New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a powerful force in the Democratic Party after candidates he endorsed secured major victories in congressional primaries. The wins strengthened Mamdani’s influence and highlighted a growing shift toward progressive politics in New York. However, his rising power has also sparked tensions with several Democratic leaders, including members of Congress and local officials, who accuse him of sidelining longtime allies and deepening divisions within the party. Supporters say Mamdani is building a movement focused on working-class voters, while critics argue his approach risks weakening party unity ahead of key national elections.  

Argentina has unveiled an 85-foot-tall statue of football icon Lionel Messi in the Patagonian town of Cutral Co, making it the largest monument dedicated to the World Cup-winning captain. The steel structure, weighing around 70 tonnes, was inaugurated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and depicts Messi celebrating Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. The tribute surpasses a 70-foot Messi statue erected in Kolkata, India, earlier this year, which was later dismantled after authorities raised safety concerns. The new monument highlights Messi’s enduring popularity as he continues to break records on football’s biggest stage.  

The European Union has awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) scholarships to 75 Indian students for the 2026–28 academic cycle, reinforcing India’s position as the programme’s largest beneficiary since 2004. The selected students will pursue master’s degrees at universities across 15 European countries, studying subjects including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, smart urban development and social sciences. Alongside the scholarship announcement, the EU launched the EU-India Student Ambassadors’ Network, comprising 40 students from 20 universities across India. The initiative aims to promote educational exchanges and strengthen academic ties between India and Europe. (PC: The Indian Express)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has acknowledged having affairs with three women, including Russian nuclear physicist Karima Nigmatulina, during closed-door testimony before a US congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Gates also identified Russian bridge player Mila Antonova and medical entrepreneur Dr. Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt. According to testimony transcripts, Gates said Epstein became aware of some of the relationships and appeared to consider using the information as leverage. Gates, however, maintained that he was never blackmailed and denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. He described his association with Epstein as a mistake and said he witnessed no illegal conduct. (PC: WION)

Kolkata’s iconic Kumartuli Ghat, a key part of the city’s cultural and religious heritage, is set to undergo a major transformation before Durga Puja 2026. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority has announced that the renovation work will be completed ahead of the festival season. The ₹10-crore project aims to restore the historic riverside ghat used by Kumartuli’s idol makers, who collect sacred clay for Durga idols. Planned upgrades include riverbank protection, improved walkways, decorative lighting, CCTV surveillance, seating areas and better public amenities. Officials say the revamp will preserve Kolkata’s heritage while enhancing safety and visitor experience. (PC: X)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistan's airspace while carrying out a go-around manoeuvre near Amritsar airport, the airline said. The incident involved flight AI479 on June 22, when the crew had to abort its landing approach and circle back for another attempt. Air India described the airspace entry as a “marginal infringement” and said the aircraft returned safely to Indian airspace. The airline has informed the relevant aviation authorities and launched an internal investigation into the incident. No passengers were affected, and the flight landed safely in Amritsar. (PC: India Today)

Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi has suffered a major legal setback after a London court ordered him to pay more than USD 10.7 million (over ₹100 crore) to Bank of India in a loan recovery case. The London Circuit Commercial Court ruled that Modi is personally liable for the debt because he had provided a personal guarantee for a loan granted to Firestar Diamond FZE, a Dubai-based company linked to his Firestar Group. The court held that Modi must repay the outstanding dues, including the principal amount and accrued interest. The ruling marks an important victory for Bank of India in its efforts to recover unpaid loans. (PC: India Today)

The United States has eased travel restrictions on Iran’s national football team during the FIFA World Cup after complaints from players and officials about difficult travel arrangements. Iran will now be allowed to enter the US two days before its match against Egypt in Seattle, instead of one day earlier as previously required. Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh had argued that the restrictions affected the team's preparation and recovery. The team will still be required to leave the US after the match. The move comes as officials from both countries continue discussions related to the ongoing regional conflict. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian national, Akash Tiwari, has been sentenced to six months in jail in Singapore after pleading guilty to molesting and harassing a Singapore Airlines cabin crew member. The incident took place on a flight from Bangkok to Singapore in February. Court documents said Tiwari repeatedly touched the flight attendant and later followed her into the aircraft galley despite warnings to stay away. The crew member reported the matter to her supervisors and airport authorities after landing. A Singapore court also ordered Tiwari to compensate the victim. Authorities said the case highlights the serious consequences of misconduct on board aircraft. (PC: The Indian Express)

A new book on US President Donald Trump’s administration has revealed a heated exchange between Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over tariffs imposed by India on American goods. According to the book, Trump believed India’s tariffs were far higher than official US government figures. When Lutnick presented data from the US Trade Representative’s office, Trump reportedly dismissed the numbers and accused officials of providing inaccurate information. The book claims Trump was convinced Indian tariffs were as high as 175 per cent. The episode took place before Trump’s tariff measures targeting several trading partners, including India. (PC: HT)