₹180 crore horse-trading plot to topple CM Vijay govt? Probe widens Tamil Nadu politics has been hit by a major controversy after the investigation into an alleged attempt to poach ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam legislators expanded, with police claiming that a corporate entity had prepared a fund of nearly ₹180 crore for the alleged operation. The latest development follows a complaint by TVK MLA N Ilaiyaraja,

EC asks Kavitha to suggest new names for Telangana Rakshana Sena Kalvakuntla Kavitha’s Telangana Rakshana Sena has run into a fresh hurdle after the Election Commission asked the party to suggest alternative names following objections to its proposed name. The development has triggered a new political debate in Telangana, where the abbreviation TRS continues to carry strong historical and political significance.

Delhi govt ends work from home, restores normal office timings The Delhi government has withdrawn its work-from-home arrangement and staggered office timings for employees, citing an improvement in the geopolitical situation in West Asia. The decision brings an end to temporary fuel-saving measures introduced earlier this year amid concerns over global energy supplies and rising uncertainty linked to the conflict involving the United States and Iran. Chief

What the Semiquincentennial means The United States is marking its Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The term refers to a 250th anniversary and is being used to describe the country’s two-and-a-half-century milestone. The national commemoration is linked to America250, the official effort created to recognise the anniversary across the country, with events a

Iran begins formal mourning for Khamenei Iran opened major funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, nearly four months after he was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The ceremony in Tehran became a major moment of public mourning and political symbolism, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf seen visibly emotional as senior officials gathered to pay their final respect

A founding document shaped by debate The United States Declaration of Independence is one of the most important political documents in American history. While Thomas Jefferson is widely known as its primary author, the declaration was not the work of one person alone. It was shaped through committee review, congressional debate and approval by representatives of the thirteen colonies. In June 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a

Report questions control of America250 events A congressional report has accused President Donald Trump of reshaping the United States’ 250th birthday celebration into a politically charged project focused on his personal image, policy priorities and business interests. The report, released by House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman, examines

Trump announces new Clean Air Act pardons US President Donald Trump said he was pardoning six people who, according to him, had been unfairly prosecuted under offences linked to the Clean Air Act. In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that the individuals were being punished for what he described as “fixing their car,” framing the cases as an example of what he has repeatedly called federal overreach under the Biden administration. The

India-Japan summit reflects a broader strategic shift The India-Japan summit has drawn attention beyond New Delhi and Tokyo because its outcomes point to a wider realignment in Asia’s economic and security order. Japan’s plan to invest more than $61 billion in India over the next decade is the headline, but the deeper issue is why Tokyo is seeking stronger options outside China. Prime Minister Sanae Takai

Costco is closed on July 4 for Independence Day, while many major retailers and grocery stores are expected to remain open with possible reduced holiday hours. The holiday closure may affect shoppers planning last-minute grocery runs, party supplies or pharmacy visits. Costco is among the major retailers that close for Independence Day, along with Heinen’s, according to the store-hour information provided. Costco July 4 Ho

Washington, D.C., is preparing for a major July Fourth fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as Freedom 250 marks America’s 250th birthday with a large Independence Day celebration on the National Mall. The Freedom 250 fireworks display is scheduled for about 10:30 p.m. ET at the Washington Monument Grounds, following an evening program that includes remarks by President Donald Trump at 9:45 p.m. ET. Organizers describe the fireworks show as a roughly 40-minute display tied to

Funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began in Tehran on Friday, July 3, 2026, ahead of a planned burial in Mashhad on Thursday, July 9, 2026, as Iran opened a week of state mourning for its former supreme leader. Khamenei, who led Iran from 1989 until he was killed in a reported U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28, 2026, is lying in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla. Coffins of family members killed alongside him were also displayed during the ceremonies.

India’s passport ranking stands at 80th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, giving Indian passport holders access to 56 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa before travel. The ranking, current as of Friday, July 3, 2026, places India alongside Mauritania and Senegal. Henley’s index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations and is updated monthly using International Air Transport Association data. India

A viral Revlimid price comparison between the United States and India has renewed discussion about cancer drug costs, generic medicines and patient access. In an Instagram video posted by the account Spicy Gori, an American woman claimed that one Revlimid pill costs about $900 in the United States. She said she found options in India ranging from approximately Rs 35 to Rs 300 per pill, which she estimated at about 30 cents to $3. In an

Ronaldo shuts down retirement talk after World Cup knockout drama in Toronto Cristiano Ronaldo has cooled intense speculation over his international future after Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in a tense knockout clash at the

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding buzz grows after $26M charity donation Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have once again become the centre of global attention after two major developments around their wedding week. According to reports, the couple has donated $26 million to charities ahead of their planned celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York. Another report has claimed that Swift and Kelce may have already married in a private ceremony before the larg

All is well between CM Vijay and son Jason Sanjay? Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Thalapathy Vijay has been making headlines for his political rise, but his personal life has also remained under public discussion. After reports about marital trouble between Vijay and Sangeeta surfaced, speculation also began around Vijay’s relationship with his son, Jason Sanjay. Several social media posts and entertainment reports

Huawei has launched the Huawei Band 11 series in India, with prices starting at Rs 3,999 under market operating price. The new fitness band lineup includes Huawei Band 11, Huawei Band 11 Metal and Huawei Band 11 Pro, offering a brighter AMOLED display, health tracking features and up to 14 days of battery life. Huawei Band 11 Price In India

Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession on June 24, triggering large-scale destruction across multiple regions. The back-to-back tremors caused buildings to collapse, roads to fracture, and essential services to fail in several urban zones. The disaster has left authorities struggling to stabilise affected areas as the death toll continues to rise. Cities struggle with severe structural damage Major urban centres, including parts of Caracas and La Guaira, have been heavily impacted. Entire residential blocks were reduced to rubble, trapping residents and blocking access routes for emergency teams. The destruction has slowed rescue movement, with heavy debris and unstable structures making operations dangerous and time-consuming. Rescue teams race against time in difficult conditions Search and rescue crews are continuing operations in severely damaged districts, often working with limited equipment and unstable conditions. Hospitals in nearby regions are under pressure as injured survivors arrive continuously. Temporary shelters have been set up, but shortages of clean water, electricity, and medical supplies are complicating relief efforts. Government coordination under pressure Authorities led by interim leadership have confirmed a rising death toll, now reported at 2,595, while acknowledging that many individuals remain unaccounted for. Officials have denied claims of improper handling of victims and stated that identification procedures are being followed. Emergency coordination efforts are ongoing across multiple agencies. Uncertainty grows as recovery continues The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding. Rescue teams warn that numbers may change as deeper layers of collapsed structures are cleared. With communication lines disrupted and many zones still inaccessible, officials say the priority remains locating survivors and preventing further loss of life. Long recovery ahead for affected regions Beyond immediate rescue work, Venezuela now faces a long rebuilding process. Restoring housing, infrastructure, and basic services will take significant time, while displaced families continue to rely on temporary shelters and aid support. The focus remains on survival, recovery, and restoring stability in affected regions.

UK issues formal apology over forced adoption practices The United Kingdom has issued a formal apology over historic forced adoption practices that affected an estimated 185,000 babies born to unmarried mothers in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the policy and its consequences as “a stain on our history”, acknowledgi