A Bengaluru court has issued a non-bailable warrant against actor Prakash Raj in a case related to alleged multiple voter identity cards. The complaint, filed in 2019, claims that Raj held voter IDs in more than one state, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Under Election Commission rules, a person can be registered as a voter in only one place. The court had earlier issued summons asking Raj to appear. After he reportedly failed to attend on two occasions, the court issued the warrant. The case remains under legal review, and further proceedings are expected.

2 children, aged two and four, were found dead inside a parked car in the southern French town of Carpentras during an intense heatwave. Investigators said the heat was the “most likely reason” for the tragedy. France is facing record temperatures, with some areas expected to reach 43°C. More than 1,350 schools have been closed, and heat alerts now cover over half the country. Authorities have urged people to stay indoors, drink plenty of water and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours. Similar heat warnings have also been issued across several other European countries.

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant was found dead at her home in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, a day after appearing for the NEET re-examination. Police said a handwritten note was found on her question paper. In the note, she reportedly wrote, “I am not capable of anything.” Investigators believe she may have been upset about her expected exam performance. Her family said she dreamed of becoming a doctor and following her brother’s path. Police have sent the note for forensic and handwriting examination. The exact cause of death is under investigation, and the post-mortem report is awaited. (PC: HT)

A powerful heatwave is affecting several European countries, with temperatures rising above 40°C in many areas. France has reported at least 18 deaths, including two children left in a parked car. Authorities have issued heat alerts and closed schools in some regions. The United Kingdom, Spain and Italy are also facing extreme heat. Weather experts say the heatwave is being caused by an “Omega Block”, a high-pressure system that traps hot air over Europe. This has created a heat dome, keeping temperatures high for days. Officials have urged people to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. (PC: AFP)

New York City has renamed a proposed horse carriage ban bill as “Romanch’s Law” in memory of 18-year-old Indian student Romanch Mahajan. He died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park last week. Romanch jumped from the carriage while trying to help his mother after the horse suddenly bolted. At a memorial vigil, City Council member Christopher Marte announced the name change. The bill seeks to end horse-drawn carriage operations in the city by 2028. Romanch’s family has called for an immediate ban, saying public safety must come before tourism and business interests.

Two Republican senators have criticised Pakistan and Qatar over their involvement in discussions linked to the Iran peace process. Senator Rick Scott said, “Pakistan and Qatar have long histories of harbouring terrorists,” while questioning their role as mediators. Senator Tim Sheehy also argued that countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel should be included in the talks. The remarks came after US Vice President J D Vance joined negotiations with leaders from Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland. The comments have intensified debate in Washington over regional diplomacy, alliances and the future of the Iran negotiations.

India has welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran after talks in Switzerland. Speaking at the BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval expressed “cautious optimism” about the agreement. He said the deal could improve global energy security and reduce supply chain disruptions. Doval also welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an important step for trade and navigation. He said the development could ease shortages of key goods such as fertilisers and chemicals. India hopes the agreement will support regional stability and economic growth.

Lionel Messi created more history as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup. The Argentine captain scored both goals and helped his team qualify for the Round of 32. With his brace, Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals. He also set records for most World Cup matches played, most World Cup wins and most minutes played in the tournament. Guinness World Records highlighted all four achievements after the match. Messi said the victory was important and gives Argentina confidence as they prepare for the knockout stages. (PC: Getty)

Britain is facing an intense heatwave as temperatures continue to rise across England and Wales. Thousands of lightning strikes hit southern parts of the country overnight, causing flooding and house fires. Bristol Airport was briefly closed after thunderstorms affected air traffic systems. Several schools announced closures or early dismissals to protect students from extreme heat. Emergency services responded to hundreds of weather-related incidents. Weather officials have issued rare red heat warnings, with temperatures expected to reach up to 39°C in some areas. Authorities have urged people to stay hydrated, avoid heat exposure and follow safety advice. (PC: Getty)

A preliminary investigation into the deadly Lucknow building fire has found that the structure was using electricity far beyond its approved limit. Officials said the building had a sanctioned load of 20 kilowatts but was drawing over 34 kVA before the blaze. The fire killed 15 people, including students and professionals, in Aliganj's Sector D. Investigators are now examining whether earlier warnings about power overload were ignored. Authorities are also looking into safety approvals, electrical systems and emergency preparedness. The exact cause of the fire has not been confirmed. A detailed technical investigation is underway. (PC: PTI)