France Announces it Will Formally Recognise Palestinian State
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, becoming the first G7 nation to do so. Macron described the decision as consistent with France's commitment to a lasting peace in West Asia, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. The move was strongly rejected by Israel and the United States, who argued it sets back peace efforts, while France stated a formal announcement will be made at the UN General Assembly.
Supreme Court Stays Acquittal of 12 in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case
The Supreme Court has stayed the Bombay High Court's recent verdict that acquitted 12 individuals convicted in the 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts. The High Court had overturned a special court's 2015 ruling, stating the prosecution had failed to prove guilt. Following an appeal by the Maharashtra government, the apex court paused the acquittal order, though the accused who were released will not be required to surrender immediately. The 2006 blasts killed 189 people and injured over 800.
India Resumes Issuing Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals After Five Years
India has announced it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, ending a five-year halt that began with the COVID-19 pandemic and continued amid border tensions. The move is a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations, which have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. China's Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision as a "positive move." This follows other recent thaws in relations, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and ongoing talks to restore direct flights.
Columbia University to Pay $221 Million in Deal with US Govt Over Antisemitism Claims
Columbia University has agreed to a landmark $221 million settlement with the Trump administration to resolve claims of failing to combat antisemitism and to restore cancelled federal research funding. The deal includes a $200 million payment over three years and $21 million for civil rights violations. The university, which faced the loss of billions in government support, also agreed to significant reforms, including overhauling its disciplinary processes and reviewing its Middle East curriculum, marking a major development in campus free-speech debates.
Russian Passenger Plane Crashes in Amur Region, Killing All 49 Aboard
A Russian An-24 aircraft operated by Angara Airlines has crashed in a remote, mountainous area of the Amur region, killing all 49 people on board. The flight, carrying 43 passengers (including five children) and six crew members, was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it disappeared from radar. Rescue helicopters located the burning wreckage on an inaccessible mountainside. Officials confirmed no survivors were found. An investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred without any distress signal, has been launched.
Parliament Stalled for Fourth Day Amid Protests Over Bihar Voter Roll Revision
Parliamentary proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were disrupted for the fourth consecutive day of the Monsoon Session. Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc protested vehemently against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. Alleging potential "electoral manipulation" and "mass disenfranchisement," the opposition demanded a dedicated discussion, leading to sloganeering and repeated adjournments. The protests highlight a major political flashpoint ahead of the state's assembly elections.
US Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump's Order to End Birthright Citizenship
A US federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision, blocking the administration from denying citizenship to children born in the US to parents who are in the country illegally or on a temporary basis. The ruling is a significant setback for a key policy of the Trump administration and upholds the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
Thailand and Cambodia Downgrade Diplomatic Ties Amid Deadly Border Clashes
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into deadly border clashes, resulting in at least one civilian death. Fighting erupted in multiple contested areas, with both sides accusing the other of firing first. In response to the violence and an earlier landmine incident that injured Thai soldiers, Cambodia has downgraded diplomatic relations, expelling the Thai ambassador. The escalating dispute, rooted in longstanding territorial claims, marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the Southeast Asian neighbours.
Wrestling Legend and Global Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71
Hulk Hogan, the iconic professional wrestler who catapulted the sport into a global pop culture phenomenon, has died at 71. Born Terry Bollea, Hogan became the face of the WWE's golden era in the 1980s, known for his "Hulkamania" persona. He later reinvented himself as a villain in WCW, leading the influential nWo faction. A two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Hogan's death from a reported cardiac arrest has prompted tributes from across the entertainment and sports worlds.
Ten Militants Arrested in Manipur as Security Forces Intensify Operations
Joint security forces in Manipur have arrested at least ten militants from various banned outfits, including the KCP, PREPAK, and PLA, during intensified counter-insurgency operations over the past 24 hours. The arrests were made across six districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, and the border district of Tengnoupal. Security personnel recovered arms, ammunition, documents, and currency. The crackdown reflects ongoing efforts to curb extremist activities and restore stability in the region, which has faced persistent security challenges.
Divya Deshmukh Makes History, Reaches FIDE Women's World Chess Cup Final
Indian International Master Divya Deshmukh has created history by storming into the final of the FIDE Women's World Chess Cup in Batumi. She defeated former world champion Zhongyi Tan of China in a tense semifinal match. With this victory, Deshmukh not only secures a place in the final but also becomes the first Indian woman to qualify for the prestigious Candidates' tournament, which determines the challenger for the women's world championship title. Her remarkable run includes victories over several higher-seeded players.
Cricketer Rishabh Pant Earns Praise for Batting with Fractured Toe
In a display of remarkable courage, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant returned to bat in the fourth Test against England despite suffering a fractured toe. After retiring hurt on Day 1, Pant walked back to the crease on Day 2 to a standing ovation, visibly limping but determined to contribute to his team's total. He went on to score a valiant half-century, earning widespread admiration from fans and experts for his grit and dedication to the sport.
Trump Claims He Averted Impending India-Pakistan Nuclear War
US President Donald Trump claimed he recently stopped a conflict between India and Pakistan that he said was escalating into a potential nuclear war. Speaking at the White House, Trump asserted that after five planes were shot down, he intervened by threatening trade consequences to de-escalate the situation. While India has consistently denied any US mediation in its conflicts with Pakistan, the repeated claims from a sitting US president introduce a significant and volatile element into the subcontinent's diplomacy.
Initial Probe Into Jeju Air Crash Suggests Pilot Error
An initial investigation into the fatal Jeju Air crash in South Korea suggests pilot error may have been a key factor. The report indicates that after both engines sustained bird strikes, the pilots shut down the less-damaged engine just before the crash-landing, which killed all but two of the 181 people aboard. The finding has drawn anger from victims' families and pilots, who accuse authorities of prematurely blaming the deceased crew before investigating other factors like airport infrastructure.
Cabinet Approves India-UK Free Trade Agreement
The Union Cabinet has approved a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, set to be signed in London on July 24. This landmark pact, India's most ambitious to date, aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030. It proposes removing tariffs on key exports like leather and textiles while making UK imports such as cars and whisky cheaper. The agreement also covers critical areas including services, investment, intellectual property rights, and government procurement.