Here are the top stories of the day:

Temple trust ignored repeated warnings? Ram Mandir donation thefts surged during Maha Kumbh

A probe into the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement has found that thefts peaked during the Maha Kumbh despite repeated warnings to the temple trust about suspected “donation chori”. Investigators believe eight people were involved, with donation counter employee Avinash Shukla emerging as the alleged key figure. The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the Special Investigation Team’s deadline to July 15 as the inquiry continues. Read full story.

Newlywed, lover held for husband’s murder; body dumped in canal

Police in Haryana have arrested a newly married woman and her alleged lover for allegedly murdering her husband and dumping his body in a canal. Investigators said the woman was unhappy with her marriage and allegedly conspired with her partner to kill the victim. The body was recovered after an investigation, with police claiming the accused confessed during questioning. Read full story.

Successor out of sight: Three of Ali Khamenei’s sons attend funeral, Mojtaba stays away

Three sons of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led funeral prayers in Tehran, while his successor and son, Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent from public view. Iranian authorities cited security concerns amid assassination threats. His continued absence has drawn global attention as Iran begins a week-long series of funeral ceremonies following Khamenei’s killing. Read full story.

Prashant Kishor set for electoral debut in Bihar bypoll

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor will make his electoral debut after his Jan Suraaj Party announced him as its candidate for the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar. The contest marks the 48-year-old’s first attempt to seek elected office after years of advising political parties, making the bypoll a closely watched test of his political appeal ahead of the 2026 Bihar Assembly elections. Read full story.

Justice Varma inquiry report to be tabled this session, says Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the inquiry report of the three-member committee against Justice Yashwant Varma will be tabled in Lok Sabha in the monsoon session. The report follows allegations linked to the discovery of burnt cash at the judge’s official residence. The development marks the next step in the parliamentary process as lawmakers prepare to examine the findings and decide on further action. Read full story.