India has denied allegations by French journalist Sébastien Farcis that he was forced to leave the country after his work permit was denied. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that Farcis, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, had applied for a work permit in May 2024, and the application is still under consideration. Jaiswal emphasized that the decision to leave India was Farcis's choice. Farcis, who has been in India for over 13 years, claimed he left after difficulties in obtaining the permit, which the MEA firmly denies.

Anurag Yadav's arrest in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case has sent shockwaves through his village in Bihar's Samastipur. Yadav, from a hardworking farming family, allegedly accessed leaked exam questions through his uncle, Sikander Prasad Yadvendu, and prepared for the test with three other candidates. The scandal has sparked protests and legal actions nationwide, raising concerns about the integrity of the exam and impacting the morale of sincere students. Villagers expressed sadness over the incident, emphasizing Yadav's father's efforts to educate him and condemning the breach of trust in the examination system.

India's longest-ever heatwave is driving a dramatic rise in nighttime temperatures, according to a new study by Climate Central and Climate Trends. With Delhi recording its hottest night ever at 35.2°C and many cities seeing a surge in sweltering nights, the heatwave has led to hundreds of deaths and 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases. Experts warn that high nighttime temperatures, which prevent cooling and rest, pose severe health risks, especially to vulnerable populations. The climate crisis, fueled by fossil fuel emissions, is exacerbating these extreme conditions, with urban areas particularly affected by the heat island effect.

India has lodged a strong protest with Canada over Khalistani extremists staging a "citizens court" and burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver. The protest follows a Canadian parliamentary tribute to slain Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further straining bilateral relations. India's diplomatic note to the Canadian High Commission expressed serious concerns about the Trudeau government's tolerance of pro-Khalistan activities on Canadian soil. The incident underscores ongoing tensions, with India urging Ottawa to take decisive action against these extremist elements.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that 98 Indian pilgrims are among the hundreds who died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to extreme heat, natural causes, and chronic illnesses. With over 175,000 Indians participating in this year’s pilgrimage, the deaths highlight the severe conditions faced by the faithful. Despite the lack of an official death toll from Saudi Arabia, other countries like Jordan and Tunisia have also reported fatalities. The Hajj, a key religious duty for Muslims, saw over 1.83 million participants this year, concluding on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court of India has declined to stop NEET-UG 2024 counselling despite ongoing disputes over exam irregularities, including a paper leak and disputed grace marks. The court stayed proceedings in three high courts and issued notices for a combined hearing on July 8. Emphasizing thorough investigation into even minor errors, the court addressed the need for transparency and accountability in the exam process. Conducted on May 5, NEET-UG 2024 came under scrutiny after an unusually high number of perfect scores, leading the NTA to require over 1,500 students to retake the test.

In a groundbreaking decision, Namibia's high court declared the colonial-era laws criminalizing consensual same-sex acts between men unconstitutional. The ruling, hailed as a landmark victory for LGBTQ rights, follows a case brought by activist Friedel Dausab with the Human Dignity Trust's support. This decision signals significant progress, reducing fears of arrest and discrimination within Namibia's LGBTQ community. Rights campaigners believe it will inspire similar decriminalization efforts across Africa.

Tejashwi Yadav, of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has responded to allegations linking his aide to the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, dismissing them as an attempt to divert attention. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha implicated Yadav's aide but Yadav countered, urging authorities to focus on the alleged mastermind, Amit Anand. Yadav challenged Sinha to question his aide and emphasized that dragging his name into the controversy without evidence is unhelpful. The controversy has escalated with claims and counterclaims, while Yadav maintains Anand orchestrated the leak and should face consequences.

Despite her ongoing battle with cancer, Kate Middleton showed strength at King Charles III's birthday parade. However, her recent absence from a Trooping the Colour audition has sparked speculation. Some Redditors claim to have spotted the Princess of Wales in Houston, Texas, in recent weeks. According to one user, Kate was seen at the St. Regis hotel. This has raised questions about her health and whether it was the reason for her absence from the audition. The royal family has not commented on Kate's health or her alleged visit to Houston.

At least 98 Indian pilgrims have died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, the government announced. The deaths were attributed to "natural causes". Globally, 1,081 pilgrims from 10 countries have lost their lives during the holy journey. The Hajj, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims, took place during the scorching Saudi summer, with temperatures reaching 125°F. The World Health Organization estimates that heat kills over 500,000 people annually, with the actual figure potentially being much higher. The pilgrimage involves hours of walking and praying, posing health risks to devotees.