Times of India

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.

A powerful explosion rocked Hans Nagar, Rewari, injuring at least five people at the residence of a retired Army Subedar. The blast was so intense that locals described it feeling like an earthquake. Four of the injured have been moved to a higher medical facility in Rohtak for advanced treatment. Police and forensic teams are investigating the cause of the severe incident, with significant damage reported inside the house.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, accused the former Delhi chief minister of allowing political frustration to turn into arrogance. In a post on X, Gupta first introduced Nabin while highlighting his political journey and credentials. She then launched a direct attack on Kejriwal, saying: "Everyone knows you're feeling desperate and disheartened. But it seems your ego is still riding high in the seventh heaven!" she said.

Donald Trump reignited his public spat with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by sharing a meme suggesting she needs a restraining order, just before their expected meeting at the Nato summit. This follows Trump's claims that Meloni sought photos and that Italy denied US runway access, allegations she strongly refuted as "completely made up." The exchange marks a significant downturn in their previously allied relationship.

India's space agency, Isro, has successfully tested a crucial solid motor for a new sub-orbital vehicle supporting the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. This vehicle will test the crew module's parachute system by lofting it to high altitudes. Modified from a PSLV motor, this test marks a significant step towards safely returning astronauts from space.

During his visit, Jaishankar met Qatari prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and "reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with a focus on energy, trade, investments and people to people ties. They also discussed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest". The technical talks are expected to take place on July 11, although a final decision on the venue has yet to be made.

America's dominance over cutting-edge AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic is a major point of contention as NATO leaders gather. The US, under the Trump administration, is restricting access to powerful AI models, sparking concerns among European allies about potential "kill switches." In response, Europe is bolstering its own AI defense capabilities through partnerships like the one between Germany's Helsing and France's Mistral, aiming to reduce reliance on American technology.

Carolina Panthers' first-round pick Xavier Legette is generating trade buzz, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens emerging as potential destinations. Following the arrivals of new receivers, Legette's role in Carolina has diminished. Both the Chiefs and Ravens could benefit from his size, speed, and affordable contract, offering him a fresh start in offenses led by Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson respectively.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said debris from intercepted missiles and drones caused fires and damage in at least two districts of the capital. Air raid sirens had sounded across the city shortly before the explosions. The latest bombardment came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing another large-scale attack.

The Ram Temple trust's bylaws present a challenge to structural changes, even with potential CEO appointments. Existing provisions require a majority vote to amend, with specific conditions for trustee resignation or termination. Internal dynamics and trustee support will be crucial as members convene to discuss temple management and potential structural adjustments, adhering to the original constitution.

FIFA's recent decision to rescind Folarin Balogun's red card has sparked controversy, enabling the US talent to compete against Belgium. This unusual action came after US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Belgium has expressed outrage and is seeking legal recourse. Meanwhile, the US coach supported the outcome, emphasizing the previous challenges faced by his team. Balogun's participation revives American aspirations for the quarter-finals.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a shock 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway at MetLife Stadium, marking a heartbreaking farewell for Neymar, who confirmed his international retirement after scoring a stoppage-time penalty. The 34-year-old leaves as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, closing a 16-year career spanning four World Cups and Olympic glory.

Indonesia is set to integrate with India's UPI, aiming to build its own digital ecosystem inspired by India's public infrastructure. This collaboration extends beyond cross-border payments, with Indonesia looking to India's models for commerce, digital identity, and public services. The partnership, highlighted during PM Modi's visit, also encompasses food security, healthcare, and defence cooperation, fostering deeper bilateral ties.

India's fertilizer stocks are set to receive a significant boost as 15 out of 20 ships carrying vital cargo have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. This, coupled with three months of exceeding domestic urea production targets, ensures ample supply for farmers during the crucial kharif season. The government's proactive approach in securing alternative routes and fostering international partnerships has strengthened the nation's fertilizer availability.

A recent National Statistics Office survey reveals that childcare and household duties sideline nearly 69% of women in India's largest cities from the workforce, underscoring a persistent gender bias in caregiving responsibilities. While women earn 23% less than men in these urban centers, the quality of their employment shows improvement compared to smaller towns. The survey also highlights variations in female labor participation across different cities.