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.

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski praised India’s role in reducing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and respects his views. Bartoszewski said PM Modi is one of the few world leaders who can influence Putin. He also claimed Modi helped discourage Russia from using tactical nuclear weapons in 2022. The Polish leader said India’s balanced ties with Russia make its voice important in peace efforts. He added that Poland and India now better understand each other’s views on India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil.

Argentina will wear their navy blue away kit against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final after receiving FIFA approval. The team chose the kit for a psychological reason. Argentina wore the same colours during their famous 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored the "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" goals. Officials hope the kit will remind players of that historic victory. England will wear their traditional white kit. Argentina have won all five matches in their home kit and also won their only match in the navy blue strip this tournament. (PC: AFP)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has completed 16 days of a hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He joined a protest demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a medical entrance exam paper leak. Doctors said Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg and his blood sugar and blood pressure have dropped. Supporters are worried and have asked him to end the fast. However, Wangchuk says he will continue until the government takes action. Protesters also plan to march to Parliament on July 20 to demand accountability and reforms in India's education system. (PC: Hindustan Times via Getty Images, Geeta Pandey/BBC)

The Supreme Court has fined comedian Samay Raina and four other comedians Rs 3 lakh each in the disability jokes case. The court said Raina failed to keep promises made during earlier hearings and had “taken the court for a ride.” The comedians must pay the fine within two weeks, issue a public apology, and submit compliance reports. They were also ordered to hold two comedy shows every month to raise money for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The court warned that the fine could increase if they fail to follow its directions.

Large protests have broken out across Nepal after the death of ride-share driver Ganesh Nepali. He set himself on fire after a dispute with municipal police over parking and later died in hospital. Many young people have taken to the streets, demanding justice and calling for Prime Minister Balen Shah to resign. Opposition lawmakers also criticised the government and blamed it for failing to protect citizens. Protesters want an independent investigation and action against those involved. The government has formed a probe committee and detained three municipal police officers. Balen Shah has not yet responded to the protests publicly. (PC: India Today)

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport after air strikes hit Sanaa Airport. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack, while Yemen's government said it targeted the runway to stop an Iranian plane from landing. Saudi officials said their air defences intercepted the missiles and no one was hurt. The incident is the biggest rise in tensions since an informal truce began four years ago. The United Nations urged all sides to avoid more violence and return to talks. Iran condemned the strike on Sanaa Airport, calling it a violation of international law. (PC: Reuters)

France will face Spain in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. France hope to reach a third straight World Cup final. Kylian Mbappe leads the French attack with eight goals in the tournament. Spain, the 2010 world champions, have impressed with strong defence and have conceded only one goal so far. Young star Lamine Yamal will play a key role for Spain after his match-winning display against Belgium. France coach Didier Deschamps called Spain the favourites. The winners will reach the final and move one step closer to lifting the World Cup trophy.