The Economic Times

Bihar government has reinstated 'Z' category security for RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. This enhanced protection includes a bulletproof vehicle and specialized HQRT personnel, following a recommendation from the State Security Committee. The decision comes after their previous security cover was withdrawn and Rabri Devi was asked to vacate her official residence.

Tensions are high in the Persian Gulf as at least eight ships, including oil tankers, reversed course near the Omani coast, signaling Iran's continued assertion of control over the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a US-Iran deal to reopen the waterway, vessels report warnings from Iranian forces. While traffic has increased, it remains below pre-war levels, highlighting ongoing complexities for global oil markets.

A Delhi court has sentenced Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh to four years of simple imprisonment and a Rs 25 lakh fine for his role in a 2018 celebratory firing incident that led to a woman's death. The court found Singh culpable for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and violations of the Arms Act.

A Pakistani senator has demanded the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar following the arrest of his alleged grandson, Muhammad Raza Dar, in a case involving the abduction and gangrape of two foreign women in Lahore. Senator Faisal Vawda accused the government of protecting the minister's relative and highlighted the incident's potential damage to Pakistan's international image.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a prominent farmers' group, has pledged support to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged exam irregularities. A delegation will join the sit-in on Sunday, expressing solidarity with students and demanding accountability from the government. The SKM highlighted the importance of fair education systems and called for the Education Minister's resignation, emphasizing that the struggles of youth are intertwined with those of farmers.

Cyberattacks on Bajaj Auto and Tata Electronics have exposed a growing risk for India's manufacturing sector, compounded by rising automation and connectivity. Industry experts believe that the interconnected nature of factories creates vast opportunities for cybercriminals. The breaches raise alarms over the potential exposure of sensitive data from major players like Apple and Tesla, threatening India's 'China-plus-one' strategy and eroding trust on the global stage.

Australia and England are set to clash in a highly anticipated Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's. Six-time champions Australia, aiming for a record seventh title, face an unbeaten England side looking to replicate their 2009 home victory. Both teams have showcased impressive form, with Australia's depth and England's star performers leading their charge towards history.

India's AI data-centre industry is witnessing explosive growth, leading to an unprecedented demand for mechanical and electrical engineers skilled in power systems and cooling technologies. With firms heavily investing in necessary infrastructure, lucrative salary increases are becoming a norm for specialized positions. This trend emphasizes the essential nature of physical infrastructure in driving the AI revolution, predicting substantial advancements in the years ahead.

Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has urged SEBI and stock exchanges to intervene in Adani Group's proposed 49% stake transfer in the Vizhinjam port project. Vijayan alleges the move violates the concession agreement with the Kerala government, which requires prior approval for such significant shareholding changes.

Prayagraj police have registered a case against SP MLA Hakim Lal Bind and four others following the mysterious deaths of two brothers within 22 days in Banpurwa village. Both brothers were found hanging, with the younger discovered on June 11 and the elder on July 3. The complaint alleges threats and orchestrated murder, with further action pending post-mortem reports and evidence.

Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal asserted a government change is inevitable in 2027, citing public discontent over unemployment and inflation. He urged opposition unity to counter the BJP's alleged unfair means in elections. The party's 'Parivartan Sankalp Yatra' is receiving an overwhelming response, indicating a strong desire for change among the populace. The next phase will cover the plains districts.

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy met with leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers to discuss strengthening indigenous production and fostering a globally competitive mobility ecosystem. The industry representatives highlighted their focus on homegrown technologies and sought continued policy support, including the extension of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme and revision of the PLI Auto Scheme.

Karnataka Weather Update Today: Karnataka is set for more monsoon showers and gusty winds on July 4, 2026. Coastal districts will experience persistent rainfall and strong winds up to 60 kmph, prompting advisories for fishermen. Bengaluru anticipates cloudy skies with light rain and winds of 30-40 kmph. Interior regions will see scattered showers, with some areas facing heavier spells. Residents are urged to stay prepared for changing weather conditions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted a significant boost in confidence for made-in-India defence platforms following Operation Sindoor. He revealed defence production has surged to over Rs 1.78 lakh crore, a substantial jump from Rs 46,000 crore eight years ago. Exports have also seen a remarkable 57-fold increase, reaching over Rs 38,000 crore.

