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)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to sources. Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed during Israeli and US strikes on Tehran on February 28. Iranian state media said the funeral will begin on July 4 and conclude with his burial in his hometown of Mashad on July 9. Ceremonies will also be held in the holy city of Qom on July 7. The invitation comes as India and Iran continue diplomatic engagement following recent developments in West Asia. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian refiners are unlikely to rush into buying Iranian crude despite a temporary US sanctions waiver that has reopened access to some Iranian oil supplies. Industry experts say uncertainty over the future of sanctions, payment systems, insurance coverage and shipping arrangements continues to weigh on buying decisions. India was once a major importer of Iranian oil, but refiners have diversified their sources in recent years, increasing purchases from Russia, the UAE and other suppliers. While Iranian crude remains an option, companies are expected to move carefully until there is greater clarity on long-term policy and trade conditions. (PC: The Indian Express)

Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to purchase 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, with the deal expected to be a major outcome of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China. Reports suggest Dhaka aims to finalise the agreement by August 2026 as the two countries expand cooperation in defence and trade. The J-10CE is the export version of China’s advanced J-10C fighter aircraft. India is closely monitoring the development due to its possible impact on regional security. New Delhi is also watching plans to upgrade Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat airbase near the Indian border, which holds strategic importance for both countries. (PC: NDTV)