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)

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to visit Delhi's Jantar Mantar and support climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike. Backing the Cockroach Janta Party's protest over alleged examination irregularities, Thackeray said the movement was about protecting the future of the country's youth rather than politics. He appealed to political parties across India to organise similar demonstrations in their states and announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) would also hold solidarity protests in Maharashtra. Thackeray said he may personally visit the protest site in Delhi on July 20. (PC: HT)

More than 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes during the record-breaking May and June heatwaves in England and Wales, according to estimates by researchers from Imperial College London, the Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The study suggests around 550 deaths occurred during the May heatwave and nearly 2,200 during June's extreme temperatures, when England recorded its hottest June on record. Scientists said climate change intensified the heat, increasing health risks for vulnerable people. Researchers urged governments and the public to take extreme heat more seriously as such events become more frequent. (PC: BBC)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has admitted that facing England for the first time at a FIFA World Cup is "special" as the two football giants prepare for their semifinal clash. Speaking ahead of the match, Messi said encounters between Argentina and England always carry extra significance because of their history and rivalry. However, he stressed that the team's focus remains on reaching another World Cup final. Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the last four after defeating Switzerland, while England advanced by beating Norway. The much-anticipated semifinal will decide who earns a place in the 2026 World Cup final.