National News

On Day 25, England rediscovered its stiff upperlip to beat Mexico with a performance that could have been a Kipling poem. The mighty Viking Erling Haaland slayed Brazil’s Samba boys. And FIFA’s decision to rescind Balogun’s red-card has raised political heckles. Read this and more in today’s Offside.

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has unveiled his "VIJAY" mantra, emphasizing Vigilance, Innovation, Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Yodha First. This strategic direction aligns with the army's Decade of Transformation and Prime Minister Modi's "JAI" directive for integrated defence forces. The initiative aims to bolster capabilities through modernization and doctrinal shifts, preparing the army for future challenges in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.

China is pioneering a distinct AI approach, prioritizing systems for real-time urban, industrial, and logistical coordination over Western chatbot and AGI focus. This strategy emphasizes prediction, management, and continuous adaptation within complex environments. By viewing AI as essential infrastructure, China aims to create intelligent systems that govern movement and respond dynamically to change, reflecting a broader, process-oriented understanding of intelligence.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized the Modi government, citing India's declining passport rankings and increased passport fees. He questioned the government's claims of enhanced global respect, pointing to a drop in rankings and stagnant foreign tourist arrivals. Kharge alleged that citizens are paying more for subpar services, impacting India's international standing.

California's proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires is facing a massive opposition campaign funded by tech titans like Sergey Brin, who has donated $82 million. Wealthy individuals are reportedly moving assets out of state, while supporters argue the tax will fund vital public services and reduce inequality. This high-stakes battle, with millions being spent on both sides, will be decided by voters this November.

UEFA has slammed FIFA's decision to allow US forward Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite a red card, calling it "incomprehensible" and a "red line" crossed. Balogun's one-game ban was surprisingly suspended by FIFA, a move that has drawn outrage from Belgium and criticism from UEFA for undermining the "integrity" of the competition.

A paraglider suffered injuries after an emergency landing on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway near Manali on Sunday. Strong winds diverted the pilot from his intended landing site, leading to a crash. He was taken to Kullu hospital and is reported to be stable. This incident follows a similar event last month where a tandem paraglider also faced strong winds but landed safely.

Heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Missing Link tunnel, forcing the closure of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and old highway on Monday. This disruption, barely nine weeks after its inauguration, also impacted rail traffic, leading to train cancellations and diversions. The incident follows earlier concerns about the new stretch's road quality, highlighting ongoing challenges with the ambitious infrastructure project.

Renowned investor Michael Burry has initiated a short position against Micron Technology, citing 'historically extreme' stock valuations driven by AI hype and investor FOMO, not fundamentals. Despite a recent $250 million donation to a children's savings scheme, Burry warns of significant downside due to the memory chipmaker's cyclical nature and poor profitability metrics. This move aligns with his broader bearish outlook on AI semiconductor stocks.

Helping friends constantly, from airport pick-ups to providing emotional support, may be a cover for deep-rooted insecurities. Psychologists note this 'caretaker' behavior often arises from an association of worth with usefulness, acting as a defense to shield oneself from vulnerability. This dynamic can create superficial relationships where the helpers feel unappreciated and overly exhausted, ultimately leading to isolation despite their admirable generosity.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has dismissed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's call for middle powers to unite, calling it a "fantasy." Dimon pointed to Europe's economic struggles as an example of cooperation's limitations, citing high taxes and regulation. He emphasized that attractive business environments are crucial for growth, contrasting Europe's declining competitiveness with the U.S. market. Dimon also reassured investors about America's investment appeal, noting China's evolving global approach.

Due to the landslides, all the three railway lines have been affected, forcing Central Railway to cancel, divert and regulate several long-distance trains

Ahead of the meeting, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri distanced himself from the controversy, saying he had no role in the daily donation process

The DPIIT Chair of WBNUJS and JHARCRAFT have secured maximum number of GI registrations for West Bengal and Jharkhand respectively.

The disruptions led to the cancellation of several trains, including the CSMT-Pune Indrayani Express, Intercity Express, Deccan Express, Deccan Queen, Pragati Express and Dhule Express

Plan your bank visits carefully as several branches will be closed on specific dates this July due to regional holidays. West Bengal and Mizoram observe closures today, July 6. Further state-specific holidays are scheduled across Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Sikkim, and Tripura. Remember, Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays also mean branch closures. Digital banking services remain unaffected.

A historic scoring milestone has been reached at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé all netting seven goals each. Haaland's late brace secured Norway's stunning upset over Brazil, propelling them to the quarterfinals. This unprecedented feat has intensified the Golden Boot race, showcasing a captivating battle between football's modern greats.

Mumbai experienced a devastating deluge, with record-breaking rainfall causing a building collapse in Mankhurd that claimed six lives, including five children. Unusually strong winds uprooted trees, leading to further fatalities. Flight operations were disrupted as the city recorded its wettest July day in over 50 years, with more heavy rain anticipated and a holiday declared for educational institutions.

Mehbooba Mufti attending supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s final rites is bound to change the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president’s status in politics now onwards