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.

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar has opened to a slow start in Japan despite the franchise’s huge global success. Released on July 10 across nearly 80 screens, the film drew only 900 viewers on its first day. It failed to enter Japan’s top 25 films during its opening weekend. Trade reports said the film also missed the list of the top 10 Indian opening-day releases in Japan. The Dhurandhar franchise has earned more than ₹3,100 crore worldwide. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the films have been major hits in India, but the Japan release has received a weak response so far.

A large wildfire continues to burn in the Fontainebleau forest, about 60 km south-east of Paris. The fire has destroyed around 800 hectares of land and forced the partial closure of a major highway. Firefighters are working for a second day to control the flames. Planes and helicopters have been sent to help. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire may have been started on purpose after officials found several ignition points. France is facing its third heatwave this year. Hot weather and dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires across the country.

India and the United States are moving closer to a new trade deal. Both countries have announced Mission $500 Billion, with a goal of reaching $500 billion in trade by 2030. The plan aims to improve trade, increase investment, and support manufacturing and technology. The deal could lower US tariffs on many Indian goods. Some products may even get duty-free access. Sectors like textiles, leather, footwear, and medicines could benefit. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said talks with US officials were positive. He added that both sides are working to reach a fair agreement that helps businesses, workers, farmers, and consumers. (PC: AP)

The United Kingdom has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and another Iran-linked group as terrorist organisations following a series of alleged antisemitic attacks on British soil. The move gives authorities stronger legal powers to disrupt activities, freeze assets and prosecute those linked to the groups. The UK government said the decision is aimed at protecting national security and tackling threats linked to foreign-backed extremism. Iran has rejected similar accusations in the past. The designation marks a significant escalation in tensions between London and Tehran amid growing concerns over Iran-linked activities in Britain. (PC: India Today)

France and Spain will renew one of international football's greatest rivalries when they meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Ahead of the blockbuster clash, memories of five iconic meetings continue to fuel anticipation. France won memorable knockout ties at Euro 1984, Euro 2000 and the 2006 World Cup, while Spain struck back with victories in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals and the Euro 2024 semi-finals. With stars like Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal set to face off, both teams will look to add another unforgettable chapter to a rivalry that has produced some of football's biggest moments. (PC: NDTV)

India's retail inflation rose to 4.38% in June, its highest level in 16 months, driven by a steady increase in food prices, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Food inflation climbed to 5.32% from 4.78% in May, pushing overall consumer price inflation above the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target. Inflation has increased every month in 2026 under the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, which uses 2024 as the base year. Despite the rise, average CPI inflation for April-June stood at 3.9%, below the RBI's 4.2% forecast. (PC: The Indian Express)

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur scripted history after leading the team to its first-ever women's Test victory at Lord's with a commanding 270-run win over England. The triumph also made Harmanpreet one of India's most successful women's Test captains, matching Mithali Raj's record of three Test wins as skipper. India dominated the historic four-day contest with standout performances from Yastika Bhatia, Kranti Gaud, Deepti Sharma and the bowling attack. The victory marked another milestone for Indian women's cricket at the iconic venue, where the first-ever women's Test was played this year. (PC: X)

Iranian hardline officials have warned that the country could emerge as the dominant power in the Middle East if the United States fails to remove Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei from power. According to the report, Tehran believes it has strengthened its regional position despite months of conflict with the US and Israel. Iranian leaders are also focused on securing long-term control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The report suggests Iran sees its current position as an opportunity to expand its influence while challenging US dominance and reshaping the regional balance of power. (PC: HT)