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)

Ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain have reached record levels. The match will be played at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. FIFA's dynamic pricing has pushed premium pitch-side tickets to an average of $32,970 (around ₹31.7 lakh). On resale websites, some Category 1 tickets are listed for over ₹5 crore. The highest-priced ticket is listed at $2.3 million (around ₹22 crore). It is for seats in Block 124 behind the goal. The prices make the 2026 World Cup final the most expensive sporting event for ticket buyers.

Delhi Police have tightened security in New Delhi ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and the planned July 20 "Chalo Sansad" march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Police said no permission has been granted for the march. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS are in force across the New Delhi district. Gatherings of five or more people are banned, except at Jantar Mantar with prior permission. Extra police, barricades, vehicle checks and CCTV surveillance have been deployed. The CJP plans to hold the July 20 march over alleged NEET irregularities and demand the Education Minister's resignation.

Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre surrendered before police after the Bombay High Court cancelled his bail in the Dombivli hospital assault case. The court took suo motu cognisance of the incident, expressing concern over the alleged attack on doctors and hospital staff, and ordered Mhatre to surrender by the specified deadline. His surrender came a day after the High Court's intervention overturned the lower court's bail order. The case has sparked outrage among the medical community, with doctors demanding stricter action against those accused of violence in healthcare institutions. 

A decade after announcing his international retirement in tears at MetLife Stadium following Argentina's 2016 Copa América final defeat, Lionel Messi returns to the same venue with a chance to complete one of football's greatest redemption stories. Now leading Argentina into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, the 39-year-old aims to defend the title won in 2022 and further cement his legendary legacy. The final symbolizes Messi's remarkable journey from heartbreak to glory, with his leadership and resilience inspiring Argentina as they chase another historic World Cup triumph against a formidable Spanish side. (PC: X)