'Kaanta Laga' Star Shefali Jariwala Dies at 42
Actor and dancer Shefali Jariwala, who shot to fame with the 2002 music video "Kaanta Laga," has died at the age of 42. She was declared dead on arrival at a Mumbai hospital late Friday night. While initial reports suggest a heart attack, police have stated the cause of death is still unclear pending a postmortem. Jariwala was also known for her participation in reality shows like "Bigg Boss" and "Nach Baliye." Her sudden passing has shocked the entertainment industry.
Chinese Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Mid-Air Malfunction
A Shandong Airlines domestic flight in China made a successful emergency landing in Nanjing after experiencing a severe mid-air malfunction. Passengers on the flight from Qingdao to Shanghai reported hearing loud bangs from the left engine, followed by shaking and a strong burnt smell. The crew declared an emergency and diverted the plane, landing safely with no injuries reported. Passengers praised the pilots for their calm and professional handling of the terrifying incident, which averted a potential disaster.
US President Signals 'Very Big' Trade Deal with India Imminent
US President Donald Trump announced that a "very big" trade deal with India is forthcoming, suggesting significant progress in long-standing negotiations. His remarks came as an Indian delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal, arrived in Washington for another round of talks. The two nations are reportedly trying to finalize an interim pact by July 9. The deal is expected to address contentious issues like tariffs on agricultural products, dairy, and industrial goods, aiming to substantially boost bilateral trade.
RSS Calls for Review of 'Socialist' and 'Secular' in Constitution's Preamble
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a review of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale argued the terms were added during the Emergency and were not part of the original document drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. The statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which alleges it is part of a long-standing conspiracy to undermine the Constitution's basic structure and vision.
India Reportedly Denies UN Investigator Role in Air India Crash Probe
India has reportedly refused to grant observer status to an investigator from the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the probe into the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The ICAO had taken the unusual step of offering assistance in the investigation of the crash, which killed 260-270 people. The move has raised concerns among some international safety experts regarding transparency and delays in analyzing the Boeing 787's crucial black box flight recorders.
India Evacuates Over 4,400 Citizens from Israel and Iran
India has successfully evacuated 4,415 of its citizens from conflict-ridden Israel and Iran under 'Operation Sindhu', the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. The operation utilized 19 special flights to bring back 3,597 people from Iran and 818 from Israel. The evacuations, prompted by recent hostilities in West Asia, also included some nationals from Nepal and Sri Lanka. India continues to monitor the situation on the ground following a US-brokered ceasefire between the two nations.
Japan Executes 'Twitter Killer' in First Hanging Since 2022
Japan has executed Takahiro Shiraishi, dubbed the "Twitter killer," for the 2017 murder and dismemberment of nine people he contacted via social media. This marks the country's first use of capital punishment since July 2022. The Justice Minister authorized the hanging, citing the "extremely selfish" motive for the crimes that shocked the nation. The execution has reignited the long-standing debate on capital punishment in Japan, a practice strongly condemned by international human rights groups.
Five Tigers, Including Four Cubs, Found Dead in Karnataka Sanctuary
A tigress and her four cubs have been found dead in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, prompting the state's Forest Minister to order a high-level probe. Preliminary information suggests the animals may have been poisoned. The incident is a significant blow to wildlife conservation efforts, as Karnataka has the second-highest tiger population in India. Authorities have cordoned off the area and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
West Indian Cricketer Accused of Sexual Assault by Multiple Women
A prominent West Indian cricketer is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault in Guyana. A 24-year-old woman recently filed a police report, while a separate case involving an 18-year-old from two years ago has resurfaced, with claims that charges were recommended but never pursued. Reports suggest the cricketer offered monetary compensation in one case and was released on bail in another. Cricket West Indies has stated it is currently unaware of the circumstances and cannot comment.
CBSE Announces Timetable for July Supplementary Exams
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the timetable for the 2025 supplementary examinations for Class 10 and 12 students. These exams provide a second chance for students who did not pass certain subjects in the main boards or for those wishing to improve their scores. The Class 10 exams will be conducted from July 15 to July 22, while all Class 12 supplementary exams will be held on a single day, July 15.
Lakhs of Devotees Throng Puri for Annual Rath Yatra Festival
Lakhs of devotees have gathered in Puri, Odisha, for the annual Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath. The nine-day sojourn of the deities to the Gundicha Temple began with elaborate rituals amid massive crowds. Authorities have deployed approximately 10,000 security personnel, including NSG snipers, and established an integrated command center with over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras to ensure safety. The event remains one of India's largest and most significant religious and cultural gatherings.
Air India Flight to Bangkok Delayed for Hours by Hay in Wing
An Air India flight from Mumbai to Bangkok was delayed for over five hours after a peculiar discovery: hay was found stuck under the aircraft's wing. Passengers were disembarked and the hay was removed, but the flight could not depart immediately as the delay caused the original crew to exceed their regulated flight duty time. Air India has reported the bizarre incident to the DGCA and instructed its ground service provider to investigate the source of the hay.
India Calls for Unified Action Against Terrorism at SCO, Criticizes State Sponsors
At the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly condemned terrorism, making a veiled reference to Pakistan for using cross-border terrorism as state policy. He emphasized that peace cannot coexist with terrorism and called for decisive, united action among SCO members to combat these threats and hold accountable nations that sponsor or nurture terrorism. Singh highlighted the need for reformed multilateralism to address global security challenges.
Railways Ministry Introduces Key Reforms to Enhance Train Controller Functioning and Safety
The Ministry of Railways announced significant reforms for train controllers aimed at improving operational safety and working conditions. These include mandatory minimum service in control offices, selection of experienced personnel, regular refresher courses with simulator training, and performance monitoring. Measures like yoga sessions and health check-ups will address job stress. The Traffic Control will be renamed Operations & Traffic Control to serve as an integrated command centre.
Delhi University Considers Dropping Courses on Pakistan, China, Islam; Faculty Alleges Political Motivation
Delhi University is reportedly considering removing several elective MA Political Science courses focusing on Pakistan, China, and Islam, sparking objections from faculty members who decry the move as politically driven and detrimental to academic rigor. The university's Standing Committee on Academic Matters discussed these changes, which also include revisions in Geography and Sociology syllabi. Teachers argue these "forced" revisions erode departmental autonomy and academic freedom.