Babar Azam’s resilient 68 guided Pakistan through a tough spot on Day 2 against Bangladesh, marking his return from injury. This crucial half-century propelled him past Ben Stokes in the ICC World Test Championship’s most fifty-plus scores list, showcasing his consistent performance in the prestigious tournament.
Indian markets experienced a significant downturn last week, with the top 10 most valued firms losing Rs 3.12 lakh crore. Geopolitical tensions, a weakening rupee, and rising inflation, exacerbated by surging crude oil prices, drove the decline. Reliance Industries saw the steepest fall, while Bharti Airtel was the sole gainer among the giants.
North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC arrived in South Korea for the Asian Champions League semi-finals, marking the first sports delegation visit in eight years. The team will face South Korea’s Suwon FC Women, with high public interest despite ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
Sourav Ganguly revealed he personally scouted MS Dhoni, travelling to Jamshedpur to witness his domestic prowess before his national selection. Ganguly emphasised fast-tracking exceptional talent, believing it crucial for player development. This philosophy, coupled with Saba Karim’s initial praise for Dhoni’s six-hitting ability, led to his swift integration into the Indian team, shaping a legendary
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to reconsider the Great Nicobar Island Project, deeming it an “ecological disaster.” He argued that while strengthening defence is crucial, the project’s commercial aspects outweigh security needs and could harm the region’s ecology and tribal rights. Ramesh proposed alternative infrastructure expansions with lower environmental impacts.
Indian markets brace for a volatile week, with the US-Iran conflict and soaring crude oil prices dominating investor sentiment. A weakening rupee, coupled with inflation concerns, adds to the pressure. Analysts anticipate heightened sensitivity to geopolitical developments, especially concerning the Strait of Hormuz, and will closely watch foreign investor activity and upcoming economic data.
USCIS now has the power to reject or deny immigration applications, even keeping fees, if an invalid signature is found months or years later. This new rule, effective July 10, 2026, applies broadly to most benefit requests, including visas and Green Cards. Applicants cannot usually fix signature errors after submission.
Tensions flared in Kaiserbagh as police lathi-charged protesting advocates during a Municipal Corporation demolition drive. The operation targeted chambers near the Civil Court, ordered by the Lucknow Bench of the High Court to remove illegal encroachments. Police stated the situation is under control.
