Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a long battle with illness, reports said. He passed away on Friday night at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s hometown. Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club, confirmed his death and paid tribute to Jorge for his role in supporting his son’s football career. Jorge was closely involved in major decisions throughout Messi’s career, including his move from Argentina to Barcelona and later transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. The family had earlier denied reports of his death during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (PC: India Today)

Ranjit Bajaj has changed his stance on joining India’s U-15 football team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan. He had earlier rejected the team manager role, citing differences with head coach Bibiano Fernandes over footballing philosophies. Bajaj has now said he is ready to take up the role if Fernandes is not involved and he is given full control. In an Instagram video, Bajaj said two coaches with different visions cannot work together. He also said his decisions are guided by India’s long-term goals for the 2034 World Cup and 2036 Olympics. (PC: NDTV)

Portugal After Being Promised ₹1.5 Lakh Job   A 28-year-old woman from Nagpur was allegedly trafficked to Portugal after a Pune-based consultancy promised her a cashier’s job paying ₹1.5 lakh a month. The woman reportedly paid around ₹11 lakh in installments for visa and other paperwork after contacting ‘We Migrate’ through Instagram. After reaching Portugal, her passport was allegedly seized and she was held captive for 2 days before being sold to a beer shop owner. She was allegedly forced to work and subjected to physical and mental torture. After nearly a month, she escaped through Lisbon and Madrid and returned to India via Doha. Pune police have booked 8 accused. (PC: NDTV)

Uttarakhand’s Renu Dhariyal has entered the Guinness World Records for having the longest hair on a living woman. Her hair measures an astonishing 271.50 cm, or 8 feet 10 inches. Dhariyal’s hair was measured and verified in Haldwani in April after she had grown it continuously since 2015 without cutting it. She said her decision was partly inspired by Indian cultural traditions, where long hair has long been linked with beauty. Maintaining her exceptionally long hair requires hours of washing and detangling. Dhariyal also makes natural hair-care products and shares beauty tips online, turning years of patience and care into a world record. (PC: India Today)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has expressed “complete solidarity” with students protesting in Ranchi over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations. A CJP delegation, led by Mukesh and Akshay Shinde, arrived in Jharkhand to extend support to the protesting aspirants. The development came as the Jharkhand government held talks with several student groups but failed to end the agitation. Protesters are demanding action on alleged irregularities, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination. The government said the demands were genuine and would be placed before Chief Minister Hemant Soren for consideration. (PC: HT)

Russia is exploring a possible railway route to India through Central Asia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan as it seeks alternative trade corridors amid risks to key shipping routes. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said a rail connection toward the Indian Ocean could help reduce dependence on routes affected by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bosphorus. The proposal could provide Russia with another route for reaching markets in South Asia. The plan remains at the exploration stage, with several countries potentially involved. The proposed corridor could also strengthen economic and transport ties between Russia and India. (PC: X)

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and described the meeting as “a morning to cherish”. Chadha called the interaction detailed and enriching but did not disclose what was discussed. The meeting comes months before the Punjab Assembly elections and has sparked political interest in the state. Chadha joined the BJP earlier this year after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party along with 6 other MPs. He is expected to play an active role in Punjab, where the BJP is looking to expand its support. The meeting came a day after SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Modi. (PC: India Today)

Manipur’s Ariha Pangambam created history by becoming the first Indian to win the senior women’s individual gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships. The 22-year-old gymnast from Manipur scored 19.100 in the final in Tagaytay City, Philippines, securing India’s maiden continental title in the event. Ariha impressed the judges with her artistry, execution and difficulty, scoring 8.650, 7.600 and 2.850 respectively. Her victory came after she finished fourth at the 2022 and 2024 Asian Championships. A multiple-time national champion, Ariha has also represented India at the World Championships and Suzuki World Cup. Her historic gold marks a major milestone for Indian gymnastics.

Russian drones are increasingly targeting medical workers and ambulances in Ukraine, according to the BBC. Paramedic Inna Lytvynenko said a drone chased her for around 10 minutes while she tried to help a wounded woman in Kherson. Her ambulance was hit, and two more vehicles sent to rescue the woman were also attacked. The WHO has recorded 3,118 attacks on healthcare facilities and workers since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. MSF said the attacks appear to be a sustained part of the war. Growing drone attacks have forced medical teams to move farther from front-line areas, leaving some civilians without regular healthcare. (PC: Inna Lytvynenko)

An Indian Air Force Wing Commander was arrested after allegedly sharing sensitive defence information with a woman he met on social media, police sources said. The officer reportedly communicated with her through chats and video calls. She allegedly gained his trust and asked for details about military movements, troop deployments, photos and documents. Investigators also found that he allegedly installed a suspicious app on a fellow officer’s phone. Police said the app could steal data, track locations or intercept communications. The woman was allegedly working for Pakistan-based handlers. A charge sheet was filed in July, and the case is currently before the court.