Activist Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike, saying, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Join the July 20 Parliament march instead." On the 18th day of his fast, Wangchuk urged supporters to participate in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Chalo Sansad" march, saying it would send a stronger message to the government. He said medical tests, including an ECG, showed no immediate health risk despite weakness and muscle loss. Calling the march a "real lesson in democracy and political science," Wangchuk also invited students and educational institutions to take part. (PC: India Today)

Lionel Messi and Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal are set to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, 19 years after a remarkable UNICEF charity photoshoot brought them together. In 2007, a 20-year-old Messi posed with baby Yamal during a Barcelona-based campaign, never imagining they would one day face each other on football's biggest stage. The photos resurfaced in 2024 after Yamal's father shared them online. Now, 39-year-old Messi leads defending champions Argentina, while Yamal heads Spain's new generation, setting up one of the most extraordinary full-circle stories in World Cup history. (PC: X)

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has shared his first message from the International Space Station (ISS) after arriving for an 8-month scientific mission. In a video recorded on his first day in orbit, Menon thanked his family, former SpaceX colleagues, the US Space Force and NASA for supporting his journey to space. He said the ISS would serve as a stepping stone for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Menon, the first NASA astronaut of Malayali heritage to travel to space, reached the ISS aboard Russia's Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft with 2 Russian cosmonauts.

More than 500 people are feared dead after 2 boats carrying mainly Rohingya refugees reportedly capsized off Myanmar's coast, according to the United Nations. The vessels are believed to have left Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June, with some passengers travelling from refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar. One boat carrying about 250 people lost contact soon after departure, while another with around 280 people reportedly sank near Ayeyarwady on July 8. UNHCR and IOM called for urgent search and rescue operations, stronger action against human trafficking networks, and greater international support for displaced Rohingya communities. (PC: The Guardian)

Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final was overshadowed by a series of heated confrontations and physical challenges. The match saw 26 fouls and 4 yellow cards, making it one of the tournament's most aggressive contests. Tempers flared from the opening minutes, with players from both sides involved in repeated clashes, including exchanges between Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi. After the final whistle, tensions continued as players confronted each other during Argentina's celebrations. Argentina also displayed a Falklands banner after the win, a political gesture that could lead to FIFA disciplinary action. (PC: X)

Iran launched fresh attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain as the United States carried out a six-hour wave of strikes on military targets across Iran, escalating tensions in the Gulf. US Central Command said the operation targeted command centres, air defence systems and coastal surveillance sites to reduce Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it also targeted US communication systems and fuel facilities in Jordan. The renewed exchange came as negotiations remained stalled, with President Donald Trump warning Tehran of further military action if it refuses to return to talks. (PC: HT)

Argentina and Spain will contest the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in a symbolic clash between Lionel Messi and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Messi, 39, is aiming to become the first captain to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles, while 19-year-old Yamal has emerged as Spain's new superstar after breaking several teenage records. Both are products of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, representing two different generations. Their story, however, began long before football's biggest stage. In 2007, during a charity photoshoot at Camp Nou, Messi unknowingly bathed six-month-old Yamal in a plastic tub. Nineteen years later, the football icon and the youngster will face each other in the World Cup final. (PC: Yahoo)

The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it would provide any necessary medical intervention to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, based on the advice of doctors monitoring his condition. The submission was made during the hearing of a petition seeking urgent medical care for Wangchuk amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health. The government assured the court that medical intervention would be carried out whenever required and in accordance with the recommendations of the attending doctors. Wangchuk has been fasting indefinitely, and his health has become a matter of judicial scrutiny as concerns over his condition continue. (PC: X)

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has advised ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders due to the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf. The advisory directs stakeholders to enhance vigilance across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, monitor navigational and security advisories, comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and immediately contact IFC-IOR and the DG Communication Centre during emergencies. The move follows recent attacks on commercial vessels, including strikes that killed two Indian seafarers, prompting India's strong diplomatic protest. (PC: AFP)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, said his decision to join the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest was an “organic” one, dismissing suggestions of political orchestration. Speaking to The Hindu, she said Wangchuk joined because the youth-led movement aligned with his concerns and he wanted to ensure its cause was not sabotaged by “nefarious” elements or diverted from its original objectives. According to Angmo, Wangchuk’s presence was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the protest rather than influencing its direction. Her remarks come as Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike, with his participation drawing national attention amid growing concerns over his health and the movement’s future. (PC: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap)