US government releases evidence in immigration agent shootings

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Uttar Pradesh government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report within a week on the probe into alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The court is currently overseeing the investigation and is considering multiple public interest litigations that call for an independent inquiry. So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with suspicious activities related to the temple fund. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 20. The Ram Mandir, a Hindu temple under construction in Ayodhya, is being built after a decades-long legal dispute. Donations were collected from the public to fund the construction, and concerns about misuse of these funds prompted the legal action. The Supreme Court's involvement underscores the importance of transparency in the use of religious donations. The SIT's report will likely detail the progress of the investigation and any further arrests or recoveries.

The UK government announced plans on Monday to change the law to allow the deportation of a convicted paedophile who led a notorious grooming gang. Interior minister Shabana Mahmood said the move targets Shabir Ahmed, who was the ringleader of a group that targeted girls in Rochdale, northern England. Ahmed was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2012 for multiple child sexual offences, including rape. He was released earlier this month under the country's early release programme, sparking public outcry. The proposed legal change would enable the deportation of foreign-born criminals even after they have served their sentences. Ahmed is believed to be of Pakistani origin, but the government has not confirmed his citizenship status. Grooming gangs, often involving groups of men targeting young girls, have been a major issue in the UK, with several high-profile cases in towns like Rochdale and Rotherham. Critics have accused authorities of failing to protect victims due to cultural sensitivities. The new law would close a loophole that currently prevents deportation of some serious offenders. Mahmood stated that the government is determined to ensure that such criminals face the full consequences of their actions. The announcement comes amid growing public anger over early releases of dangerous offenders. The legislation will be introduced in Parliament soon.

New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has publicly defended his advisor Morris Katz, despite calls from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to cut ties with him. The controversy stems from Katz's involvement in the sale of a property owned by a group called Platner, which later collapsed amid scandals. The DSA urged its allies to blacklist Katz, labeling his actions as 'perverted.' However, Mamdani stated that Katz remains a top advisor and did not distance himself from the consultant. Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, broke his silence on the matter, emphasizing that he values Katz's counsel. The DSA's push to blacklist Katz reflects internal divisions within the party over ethical standards and past associations. Platner, the organization involved, faced multiple scandals that led to its downfall. Critics argue that advisors like Katz should be held accountable for their roles in such failures. Mamdani's decision to keep Katz close has drawn mixed reactions from supporters and opponents alike. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within progressive circles about accountability and loyalty. Mamdani's stance may affect his political relationships going forward.

Brazil's government watchdog, the Comptroller General (CGU), has raised alarms about a resurgence of secret budget spending through committee amendments. These funds, known as 'emendas de comissão,' totaled over R$15 billion ($2.8 billion) in 2024 alone, according to a report. The category saw an explosive growth from R$329 million in 2022 to R$15.5 billion in 2023, after a previous secret budget scheme was banned. The CGU found that it is nearly impossible to trace the real authors of these amendments, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The return of opaque spending comes after years of controversy over Brazil's 'secret budget'—a system that allowed lawmakers to direct funds to projects without public disclosure. The CGU's report highlights that the new committee-based mechanism lacks proper oversight, potentially enabling corruption and misuse of public money. The watchdog warned that the current system hides who is actually responsible for allocating the funds, undermining democratic governance. This development has sparked calls for stricter regulations and more transparent budget processes. Critics argue that the government must ensure that all spending is traceable and subject to public scrutiny to prevent abuse.

President Donald Trump announced he will deliver a primetime speech to the nation on Thursday. The address comes as tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated. White House officials confirmed the speech, but did not provide specific details about its content. The announcement follows a series of events that have heightened fears of a potential conflict. Last week, the United States killed a top Iranian military commander in a drone strike, prompting threats of retaliation from Tehran. The attack was seen as a major escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two countries. In response, Iran has vowed to take revenge, and the US has deployed additional troops to the Middle East. Trump's address is expected to outline his administration's next steps and reassure the American public. The speech will be broadcast on major television networks. Critics have expressed concern that the situation could spiral into a broader war. The president has defended the strike as necessary to protect American lives. Observers will watch closely for any new policy announcements or shifts in strategy. The address marks a rare primetime appearance for Trump, who often communicates via social media.

President Donald Trump said the United States could collect tolls or fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. This suggestion contradicts recent statements by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had said that no country has the authority to impose such charges in international waters. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, is a narrow passage through which about 20% of the world's oil passes. Trump's remark raises questions about U.S. policy in the region. During previous administrations, the U.S. has maintained freedom of navigation there, often in opposition to Iranian threats to block the strait. Vance and Rubio had earlier emphasized that international law prevents any single nation from demanding fees in international waterways. Trump's proposal appears to overlook these legal constraints. It remains unclear if the administration plans to pursue this idea or if it was merely a casual comment. The apparent disagreement between the president and his top aides highlights ongoing tensions within the administration over foreign policy and international law. No official proposal has been made to Congress or international bodies.