The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was marred by a series of unfortunate events, including train sabotage, heavy rain, and ticketing problems. The sabotage of the French railway network caused widespread disruption, while the rain forced spectators to endure uncomfortable conditions during the ceremony. Thousands also experienced long queues and ticketing issues, adding to the chaos of the day.
Heavy rainfall in Delhi led to widespread waterlogging, causing traffic congestion, particularly on the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) flyway. The Delhi BJP has blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the situation, alleging corruption in drain cleaning. The weather department has predicted more rain in the coming days.
Vivan Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of Elon Musk, has refuted her father’s claims that he was tricked into signing consent forms for her gender-affirming treatment. Wilson, in an interview with NBC News, stated that Musk studied the forms thoroughly before signing them. She also accused Musk of being an absentee and cruel father throughout her childhood, pressuring her to be masculine and reacting angrily to her feminine traits.
The Indian stock market rebounded on Friday, registering its best weekly gains in 14 years after budget announcements. The US presidential race saw a significant development as former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama endorsed Kamala Harris. However, the Paris Olympics faced a setback as saboteurs targeted the French train network, causing widespread disruptions.
The US government returned 262 antiquities to India and signed a Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) with India to curb the illicit trade of culturally valuable property. This agreement restricts the import of certain archaeological and ethnological materials from India into the US, including religious, ceremonial, and architectural items. The repatriation of artifacts was hailed as an investment in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered a rock on Mars exhibiting features suggestive of past microbial life, sparking excitement about the potential for ancient life on the Red Planet. The rock, named Cheyava Falls, reveals signs of organic material and surface spots similar to fossilized microbes on Earth. Additionally, the discovery of pure sulfur crystals, an unexpected find, has opened up new possibilities for understanding Mars’s past and its potential for supporting life.
A comprehensive analysis of existing studies debunks the popular notion that moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial for longevity and health. Researchers discovered that studies suggesting such benefits often suffer from design flaws, particularly in the way they define and categorize abstainers, leading to misleading conclusions.
South African police have apprehended 95 Libyan nationals suspected of undergoing military training at a covert camp in the Mpumalanga province. The camp, disguised as a farm, was raided by police who discovered evidence of military training despite the Libyans claiming to be students on study visas.
Israel has proposed changes to the second stage of the ceasefire deal with Hamas, demanding a vetting mechanism for Palestinians returning from southern Gaza to their homes in the north and maintaining control of the ‘Philadelphi Corridor’. These demands have been rejected by Hamas and Egypt, further complicating the already fragile negotiations.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Pakistan, is reportedly running for the position of chancellor at his alma mater, Oxford University. Khan, known for his cricketing career and political leadership, will participate in the online election for the prestigious position. The news has sparked debate as the election marks a significant departure from the traditional process and comes amidst Khan’s ongoing legal battles in Pakistan.
