Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces criticism after she was photographed crying at a metro station in Mirpur, destroyed during recent anti-government protests. The station's damage, including shattered ticket machines and control systems, has drawn backlash from many who accuse Hasina of insincere grief. Over 150 people have died in the clashes between police and university students protesting job quotas. Critics argue that Hasina’s public display of emotion contrasts sharply with her lack of visible sympathy for the protest victims. The prime minister condemned the destruction of infrastructure but has been criticized for not addressing the broader crisis or visiting the families of those killed. The unrest has intensified scrutiny of Hasina’s administration, which faces accusations of excessive force and political repression.              

Hours before the Paris Olympics, arson attacks targeted France’s high-speed railway network, causing severe disruptions and delays affecting nearly 80,000 passengers. Fires damaged key rail lines, leading to cancellations and a call for repairs. EuroAirport on the Franco-Swiss border was evacuated following a bomb threat, and another airport, Basel-Mulhouse, was temporarily closed. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the attacks as acts of sabotage but noted no direct connection to the Olympics. Authorities are investigating, with the incident raising security concerns ahead of the Games.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over her commitment to shelter Bangladeshi refugees. In response to the MEA's objections, Banerjee declared, "Don’t teach me a lesson; they should learn from the system instead." Her remarks followed dissatisfaction from Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry, which claimed her statements could mislead the public. The MEA reiterated that the central government alone handles foreign relations, as specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Banerjee's comments came amid violent clashes in Bangladesh, prompting her pledge to provide refuge.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is sending more than one million polio vaccines to Gaza after the virus was detected in sewage samples. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the urgency, saying, "Without immediate action, it is just a matter of time before it reaches the thousands of children who have been left unprotected." Children under five, especially infants under two, are most at risk due to disrupted vaccination campaigns from nine months of conflict. Israel's military is also offering the polio vaccine to soldiers in Gaza after detecting the virus in test samples.

France's high-speed train lines faced sabotage, including arson, disrupting travel just before the Paris Olympics. The SNCF railway company reported many trains were canceled or delayed. Damaged cables and equipment caused severe disruptions, impacting up to 800,000 passengers over the weekend. Authorities are investigating, with no suspects identified yet. Security measures are being increased, especially around train stations. Despite the chaos, the Paris Olympics opening ceremony will proceed as planned.

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. In a tweet, Obama called Harris a "friend" and said she would be a "fantastic President." He added that he and Michelle would do everything to help her win. Kamala Harris thanked the Obamas, saying their support "means so much." This endorsement comes after speculation about their support following Joe Biden's exit from the race. The Obamas plan to campaign for Harris to boost Democratic voters.

Kamala Harris voiced strong concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. As the probable Democratic presidential nominee, she emphasized that Israel's right to defend itself must consider the humanitarian impact. Harris condemned the high levels of food insecurity and civilian casualties in Gaza, insisting that the suffering cannot be ignored. She advocated for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, pushing for a two-state solution. Harris' remarks came amid mounting criticism of US support for Israel and widespread protests.

India's gold prices have fallen 7% or Rs 5,000 per 10 grams after the government reduced the basic custom duty on gold. The duty cut aims to curb gold smuggling and boost the organized jewelry sector. With gold imports now cheaper, retail investors can expect more attractive pricing. The move may initially weaken market sentiments but is expected to drive growth in the gold market. The reduction makes gold a more viable investment option, benefiting both commodity and financial asset investors. The change is likely to increase demand and trade in the yellow metal.

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings faces backlash after donating $7 million to a super PAC supporting Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. The large donation, potentially his biggest to a single candidate, sparked outrage on social media. Users are criticizing Hastings and calling for a Netflix boycott. The controversy raises questions about the influence of wealthy donors in politics. Hastings' move has put Netflix in the spotlight, with many users threatening to cancel their subscriptions in protest. The donation's impact on the platform remains to be seen.

A high alert has been sounded in Jammu after a woman spotted seven suspicious individuals in Pathankot, Punjab. As a precautionary measure, Army schools in Jammu will remain closed until July 27. Security has been intensified at crucial Army and Defence installations. Punjab police have released a sketch of one suspect to aid in identification. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The authorities are taking necessary measures to ensure public safety and are closely monitoring the situation. The search for the suspects is currently underway.