India, EU advance cooperation on sustainable ship recycling; 3 Indian yards ready for EU recognition

Indian authorities are ramping up their scrutiny of messaging apps, questioning both Telegram and Signal about their unique username features. This move mirrors previous discussions with WhatsApp concerning alarming trends in online fraud and impersonation. The government is keen on understanding how these platforms ensure user safety and traceability, prompting Telegram to clarify its current functionalities regarding username use.

The Election Commission has asked rival Trinamool Congress factions to submit claims regarding party signatories and organizational elections by July 6. This follows a meeting where rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee presented his group's case, asserting they represent the "real" TMC with significant MLA support. The Mamata Banerjee camp, however, questioned the EC's decision to meet the rebels, alleging procedural violations and political influence.

The BJP has accused senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of exhibiting "double standards" by remaining silent on the reported demolition of a gurdwara in Pakistan, while frequently opining on the Gaza crisis. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla highlighted this perceived hypocrisy, pointing to alleged mistreatment of minorities in Pakistan and other regions. India has officially condemned the gurdwara demolition, urging Pakistan to investigate.

The BJP has accused Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband Robert Vadra of involvement in an alleged land grab attempt in Uttarakhand. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari claimed Robert Vadra's sister-in-law, Saira Vadra, is trying to acquire a four-acre property. He alleged a Congress MLA and supporters intimidated the 90-year-old occupant, Nasreen Khan, to vacate the land, calling it the "Gandhi-Vadra model of land-grabbing."

India and Japan have solidified their strategic alliance with new defence and technology pacts. Meanwhile, Salman Khurshid will represent India at Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral in Iran. Russia's intense overnight assault on Kyiv claimed at least 17 lives. In sports, Shreyas Iyer made history as the first Indian captain to hit a T20I fifty in England. Separately, a convicted Iraqi human trafficker was found residing in the UK.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has endorsed calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan, following a letter from 117 eminent citizens urging renewed talks. Abdullah highlighted the long-standing tension and questioned why similar appeals from regional leaders face criticism, while those from RSS figures are accepted. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also welcomed the RSS leadership's stance, emphasizing the need for improved neighborly relations.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya defended Champat Rai amid embezzlement allegations concerning the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. While acknowledging the incident's painful nature, Maurya urged against turning it into a public debate, stating investigations are underway.Meanwhile, the Faizabad Bar Association demanded the resignation of Rai and two others, threatening protests if they don't leave Ayodhya within three days.

Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed his disappointment after being overlooked for new roles in Punjab's election committees.He alluded to "insecurities" hindering talented individuals.Despite this, Tewari acknowledged the party's long-standing support and his own dedication.The appointments, announced by the AICC, saw other prominent leaders like Charanjit Singh Channi and Vijay Inder Singla given key positions for the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra alleged a mob attack by BJP workers at a party office in West Bengal's Nadia district. She identified 16 individuals, claiming police remained silent spectators for four hours as protesters hurled eggs and mud. Moitra was later escorted out by police. The BJP denied involvement, suggesting internal TMC conflict, while other opposition leaders condemned the incident and police inaction.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra alleged a mob attack by BJP workers at a party office in West Bengal's Nadia district. She identified 16 individuals, claiming police remained silent spectators for four hours as protesters hurled eggs and mud. Moitra was later escorted out by police. The BJP denied involvement, suggesting internal TMC conflict, while other opposition leaders condemned the incident and police inaction.

The mother of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder victim, BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, has declared she knows the identities of those responsible for her daughter's death and the alleged cover-up. She vowed that all culprits, including those who concealed evidence, will face justice. This statement follows a Calcutta High Court order for a new Special Investigation Team, citing dissatisfaction with the previous probe.

WhatsApp is clarifying its upcoming username feature amidst government concerns about potential fraud and impersonation. The company assures users usernames are optional and will not be publicly searchable.Existing popular names are reserved for legitimate owners.However, the Indian government has asked Meta to halt the rollout until consultations are complete, citing risks of scams and identity spoofing.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is in New Delhi for a three-day visit, focusing on the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit. Discussions will center on deepening cooperation in economic security, resilient supply chains, emerging technologies, and defence. Both nations aim to bolster their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with a strong emphasis on investment, innovation, and industrial collaboration amidst evolving global dynamics.

India is on a trajectory to potentially achieve high-income status by the late 2040s, but requires sustained annual per capita GDP growth of at least 9%. Accelerating this growth hinges on boosting female workforce participation, enhancing capital formation through improved credit access, and prioritizing productivity gains via significant investment in indigenous technology. Fostering a high-trust society and increasing risk appetite are crucial for this ambitious goal.

The Indian Army's Operation Amistad has successfully rescued a 79-year-old Venezuelan woman from earthquake rubble, providing critical medical care at a field hospital in Caracas.The woman, suffering from a fractured leg and severe arterial issues, received specialized treatment, expressing gratitude for the life-saving intervention. India's extensive humanitarian aid, including a fully equipped field hospital and a dedicated medical team, continues to offer hope and vital assistance to quake su