Times of India

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is in New Delhi for a three-day visit, aiming to bolster economic security and strengthen supply chains, particularly in semiconductors and critical minerals. Discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also cover regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific, where India is seen as a vital partner. This visit follows PM Modi's trip to Tokyo last year, reaffirming a robust Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

US President Trump reported over $1.4 billion in income from cryptocurrency ventures, including his family's World Liberty Financial and a $TRUMP meme coin. He stated he doesn't manage personal finances, attributing profits to the strong stock market. Despite ethics concerns over crypto-friendly policies enacted during his term, the White House denied any conflicts of interest, asserting Trump made the US the 'crypto capital'.

India all-rounder Shardul Thakur expressed his disappointment over being "underutilized" during last year's Test series in England. He believes he could have made a significant impact had he been given more bowling opportunities, citing a "calculation error" in how he was used. Despite the missed chances, Thakur remains hopeful for future national team call-ups, emphasizing his readiness to contribute.

In a heartfelt endorsement, US Congressman Ro Khanna rallied behind Aisha Farooqi, a Pakistani American candidate vying for Michigan's 11th Congressional District. Their conversation, shared through video, celebrated South Asian heritage and America's rich tapestry of diversity, even venturing into discussions about Bollywood, food, and sports. Khanna proudly represents California's 17th, emphasizing the power of personal connections in politics.

Tehran had also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Khamenei's funeral. However, New Delhi chose Bihar governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) and minister of state for external affairs Pabitra Margherita to represent India at the multi-day funeral, which is set to begin on July 4.

Norway's star striker Erling Haaland celebrated his team's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 qualification with a series of fun social media posts, including cowboy and Viking themes. His dramatic 86th-minute winner against Ivory Coast secured their spot, making him the fastest to 60 international goals for Norway. They now face Brazil in the next round.

A heartwarming airport encounter has captured the internet's attention. A passenger shared a video of Afjal, an IndiGo employee who is deaf and mute, expertly assisting travelers at baggage check-in. The video highlights Afjal's professionalism and cheerful demeanor, proving that effective communication transcends spoken words. Social media users lauded Afjal's dedication and praised the airline for its inclusive hiring practices, sparking a wider conversation about creating more accessible workplaces.

China has unveiled stringent new regulations to bolster oversight of its overseas investments, particularly in critical tech sectors like AI and semiconductors. These rules, effective Wednesday, aim to safeguard national security and technological capabilities amidst escalating US competition. While designed to enhance outward investment quality, they could complicate global expansion for Chinese firms and access to Chinese capital for foreign partners, raising concerns about technology transfers and broader geopolitical implications.

Among the signatories are former RAW chief A S Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, along with retired diplomats and members of civil society from both countries.

England faces a significant challenge if teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debuts against them, according to former spinner Graeme Swann. Swann described the young batter as "almost unplayable" and noted that few bowlers have found success against him. While England's bowlers will be tested, Jofra Archer might possess an edge due to his IPL experience with Sooryavanshi. The highly anticipated debut follows Sooryavanshi's stellar IPL 2026 season.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani lauded Ranbir Kapoor's dedication during the filming of 'Sanju,' revealing the actor arrived at 3 am daily for a grueling 4-5 hour makeup session to portray Sanjay Dutt. Despite 12-hour shoots, Kapoor never complained, showcasing a commitment that contrasts with current discussions about shorter work shifts in the industry. Hirani emphasized that committed actors understand the demands of finishing a project.

A transatlantic debate ignites as Paris blames America's heavy air conditioning use for contributing to Europe's heatwave deaths. While the US mocks France's lack of AC, experts highlight America's significant emissions. The article contrasts this with the US's own struggles with extreme heat and a dismissive attitude towards climate science, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable cooling solutions.

LeBron James' decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers has sparked fresh questions about Bronny James' future, but current signs point toward the young guard remaining with the franchise. Bronny's fully guaranteed contract, steady development over his first two NBA seasons and affordable salary make him a valuable depth option as the Lakers transition into a new era built around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. While speculation persists about a potential reunion with LeBron on his next team, Los Angeles is under no obligation to facilitate a move, leaving Bronny well positioned to continue carving out his own NBA career.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it was in discussions with several countries about importing fuel at acceptable prices. One industry source said India has already shipped at least 60,000 metric tonnes of gasoline to Russia. Another source said two cargoes, each carrying between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes, have been dispatched.

Indian stock markets surged on Wednesday, with the Sensex and Nifty reclaiming key levels after a two-day slump. Positive global cues, including falling crude oil prices, boosted investor confidence. Sectors like banking and consumer goods saw significant gains, while IT stocks faced pressure. Analysts anticipate a positive second half of the year, citing easing geopolitical tensions and potential trade agreements.

Ukraine has launched its most extensive long-range drone campaign, targeting Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and military infrastructure deep within its territory. This escalation follows G7 commitments to bolster Ukraine's air defenses and economic resilience. The strikes aim to disrupt Russia's war financing and logistics, with President Putin acknowledging temporary fuel shortages.

Authorities have issued a stern warning to WhatsApp regarding its new username feature, emphasizing that the platform will be held legally accountable for any cyber fraud or impersonation facilitated by the update. The government is scrutinizing the feature, which could allow users to adopt names similar to official entities, raising significant concerns about potential misuse. WhatsApp, however, defends the update as a privacy enhancement, claiming built-in safeguards against abuse.