The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is underway at MetLife Stadium in New York, with defending champions Argentina taking on European champions Spain. Lionel Messi starts what could be the final World Cup match of his career, aiming to lead Argentina to back-to-back titles. Spain's 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal also begins the match, hoping to become one of the youngest World Cup winners in history. The final follows a colourful closing ceremony featuring Post Malone. Both teams named their strongest line-ups as football's biggest prize and several historic milestones are on the line.  

Lionel Messi is set to make history when Argentina face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York. The 39-year-old will play his third World Cup final and could become the first player to start 3 finals. A goal would make him the oldest scorer in a World Cup final and place him among the few players to score in 2 finals. Messi is also chasing the Golden Boot and several scoring records. If Argentina win, he will become the first captain to lift the World Cup twice and help his country secure a second straight world title.  

Security has been tightened in New Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. Police have deployed extra personnel, set up barricades and increased surveillance around Parliament Street and Jantar Mantar. Authorities said no permission was granted for the march and warned against violating prohibitory orders. Meanwhile, the CJP claimed around 20,000 supporters had gathered at and around Jantar Mantar. Several opposition leaders and public figures visited the protest site. Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said she would lead the march and urged protesters to remain peaceful and alert. (PC: PTI)

India has issued a fresh travel advisory asking its citizens to postpone travel to Iran as tensions continue to rise in West Asia. The Indian Embassy in Tehran said people planning to visit Iran should wait until the security situation improves. Indians already in Iran have been advised to consider leaving the country using available flights. Those staying back should remain alert, avoid areas with military activity, and closely follow local news. The embassy also asked unregistered Indian nationals to register immediately. Emergency helpline numbers and email support have been shared for citizens needing consular assistance.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins on July 20 and will continue till August 13. The Opposition plans to raise issues such as the alleged NEET paper leak, the Ram Mandir donation row, price rise and foreign policy. The government will focus on introducing and passing key Bills, including amendments related to income tax, MSMEs and the Supreme Court. It will also seek approval for pending Bills like the FCRA Amendment Bill. The proposed women's reservation and delimitation Bill is not on the opening agenda but is expected to remain a major topic during the session.

Russia launched a major ballistic missile attack on Ukrainian cities overnight, killing five people and injuring at least 35. Four people died in Kharkiv, while one person was killed in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it one of the biggest missile attacks on the capital since 2022. Ukraine said it shot down 18 of 41 missiles and intercepted 108 drones. Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out strikes on Russian oil facilities and three oil tankers in the Black Sea. The latest attacks come as both countries continue to target key infrastructure during the ongoing war. (PC: Reuters)

Rohit Sharma scored a brilliant century in the third ODI against England at Lord's on July 19. The opener reached his 34th ODI hundred in just 84 balls while chasing a target of 388. His knock came after reports claimed it could be his final match for India. However, the BCCI denied those reports before the game. Rohit had scored only 11 and 26 in the first two matches, increasing pressure on him. He answered his critics with an attacking innings. Virat Kohli congratulated him after the milestone as India continued their chase against England. (PC: Steven Paston/PA via AP)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has offered to end his nearly three-week hunger strike if political leaders promise to raise education accountability in Parliament. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said he will end his fast if leaders meet him at Safdarjung Hospital and give the assurance before the Monsoon Session begins on July 20. Wangchuk has been protesting over alleged NEET irregularities and education reforms. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party's "Chalo Sansad" march is scheduled for July 20. The party claimed thousands of supporters had gathered at Jantar Mantar ahead of the planned march to Parliament. (PC: PTI)

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh strikes for the eighth straight day after an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan killed two American soldiers. Another soldier is reported missing. Iran said a nuclear power plant under construction in Darkhoveyn and Qeshm Island were hit in US strikes. Jordan said it intercepted three Iranian missiles, while a fourth landed in a remote area. Kuwait reported another attack on a power and water plant. Both sides accused each other of targeting key infrastructure. Tensions remain high after a preliminary ceasefire collapsed earlier this month. (PC: Reuters,EPA/Shutterstock)

The Kerala government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on July 20 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The match between Argentina and Spain will be played in the early hours of Monday. Chief Minister VD Satheesan directed that schools, colleges and professional institutions remain closed. However, exams already scheduled will be held as planned. The decision came after demands from opposition leaders and others, who said students would find it difficult to attend classes after staying up late to watch the final. The official government order is expected to be issued soon. (PC: Reuters)