In a first for West Bengal, 36 Jadavpur University students observed a one-day symbolic hunger strike on Friday in solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and students continuing their indefinite fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The protest, held outside Triguna Sen Auditorium, sought to amplify demands for education reforms. Carrying placards reading "Scrap NTA" and "Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign," participants called for greater accountability, transparency and dialogue in education policymaking. Organisers described it as Kolkata's first symbolic fast supporting Wangchuk's ongoing protest. Students said the demonstration reflected nationwide concerns over education policies and expressed solidarity with those continuing the hunger strike in the national capital of India. (PC: Shorts91)    

FIFA is assessing match reports before deciding whether to take disciplinary action against Argentina after players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" following their 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England. The slogan supports Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, a long-running sovereignty dispute with the UK. FIFA previously fined Argentina in 2014 for displaying the same message. Downing Street backed calls for an investigation, while the Falkland Islands government said politics should stay out of sport. Argentina President Javier Milei called the gesture understandable but stressed sovereignty should be pursued diplomatically. Argentina remain unaffected competitively and will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final. (PC: Getty Images)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike over alleged NEET irregularities, while calling on the Centre to open dialogue with protesters. In an open letter, Tharoor said Parliament's upcoming session provides an opportunity to raise students' concerns through democratic channels rather than a fast unto death. Recalling his middle-class upbringing, he stressed that fair examinations and merit-based opportunities are vital for ordinary families, warning that paper leaks destroy young people's dreams. Tharoor appealed to the government to engage with protesters, saying dialogue reflects statesmanship, not weakness. Wangchuk, meanwhile, has continued his fast despite worsening health concerns.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has dismissed speculation over his animated on-field exchange with Lionel Messi during England's 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal defeat to Argentina, insisting it was "nothing bad." Bellingham said the discussion was about a foul, with Messi reminding him of an earlier challenge before both moved on. Calling it a privilege to face "one of the best," the England star admitted the defeat hurt but denied any hostility. Messi inspired Argentina's comeback with assists for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser and Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner. Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final, while England take on France in the third-place playoff.

Actor Atul Kulkarni has announced a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, bringing renewed attention to the latter's ongoing protest. Sharing a video on Instagram, Kulkarni said he wanted to "connect with the pain" of Wangchuk and urged the Central Government to begin a dialogue, calling conversation the essence of democracy. Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged NEET examination irregularities, demanding accountability, transparency and education reforms. His protest has attracted support from students, activists and several public figures. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to regularly monitor Wangchuk's health as concerns over his deteriorating condition continue.

US President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, the White House confirmed. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump's attendance as a fitting conclusion to a tournament showcasing the United States' ability to host a global sporting event. Before the final, Trump is scheduled to attend a World Cup-related event at Trump Tower in Manhattan on Friday. The visit continues Trump's tradition of appearing at major sporting occasions, having previously attended events including the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. His presence adds political attention to football's biggest match. (PC: Yahoo)

Helle Lyng, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, urged Indian media organisations to give greater coverage to Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike, saying the issue deserves wider public attention. Speaking amid Wangchuk's indefinite fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Lyng stressed the importance of an informed public debate and highlighted the media's role in covering matters of public interest. Wangchuk has been on hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks and broader education reforms. His deteriorating health has triggered growing concern from doctors, courts, public figures and political leaders, intensifying calls for dialogue and immediate intervention. (PC: Maharashtra Times)

China has rejected US President Donald Trump’s allegations that it interfered in the 2020 US presidential election, insisting it “has never and will never interfere” in America’s internal affairs. Responding to Trump’s claim that China acquired 220 million US voter files during the 2020 election cycle, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said the outcome of US elections is determined solely by American voters. The statement reiterated Beijing’s long-standing policy of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. Trump, meanwhile, maintained that voter data across 18 states had been compromised and announced plans to declassify intelligence that he said would reveal major vulnerabilities in US election infrastructure. (PC: AP)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with doctors warning he has reached a critical stage where prolonged fasting could lead to organ failure if his condition worsens. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke described Wangchuk as being on his "deathbed" while renewing calls for action. Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged examination paper leaks, including NEET. The Delhi High Court ordered daily medical monitoring, while political leaders, legal bodies and public figures urged Wangchuk to end his fast, but he remained resolute. (PC: India Today)

A bipartisan group of 60 US Senators has backed the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, proposing tariffs of up to 100% on India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan for purchasing Russian oil or gas. Supported by President Donald Trump, the bill could pass before August and would authorize the US Trade Representative to determine tariff rates. The proposal includes exemptions for certain European countries reducing dependence on Russian gas and for US imports of low-enriched uranium. India's Russian crude imports surged 34% in June, making it Russia's second-largest buyer after China. The bill also allows the US President to waive tariffs if deemed in America's national interest. (PC: Inventiva)