Times of India

Congress has urged Prime Minister Modi to order a Supreme Court-monitored probe into alleged irregularities surrounding Ram Temple donations, terming it a "chanda chori mega scandal." Citing the UP government's SIT probe as an "eyewash," the party claims top officials are complicit. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal echoed these sentiments, alleging powerful individuals involved in land deals and temple construction are being shielded while minor figures are arrested.

Samit Dravid's batting technique in the Maharaja Trophy drew immediate comparisons to his legendary father, Rahul Dravid, with fans noting the striking similarities. While his batting impressed, Samit is carving his own path as a pace-bowling all-rounder, having excelled in age-group cricket. Meanwhile, younger brother Anvay Dravid is also making strides as a wicketkeeper-batter, recently selected for India's U-19 squad.

In a historic moment, Spain witnessed young talents Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí become the first teenage pair to start a World Cup knockout match since the legendary Pelé and Altafini in 1958. Yamal shone brightly, earning the Man of the Match title despite struggling with a hamstring concern, while Cubarsí delivered an impeccable defensive performance.

Educators are questioning why classrooms are bearing the brunt of election duty, with entire teaching staffs at two Delhi government schools deployed for Booth Level Officer tasks. This leaves guest teachers to manage hundreds of students, raising concerns about inevitable academic loss, especially for board exam candidates. While acknowledging election importance, teachers advocate for equitable distribution of duties across schools to prevent educational disruption.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit marked a significant advancement in India-Japan relations, with both nations forging new agreements in AI, energy, and defense. A roadmap for economic security was adopted to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors. Discussions also focused on enhancing bilateral trade through a review of the existing CEPA, underscoring a partnership built on deep mutual trust.

Pop sensation Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce have reportedly exchanged vows in a private ceremony, according to a New York Post report. Sources suggest the couple, both 36, are now legally married, with a grand celebration for over a thousand guests planned at Madison Square Garden later this week. This intimate union precedes a larger event, hinting at a significant milestone for the high-profile pair.

Spain's impressive 3-0 win over Austria, highlighted by Mikel Oyarzabal's two goals and Pedro Porro's header, has secured their place in the World Cup Round of 16. The match exemplified Spain's renowned possession game and attacking prowess, further extending their unbeaten run to 35 matches. While Austria battled valiantly, they were consistently outplayed, facing a challenge with Spain's robust defense as they prepare for the upcoming knockout phase.

Bank of Baroda has settled a major legal dispute, agreeing to pay $600 million to administrators of the collapsed NMC Health group. This out-of-court agreement concludes years of litigation concerning cross-border insolvency and alleged fraud following NMC's 2020 downfall. The payment will be distributed to creditors, with the bank's shares seeing a reaction to the news.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed public concerns regarding ethanol-blended fuel, dismissing social media narratives as "make-believe." He clarified that any mileage reduction in E20-fuelled vehicles is minor, with potential benefits like improved acceleration. The ministry has released a detailed note to counter misinformation and reassure vehicle owners about the safety and established practice of ethanol blending, citing historical support from figures like Henry Ford.

The government has significantly reformed the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, easing compliance for drugmakers. Overcharging liability is now narrowed, focusing only on stock sold above ceiling prices by retailers or distributors, not entire batches. New drug launches will also see simplified pricing approvals, reducing procedural delays and streamlining market entry for similar products.

The Supreme Court has nullified orders from NCLT and NCLAT due to their reliance on fabricated AI-generated case laws. Justices cautioned against unchecked AI use, emphasizing human control in justice delivery. The court stressed a zero-tolerance approach for unverified AI precedents, declaring any decision based on such material invalid. A committee will now explore this issue, highlighting the risks of delegating critical thinking to AI.

Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart reaffirmed commitment to an early Quad summit, stressing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and opposing restrictive measures. The joint statement unequivocally condemned cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, specifically mentioning groups like Jaish and Lashkar, and supported India's IEA membership. Both nations also voiced opposition to unilateral actions in the East and South China Seas.

The Enforcement Directorate is opting for large-scale compounding of Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema) cases, with the Reserve Bank of India's approval, to expedite resolutions and avoid lengthy legal battles. Over 150 Fema cases have been terminated in the past 15 months following "no-objection certificates" from the ED. This approach, involving penalty payments, aims to foster a more facilitative business environment in India.

Following a directive to Meta, the Indian government has now issued notices to Telegram and Signal, demanding explanations on their existing username systems. Authorities are seeking details on how these platforms prevent fraud, impersonation, and scams, giving them three days to respond. The government also questioned Telegram's continued offering of its username feature, citing concerns over potential cybercrime.

Nine years post-retirement, Usain Bolt's global icon status fuels a $90 million fortune, bolstered by enduring endorsements and business ventures. His partner, Kasi Bennett, independently contributes between $1-2 million through her entrepreneurial and philanthropic work. Together, this Jamaican power couple boasts a combined net worth nearing $92 million, showcasing a successful blend of family, luxury, and expanding business interests.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, managing the Ayodhya temple, operates independently, with the Home Ministry confirming it's not accountable to the government. This autonomy is crucial as the trust faces a July 6 meeting to address resignations amid a donation row. Decisions on key figures like Champat Rai and Anil Mishra will be made internally by its members, highlighting the trust's self-governing structure.

China is pushing for an economic corridor linking Bangladesh and Myanmar, mirroring CPEC's strategic importance. This initiative, discussed during Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's China visit, aims to boost connectivity, with China developing the Mongla port. Beijing has also expressed openness to other nations joining this "transnational initiative," which has drawn India's attention due to its proximity to the eastern border.

Indian Navy warship INS Trikand successfully thwarted a piracy attempt on an India-bound merchant vessel, MV Golden Arsenal, in the Gulf of Aden. Marine commandos boarded the ship, which carries an Indian sailor, and secured it after the crew took refuge in the citadel. The vessel sustained some damage. This incident highlights the Navy's ongoing commitment to maritime security in the region.

A viral video showing a damaged section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan has sparked renewed criticism. The National Highways Authority of India terminated the original contractor's agreement in April due to persistent poor performance. Repairs are underway by a new builder at the former contractor's expense, with micro-milling and permanent reconstruction planned after traffic diversion. Experts are investigating the cause of the pavement distress.

Defence Ministry gears up to approve over Rs 1 lakh crore in acquisitions, including 300 K-9 Vajra howitzers and 600 HAMMER missiles for fighter jets. The Army will also bolster its air defence with Russian Verba systems. This significant procurement push aims to modernize India's military capabilities, with key defence chiefs attending the crucial Defence Acquisition Council meeting for the first time.