The article discusses the need for improved evidentiary standards in program evaluation to better inform public policy and management decisions. It critiques the current reliance on quantitative methods and experimental designs, emphasizing the importance of context, equity, and mixed methods in understanding program efficacy. The authors propose a new framework for assessing interventions, which includes a focus on causation, context, equity, method fit, and methodological rigor and reflexivity. They apply this framework to evaluate studies from the What Works Clearinghouse and highlight gaps in knowledge, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to evidence that considers what works for whom and in what contexts.

Active coronavirus cases in Italy surpassed 1 million on Sunday, marking a 75% increase in just 16 days. Italy is now the fourth country with over 1 million active cases, following the US, Germany, and France. The Ministry of Health attributes the rise to the Omicron-5 sub-variant. Despite the surge, mortality and ICU numbers remain relatively low, and Italy's vaccine rollout has been successful, with over 90% of residents above 12 fully vaccinated.

A new study suggests that early dinosaurs, previously thought to thrive in warm climates, actually adapted to freezing conditions in high latitudes during the Triassic Period. This adaptation was a key factor in their survival and later dominance after a mass extinction event. The study, led by Paul Olsen from Columbia University and published in Science Advances, is based on excavations in northwest China's Junggar Basin, which provided physical evidence of freezing conditions, such as dinosaur footprints and ice-rafted debris. The mass extinction, which saw the demise of over three-quarters of terrestrial and marine species, is linked to volcanic eruptions that caused temperature spikes and acidic oceans. Dinosaurs, possibly insulated by primitive feathers and warm-blooded systems, survived these harsh conditions.

The Maharashtra government led by Eknath Shinde is set to face a floor test after BJP's Rahul Narvekar was elected as the Speaker. The test follows a political upheaval where Shinde's faction toppled the MVA regime. Both Shiv Sena factions, one led by Shinde and the other by Uddhav Thackeray, have issued whips and accused each other of violations. The BJP and Shinde camp claim they will prove a majority with 166 votes in the 287-member Assembly. Legal actions for disqualification have been initiated against MLAs from both factions. Shinde praised the decision of Modi and Shah to let him lead the government, while Aaditya Thackeray called the floor test a 'morality test' for MLAs.

Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by Akron police officers after a vehicle and foot pursuit. He was unarmed at the time of the shooting, although officers claimed they feared he was preparing to fire. Over 60 wounds were found on Walker's body, and the incident is under investigation by the state. The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. NAACP President Derrick Johnson and attorney Bobby DiCello have called the shooting murder and excessive, respectively. The Ohio Attorney General has promised a complete investigation, and the community is calling for accountability.

China is reportedly surprised by Pakistan's refusal to allow the opening of a Chinese security company aimed at protecting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The request, made by the Chinese Ministry of State Security, was objected to by Pakistan's Interior Ministry, with Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah stating that foreign security companies cannot operate in Pakistan. The Policy Research Group's Valentin Popescu suggests that there is a subtle anti-China sentiment in Pakistan, not as strong as anti-American sentiment, and that the request was prompted by an attack on the University of Karachi's Confucius Institute, which resulted in the death of three Chinese teachers. Despite Pakistan's efforts to protect Chinese nationals, including raising a special force, the security situation remains a concern, with Chinese workers facing threats from Islamist militants and Baloch insurgents.

Three people died and nine were injured due to lightning in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. District Magistrate Anuj Singh confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured were hospitalized and are out of danger. An ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh is to be given to the families of the deceased.

Asaduddin Owaisi's public meeting in Indore was cancelled due to opposition from the Hindu Jagran Manch, who planned to protest by showing black flags. This is the second cancellation in three days. Owaisi, unable to attend due to prior engagements, apologized and promised to visit after the municipal elections. AIMIM and AAP are contesting in Madhya Pradesh's municipal elections for the first time, with elections scheduled for July 6 and 13. Owaisi has been campaigning in various cities to support AIMIM candidates.

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar removed Shiv Sena MLA Ajay Chaudhary as the legislative party leader, reinstating Eknath Shinde to the position and recognizing Bharat Gogawale as the chief whip. This decision, made ahead of a crucial trust vote, is a significant blow to the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena. The 16 MLAs of the Thackeray faction are now bound by the whip to be issued by Gogawale, with potential disqualification for non-compliance.

