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)

India will introduce a real-time vessel-by-vessel dashboard to monitor Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman following recent attacks on merchant vessels that killed and injured Indian crew members. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure every Indian seafarer is individually tracked, irrespective of a vessel's flag. The dashboard will include vessel location, cargo, crew welfare, threat assessments and voyage details. The Centre also ordered 24x7 monitoring, dedicated liaison officers for affected families, closer coordination with the Indian Navy, MEA and regional missions, and mandatory threat assessments and compliance reports before ships transit the high-risk waters. (PC: Firstpost)

England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a confident warning ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, insisting his side "will find a way" to stop Lionel Messi when Argentina and England meet for a place in the final. The blockbuster clash will mark the first-ever meeting between Messi and Tuchel in the Argentine captain's illustrious career. Despite Messi's reputation as one of football's greatest players, Tuchel expressed belief in England's ability to contain the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner through collective tactical discipline. The highly anticipated encounter will decide which team secures a place in the World Cup final, adding another chapter to one of international football's biggest rivalries. (PC: Sven Hoppe/dpa)

Mumbai has inaugurated its first dedicated pedestrian plaza at Kala Ghoda, transforming five heritage streets into a vehicle-free cultural precinct on weekends. Inaugurating the BMC-led Kala Ghoda Art Avenue project, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described it as a "new artistic district" that enhances public spaces while preserving the area's heritage architecture. Every Saturday and Sunday from 6 pm to midnight, VB Gandhi Marg, Ropewalk Lane, Saibaba Road, Rutherford Street and B Bharucha Road will remain closed to vehicles. Inspired by Glasgow's Buchanan Street and London's Carnaby Street, the revamped precinct features stone-paved walkways, murals, sculptures, with plans for al fresco dining, art markets, music performances and other cultural events.

Iran is signalling it could expand the ongoing conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz by using Yemen's Houthi allies to threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical global shipping route linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Analysts say the move would increase pressure on the United States by disrupting global trade and energy supplies. Houthi officials warned both chokepoints could be closed if hostilities escalate, potentially driving oil prices to $200 a barrel. Experts describe Bab el-Mandeb as Iran's last major strategic lever after Hormuz. However, analysts also caution that any attempt to block the waterway could trigger a broader US-led military response and further destabilise the region. (PC: NDTV)

India made a strong start to the three-match ODI series by defeating England by six wickets at Edgbaston. After winning the toss, England collapsed from a promising position before recovering to post 258, thanks to resilient half-centuries from Joe Root and Liam Dawson. Axar Patel led India's bowling with four wickets before producing a match-winning unbeaten 57. Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a fluent 80, while Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 52 to seal victory with 28 balls to spare. The win gives India a 1-0 series lead and a confident response after their recent T20I series defeat. (PC: ANI)

Norway's remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 journey ended with a narrow 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England, but the team's historic campaign sparked nationwide celebrations. Thousands of supporters packed the streets of Oslo to welcome the players home, applauding their unexpected run to the last eight and their victories over Brazil and Ivory Coast. Captain Martin Ødegaard and star striker Erling Haaland thanked fans for their unwavering support, calling the tournament a turning point for Norwegian football. Despite the disappointment of elimination, the squad's performances have reignited optimism and inspired a new generation of football fans across the country.

France captain Kylian Mbappé openly criticised his team's performance following their 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Mbappé admitted France failed both tactically and technically, allowing Spain to control possession and dictate the pace of the match. He highlighted France's inability to press effectively and stop Spain's dominant midfield led by Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. Despite questions over refereeing decisions raised by coach Didier Deschamps, both acknowledged Spain were the superior side on the night. The loss ends France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final, leaving them to compete in the third-place playoff. (PC: Reuters)