Real Madrid are set to receive approximately $2.7 million (€2.3 million) through FIFA's Club Benefits Programme for releasing players to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Los Blancos had 15 players representing their national teams, though new signing Denzel Dumfries will not generate compensation as he was not registered when the tournament began. FIFA pays clubs at least $5,000 per player per day, with payouts depending on each player's tournament duration. Real Madrid will also receive around $222,000 (€195,000) for World Cup qualifiers. Despite the expanded tournament, the payout is lower than the $3.8 million earned after Qatar 2022 and remains modest compared to the club's lucrative summer commercial tours and Club World Cup revenues. (PC: Getty Images)

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated a government reshuffle aimed at addressing "new challenges and new tasks." Parliament approved her resignation on Tuesday, ending a tenure that began in July 2025. Svyrydenko, who helped negotiate a minerals investment deal with the US after Zelenskyy's Oval Office clash with President Donald Trump, has reportedly been offered a new role overseeing relations with a key partner. The reshuffle comes as Russia intensifies ballistic missile strikes and Ukraine advances plans to domestically produce US Patriot air defence systems. Ukrainian media reports Naftogaz CEO Sergiy Koretsky is the leading candidate to succeed her. (PC: Reuters)

A growing number of UEFA member associations are reportedly exploring candidates to challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino in November's presidential election, ending expectations of an uncontested third-term bid. According to talkSPORT, the move follows rising tensions between FIFA and UEFA, including controversy over the suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is not expected to run, with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski among the names reportedly discussed. However, neither has confirmed interest. Infantino is still considered the favourite, backed by strong support across Africa, Asia and CONCACAF. Nominations close on November 18 in Rabat. (PC: AP)

On the 17th day of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, crowds grew as concern mounted over activist Sonam Wangchuk's worsening health during his indefinite hunger strike demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has drawn increasing public attention as more voices urge Wangchuk to end his fast. An online petition signed by more than 1,800 writers, academics, social activists and other concerned citizens appealed to him to stop the hunger strike, citing his deteriorating condition. Despite mounting concern and calls to prioritise his health, demonstrations continued with larger participation, reflecting sustained support for the movement and its demands.

A 36-year-old American national, Jordan Brown, arrested while allegedly attempting to cross the India-Nepal border illegally, was found carrying a Chinese passport, Nepalese currency, religious books, an AI-powered translation device, a mobile phone, a diary and other belongings. Officials said no evidence of suspicious or anti-national activity has emerged so far, but multiple intelligence agencies are verifying his identity, travel history and the authenticity of the recovered documents. Brown claimed he lost his US passport in Thailand, travelled to Sri Lanka by sea and entered India through the sea route in November 2025 before living in Goa. He has been booked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

Actor Omi Vaidya, best known as Chatur "Silencer" Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, has appealed for attention to activist Sonam Wangchuk's deteriorating health during his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk, who inspired Aamir Khan's character Phunsukh Wangdu, joined the Cockroach Janata Party's protest on June 28, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak. In a video message, Vaidya urged people to understand Wangchuk's concerns regardless of their views, saying, "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die." Wangchuk has reportedly lost 8.2 kg, with his latest medical readings showing blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and blood glucose of 67 mg/dL.

A viral letter circulating on social media claims Balochistan has declared independence from Pakistan, established the "Republic of Balochistan" and exercises control over 85% of its territory. The statement alleges the region has adopted a national flag, anthem, currency and independent administration, while claiming control over major mineral, gas and coal resources. It also says thousands of security personnel have joined the Baloch side and seeks international recognition. However, the authenticity of the letter remains unverified, and there has been no official confirmation or response from Pakistan. Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch claimed civilians are resisting Pakistani forces, but these assertions also remain independently unverified.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has begun an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station after launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome with two Russian cosmonauts aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. A physician specialising in emergency and aerospace medicine, Menon will conduct advanced scientific experiments while also serving as a research subject. His mission includes testing AI-assisted ultrasound technology for space healthcare, manufacturing high-quality semiconductors in microgravity, studying the effects of prolonged weightlessness on human health, and exploring space-based bioprinting of biological tissues. The research aims to improve medical care, advance technology on Earth, and support NASA's Artemis programme and future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.

India has strongly condemned the attack on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after an Indian sailor was killed. The Ministry of External Affairs also summoned Iran’s deputy envoy to protest the incident. The two vessels carried 30 Indian crew members. One Indian died, while six Indians and two Ukrainians were injured. India called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial ships and stressed the need for safe navigation through international waterways. The government also urged all sides to stop violence and return to dialogue. The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East region. (PC: AI Generated Image)

American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta. The Moroccan-born official will take charge of his fourth match of the tournament. Lionel Messi has won every match played under Elfath, giving the referee an interesting record ahead of the semi-final. Elfath was also the first referee to oversee a match using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. During the 2026 World Cup, he has shown one red card and eight yellow cards. England and Argentina will compete for a place in the World Cup final on Wednesday. (PC: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)