Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapped and punched a canteen staffer at a Maharashtra MLA hostel after being served “rotten” dal. The incident was caught on video and sparked public outrage. Gaikwad justified the assault, saying he felt sick after eating. The Food and Drug Administration cancelled the canteen’s licence after a poor hygiene report. Officials found dirty floors, uncovered food, reused oil, and dead flies in a butter pot. The MLA, from Eknath Shinde’s faction, said, “I am a warrior, not a Gandhian,” and claimed he had no regrets about the assault. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on seven more countries, including Iraq, Algeria, and Sri Lanka. The new duties, up to 30%, start from August 1. Trump said these steps are needed to fix trade gaps. He also warned BRICS nations, including India, of a 10% tariff, accusing them of trying to harm the US dollar. “They will pay if they try to destroy the dollar,” he said. Trump added that countries moving production to the US could avoid tariffs. The move could raise global tensions ahead of the 2025 election. (PC: India Today)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla said he “felt proud” to act as a “bridge” between researchers and space, after growing methi and moong seeds on the International Space Station. “It has been great to work in the Glove Box doing this research for them,” he said. The experiment is part of a study on how microgravity affects seed growth. Shukla, who is on the Axiom-4 mission, also clicked photos of the sprouting seeds. These seeds will be studied on Earth for genetic changes. Shukla returns to Earth after July 10, depending on weather near the Florida coast. (PC: Axiom Space)

A section of the Gambhira Bridge in Gujarat’s Vadodara collapsed on Wednesday morning, killing 11 people and injuring six. Several vehicles, including trucks and vans, fell into the Mahisagar River. Rescue teams, including the NDRF and local authorities, are working at the site. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an urgent probe into the collapse. The bridge, built in 1985, had undergone regular repairs. PM Modi expressed sadness over the incident and announced ₹2 lakh for families of the dead and ₹50,000 for the injured. Officials say a technical team is investigating the cause of the collapse. (PC: News18)

Barbie has released its first doll with Type 1 diabetes to promote inclusivity and awareness. The new doll, part of the Fashionistas line, features a glucose monitor on her arm and an insulin pump on her waist. She also carries a phone with a tracking app and a pastel blue bag for medical items. Made in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, the doll helps kids see their health needs reflected in toys. Mattel plans to donate the dolls to the 2025 Children’s Congress. This follows their 2024 doll for blind children, showing Barbie’s growing focus on health and representation. (PC: @barbie/Instagram)

New audio from 2024 fundraisers reveals Donald Trump claimed he warned Russia and China with bombing threats. He said he told Putin, “If you go into Ukraine, I’ll bomb Moscow.” Trump also claimed he told Xi Jinping the US would bomb Beijing if China attacked Taiwan. He said both leaders thought he was “crazy,” but backed off. Trump also talked about deporting student protesters and said “welfare people” always vote Democrat. He urged rich donors to give more, bragging that one gave $25 million. The Trump campaign has not commented on the leaked tapes. (PC: CNN)

6 crew members were rescued after the cargo ship Eternity C was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. 3 sailors were killed, and 19 are still missing. The ship was hit by missiles and an unmanned boat. The Houthis said the ship was heading to Israel and claimed the attack was in support of Gaza. The damaged ship later sank near Hodeidah. This marks a fresh wave of Houthi attacks after months of calm. The U.S. and EU blame the Houthis, calling it a threat to global trade and maritime safety. The ship carried a crew of 25.

At the Southport attack inquiry, a mother recalled seeing CCTV footage of her seven-year-old daughter, referred to as C1, being dragged back inside by attacker Axel Rudakubana after initially escaping. “That is how she became known in this nightmare — the girl that was dragged back in,” she said. Rudakubana stabbed the child 33 times, including 20 times after pulling her back. The mother said no adults helped during either attack. The July 2024 stabbing spree killed three girls. The inquiry is investigating if authorities could have prevented the tragedy, given Rudakubana’s past with police and anti-extremism programmes. (PC: PA)

A new promotional video shared on Taliban-linked platforms invites American tourists to explore Afghanistan, marking a strategic attempt to rebrand the nation four years post‑Kabul's fall . Local officials aim to boost tourism as a means to stimulate economic recovery and reshape Afghanistan’s global image. Despite ongoing security concerns—highlighted by US advisories against travel —the initiative aligns with a rise in visitors, as tour operators report a cautious yet growing interest. The campaign underscores Taliban ambitions to engage economically and culturally with international audiences, while the true safety implications remain uncertain.  

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is set to release its preliminary report on the June 12 Air India Boeing 787 crash near Ahmedabad—dubbed Flight AI 171—likely by July 11, aligning with the 30‑day ICAO deadline . The crash claimed 260 lives (241 onboard, 19 on ground). Authorities recovered both black boxes intact and are analysing them alongside reconstructed wreckage at a secure site, with US NTSB and Boeing experts assisting . Early investigation is focusing on engine fuel-control switch movements as a potential factor . The report may offer critical insights into causes and safety protocols before the final findings. (PC: India Today)