Nayara Energy, an Indian oil company partly owned by Russian interests, has reportedly sold petroleum to Russia amid Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities, which have caused fuel shortages in Russia. Indian officials say companies are not selling fuel directly but do not rule out Russian purchases through traders.
Key Facts
Nayara Energy runs India’s second-largest private oil refinery in Gujarat with a capacity of 400,000 barrels per day.
Nayara was originally owned by Essar but partly acquired by Russian state-controlled Rosneft and a Russian asset management firm.
About 60,000 metric tonnes of petrol were reportedly shipped from India to Russia in two tankers carrying 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes each.
Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries since March have caused fuel shortages and rationing in Russia.
Russian President Putin admits the strikes have caused some fuel shortages but calls them temporary and not critical.
Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says Indian companies are not directly selling fuel to Russia, but fuel may reach Russia via traders.
The European Union sanctioned Nayara Energy last year, banning petroleum imports from the company.
Ukraine’s strikes have targeted oil facilities including in Crimea and the Black Sea town of Tuapse, impacting Russian energy supply.
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The United Nations human rights chief warned about a growing risk of serious human rights abuses near the city of el-Obeid in central Sudan. The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces has caused heavy fighting, civilian suffering, and shortages of food, water, and medical care.
Key Facts
The U.N. human rights chief called the situation in el-Obeid a “red alert” due to the risk of atrocity crimes.
Sudan is in the fourth year of a war between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict has caused at least 59,000 deaths and displaced about 13 million people.
Around 30 million people in Sudan need humanitarian help because of the war.
El-Obeid, a city with about 500,000 residents, has faced severe sieges and heavy drone attacks.
The RSF has tried several times to re-establish a siege on el-Obeid after the military broke it in early 2025.
Recent attacks on infrastructure in and around el-Obeid have caused shortages of food, fuel, water, healthcare, and transportation.
The U.N. urged world leaders to act quickly to prevent further violence and suffering in the region.
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A special spacecraft called Link was launched to save NASA’s Swift telescope, which is falling closer to Earth faster than before. The Link spacecraft will catch the telescope and raise its orbit so it can keep studying space events like explosions of stars.
Key Facts
The Link spacecraft was launched from the Marshall Islands using a Pegasus rocket carried by an airplane.
NASA is paying $30 million to have Katalyst Space Technologies capture and boost the Swift telescope’s orbit.
Swift was launched in 2004 and is currently orbiting about 224 miles above Earth.
Solar storms have increased the drag on the telescope, causing it to lose altitude faster.
Link will raise Swift’s orbit by about 150 miles slowly to avoid shaking the telescope.
The mission was put together in just nine months because Swift needs help before October.
Observations from Swift are paused to save its orbit until the rescue mission is complete.
NASA might use a similar mission in the future to help the Hubble Space Telescope, which is also losing altitude.
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Two weeks after strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, rescue teams continue searching for survivors but expect few remain alive. More than 2,500 people have died from the disaster.
The number of approved H-1B visa renewals is on track to reach a record high in fiscal year 2026, despite efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to tighten rules for the visa program. These renewals include extensions and changes for workers already in the U.S., and the data reflects petition approvals rather than individual workers.
Key Facts
About 273,026 H-1B visa renewals were approved in the first nine months of fiscal year 2026.
This number is close to the record of 291,542 renewals approved in fiscal year 2025.
Renewals are for workers already in the U.S. on H-1B visas, not new visa approvals through the lottery.
President Trump’s administration tried to add a $100,000 fee on many new foreign worker petitions, but a court blocked this fee.
The administration aims to change the visa lottery to favor higher-paid applicants.
The data combines different petition types, including renewals, job changes, and amendments, so it does not count unique workers.
In fiscal year 2024, about 65% of approved H-1B petitions were renewals or extensions.
Experts say the approval numbers show petition activity but are not the same as counting individual visa holders.
