1. BJP and the opposition spar over the Emblem unveiling ceremony: Various opposition parties have criticized the unveiling event of the National Emblem, saying it has violated constitutional norms. They also raised questions about Hindu rituals and the absence of opposition leaders at the occasion.
2. India dismisses speculations of its forces in Lanka: As Sri Lanka faces economic and political turmoil, rumors are that India is sending its troops to the island nation. However, India’s High Commission to Colombo has rubbished such speculations. Quoting MEA, it said India is keenly observing the developments in Sri Lanka, and it “stands with the people of the country.”
3. SC gives Vijaya Mallaya a 4-month jail sentence: Vijaya Mallaya, a fugitive wanted in India and businessman in the UK, has been sentenced to four months in jail by the Supreme court on contempt charges. Reacting to the verdict, Mallaya expressed disappointment over the verdict.
4. Fake IPL in Gujarat village with bettors in Russia, busted: A group of Indian farmers in a remote village in Gujarat staged a fake IPL. They impersonated real players and live-streamed the ‘IPL’ matches to gamblers in Russia, paying Rs.400 to farm laborers and unemployed youth to enact the ‘matches.’ However, Indian police busted the con game before they could get their hands on betting money.
5. Rains flood Hyderabad and several parts of Telangana: Heavy rains in Telangana have inundated several areas of Hyderabad. The state has already received 95% rainfall above its usual 200 mm of rain.
6. EPS declared Interim Gen Secretary, OPS eliminated from the party: The infighting in AIADMK culminated in the anointment of Edappadi K Palaniswami as the Interim General Secretary and the ouster of O Paneerselvam and his men from the party.
7. ED asks Sonia Gandhi to appear on July 21: ED has sent a summon to Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi, asking her to appear before it on July 21 to question her regarding the National Herald laundering case. Earlier, Mrs. Gandhi had sought time from the agency as she contracted Covid 19 and needed time for recovery.
8. Putin announces Russian citizenship for Ukrainians: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new decree that fast-tracks the procedure to grant Russian citizenship to Ukrainians. However, Ukraine has called the move an encroachment on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
9. Foreign secretary Liz Truss the latest entrant in the PM race: In the UK, the number of people entering the race to become the next Tory chief and Prime Minister has gone up to 11, with foreign secretary Liz Truss the latest contestant to bid for the posts. But the latest odds from Ladbrokes say Rishi Sunak is ahead in the race at 13.8%.
10. EU suggests a second booster vaccine for the elderly: With the daily Covid cases in Europe rising to 6,75,000, as of Friday, the European Union Health and Medicine agencies have called for a second booster shot for those aged above 60 years.