Nagesh Ashtikar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing a lack of development funds and "certain remarks" made by a senior party leader. Ashtikar stated that he needs financial resources to serve his constituency and that the Rs 5 crore MPLADS fund is insufficient.
Lionel Messi's family has denied reports of his father Jorge Messi's death, stating he is under medical observation and recovering. The family urged for privacy and responsible reporting amid speculation about his health.
Goldman Sachs lowered its year-end gold price forecast by $500 to $4,900, anticipating no US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year, potentially pushing them to March and December 2027. This cautious outlook also impacts cryptocurrencies.
Boston and Glasgow have officially become twin cities, a deal confirmed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. The agreement coincides with the overwhelming popularity of Scottish football fans in Boston, who have charmed locals and boosted business, leading to a unique cultural exchange and a surge in tourism.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of America's military presence in Europe, linking future deployments and funding to NATO members meeting US demands. He criticized allies for restricting base and airspace access during the US war with Iran, calling it "shameful" and putting US troops at risk. The review will examine force posture and basing, with potential reductions in US dues for countries not spending "with urgency."
Calcutta High Court refused to stay the appointment of rebel Trinamool MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as leader of the opposition in the Bengal assembly. The court fixed July 28 for the next hearing, citing a dispute over a letter nominating Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as LoP.
Oil prices fell Thursday after VP JD Vance stated over 12 million barrels of oil crossed the Strait of Hormuz overnight, a high since the conflict began. Brent crude futures dropped 1.8% to $78.11, and WTI futures fell 2% to $75.27. The US and Iran signed a deal to end the war, allowing ships transit without tolls for 60 days and lifting the US naval blockade.
Despite widespread speculation and predictions of a mass exodus, newly published admissions data for England shows no significant influx of pupils into state schools following the introduction of 20% VAT on private school fees. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated the data proves critics wrong, emphasizing a rebalancing towards state schools.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has called for "urgent and necessary changes" to overhaul the country's communist economic model, citing a severe crisis exacerbated by a US oil blockade and internal issues like bureaucracy. He pointed to China and Vietnam as potential models for economic opening.
Former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has refused new security personnel assigned to her, with her party alleging a lack of official security at her residence. Trinamool claims private guards were arranged, while the state's directorate of security has not commented.
President Trump defended a new deal with Iran, claiming it prevents nuclear weapons and reopens the Strait of Hormuz. He cited his killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani as a precursor and inaccurately described a past Obama-era payment to Iran.
The DOJ is using a thwarted plot to assassinate Donald Trump during a UFC event as a "compelling need" to build a fortified ballroom on White House grounds. Prosecutors argue the "drone-proof" structure with "sniper nests" is vital for national security, despite legal challenges and rising costs.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated the US is not withdrawing from the alliance despite force cuts, emphasizing that European members are ready to contribute more troops. He argued that reducing US reliance strengthens NATO, with Denmark announcing a deployment of 850 troops to the Baltic region.
Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a Senate hearing for his Director of National Intelligence (DNI) nominee, Jay Clayton. Trump cited the need to ensure Jamie McDonald, a lawyer involved in one of his cases, is approved as US Attorney before replacing Clayton.
A 23-year-old NEET aspirant, Ria, allegedly died by suicide in Dehradun's Chandrabani area on Tuesday morning. Police recovered a suicide note expressing disappointment over studies and love for her parents. Family reported no significant behavioral changes.
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win against Algeria, but revealed his tears after the opening goal were due to a personal matter unrelated to football. The win marked Argentina's perfect start to their World Cup defence.
UK MP Rupert Lowe read victim testimonies alleging race and religion played a role in grooming gang abuse. He plans to use parliamentary privilege to name perpetrators and pursue private prosecutions, citing a lack of faith in the justice system.
Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put defended the company's decision to continue operating in Russia, citing job protection and preventing Kremlin seizure of assets. He admitted dissatisfaction with paying taxes that fund the war in Ukraine but believes pulling out would be worse.
US Vice President JD Vance stated that critics of the US-Iran deal support an "endless conflict" until "every Iranian is dead." He argued they lack alternatives to the deal and criticized proposals to drop bombs without clear goals or American interests. The US Senate recently rejected a resolution to cease military actions against Iran.
K Annamalai, former BJP Tamil Nadu president, questioned the extensive security measures for the NEET-UG re-exam, including CRPF, CISF, and PMO oversight, stating it adds to student pressure. A BJP leader defended the measures as temporary and necessary.
K Annamalai, former BJP Tamil Nadu president, questioned the extensive security measures for the NEET-UG re-exam, comparing them to acquiring military-grade software. He argued that increased scrutiny would add to students' exam pressure and contradict the NEP's goal of reducing stress. A BJP leader defended the measures as temporary and necessary.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged the Trump administration to immediately brief Congress and the public on the US-Iran "understanding," citing concerns about troop safety, war goals, and the cost of the conflict. He questioned the deal's terms, including the Strait of Hormuz and potential Iranian access to funds.
The European Commission expressed concern over technological dependence after the US restricted foreign access to Anthropic's advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, citing national security. The move has prompted calls in Europe for stronger domestic AI capabilities.
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that any agreement by Donald Trump would not bind Israel, emphasizing the nation's sovereignty and independence from the US. He believes security decisions should not be dictated by international pressure and warned of strikes in Dahiya for any launches from Lebanon.