A study led by Dr. Tom Van der Stocken from the VUB Biology Department, published in Nature Climate Change, indicates that 21st-century climate change has altered ocean surface temperature, salinity, and density, potentially affecting the dispersal of mangrove species in the Indo-West Pacific. The research, conducted in collaboration with various institutions including NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and UCLA, utilized the Bio-ORACLE database and the UNESCO EOS-80 equation to project decreases in sea-surface density by the end of the century, with significant implications for mangrove dispersal and ecosystem connectivity.

Emerging evidence in the House's Jan. 6 investigation supports testimony that President Donald Trump wanted to join the mob that rioted at the Capitol. Rep. Adam Kinzinger hinted at more information to come, while Rep. Liz Cheney indicated criminal referrals, including against Trump, could follow. The committee is reviewing new documentary footage and has subpoenaed former White House counsel Pat Cipollone. Disputes arose over Cassidy Hutchinson's testimony about Trump's actions on Jan. 6. The committee is also seeking to interview Virginia 'Ginni' Thomas regarding her communications with Trump's team.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the death of four labourers from Katihar district in a road accident in Dimapur, Nagaland. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and directed arrangements for transporting the bodies to their native villages.

The article discusses the political dynamics surrounding the Muslim reservation in the Karnataka state elections, where the Congress party regained support from the Muslim community. It delves into the historical context of communal reservations dating back to the British colonial era and draws parallels with contemporary politics. The piece argues that the Congress and other regional parties are engaging in Muslim appeasement similar to past events that led to India's partition. It suggests that the demand for Muslim reservation based on economic and social backwardness could lead to further communal divisions and potentially another partition.

India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the 'COVID Vaccination Amrit Mahotsava' to provide free precautionary COVID vaccine doses to all adults over 18 at Government COVID Vaccination Centres for 75 days, starting July 15, 2022. The campaign is part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations and aims to increase vaccine uptake among adults, with a special focus on those aged 18-59. The drive will include special vaccination camps along major religious pilgrimage routes and congregations. India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has surpassed 199.44 crore as of July 14, 2022.

Dilsha Prasannan has won Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 4, becoming the first-ever female contestant to win the reality show hosted by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. She received the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.

Sri Lanka, facing a severe economic crisis, has extended school closures due to fuel shortages, preventing teachers and parents from commuting. Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced the struggle to find $587 million to pay for fuel, with the country owing $800 million to suppliers. Power cuts are planned due to insufficient fuel for power stations. Wijesekera appealed to expatriates to send remittances through banks, as monthly remittances have halved. India has been a key fuel provider, and negotiations are ongoing with Russia and Malaysia. The crisis has led to protests demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

The 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad torch relay arrived in Goa on July 3, 2022, received by Sports Minister Govind Gaude. Grandmaster Anurag Mahamal carried the torch, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 19. The torch will visit 75 locations over 40 days before reaching Mahabalipuram for the Olympiad from July 28 to August 10, 2022. Gaude emphasized the importance of hard work and belief for success.

Sini Shetty from Karnataka won the Femina Miss India World 2022 title at the grand finale held at Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai. Rubal Shekhawat from Rajasthan and Shinata Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh were the first and second runners-up, respectively.

Dhanika Tripura, a seven-year-old from Tripura, India, who developed acute myeloid leukaemia causing blindness and disfigurement, has made a miraculous recovery following a crowdfunding campaign supported by MailOnline. Despite a low survival chance, she underwent nine months of intense chemotherapy at Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati, which led to significant improvement. Although she lost sight in one eye, her other eye was saved, and she will receive an artificial eye to replace the removed one. Further chemotherapy is planned to ensure the disease does not return.

The article discusses the plight of the residents of enclaves along the India-Bangladesh border, who are known as 'nowhere people' due to their lack of citizenship in either country. It highlights the challenges they face, including lack of access to public services and persecution. The India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) is set to change their situation by allowing the exchange of enclaves and giving the residents a chance to choose their nationality. The article includes personal stories of enclave residents and their reactions to the LBA, which has been celebrated by many as it promises to end their statelessness and bring them into the fold of recognized citizenship.