A ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a data breach involving files linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India's largest nuclear facility. The hackers allegedly published thousands of documents, including purported blueprints, supplier details and project records, on the dark web after targeting contractor Reliance Infrastructure. The company confirmed a partial breach involving a third-party server hosted by Yotta and said the government has been informed. Authorities, including CERT-In, are investigating the incident. Officials said there is no evidence that the leaked documents relate to the plant's core nuclear reactor systems supplied by Russia's Rosatom. (PC: India Today)

England's biggest challenge against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal may not be stopping Lionel Messi alone, but controlling the defending champions' influential midfield. Led by Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes, Argentina have dominated games by controlling possession and creating space for Messi. England's midfield trio of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson will be key to disrupting that rhythm. Thomas Tuchel's side will also look to exploit space on the wings and avoid sitting too deep against an Argentina team that has repeatedly produced late goals during the tournament. (PC: X)

Bangladesh has welcomed reports that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Dhaka by the end of 2026, saying she should face trial over the charges against her. Government adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Hasina would receive a transparent legal process and could bring the "best lawyers in the world" to defend herself. He added that while many people want her death sentence to stand, the court could also "revise the verdict" or even acquit her. Hasina, who has been living in India since August 2024, has called the charges and her conviction "politically motivated." (PC: NDTV)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered Day 18, drawing support from more celebrities across the film industry. Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Abhay Deol, Shabana Azmi, Soni Razdan, Swara Bhasker and singer Chinmayi Sripada urged the Centre to engage with Wangchuk and address his demands. Wangchuk is seeking constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and stronger protection for the region's fragile environment. The celebrities called for dialogue and appealed for a peaceful resolution to the issue. Wangchuk has continued his protest despite growing concerns over his health, while his campaign has received increasing support from public figures and citizens across the country. (PC: X)

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military-linked targets in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait after Washington carried out fresh strikes and reinstated its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Air defence systems intercepted several incoming projectiles, while Gulf nations activated emergency measures. The latest escalation came as US President Donald Trump warned of more military action unless Tehran returned to negotiations. The conflict has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, pushing up crude prices and raising fears of wider regional instability. Both sides have vowed to continue operations despite growing international concern.

Veteran Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal minister Madan Mitra resigned from all party posts on Wednesday and joined the rebel camp, dealing another political setback to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Mitra was among Banerjee's earliest and closest associates, standing by her when she founded the Trinamool Congress after breaking away from the Congress. The development comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate summoned Mitra's wife and two sons for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the alleged municipal recruitment scam. However, no official connection has been established between the ED probe and his decision. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will target Iran's bridges and power plants next week unless Tehran returns to negotiations. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran must "get to the table and negotiate" or face further military action. His remarks came as US and Iranian forces exchanged attacks for a fourth straight day, with Washington striking military targets and maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US-linked targets in the Gulf. The escalating conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed global oil prices higher.

An FIR has been registered against YouTuber Manish Kashyap and 3 other social media influencers for allegedly spreading defamatory and misleading content about Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and the Centre's E20 fuel policy. The complaint alleges that the accused shared videos containing false claims and distorted facts, which could mislead the public and damage Gadkari's reputation. Police have launched an investigation into the matter. The E20 fuel programme, which promotes a 20% ethanol blend in petrol, is a key part of the government's strategy to reduce crude oil imports and lower vehicle emissions. (PC: India Today)

France's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, but Kylian Mbappe's chase for the Golden Boot is far from over. The France captain remains joint-top scorer with 8 goals and currently leads the standings on the assists tiebreaker. Mbappe will have one final opportunity to increase his tally in the third-place playoff. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, also on 8 goals, is guaranteed at least one more match with Argentina and could move ahead in the race. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both on 6 goals, also remain in contention for the tournament's top-scorer award. (PC: HT)

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation seeking urgent medical intervention for activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day. The petition said Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg and warned that his health is deteriorating rapidly. It urged authorities to shift him to a government hospital and provide life-saving treatment, including force-feeding if medically required. The court acknowledged the urgency of the matter and scheduled further hearing. Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. (PC: India Today)