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Moldova’s Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu resigned, causing the whole government to step down. President Maia Sandu will consult with lawmakers to quickly appoint a new prime minister while Munteanu continues in his role temporarily.
Key Facts
Alexandru Munteanu was Moldova’s Prime Minister since November 2025.
He resigned because he felt he could no longer follow his principles in office.
His resignation triggered the collapse of the current government.
President Maia Sandu leads the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).
Moldova’s parliament will consult parties to choose the next prime minister soon.
The government faces pressure from a scandal involving a state-owned aviation company, MoldATSA, including false CV claims and controversial hires.
A special investigative committee was set up to review management and hiring practices in state-owned firms.
Moldova seeks to join the European Union and balances ties between Europe and Russia.
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Health officials in New York warn that Vibrio vulnificus, a harmful bacteria sometimes called "flesh-eating bacteria," may be found in coastal waters during summer, especially around the July 4 holiday. The bacteria can cause serious infections, especially in people with open wounds or weak immune systems, but beaches have not been closed because of this.
Key Facts
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that lives in warm saltwater and brackish water (where fresh and saltwater mix).
It can cause serious infections if open wounds touch contaminated water or from eating undercooked shellfish like oysters.
About 20% of people who get infected may die, sometimes within days.
The bacteria has been found farther north than before due to warming coastal waters, including in parts of New York.
The Southampton Town Trustees issued an advisory warning residents and visitors about this bacteria.
Most infections happen to people with underlying health problems or weak immune systems.
No New York beaches have been closed because of Vibrio vulnificus; standard water monitoring continues.
Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, fever, and low blood pressure; immediate medical care is recommended if symptoms appear.
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Ukraine has been conducting regular drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and fuel depots, causing gas shortages across Russia. This has led to concern among Russians and a shift in tone from Russian officials and media, acknowledging hardships and the need for possible mobilization. Western sanctions have also limited Russia’s ability to produce new weapons.
Key Facts
Ukrainians use long-range drone strikes that Russia struggles to defend against.
Russian gas shortages have affected ordinary citizens, like taxi drivers, due to damage to fuel infrastructure.
Russian officials and media personalities now warn of upcoming hardships and sacrifices for the public.
Some military bloggers call for a major military mobilization in Russia due to worsening war dynamics.
Many Russian families fear conscription (military draft) but lack resources to avoid it.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the drone attacks and gas shortages but described the situation as manageable.
Western sanctions limit Russia’s ability to produce new military equipment.
Russia continues retaliatory attacks in Ukraine despite challenges at home.
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Taylor Swift is preparing for a large wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City with American football player Travis Kelce. The event includes flowers, food, and large decorations, and many famous friends and family members have arrived for the celebration.
Key Facts
The wedding is planned to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Workers have been seen unloading flowers, food, and decorations including a white fairytale castle.
Friends and family are staying at the Ritz-Carlton in New York and attended a rehearsal dinner at the stadium.
Celebrities spotted at the rehearsal include Lena Dunham, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, and others.
The couple is enforcing a no phones rule to keep the event private.
The decorations for the rehearsal dinner included apricot-colored roses and a romantic garden theme.
Madison Square Garden was lit in pink lights to mark the occasion.
Musical performances by Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw are rumored for the wedding day.
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A new weather map shows how conditions might affect fireworks displays across the U.S. on July 4. The map provides details about rain, clouds, smoke, and fire risks to help people enjoy or prepare for the celebrations safely.
Key Facts
The map covers more than 2,000 fireworks shows across the United States.
It shows the chances of storms, cloud cover, and whether fireworks will be visible.
Smoke from fireworks and wildfires can reduce visibility during shows.
Wind affects how smoke moves and can impact nearby neighborhoods.
Fire risk is higher in dry areas with wildfires, making safety important.
The map predicts good viewing conditions for major shows in New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
Nashville’s show might face delays or cancellations due to nearby active weather.
A heat dome will bring very hot weather to much of the central and eastern U.S. on July 4.
