military expenditure.

Inter-Caste Teen Couple Found Dead in Tamil Nadu Amid Family Tensions

A teenage couple in Tamil Nadu has been found dead, with police suspecting suicide as the cause of death. The two individuals were reportedly in an inter-caste relationship, which had caused friction between their respective families. Authorities indicate that tensions between the families had been building up over the relationship prior to the incident. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.