Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a US congressional panel that Jeffrey Epstein may have tried to pressure him using information about his personal life. Gates admitted having three affairs and said Epstein knew about two of them. He told lawmakers that the relationships had no connection to his meetings with Epstein. Gates said Epstein never blackmailed him, but some emails suggested he may have considered doing so. Gates also denied claims that he had a sexually transmitted disease. He said he met Epstein around 12 to 14 times for discussions related to philanthropy and potential donor connections.

A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with temperatures rising above 44°C in some areas. France recorded its hottest day in nearly 80 years, while several countries issued health warnings. The extreme heat has caused dozens of deaths, including drowning and heatstroke cases. Schools closed, trains were delayed and tourist attractions reduced operating hours. Experts say a rare "heat dome" is trapping hot air over the continent. Farmers, workers and businesses are also facing challenges due to the heat. Weather experts warn that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, longer and more intense across Europe. (PC: Reuters)

A new book has revealed that US President Donald Trump believed India charged 175% tariffs on American goods. The claim was made during meetings with business leaders before his major tariff plan in 2025. According to the book Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, Trump repeatedly questioned official US data on tariffs. During one meeting, he said, “China tariffs us over 150 to 200 percent, India 175 percent.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tried to explain the official figures, but Trump rejected them. The discussions took place before the US imposed tariffs on several countries, including India, as part of its trade policy. (PC: AP)

The world’s oldest known football has travelled from Scotland to Miami ahead of Scotland’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Brazil. Dating from between 1540 and 1570, the leather ball was discovered during restoration work at Stirling Castle in the 1970s, lodged in the rafters behind the Queen’s Chamber. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest football in existence, it is made from leather panels filled with a pig’s bladder and is roughly the size of a small melon. Now on display at Coral Gables Museum, the artifact forms part of an exhibition celebrating football’s global history and cultural connections. (PC: Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum)

A three-year-old boy from Kashmir, Lukman, has successfully recovered from a rare and life-threatening immune disorder, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), following a stem cell transplant at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar. After losing their daughter to the same disease due to the absence of a suitable donor, Lukman’s family found hope through an international donor search. A matched unrelated donor was identified via a Germany-based registry, with stem cells sourced from a donor in Poland and transported to Srinagar. SKIMS described the procedure as its first matched unrelated donor transplant. Doctors said Lukman recovered well and has been discharged from hospital.

Lionel Messi has refused to rule out playing in the 2030 FIFA World Cup after helping Argentina secure a 2-0 win over Austria with a brace in the 2026 tournament. The victory ensured Argentina qualified for the knockout stage as Group winners. Speaking about his future, the 39-year-old said he would continue playing as long as he remains physically fit and can contribute to the team. When asked specifically about the 2030 World Cup, Messi said he is focused on the present and not thinking that far ahead. If he participates, Messi would be 43 and could play a World Cup match on Argentine soil during the tournament’s centennial celebrations.

The father of accused Chetan Chowdhury has denied allegations that his son murdered Pune businessman Ketan Vishal Agrawal at Lohagad Fort, claiming Chetan was “standing far away” when Agrawal fell into a valley on June 18. Babulal Chowdhury alleged his son is being framed and said Chetan told him that co-accused Siya Goyal was standing closest to Agrawal before the incident. However, Pune Rural Police maintain that Siya and Chetan conspired over several weeks to kill Agrawal. Investigators allege the duo conducted reconnaissance visits, sabotaged a planned Bali trip, made a failed attempt on June 14, and ultimately pushed Agrawal into a valley on June 18. Banner

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the state funeral and burial ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. According to the report, Khamenei, 86, was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on February 28 after leading Iran for 36 years. Funeral ceremonies will begin on July 4, include events in Qom on July 7, and conclude with burial in Mashhad on July 9. Iranian authorities expect nearly 20 million mourners. The invitation comes as Iran and the United States pursue a peace framework and long-term negotiations in Switzerland following months of regional conflict. (PC: Business Standard)

A clarification by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Passport Seva Divas has sparked widespread debate after it stated that a passport is primarily a travel document and not proof of citizenship. The remark triggered questions online about what constitutes conclusive evidence of Indian citizenship if passports, Aadhaar cards and voter IDs are not considered definitive proof. Social media users highlighted the apparent contradiction that Indian passports are issued only to citizens after document scrutiny and police verification. The discussion also revived references to court observations that Aadhaar serves as proof of identity rather than citizenship. The controversy has fueled fresh public confusion over citizenship documentation standards in India. (PC: X)

What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort near Pune has turned into a sensational murder case. Police allege that 25-year-old businessman Ketan Agarwal was killed by his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, Chetan Chaudhary, after multiple failed attempts on his life. Investigators became suspicious after CCTV footage showed a man wearing a hoodie despite temperatures reaching 33°C, leading them to uncover the alleged conspiracy. Call records, forensic evidence, and inconsistencies in statements reportedly exposed the plot. Both accused have been arrested, and police believe the murder was carefully planned to resemble an accidental fall. (PC: HT)