Who is Sanae Takaichi? Facts to know about Japan’s new PM visiting India and her defence stance

• The European Union's highest court is set to rule on Google's appeal against a record-breaking €4.1 billion antitrust fine. • Google is challenging the penalty, arguing that the European Commission unfairly penalized the company for its innovative business practices.

• South Bohemian Governor Martin Kuba's political movement, "Our Czech Republic," has launched a candidate training program modeled after the British Conservatives to prepare leaders under 35 for the 2028 regional elections. • The selection process requires applicants to submit CVs and complete workshops on crisis communication and media training before a panel chooses finalists for a three-semester development track.

• Germany is prioritizing the strengthening of its partnership with Poland, focusing specifically on technological innovation and sustainable energy infrastructure. • Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan announced additional German support for Middle Eastern nations during a recent official visit to Jordan.

• Labour MPs are calling on prospective prime minister Andy Burnham to formally rule out the development of the Rosebank oilfield in the North Sea. • Simultaneously, extreme heatwaves are impacting Italy, the Balkans, and the US, driving a surge in demand for cooling systems across Europe.

• Donald Trump has threatened to abolish birthright citizenship through Congress following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the practice. • In the same series of rulings, the Supreme Court allowed states to ban transgender women from female sports and removed limits on federal campaign spending.

• The Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling blocking President Donald Trump's efforts to limit birthright citizenship, marking a significant judicial setback for his administration. • In response to the defeat, Trump has signaled a shift in strategy, moving away from courtroom challenges to pursue a new congressional approach.

• The Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ideological ruling that strikes down long-standing restrictions on the amount of money political parties can spend on campaigns. • This decision fundamentally alters American campaign finance law by removing previous caps on party expenditures.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Sanae Takaichi, while Meta is defending its WhatsApp "usernames" feature following security concerns raised by the Indian government. • Other reports include a theft controversy at the Ram Temple and the struggles of families who were pushed into Bangladesh last year and are now attempting to rebuild their lives in India.

• A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Jurm in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on July 2, 2026. • The seismic event occurred in a region known for high geological activity, though immediate casualty reports were not provided in the initial update.

• Mediators have announced that the next round of indirect talks between the US and Iran will take place following the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei. • Vice President JD Vance stated that current discussions in Doha are "going well," with negotiations regarding the nuclear issue expected to commence shortly.

• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is visiting India to meet with PM Modi, focusing on strengthening economic ties and regional security. • Economic cooperation is significant, with approximately 1,400 Japanese firms operating in India and bilateral trade reaching USD 27.5 billion in fiscal year 2025/26.