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U.S. home prices fell at the fastest rate in at least nine years in June, with the national median asking price dropping to $430,000. This decline, along with stable time on the market, suggests more buyers are cautiously returning to the housing market despite still-high mortgage rates.
Key Facts
The median home price in the U.S. fell 2.5% compared to last year, reaching $430,000 in June.
This was the eighth month in a row that home prices declined nationally.
Mortgage rates remain high, averaging about 6.43% for a 30-year fixed loan.
Monthly payments for a typical home buyer are about $132 less than last year due to lower prices and slightly lower rates.
The West and South regions saw the biggest price drops, with the West down 4% and the South down 2.5%.
The average time homes spent on the market stayed the same as last year, at 53 days.
The number of homes being removed from sale listings dropped nearly 10% compared to last year.
Active home listings grew slightly overall, with the largest increases in the Northeast and Midwest.
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Iran is preparing a six-day funeral for its late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, expected to attract millions and serve as a display of national unity and resistance. The funeral will take place in Tehran and Mashhad, with parts of the body also passing through Iraqi cities. Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, is not expected to attend due to injuries from the strike that killed his father.
Key Facts
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was killed in a US-Israeli attack in February 2024.
A six-day funeral for Khamenei will start Saturday in Tehran and end Thursday in Mashhad.
The funeral is expected to draw millions of mourners and send messages of strength to the world.
Khamenei’s body will also be carried through the Iraqi Shia cities of Karbala and Najaf at Iraq’s request.
Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali’s son and successor, was injured in the strike and will likely not appear at the funeral.
Mojtaba lost his wife and young daughter in the attack and has made only written public statements.
Israel’s defense minister recently threatened Mojtaba’s life.
Iran’s vice-president called the funeral “the most important event of this century” in Iran.
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NASA has launched a new spacecraft named LINK to catch and rescue the Swift space telescope, which is falling toward Earth due to atmospheric drag caused by increased solar activity. LINK will use robotic arms to capture Swift and lift it back to a safer orbit, marking the first time such a mission has been attempted.
Key Facts
The Swift observatory studies powerful cosmic explosions and was launched in 2004.
Swift’s orbit has dropped from 373 miles (600 km) to around 220 miles (360 km) because Earth's atmosphere has expanded and slowed it down.
If Swift falls below 186 miles (300 km), a rescue will not be possible.
NASA funded a commercial company, Katalyst Space Technologies, to build and launch the rescue spacecraft LINK.
LINK has three robotic arms, cameras, and guidance systems to capture Swift.
LINK launched aboard a Pegasus XL rocket and is currently checking its systems before approaching Swift.
The mission is considered high-risk but important for preserving Swift’s unique scientific capabilities.
The rescue attempt has about three to four weeks before LINK approaches and tries to capture Swift.
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The United States is celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July weekend amid political challenges and differing opinions on the country's future. Some see the US as facing significant social and economic problems, while others remain hopeful about America’s continued strength and freedom.
Key Facts
The US marks 250 years of independence this weekend on July 4th.
Some commentators describe America today as divided, with big gaps between rich and poor and issues in education and social unity.
Others highlight America’s history of innovation and its status as a powerful and free nation.
Opinions differ on whether US democracy can withstand current political challenges, including those linked to President Donald Trump.
European media also reflect on the state of US democracy with cautious views.
Separately, Europe faces environmental issues as glaciers melt faster due to heatwaves, affecting water supplies and farming.
British media focus on upcoming football matches and special celebrations like Taylor Swift’s wedding.
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France reported over 2,000 more deaths than usual during a record-breaking heatwave in late June, especially affecting people over 45. The heatwave caused high temperatures across Europe, with warnings of more extreme heat and wildfires in the coming days.
Key Facts
In the last week of June, deaths in France rose by 29%, with 2,025 extra deaths recorded.
Paris saw record-high temperatures close to 41°C (about 106°F) on June 24.
The heatwave also caused a rise in drowning deaths, with 72 drownings reported in France since June 18.
