The bodies of 15 Indian tourists killed in a speedboat accident off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island were flown back to India on Monday, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi confirmed. The victims included 10 people from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh and two from Kerala. Their remains were transported aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight that departed Ho Chi Minh City around 6 pm local time. The deadly accident occurred near Phu Quoc Island, where rescue teams launched extensive operations following the speedboat tragedy. Indian authorities coordinated with their Vietnamese counterparts and the embassy to facilitate the repatriation of the victims, bringing closure to families awaiting the return of their loved ones. (PC: PTI)

Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko has praised Lionel Messi as football's greatest player after Cristiano Ronaldo despite previously alleging the FIFA World Cup 2026 was "fixed" following Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina. Ziko, who scored against the defending champions and finished the tournament with two goals and one assist, said he was unfazed by Messi's presence on the pitch while admitting his personal inspiration remains Ronaldo. After the controversial quarter-final defeat, Ziko criticised the officiating, claiming Egypt suffered "clear and obvious injustice" and accusing referees of preventing his side from eliminating Argentina. He later apologised to Egyptian fans for the heartbreaking World Cup exit. (PC: Africa Soccer)

Iran has suspended implementation of its memorandum of understanding with the United States, accusing Washington of violating a ceasefire agreement and ruling out a second round of talks in Islamabad. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said bilateral relations had entered a period of uncertainty, blaming the US for failing to honour its commitments. Tehran defended its recent military actions as self-defence and criticised US operations in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging they had worsened regional insecurity. While insisting it remains committed to ensuring safe maritime navigation, Iran accused Washington of escalating tensions through its military presence. The dispute follows renewed hostilities after attacks on commercial vessels near the Hormuz. (PC: X)

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon will begin his first space mission on July 15. He will travel to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft from Kazakhstan. The mission will last about 240 days. Menon will work with astronauts from the United States, Russia and Europe. He will carry out research on microgravity, artificial intelligence, heart health and tissue printing. The studies will support future missions to the Moon and Mars. They may also improve medical care on Earth. Menon, a doctor and engineer, was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2021 and is making his first spaceflight. (PC: X/Anil Menon)

South African footballer Jayden Adams has been found dead in Cape Town at the age of 25. Police have launched an investigation but have not confirmed the cause of death. Adams helped South Africa reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. His body was discovered at a property on Saturday. His family is waiting for the autopsy results. South Africa's Sports Minister urged people not to speculate about the case while the investigation continues. Tributes were paid to Adams before the World Cup quarter-final matches as fans and players remembered the young midfielder. (PC: AFP)

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has denied reports that India-US trade talks have reached a deadlock. He called the claims false, baseless and misleading. Goyal said both countries remain committed to signing a balanced trade agreement. He added that discussions with US officials have been positive and that negotiation teams are still working on the deal. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal also said the talks are moving in the right direction. According to officials, most key issues have been resolved. India and the US are now waiting for the right time to sign the agreement.

India captain Shubman Gill said his long discussion with Virat Kohli before the first ODI against England was about preparing for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Gill said they spoke about the best team combination, future players, bowlers, all-rounders and spinners. He also praised Kohli and Rohit Sharma, calling them the backbone of India’s batting for the past decade. Gill said their experience remains important for the team. He also welcomed Jasprit Bumrah back to the ODI squad after a long break and hoped India would perform well and win the series against England. (PC: Instagram)

Scientists at the University of Oxford will soon begin human trials of a new Ebola vaccine in the UK. The vaccine targets the Bundibugyo strain, which is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study will include 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55. Volunteers are being recruited, and vaccinations will begin after regulatory approval. The vaccine was developed only weeks after the outbreak was declared. More than 1,900 Ebola cases and over 700 deaths have been reported in the DRC. Researchers hope the vaccine will help control the outbreak and protect people from the deadly disease. (PC: Reuters)

A former US soldier was arrested near the India-Nepal border after allegedly trying to cross into Nepal without valid travel documents. Jordan Brown, a California resident, was detained by the Sashastra Seema Bal at Sonauli on July 11. Police said he gave different versions of how he entered India. He claimed he lost his passport in Thailand and later reached India by sea. Officials recovered cash and two mobile phones but found no passport or visa. Security and intelligence agencies are investigating the case because of Brown’s military background and the sensitive border location.

At least 28 people were killed and 71 were injured after a fire broke out at a bar in Bangkok late on Sunday. Officials said 25 people are in critical condition. The fire started near the stage and spread quickly, filling the building with thick smoke. Many victims were found in a bathroom where they had tried to escape the flames. Early reports suggest an electrical fault in an air conditioner may have caused the fire, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have promised a full inquiry. The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about fire safety in Thailand.