Wes Streeting appointed UK defence secretary marks one of the biggest changes in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first cabinet. The appointment follows a major Labour reshuffle that moved John Healey to the Treasury while placing Streeting in charge of Britain's defence strategy, armed forces and support for international allies. Wes Streeting Appointed UK Defence Secretary by Andy Burnham   Andy Burnham Cabinet Reshuff

Mark Carney responds to US 50% tariffs by reaffirming Canada's commitment to free and fair trade while expressing readiness for negotiations with Washington. The Canadian prime minister says Ottawa will continue supporting workers, businesses and families as trade tensions escalate over dairy, automobiles and alcoholic beverages. Mark Carney Responds to US 50% Tariff

Andy Burnham Cabinet Reshuffle Removes Starmer Allies Andy Burnham’s cabinet reshuffle has placed trusted allies and experienced Labour figures in senior government roles while removing several ministers associated with Keir Starmer. The appointments signal a change in political direction as the new prime minister begins shaping his economic and domestic agenda. Andy Burnham Cabinet Takes Shape

US imposes 50% tariff on Canadian goods as the Trump administration escalates trade tensions with its northern neighbour. The new duties target products including hockey sticks, wine and cement, while Washington cites unfair trade practices and retaliatory Canadian policies as the reason for the move. US Imposes 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods Amid Trade Dispute &n

Pakistan poverty rate rises to 28.9% as years of economic instability, inflation and weak growth continue to strain households. The latest national survey shows rural communities suffering the most, while declining incomes and rising living costs have pushed millions more people below the poverty line across the country. Pakistan Poverty Rate Rises to 28.9% Amid Econ

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

Andy Burnham has formally become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after King Charles III invited him to form a government. The former Greater Manchester mayor enters Downing Street as investors assess his economic plans, energy policy and proposals for public services. Burnham takes office after Starmer’s departure Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned after two years in office following internal Labour pressure, declining public support and damaging local election results. Burnham became Labour leader without facing a rival after securing overwhelming support among the party’s members of Parliament. His appointment makes him Britain’s seventh prime minister since 2016, underlining a decade of political instability. After meeting the King at Buckingham Palace, Burnham was expected to enter Downing Street, begin appointing his Cabinet and outline his priorities in his first speech as prime minister. Burnham recently returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by-election. Before that, he served for nearly a decade as mayor of Greater Manchester and previously held Cabinet roles under Labour prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Burnham policy agenda faces early scrutiny Burnham has promised to address major structural problems, including social care, housing, regional inequality and the management of essential public services. He has argued that political power became too concentrated in Westminster while economic control shifted away from local communities. His emerging agenda includes stronger public involvement in energy, transport and water, as well as a major expansion of council housing. Reports suggest his government may also consider changes to inheritance tax and council tax, although the details have not yet been formally announced. Burnham has said economic growth will be essential to fund his plans. However, investors want clarity on whether large infrastructure and public-service programmes will require higher taxation, additional borrowing or greater issuance of UK government bonds. UK bond markets watch spending plans Financial markets previously showed concern that Burnham could pursue a more expansionary fiscal programme than Starmer. Those fears have eased, but gilt investors remain focused on whether the new government will continue Labour’s existing fiscal rules. The main uncertainty surrounds how Burnham would finance public ownership, housebuilding and social-care reforms. Higher borrowing could increase pressure on government bond yields and complicate efforts to control public debt. Markets are therefore likely to examine Burnham’s first Budget, spending review and Cabinet appointments for evidence of whether he will follow a cautious fiscal approach or move toward substantially higher public spending. North Sea oil policy draws Trump’s attention U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly praised reports that Burnham could accelerate oil and gas development in the North Sea. Trump described the region’s energy resources as valuable and argued that greater production could strengthen the British economy. However, Burnham is expected to maintain Labour’s ban on issuing new exploration licences. His government may instead support faster development of projects that already hold licences, including possible tieback drilling connected to existing fields. This distinction is important because it does not amount to opening the entire North Sea to unrestricted new exploration. New prime minister must provide policy clarity Burnham enters office with broad ambitions but limited detail on how his programme will be funded. His immediate challenge will be convincing voters that he can improve living standards while reassuring investors that public borrowing will remain under control. His first speech, Cabinet choices and upcoming fiscal announcements should provide a clearer picture of his approach. Until then, questions over taxation, nationalisation, housing investment, energy development and government spending will remain central to the UK’s political and economic debate.

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

The CJP Protest Live situation intensified at Jantar Mantar after police used lathis while demonstrators gathered for the proposed Chalo Sansad march. Protesters are demanding accountability over alleged NEET irregularities as strict security restrictions remain in force around Parliament and central Delhi.  

