This Bay Area weekend guide brings together seven entertainment, food and shopping picks, including HBO Max comedy, Lauren Daigle, Gilroy and San Jose festivals, Yilian Canizares, guava cake, Sakura market and Bottom of the Hill. Schedules should be confirmed before travel. Bay Area residents have several food, music, comedy and shopping options to consider for the weekend, ranging from streaming entertainment and live per

Government sources criticised the Congress march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, calling it a security concern, as opposition leaders protested over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and police action against students.  

Jana Sena has used a Trivikram dialogue to criticise YS Jagan over his remarks on the fatal Palasa road accident involving former minister Seediri Appalaraju’s son. The case has also raised questions about police conduct and support for the victim’s family. Janasena Video Turns Film Dialogue Into Political Attack The Jana Sena Party has stepped up its criticism of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Mini

EPFO pension payments may stop when the Digital Life Certificate expires. Pensioners can check DLC status, submit Jeevan Pramaan through UMANG in six steps or use IPPB’s free doorstep service for eligible EPS-95 beneficiaries. EPFO Pension May Stop When Jeevan Pramaan Expires If an Employees Pension Scheme payment has stopped reaching the bank account, an expired or missing Digital Life Certificate may be one reason. Jeevan Pramaan

The Baramulla Saudi jail release has brought relief to Amjad Ali Bhat’s family after the 29-year-old nurse returned from Saudi Arabia. His detention in Dammam, questions about a Facebook post and his family’s appeals for information had caused months of anxiety. Amjad Amjad Ali Bhat, a resident of Gund Ibrahim in Baramulla district’s

A China Coast Guard baton attack during a Philippine resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal has further heightened tensions in the South China Sea. Philippine military officials said a sailor suffered a serious head injury during the confrontation, adding to a series of incidents involving disputed waters claimed by both Manila and Beijing. Second Thomas Shoal confrontation The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the incident occurred near the BRP Sierra Madre, a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999 to maintain the country's presence in the disputed area. According to the AFP, a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat carrying several personnel approached the outpost, circled the vessel and recorded photos and videos before the confrontation escalated. Philippine officials alleged that one China Coast Guard member struck a Philippine Navy sailor on the head with a wooden baton during the encounter. Medical personnel immediately treated the injured sailor before he was evacuated for further medical care. The reported incident took place during a routine presence-maintenance and resupply operation. China Coast Guard activities The latest confrontation adds to a growing list of maritime incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. Philippine authorities have repeatedly accused the China Coast Guard of blocking, ramming, boarding and using water cannons against Philippine boats operating within what Manila considers its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China maintains that its coast guard is enforcing Chinese sovereignty against what it describes as unlawful incursions by Philippine vessels. Beijing continues to assert broad claims across most of the South China Sea despite objections from neighbouring countries. South China Sea dispute Second Thomas Shoal remains one of the region's most sensitive flashpoints. The Philippines argues that the shoal lies within its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while China insists it has historical sovereignty over the surrounding waters. Throughout this year, both sides have reported multiple stand-offs around Second Thomas Shoal, Scarborough Shoal and Sabina Shoal. Philippine officials have also raised concerns over increased China Coast Guard patrols, maritime militia activity and research vessels operating near disputed features. Earlier this year, Manila accused Chinese fishing vessels of causing environmental damage near the shoal, while Beijing rejected those allegations. China-Philippines tensions Security concerns have continued to grow as China carried out military exercises in parts of the South China Sea and the Philippines expanded defence cooperation with the United States, Japan and several ASEAN partners through joint military drills. Diplomatic protests have also increased following disputes over floating structures, fishing access and maritime patrols. The broader dispute remains unresolved despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which found that China's expansive claims had no legal basis under UNCLOS. The Philippines continues to cite the ruling as the foundation of its maritime rights, while China rejects the decision and refuses to recognise its legal validity. The latest reported injury marks another serious escalation in the long-running maritime dispute. Although neither side has indicated an intention to pursue military conflict, analysts continue to warn that repeated close encounters between vessels increase the risk of miscalculation. Philippine authorities said they remain committed to protecting their personnel and maintaining their presence in the disputed waters, while Beijing continues to defend its actions as lawful enforcement of its territorial claims.

Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 began in New Delhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged lawmakers to hold constructive, fact-based debates and ensure productive proceedings. The Opposition is preparing to raise the NEET-UG paper leak, Sonam Wangchuk’s protest, Ayodhya donation concerns, ethanol policy and other major national issues.  

Skyroot Aerospace is preparing Vikram-1 for its maiden orbital mission from Sriharikota. Scheduled for July 18, 2026, the launch could mark India’s first privately developed orbital rocket flight and strengthen the country’s commercial small-satellite launch sector. The Vikram-1 first orbital launch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Through Missio

The SIT investigating alleged irregularities in donations received by the Ram temple trust is likely to submit an interim status report to the Supreme Court on Monday, July 20, 2026. The team may also seek additional time to complete the investigation and recommend administrative reforms. SIT Interim Report Expected Before Supreme Court The Special Investigation Team examining alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janm

The Centre has listed five new bills and two previously introduced measures for the Monsoon Session 2026 beginning Monday, July 20. However, the Delimitation Bill and Public Office Disqualification Bill are absent, fuelling speculation over whether they could be introduced later. Monsoon Session Bills Leave Delimitation Question Open The Union government has outlined its legislative agenda for the Monsoon Session 2026, listing five new bil

India’s first hydrogen train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Jind railway station in Haryana. The fuel-cell train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, generating electricity on board while emitting water vapour and heat at the point of use. Hydrogen Train Launch Marks Indian Railways Milestone Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, July 17, 2026, flagged off India’s first h

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, Harvard economist Raj Chetty and Microsoft executive Asha Sharma have joined newly formed Federal Reserve task forces examining major areas of US monetary policy. The panels will study the Fed’s balance sheet, economic data, employment, productivity, communications and inflation framework. Fed Review Brings Global Experts Into Policy Reform The US Federal

The Bankra Mosque inside Kolkata airport is again at the centre of relocation discussions after public access was suspended. Authorities cite aviation security and runway safety, while community representatives seek consultation and legal safeguards. The long-running debate over relocating the Bankra Mosque from the operational area of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has gained fresh momentum following new security r

At least 13 people were killed and five others injured when a pickup truck carrying wedding guests was struck by two trucks on Java’s northern coastal highway. The Indonesia highway crash occurred near Kiajaran Kulon village in Indramayu regency on Sunday afternoon, July 12. The passengers were returning home after attending a wedding ceremony in Parean village. Local traffic police said the powerful collision crushed the pickup and thre

The Ayodhya SIT probe into the alleged Ram temple donation theft has identified serious weaknesses in donation counting, employee monitoring, cash auditing and physical security. Investigators believe repeated violations of established procedures left the system vulnerable to alleged financial misconduct. Ayodhya SIT Probe Identifies Security Lapses The Special Investigation Team examining alleged irregularitie

Iran nuclear site repairs appear to be underway at Taleghan 2, Parchin and Pickaxe Mountain after recent US-Israeli strikes. Satellite imagery shows cranes, vehicles and cleared impact areas, but Iran and international inspectors have not confirmed the work’s purpose. Taleghan 2 repairs visible in satellite imagery Recent high-resolution satellite images indicate repair and rehabilitation activity at Taleghan

Australia has assured India that opportunities for Indian students in Australia will remain open and fair despite visa delays and stricter assessments. The MEA also rejected reports of broad application restrictions and highlighted expanding university partnerships. Australia Assures Indian Students of Fair Study Opportunities Australia has assured India that genuine India

Vivaah Patu: India’s record-breaking silk saree Vivaah Patu is one of India’s most remarkable examples of luxury handloom craftsmanship. Created by The Chennai Silks, the saree entered Guinness World Records as the most expensive silk saree after it was sold on January 5, 2008, for ₹39,31,627. The piece is often discussed not simply because of its price, but bec

India’s support for the Prambanan Temple restoration project in Indonesia has added a strong cultural dimension to growing India Indonesia ties. The initiative, unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Yogyakarta on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, focuses on conserving one of Southeast Asia’s most important Hindu temple complexes. The project is not just about repairing an old monument; it reflects how shared histo

The Karnataka Congress has stepped up its attack on the BJP leadership over the controversy surrounding alleged theft and financial irregularities linked to donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. At its general body meeting, the state Congress adopted a resolution demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accusing them of bearing moral responsibility for t