Ambedkar Statue Unveiled at Karnataka University, Seminar Highlights His Ideals

The U.S. Supreme Court is requesting over $200 million from Congress to boost its security, as threats against the justices have increased. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are set to make a rare appearance at the Capitol to testify in support of the funding request. The court's security needs have grown following the leak of a draft opinion last year that overturned Roe v. Wade, which led to protests and threats outside justices' homes. The additional funds would be used to enhance physical security, upgrade technology, and hire more personnel. The request comes amid a broader national conversation about the safety of federal judges and elected officials. Congress will decide whether to approve the funding as part of the upcoming budget discussions.

Iran said on Monday that it will no longer follow a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the United States in June if Washington continues to break its promises related to ending the war. Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, made the statement during a press conference in Tehran. "Each time the other party has failed to meet its obligations, we did not uphold ours. We will continue to act in this manner," Baghaei said. He claimed that Iran has acted in good faith and has never been the first to violate its commitments under the deal. Baghaei also accused the US of putting pressure on Oman, which has hindered efforts to finalize a joint mechanism between Iran and Oman for the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a crucial waterway for global oil shipments. The MoU, signed in June, was intended to outline commitments from both sides to de-escalate tensions. However, Iran says the US has repeatedly failed to uphold its part, leading to Iran's decision to suspend its own compliance. The statement signals growing friction between the two countries over the implementation of the agreement.

Peru’s government is defending the use of road tolls as the country’s Constitutional Court considers whether to cancel them on a highway concession. Four state agencies released a joint statement backing tolls as essential for funding infrastructure. The signatories include the finance and transport ministries, the road regulator Ositrán, and the investment agency ProInversión. The court is weighing a case brought by a citizen who challenges the legality of tolls on a specific highway concession. If the court rules against tolls, it could set a precedent affecting other toll roads in the country. Supporters argue that tolls are necessary to maintain and expand Peru’s road network without relying solely on taxpayer money. The government says scrapping tolls would undermine long-term infrastructure projects. The case highlights a tension between individual rights and the need for sustainable funding. The court’s decision is pending. The outcome could have significant financial implications for public works and private investors in Peru’s infrastructure sector.

Peruvian conglomerate Grupo Gloria has confirmed it paid €200,000 ($228,000) to former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The payment was disclosed in a July 1 filing with Peru's securities regulator. Grupo Gloria stated that it hired Zapatero to assist its Bolivian cement subsidiary, Soboce, in recovering compensation for an expropriation that has remained unpaid for years. The expropriation claim involves assets taken by the Bolivian government. Zapatero served as Spain's prime minister from 2004 to 2011 and has since been involved in international consulting and mediation. Grupo Gloria is one of Peru's largest business groups, with interests in dairy, cement, and other industries. The company did not provide further details on the specific services Zapatero rendered. The payment has drawn attention due to Zapatero's status as a former head of government. This is not the first time a former world leader has been hired by a private company for lobbying or advisory work. The case highlights how companies sometimes turn to politically connected figures to resolve disputes with foreign governments.

New satellite images indicate that China's land reclamation project at Antelope Reef in the South China Sea is almost finished, according to researchers. The London-based Open Source Centre (OSC) reported on Friday that images taken on June 22 show dredgers inside the lagoon of the teardrop-shaped coral atoll have been replaced by cargo barges, signifying that the construction phase is coming to an end. The images also reveal four large, blue cylindrical storage silos on the newly created land, though their purpose remains unclear. Antelope Reef is part of the Paracel Islands, a chain of islands, reefs, and atolls in the South China Sea that are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China has been expanding its presence in the region through land reclamation and building military facilities, which has drawn criticism from neighboring countries and the United States. The completion of the reclamation would allow China to further consolidate its control over the area. The OSC analysis suggests that the project is entering a new phase, with focus shifting from land creation to infrastructure development. The exact timeline for completion is uncertain, but the satellite evidence points to significant progress.

Yoga guru Ramdev, known for his mass yoga camps and Ayurvedic product empire, has sparked controversy with a recent statement. The 60-year-old entrepreneur said people should not fear the concept of a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation. He claimed that 'our ancestors are the same,' suggesting a shared heritage. The comment quickly drew criticism from opposition figures and secular groups, who accused him of promoting a divisive agenda. Ramdev, who runs Patanjali Ayurved, has often been vocal on political and social issues. He is a prominent supporter of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The term 'Hindu Rashtra' is sensitive in India, which is a secular republic with a large Hindu majority but also significant religious minorities. Critics argue that such rhetoric undermines the country's pluralistic ethos. Supporters, however, say it reflects the cultural identity of the nation. The debate comes amid ongoing discussions about religion and politics in India. Ramdev has not further elaborated on his statement. This is not the first time his words have stirred controversy. In the past, he has made remarks on topics ranging from yoga to medicine that have drawn both praise and backlash. The latest episode adds to the polarizing discourse ahead of upcoming elections.