Any other such app being misused will also be blocked, government sources warned. (File Photo)
India news LIVE updates: The government has ordered the removal of three Chinese apps — BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion after concerns they were being misused to disable e-rickshaws remotely. The decision came after videos showing e-rickshaws being switched off using a smartphone app-linked system surfaced. Officials said the apps raised serious cybersecurity concerns due to their ability to control battery-operated vehicles remotely.
Bengaluru Police made its first arrest in the Capegemini daycare case where toddlers were allegedly assaulted and intimidated by caregivers. Five people were booked after police registered a on June 29 at the HAL police station following a complaint by Tilakesh Kumar, a legal-cum-probation officer with the district child protection unit, under charges of criminal intimidation and cruelty to children.
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A 17-year-old schoolgirl died after being electrocuted in rainwater in Thane on July 2, with her family alleging that Torrent Power Limited officials had repeatedly ignored complaints about exposed wires in the area. “She was a bright student, on her way to meet her father at his shop, the incident occurred,” her uncle Md Chandiwala said. The death has come as Mumbai and its satellite cities reel under intense monsoon rainfall, with the IMD now issuing an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad, warning of moderate to intense spells over the next three hours. Two women in Navi Mumbai also survived electric shocks from an exposed wire on a waterlogged road, in a separate incident underscoring the lethal combination of monsoon flooding and unsafe electrical infrastructure across the region.
If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in. This blog is curated by Richa Shrivastava, Sneha Sharma, Navya Roshan and Syed Ilham Jafri.
Ram temple ‘theft’ row: CCTV footage shows accused hiding cash bundles
CCTV footage has surfaced showing five key accused removing and hiding cash bundles at the Ram temple, even as the agency managing donation counting claimed it had no say in hiring counting staff — the names, it said, came from the bank. All eyes are now on a July 6 meeting of the Ram Mandir Trust, while security at the temple has been overhauled — staff now wear pocketless uniforms and face repeated frisking before entering donation-counting areas.
In a video statement, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the temple had become a symbol of faith and devotion for Hindus through the sacrifices and commitment of generations of Ram devotees. He described the alleged theft as “unfortunate” and said it had shaken the trust of devotees and the wider society.
Modi to make first official visit to New Zealand next week
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that PM Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week, describing India as “one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.” The visit follows the signing of a New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement in April, which Luxon said will “deliver more jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth.”
Trump claims major breakthrough in Iran talks
President Trump has claimed a major breakthrough in nuclear talks with Iran, saying Tehran has “agreed to just about everything” — though the details of any such agreement remain to be formally confirmed by the Iranian side.
India-Japan roadmap: Strategic stockpiling to AI ecosystem
India and Japan have unveiled a broad partnership roadmap spanning strategic stockpiling, energy security, and an AI ecosystem, backed by a 10-trillion-yen investment commitment — one of the more substantial bilateral frameworks to emerge this year.
Venezuela earthquake: Survivor pulled out alive after 8 days
In a remarkable development, a survivor was pulled out alive from rubble eight days after Venezuela’s devastating earthquake, offering a rare moment of hope as the death toll from the disaster continues to rise.
Live Updates
Jul 3, 2026 05:06 PM IST
Mumbai weather: IMD issues red alert for heavy rain this weekend
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai for Saturday and Sunday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across the city with extremely heavy spells at isolated places.
Red alerts have also been issued for neighbouring Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts, with authorities warning of intense rainfall over the weekend. According to the IMD, the weather conditions are “very likely” to persist, with heavy to very heavy rain expected in Mumbai on Monday and heavy showers continuing into Tuesday.
Mumbai has witnessed continuous rainfall throughout the week following the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon, causing widespread waterlogging and disruption to normal life.
(PTI inputs)
Jul 3, 2026 04:45 PM IST
India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes, reaffirms support for Afghanistan
Responding to a question on Pakistan’s recent military action in Afghanistan, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had strongly condemned the airstrikes, which reportedly killed several civilians, including women and children.
Jaiswal said India had expressed condolences over the loss of lives and reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that New Delhi continues to provide humanitarian assistance, including medicines, and is carrying out development projects aimed at benefiting the Afghan people.
Jul 3, 2026 04:40 PM IST
Iran lays Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in state ahead of week-long funeral
The body of slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been laid in state in Tehran as Iran begins a week of funeral ceremonies aimed at honouring the country’s longest-serving leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Senior Iranian officials, clerics and foreign dignitaries gathered at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla to pay their respects, while authorities prepared for mass public processions across Iran before Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on Thursday. Ceremonies are also planned in the Iraqi shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala.