A significant political upheaval has hit the Trinamool Congress following their election defeat. State President Chandrima Bhattacharya resigned from all party posts, citing a loss of faith from Mamata Banerjee. This comes as the Election Commission seeks clarity on party leadership and assets amidst a growing rift. Bhattacharya's departure fuels speculation of her joining a rebel faction, intensifying the internal power struggle over the party's symbol and funds.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is currently hospitalized in Thane due to viral fever and a cold. Doctors have prescribed strict rest for the deputy chief minister, who was admitted on Friday. He had been experiencing symptoms for several days and is anticipated to be released later today. This development comes after he sought medical attention for his illness.

Appearing before the Court, the ED submitted that the present filing is a supplementary prosecution complaint and that cognisance in the case has already been taken with respect to the offence. The agency argued that, in law, cognisance is taken of the offence and not the offender, and therefore issuance of a fresh notice to Vadra is not required at this stage.

Parliament's Monsoon session is scheduled from July 20 to August 13, 2026, as announced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. This session is anticipated to be significant, with the government reportedly planning another attempt to pass a Constitution amendment bill. This bill aims to implement a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by increasing their strength by 50%.

India has designated 23 individuals based in Pakistan and PoJK as terrorists under UAPA for their involvement in infiltration, financing, and planning attacks. This move targets operatives linked to Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, including launch commanders and recruiters. Six Indian nationals are among those designated, highlighting a cross-border terror network aiming to destabilize India.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust members convene today to address the fallout from a donation theft, including trustee resignations and a preliminary SIT report. Discussions will also cover appointing a CEO and reviewing financial statements. While eight individuals have been arrested, no FIR has been filed against key trust officials yet, despite a complaint from lawyers. Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das is recovering in hospital.

Indian researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking placenta-on-chip technology, a lab-grown model replicating crucial functions of the human placenta. This innovative platform, developed by ICMR-NIRWoH and IIT Bombay, promises to unravel mysteries surrounding pregnancy, aid in understanding complications like gestational diabetes, and evaluate drug safety, potentially reducing reliance on animal testing. The simple, scalable design aims for widespread adoption in research.

Government hikes onion procurement price by 13% to Rs 2,125/quintal, effective July 4, 2026, to boost buffer stock purchases amid a slow start. This is the fifth increase this season, with only 2,000 tonnes procured so far. Despite production parity, seasonal price rises are expected, though overall availability remains stable. Speculative buying is noted due to delayed monsoons, while exports face competition from cheaper foreign produce.

Ace Indian swimmer Sajan Prakash eyes a podium finish and a personal best in his final Commonwealth Games appearance. After a break, he's intensified training, aiming for a sub-1:56s in the 200m butterfly. Acknowledging tough competition from Australian and British swimmers, Sajan emphasizes giving his absolute best effort, prioritizing recovery and nutrition with his new coach, Sandeep Sejwal, to achieve his goals.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has rescinded the work-from-home policy for Wednesdays and Saturdays, a measure initially implemented in May. This decision follows the normalization of the geopolitical situation. The government had previously introduced staggered timings and remote work days to conserve energy, a move prompted by global events and a national austerity drive.

India's envoy to China, Vikram Doraiswami, firmly rejected any comparison with Pakistan over West Asia's mediation roles, attributing it to distinct economic realities. He advocated for autonomous assessments of mediation's benefits to national interests. Doraiswami highlighted India's active participation in global peace initiatives, acknowledging parallels with China's positions on recent regional upheavals in West Asia and Eastern Europe.

Southern West Bengal braces for a weekend deluge as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a deep depression. Authorities have issued red and orange alerts for several districts, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and squalls. Disaster management teams are on standby, with round-the-clock monitoring in place to address potential rain-related emergencies and disruptions across the region.

India's men's hockey coach Craig Fulton believes the team can triumph globally if they adhere to their strategy. Impressive victories against Germany and the Netherlands, alongside a close contest with England, highlight this potential. Despite an overall eighth-place finish in the Pro League, the team's growing confidence and maturity are seen as crucial stepping stones for upcoming tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games.

Mumbai BJP President Ameet Satam faces severe backlash from opposition parties after a video surfaced showing him smiling while discussing recent monsoon-related deaths. Critics, including Sanjay Raut and Varsha Gaikwad, condemned his apparent insensitivity, calling the deaths murders due to negligence. Satam claims his remarks were misinterpreted, explaining he was recounting his assembly statements on the incidents.

