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)

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a key role in persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin not to use tactical nuclear weapons during the Ukraine war in late 2022. Speaking after the India-Poland Joint Economic Commission meeting in New Delhi, Bartoszewski said Modi remains among the few global leaders whose advice Putin respects due to India's longstanding strategic relationship with Russia. He suggested New Delhi's diplomatic engagement helped avert a dangerous escalation of the conflict. The remarks underscore India's unique position in maintaining close ties with both Russia and Western nations while projecting itself as a credible diplomatic interlocutor on major international crises.

Indian marine engineer Heramb Karmarkar, 30, from Pune, was confirmed dead after an Iranian strike hit the Cyprus-flagged merchant vessel GFX Galaxy near Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Moments before the attack, Karmarkar had texted his family saying, "Ship has safely crossed," believing the danger had passed. He was among the Indian crew reported missing after the strike. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 10 Indian nationals aboard were rescued, while one remains missing. His family has urged the government to bring his body home intact. India condemned the attack as "deeply worrisome" and said its embassy in Oman is coordinating rescue and assistance efforts. (PC: NDTV)

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed "until the end of America's evils," warning that oil and gas export routes serving the US and its allies could be targeted if hostilities continue. The statement came after the US reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports and carried out fresh strikes on military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran had no obligation to restore normal passage through the waterway. Meanwhile, Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. (PC: Times Now)

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) comes into force on Wednesday, reducing tariffs, expanding market access and boosting trade between the two countries. India will provide phased duty cuts on British products, including Scotch whisky, gin and UK-built luxury cars, while 99% of Indian exports by value will receive zero-duty access to the UK across sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and seafood. The agreement also introduces a Double Contribution Convention, exempting eligible Indian professionals on temporary UK assignments from dual social security payments for up to five years. Analysts expect long-term gains through higher exports, investment and deeper economic cooperation. (PC: AI)

The United States will withdraw all troops from Iraq by September 30, ending a 23-year military presence that began with the 2003 invasion and later shifted to operations against the Islamic State group. Announcing the decision alongside Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House, US President Donald Trump said Washington no longer considered a military presence in Iraq necessary. Al-Zaidi confirmed Iraqi security forces were capable of maintaining the country's stability, while American companies would continue operating in Iraq after the troop withdrawal. The move marks a significant milestone in US-Iraq relations, concluding one of America's longest overseas military deployments while transferring full security responsibility to Baghdad.

France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted Les Bleus "did not have what it takes" after their 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, accepting tactical and technical shortcomings. Mbappe said France's high-press strategy failed against Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, allowing Spain to dominate midfield and control possession. He acknowledged France struggled to execute their game plan, repeatedly surrendered possession through poor first touches and failed to capitalise on attacking opportunities. Taking responsibility as captain, Mbappe said the team did not deserve a place in the final. France will now contest the third-place playoff, while Spain advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. (PC: X)