A huge surge of devotees gathered at the Singhadwara, the main entrance of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, during the ongoing Rath Yatra celebrations, leading authorities to strengthen crowd-control arrangements. Police and temple officials regulated entry, deployed additional security personnel, and managed queues to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims. Thousands of worshippers waited for hours to offer prayers and witness the deities during the festival. Officials continuously monitored the situation, urging devotees to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with security measures. The large turnout highlighted the immense religious significance of the annual Rath Yatra festival in Odisha. (PC: X)

The Central Government has introduced stricter resignation and voluntary retirement rules for scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after more than 100 personnel left the agency in recent years. Under the revised policy, scientists seeking voluntary retirement or resignation must obtain approval from the competent authority and serve a mandatory notice period, with requests subject to operational requirements. The move aims to retain experienced talent, protect critical national space programmes, and address concerns over the loss of skilled professionals to private companies and other organisations amid India's rapidly expanding space sector. (PC: X)

Tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom have intensified after Argentina's World Cup semifinal victory over England reignited the long-running Falklands (Malvinas) sovereignty dispute. Following the match, Argentine players displayed a "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" banner, prompting Britain to urge FIFA to investigate the political display. The dispute deepened when Argentina accused a British Royal Navy warship of making an "illegal journey" into its territorial waters near the Falklands, while the UK rejected the allegation. The developments have further strained diplomatic ties, reviving decades-old tensions over the contested South Atlantic islands. (PC: AFP)

A giant billboard depicting US President Donald Trump lying in an open coffin has been installed in Tehran's Enghelab Square, carrying the message "We Will Kill Trump" in both Persian and English. The display reflects heightened tensions following the assassination of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and growing calls from Iranian hardliners for revenge. References to the deadly Minab school strike also appear on the billboard, linking it to broader anti-US sentiment. The provocative installation has intensified international concern over escalating rhetoric and the deteriorating relationship between Iran and the United States. (PC: X)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi dedicated his side's thrilling 2-1 FIFA World Cup semifinal victory over England to the late Diego Maradona, saying the football legend would have cherished the result. Argentina came from behind with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, with Messi providing crucial assists to secure a place in the final against Spain. Reflecting on the historic rivalry with England, Messi called the victory "a gift for Maradona" and said he believed Diego was "enjoying this immensely from up there." The emotional tribute added greater significance to Argentina's remarkable comeback and World Cup journey. (PC: X)

A stampede-like situation during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, on Thursday left 2 devotees dead and nearly 100 others hospitalised after a massive crowd gathered for the annual festival. Officials said the rush occurred during the chariot procession, with many people collapsing due to overcrowding and suffocation. Emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities launched rescue operations to clear the area. The Odisha government is monitoring the situation and is expected to review crowd management measures. Lakhs of devotees had gathered in Puri for one of India's largest religious festivals.  

England midfielder Jude Bellingham could face FIFA disciplinary scrutiny after appearing to slap Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head following England's 2-1 defeat in the FIFA World Cup semi-final. The incident occurred after the final whistle as Argentina celebrated reaching the final, briefly sparking a confrontation between players from both teams. Barco had earlier celebrated Argentina's equaliser near England's players, though the reason for Bellingham's reaction remains unclear. FIFA could review the incident, but the act is more likely to be treated as unsporting behaviour rather than violent conduct, making a suspension less likely.

India is grappling with an ethanol surplus after rapidly expanding production capacity to support its fuel blending programme. With ethanol demand falling short of installed capacity, the government and industry are exploring export opportunities to prevent idle distilleries and financial losses. The surplus comes as the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol faces consumer concerns over vehicle compatibility and mileage, slowing domestic demand growth. While officials maintain that ethanol blending remains important for reducing crude oil imports and boosting energy security, the immediate challenge is managing excess supply and keeping the country's ethanol industry financially viable. (PC: Economic Times)

Prince William has praised England's players after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. In a message shared by Kensington Palace, the Prince of Wales said he was "gutted" by the result but called England "the most complete England team in a tournament" and urged the players to "hold your heads high." Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed disappointment, saying the team made the nation proud with its passion and effort. England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon before Argentina scored twice late in the match to reach the final. (PC: BBC)

The Department of Space has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for Isro scientists after more than 100 experienced personnel reportedly left the organisation in recent months. Scientists working on critical missions, including Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan and SpaDeX, will now need approval from the Department of Space before leaving. The move follows concerns over the loss of mission-specific expertise, with several senior scientists among those who resigned. Isro Chairman V. Narayanan said replacements would take over important responsibilities, but the government aims to ensure that major national space projects are not disrupted by the growing number of exits. (PC: India Today)