Reuters' X Account Withheld in India Following Legal Demand
The official X account of the international news agency Reuters has been blocked in India. Users attempting to access the @Reuters handle are met with a notice stating it has been withheld "in response to a legal demand." Neither the Indian government nor X has provided a reason for the block, which appears to be region-specific. The move raises significant concerns about press freedom and government censorship in the country, impacting a major global news source with over 2,600 journalists worldwide.
Dalai Lama Reaffirms Reincarnation Authority on 90th Birthday, Defying Beijing
Celebrating his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a significant statement regarding his succession, asserting that his Gaden Phodrang Trust holds sole authority to recognize his reincarnation. This directly challenges Beijing's insistence that it must approve his successor. The declaration, made amid celebrations attended by global followers and officials, reinforces the Tibetan leader's defiance of Chinese control and has major geopolitical implications for India, the US, and China, which views him as a separatist.
Elon Musk Launches 'America Party' After Feud With Trump Over Spending
Billionaire Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political party, the 'America Party,' following a public falling out with President Donald Trump. The move was triggered by Musk's fierce opposition to a major tax-cut and spending bill signed by Trump, which Musk claims will bankrupt the country by increasing the national deficit. The launch of a new party by a major political financier could potentially disrupt the long-standing Republican-Democratic duopoly in US politics.
US President Trump Signs Contentious Tax and Spending Bill into Law
US President Donald Trump has signed a major tax-cut and spending bill into law. Described by the president as "big, beautiful," the legislation has drawn fierce criticism for its potential economic impact. Opponents, including former ally Elon Musk, argue the bill will dangerously expand the national deficit from $2 trillion to $2.5 trillion. The signing of the bill has created a significant political rift, prompting Musk to launch a new political party in protest of the fiscal policy.
Major Internet Disruption Reported Across Iran Amid Heightened Tensions
A major disruption to internet connectivity has been reported across Iran, coinciding with the Supreme Leader's first public appearance since the recent war with Israel. The global internet monitor NetBlocks confirmed the disruption, which corroborated widespread user reports of access issues. The development comes just weeks after authorities implemented a telecommunications shutdown during the conflict, raising concerns about information control and the suppression of civil liberties at a time of significant national and regional tension.
Novak Djokovic Reaches 100-Win Milestone at Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic achieved a historic milestone at Wimbledon, securing his 100th career match win at the All England Club by defeating Miomir Kecmanovic. With the victory, Djokovic joins Roger Federer and Martina Navratilova as only the third player in history to register 100 wins at the prestigious tournament. The seven-time champion also equaled Federer's record of achieving over 100 wins at two different Grand Slam events, having already surpassed the century mark at the French Open.
Djokovic's Daughter Charms Wimbledon Crowd with Post-Match Victory Dance
While Novak Djokovic celebrated his 100th Wimbledon win on Centre Court, his seven-year-old daughter, Tara, stole the show from the stands. During the post-match interview, Djokovic was asked about his new victory celebration. He pointed to his daughter, who then enthusiastically performed their family's traditional "Pump It Up" dance routine for the cheering crowd. The charming and lighthearted moment provided a memorable human-interest highlight at the iconic tennis tournament.
Trump Signs Sweeping Tax Cut and Spending Bill into Law
US President Donald Trump signed a massive legislative package into law, fulfilling a key campaign promise. The "One Big Beautiful Bill" enacts some $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, extends his first-term policies, and provides $350 billion for national security and border measures, including funding for a border wall and mass deportations. Critics argue the bill benefits the wealthy while making deep cuts to social programs like Medicaid and food assistance, potentially leaving millions uninsured.
Catastrophic Flash Floods in Texas Kill at Least 24, Over 20 Children Missing
Severe flash floods have devastated Texas Hill Country after months' worth of rain fell in a few hours, leaving at least 24 people dead. Rescue operations are underway, with hundreds rescued by boat and helicopter. More than 20 girls attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp on the Guadalupe River, are among the missing. The river rose an astonishing 22 feet in two hours, catching residents and campers by surprise in what is being called a "pitch black wall of death."
Supreme Court Petitioned to Halt Bihar Electoral Roll Revision
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an NGO, has challenged the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar before the Supreme Court. The petition argues the process imposes unreasonable documentation requirements and has a short timeline that could disenfranchise lakhs of genuine voters, especially from marginalized communities, ahead of state elections. It claims the move could exclude over three crore voters, disrupting the principle of free and fair elections.
Think Tank Warns Against Allowing GM Farm Imports from US
The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has cautioned the Indian government against allowing imports of genetically modified (GM) farm products from the U.S. under a proposed trade deal. The think tank warns that importing items like GM soybean meal for animal feed could lead to cross-contamination within India's supply chains. This could jeopardize India's GMO-free image and harm agricultural exports, particularly to the European Union, which has stringent regulations and strong consumer resistance to GM-linked products.
NIA Arrests Two Key Operatives in 'Dunki' Human Trafficking Ring
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two key members of a human trafficking syndicate that illegally smuggled people to the United States via the infamous "dunki" route. The accused, arrested in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, were associates of a previously arrested ringleader. The gang allegedly charged around Rs 45 lakh per person, promising legal visas but instead sending them on a perilous journey through multiple Latin American countries, where they faced harassment from local agents.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan Sign $2 Billion Investment Agreement
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have signed an agreement for a $2 billion investment by Azerbaijan into diverse sectors of Pakistan's economy. The deal was inked on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, and witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev. This move aims to significantly boost economic and trade relations between the two countries, building upon their existing robust defence cooperation and deepening their strategic partnership.
Prominent BJP Leader and Businessman Shot Dead in Patna
Gopal Khemka, a prominent businessman and BJP leader, was shot dead late Friday night outside his residence in a high-security area of Patna. Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire as he was returning home. The murder has sparked outrage and criticism of the state's law and order situation, particularly as Khemka's son, Gunjan, was also murdered three years ago. Police have formed a special task force to investigate the high-profile killing, but no arrests have been made.
One Dead, Several Feared Trapped in Jharkhand Coal Mine Collapse
One person has been killed and several others are feared trapped after a portion of a coal mine collapsed during illegal mining activities in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Karma area. Local villagers were reportedly engaged in illegal coal extraction when the mine caved in. A rescue operation is underway to locate and save those suspected to be trapped underground, highlighting the dangers of unregulated mining in the region.