Mamdani Identified as Asian and African American on College Application

A senior Indian military official, Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, dropped a bombshell about China's role in aiding Pakistan during a recent operation. According to him, China supplied Pakistan with live intelligence on Indian military positions, while Turkey reportedly provided drones. The general also warned that Pakistan might aim attacks at Indian cities in future conflicts, stressing the urgency for stronger air defenses.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another geopolitical tit-for-tat—it’s a rare public confirmation of how deeply China and Turkey are entangled in regional tensions. If Pakistan is getting real-time data from China, it changes the game for India’s security strategy. The mention of potential strikes on civilian areas adds a grim layer, making this a story about more than just military posturing—it’s about how future conflicts in the region could unfold.

Russia's central bank just reported that the country's international reserves—essentially its rainy-day fund of foreign cash and gold—have reached a record high, swelling by nearly $10 billion in under a month. Despite Western sanctions, Moscow keeps stacking up its financial safety net.

Editor’s Note: On paper, this looks like Russia's economy is weathering sanctions better than expected. But reserves alone don’t tell the full story—it’s also about how usable they are and what’s being sacrificed to build them up. For markets and policymakers, it’s a signal that the financial standoff between Russia and the West isn’t going as one-sided as some predicted.

India is pouring $12 billion into upgrading its military arsenal, aiming to strengthen its armed forces with new equipment and tech. The move signals a major push to modernize defense capabilities, though specifics on what exactly they're buying aren't spelled out here.

Editor’s Note: Big military budgets always stir debate—some see it as necessary for security, others worry about arms races or misplaced priorities. For India, this isn't just about hardware; it’s a statement of geopolitical ambition, especially with tensions simmering in the region. Whether this cash translates to real strategic gains depends on how wisely it’s spent.

In a diplomatic gesture, Russia's top diplomat Sergey Lavrov sent a Fourth of July greeting to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—a routine protocol move that stands out given the current frosty relations between Washington and Moscow.

Editor’s Note: Even amid tensions, diplomatic niceties persist. This small exchange doesn’t signal a thaw, but it’s a reminder that formal channels remain open—for now. Given the source (RT), it’s also worth noting how Russia frames these interactions for its audience.

Shefali Jariwala, the unforgettable face behind the early 2000s hit Kaanta Laga, died unexpectedly at 42 from a cardiac arrest. The song’s directors, Radhiki Rao and Vinay Sapru, shared heartfelt memories of discovering her and confirmed there would never be a sequel—calling the original "hers alone." The industry is grieving the loss of the iconic performer, whose legacy lives on in that era-defining track.

Editor’s Note: Shefali’s passing isn’t just the loss of a performer; it’s the end of a cultural moment. Kaanta Laga was a viral sensation before "viral" existed, and her death has sparked nostalgia for that early internet era. The directors’ refusal to revisit the song without her underscores how deeply she was tied to its magic—a rare tribute in an industry that often reboots everything. For millennials who grew up with that anthem, it’s a poignant goodbye.