National News

There are strong speculations that the government is planning to reintroduce the Delimitation Bill during upcoming Monsoon Session. The Bill could not pass the numbers test during the Budget session. Opposition parties, which were united in their opposition to the Bill in April, appear to be divided now over the idea of uniform seat increase. Some parties may support the bill if their concerns are addressed. The Congress fears isolation and has requested an all-party meeting for discussions. The proposed 50% seat increase aims to facilitate women's reservation without altering current proportions.

Hindus for Human Rights will gather in Washington supporting Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk has been fasting for twenty days demanding the education minister's resignation. The advocacy group expressed concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health and student hospitalizations. They highlighted the spiritual significance of fasting as a moral protest. The organization urged the government to engage with protesters before a medical emergency.

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will face each other in the World Cup final. Nineteen years ago, Messi bathed baby Yamal during a charity photoshoot event. Yamal has since become Spain's biggest football star at Barcelona. Messi left Barcelona in 2021, while Yamal emerged as a global superstar. This remarkable full-circle moment culminates in Sunday's biggest football match.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party for corruption allegations. He labeled the party "Kattar Beimaan Party" during a rally in Jalandhar. The prime minister also highlighted the state's deteriorating law and order situation. He mentioned a former AAP leader's conviction for murder during Delhi riots. Modi urged voters to elect the BJP for a prosperous Punjab.

The US government is considering a $100,000 bond for Green Card applicants. This measure aims to ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient and do not burden public programs. The Trump administration is exploring this long-standing legal authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This proposal follows earlier attempts to impose fees on H-1B visa applications. Officials stated this policy reduced overstays in pilot programs.

Brent crude prices in the spot market briefly surged to around $144 per barrel before easing as markets adjusted. Yet as ADB notes in its report - despite this unprecedented supply shock, crude oil prices did not reach levels seen during the 1973 Arab oil embargo or even the 1990 Gulf war, if one were to inflation-adjust the prices.

The Gujarat ATS has apprehended five additional suspects connected to a Jaish-e-Mohammed module, uncovered while they were preparing for explosive device attacks. This group had a history of recruitment and radicalization, engaging in bomb-making training for several years. Investigators reported that they executed at least eight trial runs for explosive timers, and the ongoing investigation aims to unveil potential targets and their external affiliations.

Maharashtra's hospitality industry seeks extended bar operating hours for the FIFA World Cup Final. The association requested permission to remain open until 3:30 AM on July 20. This move aims to provide a safe environment for fans watching the global sporting event. Other states have granted similar one-time relaxations during past World Cup finals. The government's decision will impact fan arrangements and the hospitality sector's business.

Abandoned rice fields in Japan's Aso region are being restored into permanent wetlands to help refill groundwater and provide a safe habitat for frogs, dragonflies and other freshwater wildlife. The community-led project brings together local residents and researchers, showing how unused farmland can support biodiversity while helping restore water resources for the future.

In an incident highlighting political disconnect, a BJP MLA disregarded the pleas of villagers at a public grievance meeting, insisting they were not his voters. In protest, the villagers placed a child atop the MLA’s vehicle to draw attention to their pleas concerning water and electricity shortages. The striking act of dissent has taken social media by storm, with the protest video circulating widely among users.

President Donald Trump alleged China compromised American election data extensively. He claimed Beijing illicitly acquired millions of US voter files. Critics questioned these claims, citing public data availability and intelligence assessments. Intelligence agencies concluded China did not attempt to alter vote counts. The timing of these allegations raised concerns among Republicans and Democrats.

More than 40 years after the Mount St. Helens eruption buried a Washington river valley under volcanic sediment, 58 relocated beavers have helped restore the damaged landscape. Their dams and wetlands brought back native plants, fish and wildlife. However, conservationists fear a planned government project to raise a sediment retention structure could undo years of natural restoration.

Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg after starting hunger strike and his body is consuming muscles and his organs may be next, says doctor