Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has challenged rebel MPs and MLAs to return to Mamata Banerjee's leadership, declaring he would resign from all party posts within an hour if they did. Responding to allegations that he caused the party's internal crisis, Abhishek said those claiming loyalty to Mamata should prove it by rejoining the Trinamool Congress instead of attacking the party from outside. He also accused several defectors of aligning with the BJP for political gain. His remarks come amid an escalating rebellion within the TMC and efforts to restore party unity. (PC: PTI)

England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in one of the tournament's most entertaining matches. Bukayo Saka starred with a sensational hat-trick, while Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also found the net. England raced into a commanding 4-0 halftime lead before Kylian Mbappé inspired a remarkable French comeback with two goals and an assist, narrowing the deficit to 5-4. However, Bellingham sealed England's bronze medal with a late strike, giving Thomas Tuchel's side a memorable finish to their World Cup campaign. (PC: AFP)

At least 21 protesters have continued their indefinite hunger strike despite activist Sonam Wangchuk being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protesters, including students and civil society members, remain at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and reaffirming their commitment to the movement. Wangchuk's supporters have accused authorities of forcibly hospitalising him, while officials cited medical advice and court directions. Protest leaders said the agitation will continue until their demands are addressed, with solidarity growing through planned demonstrations and public participation across the country. (PC: PTI)

Social activist Anna Hazare has urged the Union government to hold talks with Sonam Wangchuk, saying, "Shouldn't test his limits. Say yes or no to his demands, but what is wrong in holding discussions?" Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar entered Day 21 as he continued demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak case. Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital, citing a High Court order to monitor his health. Protesters alleged he was taken away forcibly, while police maintained the move was for medical treatment. (PC: HT)

France and England meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff in Miami after both teams fell short in the semi-finals. France lost 2-0 to Spain, while England suffered a 2-1 defeat to defending champions Argentina. France captain Kylian Mbappe is chasing history by aiming to become the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot twice. England, led by Harry Kane, are hoping to secure their first-ever World Cup bronze medal. Although the title is out of reach, both teams will look to finish the tournament on a high with a victory. (PC: NDTV)

Two US service members were killed and another is missing after Iran launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on a US military base in Al Azraq, Jordan, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. Four other US personnel were injured, treated at hospitals in Jordan and later discharged. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the strike and said it damaged US military aircraft. The attack came as fighting between the US and Iran entered its seventh straight day. Both sides continued exchanging strikes, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict centred around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 may have cost US employers an estimated $11.7 billion in lost productivity, according to a report by human resources software provider UKG. Globally, productivity losses were estimated at $17 billion as many employees arrived late, left early or missed work to watch matches. Workplace attendance in the US dropped 26% on July 7, a day after the national team was eliminated by Belgium, a trend Envoy called “Knockout Tuesday.” Several companies encouraged remote work on match days. Attendance is expected to see only a small dip after the July 19 final between Argentina and Spain. (PC: X)

Skyroot Aerospace co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana has become a symbol of India's growing private space sector after Vikram-I became the country's first privately developed rocket to reach space. Chandana, who once scored 51 marks in mathematics, later cracked the IIT entrance exam, joined IIT Kharagpur and worked at ISRO on the GSLV Mk III programme. In 2018, he co-founded Skyroot Aerospace with fellow former ISRO engineer Naga Bharath Daka. Today, the Hyderabad-based startup is leading India's private space revolution, proving that curiosity, determination and innovation matter more than early academic setbacks. (PC: X)

Iran has suspended all ceasefire-related commitments under its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States after US President Donald Trump declared the agreement "over." The MoU, signed last month, aimed to reduce tensions, protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way for talks on sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme. Both countries have accused each other of violating the deal. The announcement comes as the US carries out a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran warns of a stronger military response, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: X)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has praised Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, calling the 39-year-old "the best player in the history of football." Scaloni urged fans to cherish the opportunity to watch Messi play on the biggest stage, saying his achievements are extraordinary. Messi has scored 8 goals in the tournament and is the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals. Argentina will face defending European champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to become the first team in 64 years to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. (PC: NDTV)