A UK-based Indian techie's viral post highlights a growing trend among NRIs: returning to India for faster, cheaper healthcare. Facing a three-week wait for a root canal in the UK, he flew home, got the procedure done in two days, and found the entire trip, including flights, was still more affordable than UK treatment.

Maharashtra is set to frame a Uniform Civil Code, with an expert committee to be formed soon. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted its constitutional backing and alignment with equality principles. This move follows Uttarakhand's lead, with other states also considering similar reforms. While Congress seeks broad consensus, Shiv Sena welcomes the initiative, viewing it as a long-standing ideological commitment.

Srinagar International Airport has withdrawn its plan for a full runway closure this year, ensuring uninterrupted daytime flight operations. While night closures for maintenance will continue until October 2026, airlines can maintain their schedules. This decision follows concerns raised by tourism stakeholders and political leaders about the potential impact on the peak tourist season. Passengers are advised to check flight status with airlines.

Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan defended her stance on the arrest of former DMK minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the need for decorum in public discourse. She clarified that the BJP's support was for legal accountability, not the ruling TVK government. Radhakrishnan was arrested for alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and later released on bail, while denying claims of being pressured to resign.

Government issues notice to Telegram over widespread piracy. I&B Ministry directs Telegram to take immediate measures against pirated films & OTT content and submit Action Taken Report in 15 days.

A former litigant for Ram Lalla, Mahant Dharmdas, has called for the dissolution of the Ram Mandir trust and the registration of all donated assets in the Deity's name amid an embezzlement probe. He expressed faith in the SIT's investigation, which has been granted a 15-day extension. Police have also impounded a car belonging to an arrested accused, Avinash Shukla, who was involved in counting temple offerings.

Mumbai school holiday: Mumbai is under a Red Alert as the India Meteorological Department forecasts intense rain spells. In response, all schools and colleges will close for the afternoon session today, July 4, 2026. The BMC urges residents to venture out only if absolutely necessary, prioritizing safety amidst the severe weather warning for Mumbai, Raigad, Thane, and Palghar.

Europe and the UK endured their hottest June on record, with temperatures soaring past 40C in several nations. The UK saw its highest June temperature at 37.7C, shattering previous records. This extreme heat, linked to climate change, has led to over 1,300 excess deaths across Europe. Scientists warn such intense heatwaves are becoming significantly more frequent.

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa staged a comeback on the final day of the Grand Chess Tour's rapid section in Croatia. He secured three consecutive victories, propelling him to a tie for first place with France's Firouzja Alireza. This impressive performance sets the stage for an exciting blitz section, with other top players closely trailing.

Young all-rounder James Coles has earned his maiden England ODI call-up for the series against India, a testament to his consistent county cricket performances. The 22-year-old Sussex star, a left-handed batter and slow left-arm spinner, impressed selectors with his all-round potential and steady progression through England's pathways. This opportunity marks a significant step in his burgeoning career.

US President Donald Trump, during his Mount Rushmore address, claimed his administration's pressure has crippled Iran, even granting them a week off for a funeral. He also highlighted perceived victories in Venezuela and touted an unprecedented economic boom, asserting America is now the hottest country anywhere in the world and more respected than ever before.

Madhya Pradesh has released 500 crore to expedite land acquisition for three crucial Narmada river projects, previously stalled by compensation disputes in tribal areas. A special relief package, approved in December 2025, addresses these issues with enhanced compensation for land, homes, and assets. These dams promise significant water storage, irrigation for over 72,000 hectares, 125 MW of hydropower, and flood control benefits.

A Uttar Pradesh Police constable, Kapil Dinkar, surprised everyone on India's Got Talent Season 2 by appearing in uniform and with his weapon. Initially mistaken for a rule-breaker, Dinkar revealed he's an on-duty cop who moonlights as a singer, songwriter, and author. He captivated the judges with his original composition, winning the 1 lakh prize and proving his multifaceted talent.

Delhi High Court significantly boosted compensation for families of two engineering students lost in a 2017 road accident. Recognizing their exceptional academic records and bright career prospects, the court awarded over 1 crore to one family and 84 lakh to the other, surpassing the tribunal's initial figures. This decision highlights the importance of future earning potential in accident compensation cases.