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.
'Fantastic Four' and 'Nip/Tuck' Actor Julian McMahon Dies at 56
Australian actor Julian McMahon, widely known for his roles as Doctor Doom in the "Fantastic Four" films and Dr. Christian Troy in the TV series "Nip/Tuck," has died at the age of 56. His wife confirmed that he passed away peacefully after a private battle with cancer. McMahon, the son of former Australian Prime Minister Billy McMahon, also had prominent roles in shows like "Charmed" and "FBI: Most Wanted," leaving behind a significant legacy in film and television.
Dalai Lama Hopes for '30-40 More Years' as Prayers for Long Life Begin
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, attended a special prayer ceremony for his long life in Dharamshala, ahead of his 90th birthday. The Tibetan spiritual leader told followers that based on prophecies, he feels blessed and hopes to live for another 30 to 40 years to continue his service. The event, attended by dignitaries including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and actor Richard Gere, comes amid global attention on the question of his succession and his enduring spiritual influence.
SEBI Bars Global Trading Giant Jane Street from Indian Market
India's market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has reportedly barred global quantitative trading firm Jane Street from accessing the country's securities market. While the specific reasons for the ban were not immediately available, the action against such a prominent high-frequency trading firm is significant. The move could have major implications for foreign institutional investors and the algorithmic trading landscape in India, pending further clarification on the nature of the alleged violations and the ban's duration.
ED Raids Former Jharkhand Minister in Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations in Jharkhand, including Hazaribag and Ranchi, targeting former state Agriculture Minister Yogendra Sao. The action is part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged illegal sand mining, extortion, and land grabbing. According to sources, the probe focuses on substantial proceeds of crime allegedly generated through these illicit activities. Sao, a Congress leader, had previously been questioned by the ED in a separate case involving his MLA daughter, Amba Prasad.
PM Modi Visits Trinidad and Tobago to Bolster Diplomatic and Cultural Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Trinidad and Tobago, engaging in high-level diplomacy focused on strengthening bilateral relations with the Caribbean nation. The visit heavily emphasized shared cultural heritage, with the Prime Minister being welcomed with traditional Bhojpuri 'Chautaal' music. He highlighted the journey of the Indian diaspora and recalled the ancestral ties of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, to Bihar. The diplomatic gesture included gifts such as a replica of the Ram Mandir and sacred Sangam water.
Puducherry Man's Suicide Exposes Harsh Reality of Predatory Lending
A 33-year-old man in Puducherry died by suicide after being trapped by illegal moneylenders who charged exorbitant interest rates. Having borrowed ₹3.8 lakh, he was allegedly forced to pay ₹38,000 in monthly interest. A workplace accident left him paralyzed and unable to earn, escalating his debt crisis. In a suicide note, he named the lenders, one of whom allegedly demanded he send his wife and daughter as collateral. The tragedy highlights the severe societal danger posed by unregulated, predatory lending practices.
Trump Proposes UFC Fight at White House for America's 250th Anniversary
US President Donald Trump has proposed staging a UFC mixed martial arts fight on the White House grounds to celebrate America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Speaking in Iowa, the president, a known UFC enthusiast, envisioned a "full fight" with 20,000-25,000 spectators as part of the nationwide festivities. The unusual suggestion was part of a larger announcement for the 'America 250' celebrations, which will also include events at national parks and a festival on the National Mall.