Belgium and the Netherlands also recorded high numbers of excess deaths, mostly among the elderly.
Heat warnings and red alerts for wildfires were issued in southern France and parts of the Iberian Peninsula, including Portugal and Spain.
Nearly 7,000 fires have occurred in France since the start of summer 2026, burning about 8,700 hectares.
Climate experts say Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, increasing the risk of heatwaves and wildfires.
The UK and parts of western Europe also expect more hot weather in the coming weekend.
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The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic is celebrating its 60th edition by honoring actor Dustin Hoffman and actress Juliette Binoche for their contributions to world cinema. Hoffman will be honored on the opening night and present his film "The Graduate," while Binoche will receive the same award at the closing ceremony, with several of her films shown during the festival.
Key Facts
The festival is held in Karlovy Vary, a spa town in the Czech Republic.
Dustin Hoffman won Academy Awards for "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) and "Rain Man" (1988).
Hoffman will present his 1967 film "The Graduate" at the festival.
Juliette Binoche won an Oscar for best supporting actress in "The English Patient" (1996).
Binoche’s films "Certified Copy" (2010), "Three Colors: Blue" (1993), and "In-I in Motion" (2025) will be screened.
Cinematographer Robert Richardson, a three-time Oscar winner, will also be honored.
Richardson will introduce his documentary "Robert Richardson: The White Devil."
The festival’s grand jury will judge 12 films competing for the Crystal Globe prize.
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The United States will celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Celebrations will take place across the country, including big cities, national parks, and special events to honor this milestone.
Key Facts
The US will mark its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Events are planned nationwide, from large cities to national parks.
The celebrations will include public gatherings and ceremonies.
Security preparations are being made for the holiday weekend.
The Statue of Liberty will have a special ceremony to mark the anniversary.
The celebrations are part of a larger campaign called America 250.
Various communities will participate to honor the country’s history.
The 250th birthday is also called the nation’s “semquincentennial.”
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Fans are gathering in New York City because there are rumors that singer Taylor Swift will marry football player Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday. The wedding plans have not been officially confirmed.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are rumored to be getting married soon.
The possible wedding location is Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Many fans have traveled to New York ahead of the event.
The rumored date for the wedding is Friday.
No official announcement has been made about the wedding.
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The Aspen Acres Fire in southern Colorado has rapidly grown to over 50,000 acres with zero containment, forcing over 4,000 people to evacuate. Firefighters are actively battling the wildfire as it threatens several communities, with many buildings destroyed and essential services cut off.
Key Facts
The Aspen Acres Fire started Monday near Aspen Acres Campground in Custer County.
It has nearly doubled in size from about 28,000 to over 50,000 acres in one day.
No part of the fire is contained yet, making it Colorado’s top wildfire priority.
More than 4,000 mandatory evacuations are in place for multiple communities.
At least 180 structures have been destroyed across Pueblo and Custer counties.
Firefighters are using many resources, including air tankers, engines, bulldozers, and crews from other states.
Electricity and water are currently unavailable in some affected areas, creating safety hazards.
Weather conditions like dry air and strong winds continue to worsen fire behavior.
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A life-size bench made from more than 11,000 donated Lego bricks was built in memory of 12-year-old Matthew Girard, who died from cancer in 2020. The bench was unveiled at the primary school he attended in Guernsey and involved efforts from volunteers and Lego enthusiasts.
Key Facts
Matthew Girard was 12 years old when he died from cancer in 2020.
The bench is made mostly of reused Lego bricks donated by the local community.
Over 11,000 Lego pieces were used in creating the bench.
The bench has a wooden base with Lego pieces built on top.
Volunteers and Lego experts helped design and build the bench.
Matthew’s family said he loved Lego, and the bench serves as a lasting tribute.
The bench was unveiled at St Martin's Primary School in Guernsey, where Matthew studied.
A Lego-themed room in a charity flat in Southampton is also dedicated to Matthew.
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