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.
Indian-Origin Man Arrested in US for Mid-Air Attack on Passenger
An Indian-origin man, 21-year-old Ishaan Sharma, was arrested in Miami after allegedly attacking and choking a fellow passenger on a Frontier Airlines flight from Philadelphia. A viral video showed the altercation, which reportedly began after the other passenger, Keanu Evans, grew concerned by Sharma's behaviour. Sharma's lawyer claimed his client was meditating, while Evans alleged he was making threats. Sharma was charged with battery upon landing and has been barred from approaching the victim.
MNS Party Workers Allegedly Threaten Pune Man Over Social Media Post
A man in Pune has reportedly been threatened by workers affiliated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party due to a social media post. The specific content of the post and the nature of the threats were not immediately clear. This incident raises concerns regarding political intolerance and the intimidation of individuals for expressing their views online. The event highlights ongoing friction over freedom of expression in the region, with further details on the police response and investigation awaited.
Aparshakti Khurana to Make Tamil Cinema Debut in Sci-Fi Thriller
Hindi film actor Aparshakti Khurana is set to make his debut in Tamil cinema with the crime thriller 'ROOT – Running Out of Time'. Known for roles in 'Stree' and 'Jubilee', Khurana will star alongside Tamil actor Gautham Karthik. The film, currently shooting in Chennai, is described as a high-concept blend of emotional drama, science fiction, and suspense. Khurana expressed his excitement about exploring new territory and connecting with a new audience through this unique and challenging project.
India and US to Sign New 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework
India and the United States will sign a new 10-year defence partnership framework later this year, the Pentagon announced following a phone call between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth. The agreement aims to significantly expand strategic and defence ties, building on progress in military exchanges, training, and defence industry collaboration. The ministers also discussed major pending US defence sales to India and expediting the delivery of GE jet engines for India's Tejas aircraft.
India Signals Firm Anti-Terror Stance at Quad Meeting in Washington
Following a Quad foreign ministers' meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India's recent 'Operation Sindoor' conveyed with “great clarity” that it will act decisively against terrorism. The joint Quad statement strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack and called for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Jaishankar emphasized that India has a right to defend itself and expects partners to understand this position, reinforcing the country's assertive stance on cross-border terrorism on a major international platform.