San Rechal Gandhi, 26, former Miss Puducherry and anti-colourism advocate, died by suicide in Karamanikuppam, Puducherry. She allegedly overdosed on blood pressure tablets and passed away at JIPMER hospital. Facing severe financial distress, she had sold her jewellery and was denied help by her father. Married a year ago, police are probing potential marital stress. A suicide note stated no one was responsible. Gandhi, known for challenging beauty standards, held titles like Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu 2019 and Queen of Madras 2022. With 180K Instagram followers, she championed inclusivity for dark-skinned models. Tributes poured in as Puducherry police launched a full inquiry into her death. (PC: NDTV)

During ISKCON Toronto’s 53rd annual Rath Yatra, eggs were hurled at Indian devotees chanting bhajans on Toronto’s streets. Instagram user Sangna Bajaj shared footage of broken eggs and described the incident as racist, questioning why joy and faith provoked hostility. Despite being stunned and hurt, participants continued the procession, asserting that “hate can never overpower faith.” The video sparked online debate, some condemned the attack as xenophobic, while others criticized public religious displays as disruptive. Bajaj emphasized that Lord Jagannath’s presence on the streets was unshakable. The incident has ignited conversations around multicultural tolerance, religious expression, and racism in Canada.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report on the June 12 Ahmedabad crash found no mechanical or maintenance faults in the Boeing 787-8 aircraft or its engines. All mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed, and post-crash inspections of the fleet revealed no issues. Wilson urged against premature conclusions, noting the report identified no cause or recommendations. He emphasized continued cooperation with investigators and reassured staff of the airline’s commitment to safety. The crash, which killed 260 people, remains under investigation. The CEO’s internal message aimed to clarify speculation while acknowledging the report’s unanswered questions. (PC: PTI)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS in 41 years, is returning to Earth today via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule after an 18-day Axiom-4 mission. The capsule will undock at 4:35 pm IST and splash down off California on July 15 at 3:00 pm IST. The journey spans 22.5 hours, involving orbital maneuvers for safe re-entry. The crew brings back 580 pounds of cargo, including data from 60 experiments, seven shortlisted by ISRO. Shukla’s emotional farewell echoed Rakesh Sharma’s iconic words, reaffirming India’s pride. Post-landing, the crew will undergo medical checks and a 10-day quarantine. ISRO invested ₹550 crore in the mission. (PC: News18 & The Daily Guardian)

Air India replaced the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s throttle control module (TCM) twice—once in 2019 and again in 2023—before the June 12 crash that killed 260 people. The TCM houses the fuel cutoff switches, which investigators say inexplicably activated seconds after takeoff, shutting both engines. Despite the replacements, Boeing and the US FAA maintain the design is safe, requiring no urgent action. Air India did not follow a 2018 FAA advisory inspection as it wasn’t mandatory. Cockpit recordings revealed confusion over the fuel cutoff. Investigations continue, with a full report expected soon. Boeing advises no immediate action. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on his first China visit since the 2020 Galwan clash, met Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and expressed confidence in maintaining the positive trajectory of bilateral ties. Jaishankar conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO presidency and highlighted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The visit marks a significant moment in India-China relations, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Amid a complex global landscape, Jaishankar stressed that continued normalization could yield mutually beneficial outcomes. His remarks signal a thaw in relations and a renewed push for cooperation between the two Asian powers. (PC: X)

Ten Palestinians, including six children, were killed in an Israeli air strike on a water distribution point in Gaza’s Nuseirat camp. Witnesses say a drone targeted civilians queuing for water. Israel admitted a “technical error” caused the munition to miss its intended target. The Israeli military expressed regret for civilian harm. Over 16 others, mostly children, were injured. Gaza’s health services remain overwhelmed, with rising casualties near food and aid sites. The UN reports 789 aid-related killings so far. Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens as fuel shortages cripple hospitals, water, and sanitation systems, sparking warnings of worsening conditions. (PC: BBC)

Italy’s Jannik Sinner, fresh from his Wimbledon 2025 triumph over Carlos Alcaraz, shared a charming moment with the British Royal Family. Following his 4-set victory, Sinner gifted signed tennis balls to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, calling it “an amazing and emotional moment.” The 23-year-old, now a four-time Grand Slam champion, was presented the trophy by the Prince of Wales as Princess Kate and her children watched proudly. Sinner later revealed he felt nervous but enjoyed the exchange. “It’s special to see how much they care about tennis,” he said. The gesture quickly won hearts online. 

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory warning that visa screening continues even after issuance. Visa holders must comply with all US laws and immigration rules or risk revocation and deportation. The statement aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement. The embassy emphasized that a US visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and every visa decision is a national security matter. Recent advisories also require applicants to disclose social media handles used over the past five years. Failure to comply or falsify information may result in denial or future ineligibility. The embassy reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal entry, visa abuse, and law violations. (PC: India TV & Hindustan Times)

Karnataka’s Ashwini Ganapathi, 39, became the only non-Japanese athlete to complete the brutal 173km Deep Japan Ultra 100 trail race. Battling snow, rugged terrain, and 9,000m of elevation gain over 45 hours without sleep, she finished 10th among women. Carrying 8kg of gear, Ashwini overcame extreme weather and sparse aid stations. A full-time endurance coach and former IT professional, she credited her success to rigorous training and family support. Sponsored by Tekion, Ashwini hopes her achievement inspires more Indian women to embrace endurance sports. “Women have unlimited endurance — it’s just about discovering it,” she said. (PC: Instagram)