Amidst the funeral procession of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran launched fresh attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a Qatari oil tanker and two other vessels. Iranian authorities stated they cannot guarantee the safety of commercial ships unless they follow designated routes. Meanwhile, millions gathered in the holy city of Qom for Khamenei's funeral, where red cloths were offered as a traditional symbol seeking revenge. Iran maintains that maritime conditions have not returned to normal following previous US strikes. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/world/070726/iranian-attacks-in-hormuz-amid-khameneis-final-journey-says-ships-a.html

During French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria, two large explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus where he was staying. The blasts happened while Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace. The Elysee Palace confirmed that President Macron is safe and will continue his visit. While social media footage showed a burning vehicle and bloodstains on the street, no official casualties have been confirmed yet, and no group has claimed responsibility. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/world/massive-explosion-near-french-president-macrons-hotel-on-syria-visit-macron-completely-safe/

BJP leader Vineet Joshi, during the News18 Punjab program 'Khabran Da Prime Time', criticized opposition parties for blaming the BJP for every issue. He described the past era as a 'dark period' and stated that it is unfair to level baseless allegations against the party to hide their own failures. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/khabran-da-prime-time-joshi-985314.html

Indian-origin businessman Gaurav Srivastava is accused of defrauding Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto of 425 crore rupees by posing as a CIA agent. He promised to facilitate the purchase of 36 F-15 fighter jets and Black Hawk helicopters using shell companies. Srivastava claimed close ties with US leaders Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to gain trust. While the Indonesian Defense Ministry stated that no direct financial loss occurred as the deals were not finalized, investigations revealed a massive web of deception occurring between 2020 and 2022. He is also facing multiple fraud cases in the United States. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/nation/070726/indonesian-president-defrauded-of-rs-425-crore-indian-origin-business.html

Punjab Police Counter Intelligence team seized 25kg of heroin in Amritsar, which was allegedly smuggled from Pakistan via drone. Three individuals, including a member of the Sonu Khatri gang, were arrested from a Verna car near Mehta Road. The main accused, Bhupinder Singh, has 9 prior criminal cases. Police are investigating the international drug network and the local supply chain involved in this cross-border smuggling operation. https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/amritsar-25kg-heroin-seized-from-pakistan-via-drone-three-smugglers-arrested-ak-985312.html

Amid internal strife in Punjab Congress, state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel announced that there will be no leadership change, confirming Amarinder Singh Raja Warring will continue as PCC chief. This move led Charanjit Singh Channi's faction to accuse Baghel of misleading the party high command. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi's team visited Chandigarh to gather feedback on the crisis, while Raja Warring warned of strict action against those breaching party discipline. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/punjab-congress-political-crisis-update-bhupesh-baghel-said-there-will-be-no-changes-in-the-punjab-congress-875150

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rejected the Punjab government's argument of financial burden regarding the payment of Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears to employees. The court questioned why common employees are being deprived of DA when high-ranking officials and judges are receiving it at prescribed rates. The court emphasized that administrative orders must be honored and that all government functionaries are equal under the law. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for July 9, 2026. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/punjab-high-court-strict-on-da-of-employees-financial-burden-argument-rejected/3262746

Former MLA Balwinder Singh Laddi from Sri Hargobindpur Sahib has left the BJP to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He joined in the presence of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Aman Arora, and Hardeep Singh Mundian. Laddi previously served as the Chairman of BJP's Panchayati Cell and General Secretary of the SC Morcha. This move is seen as a significant political shift in Punjab. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/big-blow-to-bjp-former-mla-balwinder-singh-laddi-joins-aap/3262722

A violent clash over an old rivalry in Dhuri, Sangrur, resulted in the death of two young men aged 22 and 25. The incident occurred on Kakkarwal Road and has created panic in the area. Police recovered a sharp weapon from the spot and are scanning CCTV footage to identify the culprits. Investigations are ongoing. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/sangrur-bloody-clash-over-old-enmity-in-dhuri-two-youths-killed-875152

An investigation into government veterinary hospitals in Mohali district has revealed severe neglect, with facilities in villages like Mirzapur, Karoran, and Parach turning into ruins. Staff absenteeism is rampant, and some buildings have reportedly become hubs for drug use. While cattle owners are forced to seek expensive private treatment, local authorities have promised an inquiry following reports of infrastructure decay and 'ghost' services. Animal welfare groups are now demanding a systemic audit and biometric attendance to fix the crisis. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/chandigarh/veterinary-health-crisis-government-veterinary-hospital-in-mohali-has-become-a-ruin-some-staff-are-absent-and-some-buildings-have-been-converted-into-drug-dens/