Key Suspect in Patna Businessman's Murder Killed in Police Encounter
A key suspect in the high-profile murder of Patna industrialist Gopal Khemka has been killed in a gunfight with police. The accused, identified as Vikas Kumar alias Raja, was tracked down by a joint team of Bihar's Special Task Force and local police. Officials said Kumar opened fire when confronted, prompting retaliatory fire that resulted in his death. This development follows the earlier arrest of the main shooter, as police continue to investigate the contract killing that has intensified scrutiny of Bihar's law and order.
Two Students Killed as School Van Collides with Train in Tamil Nadu
Two school students, aged 12 and 16, were killed and four others were injured when their van collided with a passenger train at a manned level crossing in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The impact destroyed the vehicle. Southern Railway has suspended the gatekeeper for allegedly violating safety rules by opening the gate for the van driver, who reportedly insisted on crossing to reach the school early. The state government and railways have announced ex-gratia payments to the victims' families.
China Expands Visa-Free Entry to Over 70 Countries to Boost Tourism
In a major policy shift to revive its tourism sector, China has extended visa-free entry to citizens of 74 countries for stays of up to 30 days. The move, which now includes most of Europe, has significantly increased foreign visitor numbers, with travel agencies reporting a surge in bookings. While the policy aims to boost the economy and China's soft power, citizens from the U.S., UK, and Canada are not on the 30-day list but can enter for 10 days under a transit policy.
Wimbledon Top Seed Jannik Sinner Faces Injury Scare Ahead of Quarter-Final
World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner's bid for a first Wimbledon title is in jeopardy after he suffered an elbow injury during a fall in his fourth-round match. Although he advanced after his opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, retired with a separate injury, Sinner reported significant discomfort in his arm. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI to assess the damage, leaving his participation in the upcoming quarter-final against Ben Shelton uncertain.
Djokovic's Son Collects Wimbledon Autographs from Every Star Except His Father
Novak Djokovic's 11-year-old son, Stefan, is enjoying his time at Wimbledon by collecting autographs from top tennis players. The 24-time Grand Slam champion revealed that his son has independently approached stars to get their signatures on his white cap. In a charming twist, Djokovic noted that while Stefan's hat is full of names from across the tournament, it is still missing one key signature: his own father's.
US Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Aligned with BRICS Policies
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that any country aligning with what he termed the "anti-American policies of BRICS" will face an additional 10% tariff. The threat, issued on social media, came shortly after the BRICS summit in Brazil, where leaders criticized the “indiscriminate rising of tariffs” as a threat to global trade. The move escalates trade tensions and directly impacts India and other members of the expanded 11-nation bloc, which represents nearly half the world's population.
BRICS Summit Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges 'Zero Tolerance'
In a significant diplomatic statement, the BRICS nations issued a joint declaration strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders called for a "zero tolerance" approach to terrorism, urging nations to reject double standards and combat all forms of the menace, including cross-border movement and financing. The declaration, which reflects a key Indian foreign policy objective, emphasizes holding all those involved in terrorist activities accountable under international law, marking a unified stance from the 11-member bloc.
Israel and Houthi Rebels Escalate Conflict with Airstrikes and Missiles
Israel has launched airstrikes on Houthi-held ports in Yemen, including Hodeida, targeting what it claims are Iranian weapons transfer sites. The attack followed a Houthi assault on a commercial ship in the Red Sea. In retaliation for the airstrikes, the Houthis launched a missile towards Israel. This significant escalation threatens to destabilize global shipping lanes in the Red Sea corridor and marks a dangerous new phase in the regional conflict, with Israel now acting unilaterally against the Yemeni rebels.
Supreme Court to Hold Urgent Hearing on Bihar's Voter Roll Revision
The Supreme Court will hold an urgent hearing on July 10 to address petitions challenging Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR, which began on June 28, requires nearly 2.93 crore voters to produce documents proving their and their parents' birth date and place. Petitioners, including opposition MPs and activists, argue the hasty process and stringent documentation rules risk disenfranchising crores of poor and marginalized citizens ahead of state polls, prompting top court intervention.
Monsoon Fury in Himalayas: Flash Floods Kill 78 in Himachal Pradesh
Severe monsoon weather has caused widespread devastation in the Himalayan region, with flash floods and cloudbursts leading to at least 78 deaths in Himachal Pradesh. The state's Mandi district faces a severe water crisis due to damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, authorities have issued a landslide alert for four districts in neighboring Uttarakhand amid forecasts for more heavy rain. The events highlight the increasing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, causing significant loss of life and disrupting essential services.
YouTuber Arrested for Spying Was Hired by Kerala Tourism, RTI Reveals
An RTI response has revealed that Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, recently arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, was officially engaged and funded by the Kerala Tourism Department. Malhotra was part of a digital influencer campaign between 2024 and 2025 to promote the state. Her arrest is part of a wider probe into an espionage network allegedly using digital platforms and influencers to gather intelligence, raising serious questions about the vetting processes for government-sponsored promotional activities.
BRICS Expands to Include Indonesia as Newest Full Member
The BRICS bloc of emerging economies has officially welcomed Indonesia as its newest full member during the 2025 summit in Rio de Janeiro. This expansion brings the total number of nations in the group to eleven. The inclusion of Indonesia, a major Southeast Asian economy, further enhances the bloc's global standing, which now accounts for approximately 40% of global GDP and nearly half of the world's population, signaling a continued shift in the geopolitical landscape.
Trump and Musk Feud Escalates as Musk Announces New Political Party
A public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has escalated after Musk announced plans to form a new political party called the “America Party.” Trump dismissed the move as “ridiculous” and labeled Musk a “train wreck.” The conflict reportedly stems from disagreements over US fiscal policy. This growing rift between the US President and the influential tech billionaire could have repercussions for Musk's companies, which rely on significant government contracts in the space and automotive sectors.
Suspicious Foreign Boat Spotted Off Maharashtra Coast, Security Alerted
A suspicious boat, believed to belong to another country, has been spotted off the coast of Raigad in Maharashtra, prompting a security alert. Coastal security agencies have been put on high alert and have initiated patrols to investigate the vessel. The incident has raised security concerns along the sensitive coastline, which has historically been vulnerable to seaborne threats. Authorities are currently working to determine the origin and intent of the boat and its occupants.
Indian Media Executive Sanjog Gupta Appointed as New CEO of ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Indian media executive Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer. Gupta, who previously served as the CEO for Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar, was chosen following an extensive global recruitment process that attracted over 2,500 applicants. The appointment of an Indian to lead world cricket's governing body is a significant development, reflecting India's immense influence in the sport's administration, viewership, and commercial landscape.