U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain on July 19. The highly anticipated clash will take place at MetLife Stadium, marking the culmination of the first 48-team World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump's presence is expected to add political and global attention to football's biggest event. The final pits defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, against an impressive Spain side, setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown to crown the 2026 FIFA World Cup champions. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key Red Sea shipping route, if the United States launches attacks on Iran's power infrastructure, according to sources cited by Reuters. The move could significantly disrupt global trade and energy shipments passing through one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints. The report comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent cyber and military threats. Neither Iran nor the Houthis have officially confirmed the directive, while U.S. officials have not publicly responded to the reported contingency plan. (PC: Reuters)

Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable moment by dribbling past five England players during Argentina's 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal victory. The dazzling solo run left defenders scrambling and sparked chaos inside the stadium, with videos of the move quickly going viral across social media. Messi's brilliance played a key role in Argentina securing a place in the World Cup final, where they will face Spain. The performance further strengthened his reputation as one of football's greatest dribblers, with fans and former players praising the magical display as another iconic chapter in his legendary international career.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has downplayed concerns over the reported data breach linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, stating that no sensitive nuclear safety or security-related information was compromised. He clarified that the leaked files were associated only with conventional support facilities and not the plant's critical reactor systems. The government assured that India's nuclear infrastructure remains secure, while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and CERT-In continue investigating the cyber incident. Officials urged the public not to panic, stressing that the breach poses no threat to nuclear operations or national security. (PC: Reuters)

India captain Rohit Sharma could be playing his final match in Indian colours during the third ODI against England at Lord's, according to a media report. The report claims the BCCI has informed the veteran opener that he is unlikely to be part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, signalling a transition to a younger squad. While no official announcement has been made by Rohit or the BCCI, the possibility has sparked widespread discussion among fans. If true, the Lord's ODI would mark the end of an illustrious international career for one of India's greatest white-ball cricketers. (PC: ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal joined Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar on Thursday as the activist’s hunger strike entered its 19th day. Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28 as part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over repeated examination paper leaks and broader education reforms. Addressing supporters, Kejriwal accused the Centre of failing students and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appoint Wangchuk as Union Education Minister after Pradhan’s resignation. He praised the youth-led movement, saying students from across the country were demanding a fair, transparent and accountable examination system. (PC: The Indian Express)

The US Department of Homeland Security has finalised a rule replacing the long-standing “duration of status” system with fixed visa terms for international students, exchange visitors and foreign media representatives. Under the new regulation, F-1 student visa holders will generally be allowed to stay in the US for up to four years, after which they must seek an extension if their studies continue. The change could significantly affect more than 3.3 lakh Indian students, particularly those enrolled in longer academic programmes. Delays in securing extensions could leave students at risk of unlawful presence. The rule also introduces fixed periods of stay for J-1 exchange visitors and I visa holders. (PC: India Today)

Actor Sonakshi Sinha has publicly backed Sonam Wangchuk, expressing concern over his ongoing hunger strike and urging the government to open a dialogue with him. In a video statement, she said Wangchuk was fighting for children who lost their lives and against a system she believes is failing. Questioning the silence of many, Sinha said she could no longer remain quiet, adding, “Main koi anti-national nahi hu,” while defending her decision to speak out. She also asked why authorities were not engaging with Wangchuk. Sonakshi joins several celebrities, including Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol and Omi Vaidya, in supporting him.

India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1, built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, is scheduled for its maiden launch from Sriharikota on July 18 at 11:30 am. The seven-storey launch vehicle will carry four Indian and international technology demonstration payloads, marking India’s private sector’s entry into the global orbital launch market. The mission will evaluate propulsion, stage separation, guidance, navigation, control and overall flight performance. Designed to carry satellites weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit, Vikram-1 features an all-carbon composite structure, 3D-printed engines and solid-fuel boosters. The mission follows Skyroot’s successful Vikram-S suborbital launch in November 2022 and aims to establish regular commercial launch capability.

Iran has reportedly asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to prepare to block the Red Sea oil route if US-led strikes expand to target Iranian power plants, according to Reuters. The proposal was first discussed within Iran’s leadership before being conveyed to the Houthis, Tehran’s regional ally. The reported move comes as Iran remains blocked in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating hostilities with the United States. If implemented, Houthi involvement could significantly widen the conflict and further destabilise global energy supply routes by threatening another critical maritime chokepoint. The development adds to growing concerns over the expanding regional fallout from the nearly five-month-long US-Iran conflict in the Gulf. (PC: X)