The Dandeli zipline accident left a Karnataka man injured after he reportedly fell nearly 40 feet at Sterling River Resort. His family alleges a zipline safety-lock failure and resort negligence, while the management disputes the allegations.​   Dandeli Zipline Accident: Karnataka Man Falls Nearly 40 Feet A 24-year-old man from Karnataka suffered serious injuries after falling nearly 30 to 40 feet during a zipline ride at a private re

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.  

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised citizens to postpone travel to Iran and urged those already in the country to consider leaving temporarily as the regional security situation deteriorates. The updated advisory follows renewed military escalation and asks Indians to remain vigilant, register with the embassy and avoid high-risk areas. Indian Embassy Ir

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance have welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Alec Neel Vance. The announcement, shared by Vance on X, marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first sitting US vice president in more than 150 years to welcome a child while in office. JD Vance fourth child announced on X US Vic

The National Council for Teacher Education has constituted a five-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four Madhya Pradesh B.Ed colleges. The inspection will verify approved locations, infrastructure, faculty strength and compliance with NCTE regulations before submitting a report within five working days. NCTE Constitutes Five-Member Committee In an order issued on July 15, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), under the Education Ministry, constituted a five-member independent fact-finding and verification committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four B.Ed colleges in Madhya Pradesh. The inquiry follows reports that some institutions were not operating from their declared addresses and lacked the infrastructure required under NCTE regulations. The committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report, supported by documentary evidence, photographs and videographic records, within five working days. The committee is headed by H.C.S. Rathore, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of South Bihar. Its members include Ashima Mangla, Joint Secretary at the University Grants Commission (UGC); Bhagwati Prasad Kalal and J.P. Singh, Directors in the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education; a nominee of the Madhya Pradesh government; and Wg Cdr Vijay Rana, Regional Director of the NCTE's Western Regional Committee. Inspection Expanded to Four Colleges The investigation was launched after media reports raised concerns about three B.Ed colleges affiliated with Barkatullah University. During the preliminary verification, officials found that another B.Ed college was operating from the same premises, increasing the total number of institutions under investigation to four. According to the NCTE, the committee reached Madhya Pradesh on July 17 and has already begun physical inspections. The regulator said the additional institution was identified during the initial study, prompting the expansion of the inquiry. Compliance With NCTE Norms Under Review The committee has been instructed to conduct on-site inspections using geotagged photographs and videos to verify whether the colleges are functioning from their approved locations. Officials will compare their findings with the institutions' recognition documents, Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) and other official records submitted to the NCTE. The inspection will also assess whether the colleges comply with the provisions of the NCTE Act, 1993, NCTE Regulations and prescribed recognition standards. Areas under review include infrastructure, classrooms, laboratories, land availability, faculty strength and other academic and administrative requirements necessary for operating teacher education programmes. Strict Action Possible After Investigation The committee has been directed to submit its findings within five working days. Based on the report, the NCTE will conduct a comprehensive review before deciding on further action against the institutions. Describing the matter as a serious lapse, the regulator said strict punitive action would be taken against any institution found violating the NCTE Act, regulations or recognition norms after the completion of the 360-degree verification process.

A 16-year-old student in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district reportedly died by suicide after an alleged skin colour taunt by a classmate on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The case has raised concerns about school bullying, colour-based discrimination and student mental health. Rajasthan Teen Suicide Case A 16-year-old student identified as Rahul reportedly died by suicide in Rajasth

Last Updated: July 18, 2026 When an Indian student dies in a U.S. car crash, several legal and administrative steps follow before the remains can be returned to India. This guide explains the police investigation, family notificat

Sonam Wangchuk removed from Jantar Mantar after Delhi Police carried out an early-morning operation in New Delhi at around 6:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026. He was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike after police said doctors had advised urgent medical care under Delhi High Court directions. Sonam Wangchuk Removed From Jantar Mantar According to police sources cited in the rep

India’s bullet train programme is moving into a new phase, with Indian-built high-speed trains expected to start services before Japan supplies its next-generation E10 Shinkansen sets. The plan is important for domestic rail technology, faster corridor rollout and long-term India-Japan cooperation. The India bullet train project with Indian trains is set to begin before Japan supplies its next-generation E10 Shinkansen fleet. The Ministry of E

An Indian merchant navy captain denied UK bail remains in custody after being accused of breaching British sanctions linked to transporting Russian oil. The case centres on the interception of the MV Smyrtos and raises questions about sanctions enforcement and the responsibilities of ship masters. Indian Merchant Navy Captain Denied UK Bail in Russia Oil Case

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