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.
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.
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.
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.
Supreme Court to Examine Presidential Power Over State Legislation
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and all states on a Presidential Reference questioning a previous court verdict that imposed time limits on Governors and the President for giving assent to bills. This sets the stage for a crucial constitutional hearing on the scope of executive power over state legislatures. The issue has been a major source of friction between several state governments and the Centre, and the outcome will have profound implications for federalism.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre, State Responses on Presidential Reference Regarding Bill Assent Timelines
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the central and all state governments on a Presidential reference concerning the timeline for governors and the President to assent to state-passed bills. A five-judge Constitution bench will examine 14 questions posed by President Droupadi Murmu, questioning whether the judiciary can impose deadlines on these constitutional functions. The reference follows a previous SC verdict that set a three-month timeframe, raising significant questions about the separation of powers and federal structure.
US Announces Withdrawal From UN Cultural Agency UNESCO
The United States announced it will withdraw from UNESCO for the third time, effective December 2026, reversing its decision to rejoin just two years ago. The Trump administration cited the UN agency's perceived anti-Israel bias and promotion of "woke, divisive cultural and social causes" as the primary reasons. The move marks a significant shift in US foreign policy and is expected to impact UNESCO's funding and global standing, as the US was a major contributor to its budget.
28 Nations, Including UK and Canada, Issue Joint Call for Gaza War to End Immediately
In a sign of Israel's growing diplomatic isolation, 28 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, have issued a joint statement demanding that the war in Gaza "must end now." The foreign ministers condemned the "inhumane killing of civilians" and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, labeling Israel's aid delivery model as dangerous and unacceptable. The statement calls for an immediate ceasefire and urges Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.
Indian Army Receives First Batch of US-Made Apache Helicopters
The Indian Army has taken delivery of the first three of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States. The advanced, heavily armed aircraft arrived in India via a transport plane and will significantly enhance the Army Aviation Corps' offensive capabilities, particularly in challenging high-altitude terrains. The acquisition, part of a ₹5,691-crore deal, marks a key milestone in India's military modernisation and deepens the strategic defense partnership between India and the US.