The United States carried out its seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting military surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime facilities, according to US Central Command. Iran responded with attacks targeting US allies, including Kuwait, while Jordan and Bahrain said they intercepted Iranian missiles. Explosions were reported near Bandar Abbas and other locations in southern Iran, with damage to infrastructure disrupting electricity, water and communications. The renewed fighting follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Tensions have also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over global energy supplies. (PC: BBC)

France coach Didier Deschamps admitted that neither his team nor England wanted to play the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff after missing out on the final. Speaking before Saturday's match in Miami, Deschamps said the game is less important than the final but stressed that France has a duty to compete and win the bronze medal. He also confirmed the match will be his last in charge of the national team. Defender Ibrahima Konate echoed his coach's feelings but said the players are determined to give Deschamps a winning farewell by securing third place against England. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised the Narendra Modi government over the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where he was on a hunger strike. In a post on X, Rahul said the government's guiding principles were "Asatya" (falsehood) and "Hinsa" (violence), calling the action against Wangchuk "wrong." He linked the protest to issues such as paper leaks, rising education costs and student suicides, saying these concerns cannot be silenced. Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following medical advice and Delhi High Court directions, while supporters alleged he was forcibly removed without consent.

Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, has become a symbol of determination after leading the successful launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately built orbital rocket. Despite scoring just 51 marks in mathematics during school, Chandana pursued engineering at IIT Kharagpur, worked as an ISRO scientist, and later co-founded Skyroot in 2018. Under his leadership, the company built India’s largest private rocket manufacturing facility and achieved a historic milestone with Mission Aagaman. His journey highlights how perseverance, innovation, and ambition can overcome early academic setbacks to reshape India’s private space industry.  (PC: India Today)

Tensions escalated at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after a woman allegedly hurled an ink-like liquid at CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke while he was addressing protesters. The incident briefly disrupted the gathering, triggering confusion among supporters before order was restored. The protest continued despite the disruption, with Dipke remaining at the venue and reaffirming his commitment to the ongoing agitation following Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the woman's motive or confirmed any legal action. The episode highlighted the heightened tensions surrounding the continuing protest and renewed concerns over security at the demonstration site.

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has confirmed that the planned July 20 march to Parliament will go ahead despite growing concerns over his deteriorating health during his prolonged hunger strike. She urged supporters to remain peaceful and determined, saying the movement would continue regardless of challenges. The protest seeks accountability over alleged examination irregularities and demands action from the Centre. Organisers have called for large public participation while stressing non-violence. As Wangchuk’s condition remains under close medical observation, the march is expected to become a major focal point of the ongoing nationwide campaign. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handwritten postcard carrying the words “Vande Mataram” will travel to space aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 during Mission Aagaman, marking a symbolic milestone for India’s private space sector. The postcard will accompany handwritten messages from Skyroot employees, scientists, investors, policymakers, former ISRO chiefs, astronauts, and supporters worldwide. Launching from Sriharikota, Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket and aims to demonstrate indigenous launch capabilities. The mission also carries several technology demonstration payloads, highlighting the growing collaboration between India’s public and private space ecosystems while advancing the country’s commercial space ambitions. (PC: X)

Football fans are eagerly awaiting a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final between Lionel Messi's Argentina and Lamine Yamal's Spain. While many see it as the first meeting between the two stars, they actually shared a memorable moment years ago when a young Yamal appeared alongside Messi during a Barcelona charity photoshoot. Now, the legendary Argentine captain and Spain's teenage sensation are set to face each other on football's biggest stage. The final represents a symbolic passing of the torch, with Messi chasing another historic title and Yamal aiming to cement his place among football's brightest young talents. (PC: X)

India marked a historic achievement as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota under Mission Aagaman. After a brief planned hold before liftoff, the rocket successfully entered orbit carrying multiple technology demonstration payloads. The milestone highlights India's growing private space capabilities and strengthens the country's commercial space ambitions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Skyroot team, calling the mission a proud moment for Indian innovation. Vikram-1's success signals a new era of collaboration between ISRO and India's rapidly expanding private space industry.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that unidentified individuals attempted to attack climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Delhi's Jantar Mantar during his ongoing hunger strike, claiming an object was thrown but Wangchuk was unharmed. Dipke accused the government of failing to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters and warned it would be held responsible if any harm came to Wangchuk. The allegations come amid heightened tensions after Wangchuk's health deteriorated and he was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. Authorities have not confirmed the alleged attack, while security around the protest has been tightened. (PC: X)