The Tamil Nadu government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has cancelled 46 projects worth ₹245.85 crore that were approved during the previous DMK administration. The projects included 29 marriage halls and 17 commercial complexes planned using temple funds across the state. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department said court stay orders and financial pressure on Tamil Nadu's temples were key reasons for the decision. None of the projects had started construction. The government said the funds will now be used for schemes that directly benefit temples and devotees in Tamil Nadu.

The Taliban has ordered government officials in Afghanistan to stop using smartphones. Under the new directive, officials found using smartphones could face punishment and have their devices destroyed. Reports suggest the ban is being enforced in different ways across the country, with some areas extending restrictions to teachers, students and other civilians. Analysts say the move may be linked to concerns about information leaks, online activity and recent protests. The order has raised fears that broader restrictions could follow. Some observers believe the Taliban may be testing public reaction before introducing wider smartphone limits across Afghanistan.

The United Kingdom is set to have a new prime minister by September after Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour leader and prime minister. Starmer said nominations for the Labour leadership contest will open on July 9 and close on July 16. The party aims to complete the process before Parliament returns from its summer break in September. Until then, Starmer will remain in office. The resignation follows growing pressure within the Labour Party. Several leaders are expected to enter the race, with Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting among the names being discussed as potential successors. (PC: PA)

France is facing an intense heatwave, with 49 regions placed under the highest red weather alert. Temperatures are expected to rise above 40°C in several areas, with Bordeaux forecast to reach 43°C. Authorities have closed 845 schools and shortened classes at many others to protect students. Health officials have urged people to check on elderly relatives and neighbours. Three heat-related deaths have been reported in the Gironde region. Transport services have also been affected, with some train routes reduced. Weather experts say the heatwave will remain severe and may continue until the end of the week. (PC: EPA)

Keir Starmer delivered an emotional farewell as he announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader. During his statement outside Downing Street, Starmer paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Victoria. Fighting back tears, he said, “Vic has been a rock by my side through good times and bad.” He added that after leaving office, he hopes to spend more time being “the best husband” and “the best dad” to his children. Starmer also thanked his colleagues and civil servants for their support. The emotional speech marked the end of his time as prime minister. (PC: Reuters)

Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party. He said he will remain in office until a new party leader is chosen. Announcing his decision, Starmer said, "I have heard that answer from my party colleagues, and I accept." He informed King Charles about his decision and asked Labour to begin the leadership election process. His resignation follows growing pressure from party members and declining public support. Andy Burnham is widely seen as a leading contender to replace him. Britain is now set to have its seventh prime minister in the last decade.

More than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, according to NTA Director General Abhishek Singh. He said the lower attendance compared to the original exam was expected. Many students had already explored other options, including engineering courses and different career paths. Singh said attendance patterns were largely similar across regions and centres. He also described the re-examination as smooth, secure and nearly error-free. The NTA worked with security and administrative agencies to prevent malpractice and ensure fairness. Final attendance figures will be released after all reports from examination centres are received.

A statue of Maharishi Sushruta, widely regarded as the father of surgery, has been unveiled at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland. The event celebrated India’s ancient medical heritage and the long-standing links between India and Scotland in medicine. The statue was donated by the Cheruvu Family Foundation and created by a sculptor from Tamil Nadu. Sushruta is known for writing the ancient medical text Sushruta Samhita, which described several surgical techniques, including early plastic surgery. The ceremony was attended by medical experts, diplomats and dignitaries from India, the UK and the United States. (PC: X/ @IndiaInScotland)

The West Bengal government has announced a 20 percent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees. The revised DA will come into effect from October 1, taking the total DA to 38 percent. Presenting the state budget, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta also announced recruitment for one lakh government jobs, with 33 percent reserved for women. The government will fill 20,000 vacancies in the state police force. Girl students in government and aided schools will receive a ₹50,000 scholarship. Other announcements include a new airport, a deep-sea port, women's welfare schemes and new educational institutions.

20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs are preparing to file a defamation case against party leader Mahua Moitra over her bribery allegations. Moitra claimed that MPs who left the party received large sums of money to switch sides. The rebel MPs have denied the charge and decided to take legal action. The dispute comes after 20 of TMC's 28 Lok Sabha MPs broke away and announced support for the BJP-led NDA. The group has joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). The split has deepened the political crisis within the Trinamool Congress. (PC: PTI)