A 36-year-old American national, Jordan Brown, arrested while allegedly attempting to cross the India-Nepal border illegally, was found carrying a Chinese passport, Nepalese currency, religious books, an AI-powered translation device, a mobile phone, a diary and other belongings. Officials said no evidence of suspicious or anti-national activity has emerged so far, but multiple intelligence agencies are verifying his identity, travel history and the authenticity of the recovered documents. Brown claimed he lost his US passport in Thailand, travelled to Sri Lanka by sea and entered India through the sea route in November 2025 before living in Goa. He has been booked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

Actor Omi Vaidya, best known as Chatur "Silencer" Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, has appealed for attention to activist Sonam Wangchuk's deteriorating health during his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk, who inspired Aamir Khan's character Phunsukh Wangdu, joined the Cockroach Janata Party's protest on June 28, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak. In a video message, Vaidya urged people to understand Wangchuk's concerns regardless of their views, saying, "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die." Wangchuk has reportedly lost 8.2 kg, with his latest medical readings showing blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and blood glucose of 67 mg/dL.

A viral letter circulating on social media claims Balochistan has declared independence from Pakistan, established the "Republic of Balochistan" and exercises control over 85% of its territory. The statement alleges the region has adopted a national flag, anthem, currency and independent administration, while claiming control over major mineral, gas and coal resources. It also says thousands of security personnel have joined the Baloch side and seeks international recognition. However, the authenticity of the letter remains unverified, and there has been no official confirmation or response from Pakistan. Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch claimed civilians are resisting Pakistani forces, but these assertions also remain independently unverified.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has begun an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station after launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome with two Russian cosmonauts aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. A physician specialising in emergency and aerospace medicine, Menon will conduct advanced scientific experiments while also serving as a research subject. His mission includes testing AI-assisted ultrasound technology for space healthcare, manufacturing high-quality semiconductors in microgravity, studying the effects of prolonged weightlessness on human health, and exploring space-based bioprinting of biological tissues. The research aims to improve medical care, advance technology on Earth, and support NASA's Artemis programme and future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.

India has strongly condemned the attack on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after an Indian sailor was killed. The Ministry of External Affairs also summoned Iran’s deputy envoy to protest the incident. The two vessels carried 30 Indian crew members. One Indian died, while six Indians and two Ukrainians were injured. India called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial ships and stressed the need for safe navigation through international waterways. The government also urged all sides to stop violence and return to dialogue. The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East region. (PC: AI Generated Image)

American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta. The Moroccan-born official will take charge of his fourth match of the tournament. Lionel Messi has won every match played under Elfath, giving the referee an interesting record ahead of the semi-final. Elfath was also the first referee to oversee a match using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. During the 2026 World Cup, he has shown one red card and eight yellow cards. England and Argentina will compete for a place in the World Cup final on Wednesday. (PC: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Several people were killed after a fire broke out at a construction site in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday. Around 200 workers were at the site when the fire started during a major renovation project. Rescue teams found several bodies inside an elevator shaft. At least six workers remain missing, and search operations are still underway. Firefighters said the first blaze was brought under control, but flames later spread through the elevator shafts and caused another fire underground. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Belgian authorities have launched an investigation as rescue teams continue searching for the missing workers. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened through US pressure or military action. Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said Iran's armed forces would continue to defend the strategic waterway. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump declared that the temporary ceasefire was over. Tensions in the Gulf have increased following recent missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advised airlines to avoid flying over parts of the Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and the Gulf of Oman, because of growing security risks and military activity. (PC: Reuters)

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk and several student activists have continued their indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. They are demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam paper leaks and education reforms. Wangchuk has now lost 8.5 kg, while one student activist was briefly hospitalised before being discharged. Protesters say they will continue until the government starts a dialogue. The Cockroach Janta Party is also preparing a “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20. Opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Uddhav Thackeray, have expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and supported the planned march.

The FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina has been declared a high-risk match by the FBI and local police. Officials met with FIFA to discuss security because of the long rivalry between the two countries. Separate entry gates will be used for England and Argentina supporters, although fans will not be separated inside the stadium. Police have increased security around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and team hotels in Atlanta. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to see the match as only football. Authorities said extra officers and resources will help keep players, fans, and visitors safe during the semi-final.