The funeral comes at a pivotal moment for Iran as its leadership seeks to project unity following months of conflict with the United States and Israel. Security has been tightened across Tehran, with officials warning against any attempt to disrupt the ceremonies.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Jul 3, 2026 04:32 PM IST
VHP says ‘no one will be spared’ in Ram Mandir donation theft probe
Responding to the Congress’s allegations over the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, Surendra Jain said the investigation is being carried out vigorously and that no one found guilty will be spared.
Jain also accused the Congress of politicising the Ram temple issue, alleging that the party had historically opposed the Ram Janmabhoomi movement while seeking to portray itself as a supporter of Lord Ram during elections.
““…When Ram Lalla appeared, the local Muslims submitted a written statement declaring they had no interest in the Babri Masjid—noting that no Namaz had been offered there since 1935—and suggested handing it over to the Hindus. Yet, Jawaharlal Nehru disregarded their stance. An order was given to lock that structure rather than allowing entry, and ever since, they have continuously engaged in politics over Ram… These are fake devotees of Ram who try to project themselves as such only during elections, while seeking to insult those who are true devotees and have dedicated their lives to the cause. They will not succeed. However, I wish to emphasise that the investigation is proceeding vigorously, and no guilty person will be spared,” he said.
Jul 3, 2026 04:26 PM IST
MEA seeks Venezuela probe into Indian seafarer’s death
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has asked Venezuelan authorities to urgently investigate reports alleging that the vital organs of an Indian seafarer were removed before his body was repatriated.
“We have taken up the matter with the Venezuelan authorities and have requested them to investigate it urgently. We will keep you updated on the matter,” Jaiswal said.
“I would reiterate what we have said earlier. India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty is consistent. The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains in abeyance in response to Pakistan’s continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably renounce its support for cross-border terrorism”, he added on the Indus Waters Treaty conference in Islamabad.
Jul 3, 2026 04:05 PM IST
Iran prepares for funeral of late Supreme Leader Khamenei
Iran is preparing for a days-long funeral for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, with authorities expecting millions to gather in Tehran from Saturday in one of the country’s largest public ceremonies in decades.
Khamenei’s flag-draped coffin has been placed at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, where senior officials, military commanders and foreign dignitaries are expected to pay their respects. Authorities have also announced extensive security measures and disruptions to daily life during the funeral period.
The ceremonies come as Iran continues negotiations with the United States over a permanent end to the conflict, with Tehran seeking to project unity and resilience after the war. State media also showed senior Revolutionary Guard commander Ahmad Vahidi making one of his first public appearances in months ahead of the funeral.
(With inputs from PTI)
A portrait of the slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hangs at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque as preparations are underway ahead of his dayslong funeral ceremonies in Tehran, Iran, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo)
Jul 3, 2026 04:00 PM IST
Raja Raghuvanshi’s brother says Sonam could ‘destroy evidence’, SC will ‘ensure justice’
The brother of Raja Raghuvanshi has expressed hope that the Supreme Court will ensure justice after it refused to stay the Meghalaya High Court’s order granting bail to Sonam in the honeymoon murder case.
Speaking after the hearing, Raja Raghuvanshi’s brother said the family fears Sonam could tamper with evidence, influence witnesses or abscond if she remains out on bail.
“If Sonam remains out on bail, she could destroy evidence, influence witnesses, or flee. We believe the Supreme Court will ensure justice for us,” he said.
Jul 3, 2026 03:33 PM IST
RSS says Ram Mandir donation theft has hurt devotees’ faith
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has expressed concern over the alleged theft of money from donation boxes at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, saying the incident has deeply hurt the faith and sentiments of devotees.
In a statement, Hosabale said the temple had become a symbol of faith and devotion for Hindus through the sacrifices and commitment of generations of Ram devotees. He described the alleged theft as “unfortunate” and said it had shaken the trust of devotees and the wider society.
“The grand Ram Temple built at the birthplace of Lord Ram has become a centre of faith, devotion and reverence for the entire Hindu society, thanks to the generations-long struggle and the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of millions of Ram devotees. The unfortunate incident of the alleged theft of money from the donation boxes kept at the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of Ram devotees and the wider society”, he said in a video statement.
(PTI)
Jul 3, 2026 02:27 PM IST
IMD issues red alert in Madhya Pradesh; Delhi to get light rain
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh over the next four days.
