From US President Biden testing positive for Covid-19 before elections to Hardik Pandya, Natasa Stankovic separation: Today's top 10 morning news headlines

Here are today's top 10 morning news headlines covering major events and updates you need to know.

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Courtesy: Top Indian News

1. Sharad Pawar's party leader's son allegedly drunk, rams SUV into tempo-truck in Pune | WATCH

In a disturbing incident early Tuesday morning, an SUV allegedly driven by Saurabh Gaikwad, son of former corporator and NCP leader Bandu Gaikwad, collided with a tempo truck in Pune, leaving two people injured. The crash occurred around 5 am near an empty road, with shocking footage capturing the moment of impact. Sources indicate that Saurabh Gaikwad was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, intensifying concerns over drunk-driving incidents in the region.

2. President Joe Biden tests positive for Covid-19 amid calls to end re-election bid

In a significant development, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 following a visit to Las Vegas, as confirmed by the White House. The 81-year-old President, who is experiencing mild symptoms, will return to Delaware for self-isolation while continuing to fulfill his presidential duties, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Jean-Pierre reassured the public that despite his symptoms, President Biden remains in good spirits. "The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s condition as he continues to discharge the full responsibilities of his office from isolation," she stated.

3. INS Teg rescues 8 Indians after oil tanker capsizes near Oman

In a significant development, the Indian Navy warship INS Teg successfully rescued eight Indian nationals who had gone missing following the capsizing of an oil tanker off the coast of Oman on July 15. Among those rescued was also a Sri Lankan national. The oil vessel had a total of 16 crew members, including 13 Indians. According to defense officials, a coordinated rescue operation involving the Indian Navy and Omani agencies is currently underway in the area. The Indian Navy dispatched INS Teg, along with maritime surveillance aircraft P-8I, to join Omani vessels and personnel in the rescue mission immediately after the incident was reported.


4. Terrorist shootout in Jammu and kashmir's Doda, two soldiers injured

Two soldiers were injured during an encounter with terrorists in Jaddan Bata village, located in the Kastigarh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, early Thursday, July 18, 2024. The incident occurred around 2:00 am when terrorists opened fire on a temporary security camp set up in a government school for ongoing search operations, according to officials. Security forces immediately retaliated, resulting in an exchange of fire that lasted for over an hour. "Two soldiers suffered minor injuries in the terrorist firing," officials reported, adding that efforts are ongoing to flush out the terrorists.

5. Massive fire kills 16 in Zigong shopping mall; Shocking video captures incident

A devastating fire broke out in the southwestern Chinese city of Zigong on Wednesday evening, claiming at least 16 lives. State-run media reported that firefighters and rescuers responded to the emergency call shortly after 6 pm at a 14-story commercial building, managing to pull 75 people to safety. Social media posts captured dramatic scenes of thick black smoke billowing from the lower levels of the building, engulfing the entire structure. Huge flames were visible as firefighters battled the inferno with water sprays. Local media reported that several drones were also deployed to assist in the firefighting efforts.

6. Pune rural police detains IAS trainee Puja Khedkar's mother from Raigad

The Pune Rural Police on Thursday arrested the controversial IAS-Probationary Officer Puja Khedkar's mother, Manoroma Khedkar, who was allegedly seen threatening farmers with a gun in her hand in an old video.  Manorama Khedkar, mother of controversial IAS-Probationary Officer Puja Khedkar, was apprehended by Pune Rural Police on Thursday from Mahad in Raigad district. The arrest follows a case registered under the Arms Act after an old video surfaced allegedly showing Manorama threatening farmers with a firearm amidst a land dispute in Pune's Mulshi tehsil.

7. Hardik Pandya, Natasa Stankovic officially announces divorce after 4 years of marriage; Sparks mixed reactions

The recent announcement of Natasa Stankovic and Hardik Pandya's divorce has sparked a wave of online hate directed at Stankovic. The couple, who had become a favorite among fans, revealed that they had decided to part ways, leading to mixed reactions from the public. While some expressed support, others resorted to harsh criticism, highlighting the dark side of social media. Hardik Pandya took to Instagram and posted about his divorce. 

8. Italian journalist insults PM Meloni for her height, to pay 5,000 euros in fine

Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni has won a defamation case against journalist Giulia Cortese. The Italian court ordered Cortese to pay €5,000 in damages and a suspended fine of €1,200. The ruling came after Cortese made a tweet in October 2021 that mocked Meloni's height, which was deemed body-shaming. The legal dispute originated from an online exchange between the two women, after Cortese shared a manipulated image of Meloni with a picture of Benito Mussolini in the background, Meloni, whose far-right Brothers of Italy party was in opposition at the time, took offense. 

 

 

 

9. Thomas Crooks, identified as trans-women, claim conservatives; FBI uncovers Prince Harry was next

In a chilling revelation, FBI investigators informed Congress that Thomas Crooks, the individual behind the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, had conducted extensive online searches targeting various high-profile figures. Among these targets was an unnamed member of the British Royal family, believed to be Prince Harry. This unsettling discovery highlights the broader scope of Crooks' intentions, raising concerns about the safety of public figures globally. In a recent revelation, the Conservatives revealed Crooks identified as transgender women and asked the question that why Crooks's other images are not used in the media.

10. NEET-UG retest must be on concrete evidence that entire exam was affected: SC

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday stated that a NEET-UG retest must be justified with concrete evidence showing that the sanctity of the entire exam was compromised. The court emphasized that mere allegations or isolated incidents of malpractice would not be sufficient grounds for ordering a retest.  While hearing the petitions in the NEET-UG retest, a bench comprising the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud and Justices BJ Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said that the integrity and credibility of the examination process must be significantly affected to warrant such an action. The bench emphasized on ‘social ramifications’ on the society.