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 The decision comes after their previous security cover was withdrawn and Rabri Devi was asked to vacate her official residence.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.

Fifty Bangladeshi nationals, including 44 men and six women, were deported from Salem to West Bengal via the Howrah Express for repatriation. The group, previously held at a special detention camp, was escorted by a 40-member armed police team. Tamil Nadu police will hand them over to the Border Security Force at the Haridaspur border for final transfer to Bangladeshi authorities.

IND vs ENG 2nd T20I Pitch Report & Weather Update: Team India faces a double challenge in Manchester: unpredictable weather and Sanju Samson's persistent early dismissals. Despite batting concerns, skipper Shreyas Iyer's form and Abhishek Sharma's fifties offer hope. A bowling rethink is likely, with England bolstered by Jofra Archer's return.

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.

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.

India's ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, stressed the importance of expanding access to Chinese markets for Indian pharmaceutical companies and encouraging Chinese investments in India to bolster diplomatic relations. He pointed out India's strengths within the pharmaceutical industry and displayed optimism for increased export opportunities to China. Doraiswami also referred to India's recent policy changes as significant steps towards normalizing economic interactions with China.

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.

Best Quote of the Day Today on the Fourth of July: Swami Vivekananda's timeless wisdom challenges today's wellness industry, emphasizing that true personal growth originates from within. He asserted that no external teacher or course can bestow spirituality; the ultimate guide is one's own soul. This profound message resonates particularly with the Indian diaspora in the US, reframing the loneliness of distance from traditional support systems as an opportunity for self-reliance and inner discov

BJP National President Nitin Nabin expressed strong confidence in the party's victory in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, citing the 'double engine government's' transformation of the state. He noted the immense enthusiasm of party workers during his two-day visit to Lucknow, which included extensive meetings with senior leaders and a grand roadshow. Discussions are set to focus on poll strategies and strengthening the party's organizational structure.

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.

India's potential BrahMos missile deal with Indonesia could forge a significant coastal defence network across Southeast Asia. This growing 'BrahMos belt,' already including the Philippines and Vietnam, offers regional powers a potent deterrent against China's maritime assertiveness. As US security assurances waver, these missile deployments provide a crucial, independent defence option, reshaping the military balance in the vital South China Sea.

Chandrima Bhattacharya has stepped down as Trinamool Congress's West Bengal president, just a month after her appointment. Her resignation, submitted to Mamata Banerjee, also includes relinquishing all organizational roles and signatory powers. This move follows her electoral defeat in the Dum Dum Uttar Assembly seat during the recent 2026 elections, raising questions about her future within the party.

A Delhi court has reserved its decision on bail pleas for activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Both argue their prolonged detention without trial violates their fundamental rights. Khalid points to recent Supreme Court remarks emphasizing 'bail is the rule' under UAPA as a changed circumstance, while Imam highlights nearly six years in custody without charges being framed.

Delhi experienced scattered showers on Saturday amidst humid conditions, with an overcast sky and 77% relative humidity. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and lightning, with winds up to 40 kmph expected. Temperatures hovered around 29C minimum and a likely 35C maximum. This wet spell is predicted to continue until July 9, with increased rainfall expected from Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's successful navigation of the West Asia crisis, attributing it to timely and correct decisions across all government levels. He described the conflict as the 21st century's biggest energy crisis, impacting nations globally.

The Supreme Court has affirmed a Delhi High Court ruling allowing wives to seek court assistance in gathering evidence like call records and hotel bookings to prove adultery. The apex court dismissed an appeal by a husband challenging the order, emphasizing that while privacy is a right, it's not absolute, especially when public interest and marital laws are involved.

Bengaluru's Footpath Mayor, Arun Pai, transformed a personal frustration with civic apathy into a national cleanup movement. After observing a notorious garbage dump for 24 hours, Pai and friends devised a citizen-led solution that cleared the problem in days. This Ugly Indian initiative, born from a desire to stop blame-shifting, has inspired cities nationwide and even garnered academic attention for its effective, non-confrontational approach to problem-solving.

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.

PM Modi inaugurated India's first integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Rajasthan, a significant Rs 1.06 lakh crore development. This project, a joint venture with HPCL, aims to boost energy security and petrochemical self-sufficiency. The PM also laid the foundation for the Jaipur Metro's second phase and dedicated rail doubling, road, and solar energy projects, underscoring a major push for infrastructure and renewable energy in the state.

India's proposed free trade agreement with Peru faces delays due to market access concerns for certain products, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He indicated the Peru FTA is unlikely to conclude soon. In contrast, negotiations for an India-Canada FTA are progressing well, with a team heading to Canada for the next round.

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.

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.

A Chhattisgarh farmer is seeking Rs 3,500 crore from the Supreme Court, claiming ancestral land was taken by the British in 1942 for military use during WWII and never returned or compensated for. After a 35-year legal battle, he presents old government records as evidence, asserting his family's rights were overlooked. The apex court is yet to rule on the validity of his claim.

The CPI(M) has accused the Kerala government of removing IAS officer Divya S Iyer from the Vizhinjam port project to favor the Adani Group. Senior leader K K Ragesh alleged Iyer protected state interests and demanded Chief Minister V D Satheesan explain her transfer. The opposition also questioned Satheesan's recent meeting with Adani officials and the government's stance on Adani's proposed stake sale in the port.