Delhi is expected to experience light rain and cloudy skies, according to IMD Scientist Dr Akhik Srivastava.
(PTI)
Jul 3, 2026 02:22 PM IST
UP CM Yogi visits hospitalised Ram Janam Bhoomi Tirath Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visited Ram Janam Bhoomi Tirath Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das who is hospitalised in Lucknow.
Express Photo by Vishal Srivastav
Jul 3, 2026 02:19 PM IST
Supreme Court refuses to stay bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi until next hearing
The Supreme Court has refused to stay the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi in the murder case of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi until the next hearing. Speaking on the decision of the court, Raja Raghuvanshi’s mother Uma Raghuvanshi said that she wants the court to deliver a final verdict and send Sonam to jail. She also called for a CBI inquiry and quick justice. She added that such crimes may continue if justice is delayed and urged the government to act. Raja’s elder brother Vipin Raghuvanshi told ANI that the family has full faith in the Supreme Court and believes justice will be ensured. He also appealed to the government for swift action in the case.
Jul 3, 2026 01:29 PM IST
Government issues orders to remove apps being used to remotely disable battery-operated vehicles
The government has ordered Chinese mobile applications BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion, to be removed from the Play Store after reports emerged that they were being misused by people to remotely disable battery-operated vehicles.
(PTI)
Jul 3, 2026 01:24 PM IST
40 killed after bus falls into ravine in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Atleast 40 people were killed after a bus fell into a ravine in in northwest Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday.
The bus was bound for Peshawar, and the incident took place when it entered the province after crossing Balochistan’s Sherani district.
Officials said eight people have been rescued and sent to hospital.
(PTI)
Jul 3, 2026 01:04 PM IST
NH-5 blocked in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain
The Hindustan-Tibet (NH-5) road, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, has been blocked due to heavy rain and the resulting landslide.
Jul 3, 2026 11:44 AM IST
Delhi government to look into claims of e-rickshaws being remotely switched off
The Delhi government is looking into reports that e-rickshaws are being remotely switched off using a suspected Chinese mobile application, Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said after videos of the alleged incidents surfaced on social media. An e-rickshaw driver, Naseem, claimed his vehicle suddenly stopped while he was carrying passengers between Lal Kuan, Farash Khana, Jama Masjid and Lal Qila. He said other drivers advised him to cover his vehicle’s security number plate to prevent it from being identified and allegedly switched off using the app.
Jul 3, 2026 11:28 AM IST
PM Modi to make first official visit to New Zealand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Friday. Luxon shared the news on X but did not reveal the dates of the visit. He described India as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies and said it was of great importance to New Zealand’s economic prosperity.
Jul 3, 2026 10:52 AM IST
Orange alert in Mumbai as heavy showers continue
Nayonika Bose in Mumbai reports that amidst an orange alert across the region, heavy showers continued to sweep Mumbai and its neighbouring districts of Thane, Raigad and Palghar on Friday morning. For the fifth consecutive day of the week, pockets of the city received over 100 mm of rainfall within 24 hours. While the city remained relatively dry, receiving only 18 mm of rain between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm at the IMD observatories, showers gathered pace after evening. Data furnished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that between 8 am on Thursday and 6 am on Friday, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in Mandavi that received 150 mm, followed by Malabar Hill (145 mm), Fort (140 mm), Andheri (136 mm), Versova (129 mm), Powai (124 mm) and Bhandup (117 mm).
Jul 3, 2026 10:43 AM IST
First arrest in Capegemini daycare children assault
Bengaluru Police made its first arrest in the Capegemini daycare case where toddlers were allegedly assaulted and intimidated by caregivers. Five people were booked after police registered a on June 29 at the HAL police station following a complaint by Tilakesh Kumar, a legal-cum-probation officer with the district child protection unit, under charges of criminal intimidation and cruelty to children. The state child protection unit had received a phone call with the complaint.
Jul 3, 2026 10:11 AM IST
3 remanded to police custody in Renukaswamy murder case
Kiran Parashar reports that a Bengaluru court on Thursday remanded three men to five days of police custody for allegedly threatening a prosecution witness in the Renukaswamy murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa. The three accused — Puneeth, Suhas and Venu, all from Tumakuru — were arrested by Kamakshipalya police after a witness told the court he had received threatening calls asking him to testify in favour of the accused. Police said Puneeth was the administrator of the Facebook fan page “D Company”, a fan page dedicated to Darshan, while Suhas was its editor and Venu a member. Investigators believe the threats were linked to their support for the actor.