Govt. issues notice to WhatsApp over username feature
WhatsApp’s new username feature — which will allow users to interact without exposing their phone numbers — is drawing skepticism from the Union government, with a senior official saying on Wednesday (July 1, 2026) that the government is worried about the potential for spam and impersonation. The government has sent a notice to WhatsApp, asking it to put the feature on hold for the time being.
World Bank scraps climate finance targets after U.S. criticism
Following disapproval from the United States administration, the World Bank Group (WBG) has indicated that it would do away with its funding target for climate-centric projects. Launched in 2020 and over a five-year period ending 2026, the CCAP mandated the WBG to allocate 35% of its total financing for projects that reduced emissions or helped communities adapt to climate change. The goal was increased to 45% in 2023.
Family of Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela alleges cover-up, seeks autopsy report
The family of Rakesh Chauhan, an Indian seafarer who died in Venezuela recently, has raised a series of questions over the handling of his case and demanded release of the complete autopsy report, according to a statement issued by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI). In its statement, the union said the family had flagged what it called “deeply disturbing irregularities” in the case, and is seeking urgent clarification from authorities.
Ritabrata Banerjee-led Trinamool faction to meet ECI
The Election Commission will on Thursday (July 2, 2026) meet rebel Trinamool Congress MLAs, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, who have staked claim to be the “real” party in the West Bengal Assembly. A full Bench of the Commission will meet the 10-member delegation at 12 noon, a senior Election Commission official said.
Disabled inmates must be allowed to self-identify: plea
A Kerala-based activist, whose petition highlighting the traumatic prison days of the late Professor G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy led the Supreme Court to form a high-powered committee to free Indian jails from the colonial yoke, suggested bringing in a mechanism to allow disabled prisoners/detainees to self-identify and declare their disabilities.
BJP used Ram’s name for political gains, AAP true Sanatani: Kejriwal
Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday (July 1, 2026) alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party has only used Lord Ram’s name for political gains and claimed that the AAP is the true sanatani and has worked with genuine devotion towards its values.
Petrol, diesel consumption rose in June despite price hikes
Consumption of petrol and diesel increased 7% and 5.52% respectively in June this year on a year-over-year basis whilst that of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) dipped marginally by 0.6%, according to latest provisional data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).
Trump says the U.S. and Iran ‘getting along very well’
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (July 1, 2026) the United States was getting along very well with Iran and that recent indirect talks in Qatar went well. “The denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well,” Trump told reporters. “They’ve had very good meetings, and we’ll see.” “We’re getting along very well,” Mr. Trump said, adding the Iran has “come a long way.”
ENG vs IND 1st T20I: Rain forces abandonment; Shreyas, Abhishek shine as India scores 189/7
The first T20I between India and England was abandoned because of incessant rains here on Wednesday (July 1, 2026). ) Abhishek Sharma’s dynamic 59 and skipper Shreyas Iyer’s composed 68 helped India post a competitive 189/7, a noticeable change in their batting fortunes after churning out two underwhelming efforts against Ireland in the recent 0-2 series defeat.
FIFA World Cup 2026 | Belgium stage stunning comeback to sink Senegal in extra time
Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle early Thursday (July 2, 2026) to keep alive their title hopes that had looked dead and buried.
