Times of India

Two young development workers, on a fellowship field visit in Odisha's Rayagada district, were brutally attacked by a mob who mistook them for child kidnappers. Despite showing identity cards and explaining their purpose, the duo was chased, assaulted, and the woman was half-stripped. Police have arrested 16 individuals and are searching for more accused, registering four cases related to the terrifying ordeal.

Bihar's property registration rates have significantly increased, with rural land rates jumping 60% and urban rates doubling. An annual 5% MVR hike and a 1% stamp duty increase are now in effect. This move aims to boost farmer compensation for land acquisition, which will see substantial hikes for both state and central projects. Women buyers will also benefit from an increased stamp duty concession.

Experts warn against panic selling, emphasizing the need to maintain investment discipline. In fact, the simplest advice is this: do nothing. That is the whole answer, and it is harder to follow than it sounds, he says.

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, firmly dismissed Donald Trump's allegations that she asked him for a photo at the G7 summit, calling his statements 'entirely fictitious.' Expressing her surprise and disappointment, Meloni stated that neither she nor her country would ever resort to begging. This confrontation signifies a potential rift in the previously friendly relationship between Meloni and Trump.

India's naval security faces a growing submarine threat from Pakistan and China. To counter this, the Indian Navy urgently needs to expand its anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet. While new MH-60R helicopters have been acquired, more are essential for protecting vast maritime interests. Accelerating indigenous helicopter programs is crucial to ensure frontline warships have integral airborne ASW capabilities, closing a critical gap as underwater threats escalate across the Indo-Pacific.

Salman Khan's plea against the 'Kala Hiran' film makers, alleging violation of his personality rights, saw its Delhi High Court hearing postponed. The filmmakers sought more time to respond, while Khan's lawyer pushed for immediate interim relief, citing unauthorized use of the actor's life story and image for commercial gain. The court directed Khan's team to provide documents to the respondents, with the next hearing set for July 1.

A consumer commission in Rohtak has ordered footwear brand Red Tape to refund Rs 10 for a carry bag and pay Rs 8,000 in compensation and costs. The commission ruled that charging for the bag constituted a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. The brand's own affidavit admitted the charge was unnecessary and unjustified, leading to the penalty.

India has secured the ODI series against Afghanistan, using the matches to test new player combinations. While Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill impressed at number three, former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioned KL Rahul's deployment in a lower batting order, advocating for him to bat higher. Srikkanth also raised concerns about player fatigue due to the demanding schedule.

US President Donald Trump has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "a very tough cookie" and one of his most admired global leaders, alongside China's Xi Jinping. Speaking to Axios, Trump highlighted their strong personal rapport, even amidst trade tensions. This praise follows their recent G7 meeting, where Trump emphasized the close India-US relationship and PM Modi's formidable negotiating skills, suggesting a trade deal is nearing completion.

René Mayrhofer, who led Google's Android platform security team as a director, has resigned over Google's deal letting the Pentagon use its Gemini AI for classified military work. In a blunt farewell note titled "Google Management Has Lost Its Moral Compass," the pacifist engineer cited fears of EU mass surveillance and Google quietly abandoning its carbon-neutral goal. The Business Insider-reported exit adds to a wider staff revolt over military AI.

A fascinating trend is emerging as Indian professionals increasingly desert sprawling metropolises in favor of tier-2 and tier-3 cities, searching for a richer quality of life. The rising costs of living, extensive travel for work, and the stress of city life are significant forces behind this migration.

India's artillery is undergoing a significant overhaul, aligning with the global shift towards long-range precision warfare. This modernization, driven by the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, aims to replace older guns with advanced indigenous systems.

Portugal midfielder Joao Neves has found himself at the center of a major social media controversy following Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup match. The young midfielder scored Portugal’s only goal, but much of the post-match discussion shifted toward Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance. The veteran forward struggled to make an impact during the game, leading to criticism from football fans.

Prime Minister Modi presented leaders in France and Slovakia with exquisite Indian heritage gifts. French President Macron received a Kalamkari Mahabharata painting, while Brigitte Macron was gifted a Pochampally stole. Slovak officials were honored with Kashmiri carpets, Dokra art, Himroo textiles, and ancient Ayurvedic texts, showcasing India's rich craftsmanship and intellectual legacy.

Former intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard released documents alleging Dr. Anthony Fauci funded gain-of-function research in Wuhan and misled Congress. The documents reportedly show Fauci's role in directing US taxpayer funds and interacting with intelligence officials to suppress lab-leak origins. These claims emerged during a declassification review, with whistleblowers alleging retaliation.

Andhra Pradesh is set to become India's leading gold supplier, with significant reserves identified in Kurnool district. Jonnagiri village alone is estimated to hold 50 tonnes of gold. Commercial production has commenced, and further exploration is expected to boost reserves. The state aims to leverage private investment for this substantial mining endeavor.

TMC leader Vijay Singh faced egg pelting and shouts of "chor, chor" outside Asansol court. This follows a similar incident where former minister Udayan Guha was egged outside Dinhata Police Station after his arrest in an alleged extortion case. BJP cited political violence during Guha's tenure. Guha expressed ignorance about his arrest's reason.