The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Madras High Court's order imposing a blanket ban on cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu, providing interim relief to the state government led by Chief Minister Vijay. The apex court issued notices to the Centre and other parties while agreeing to examine the legality of the High Court's directive. Tamil Nadu argued that the order went beyond the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Animal Preservation Act, 1958, which already regulates cattle slaughter under specific conditions. The case will now be heard in detail by the Supreme Court. (PC: HT)

Iran said it launched fresh missile and drone attacks on American military assets across the Gulf, claiming to have targeted Patriot air defence systems, drone fleets and key US bases. The strikes came after renewed US attacks on Iranian military sites linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Explosions and air raid sirens were reported in Bahrain and Kuwait as regional tensions escalated. The US has not confirmed the extent of the damage but said its forces remain operational. The latest exchange has raised fears of a wider regional conflict and further disruption to global energy supplies and shipping.

Indian-origin Google engineering leader Sheetal Wrzesien, 57, was allegedly shot dead by her husband at their home in Smyrna, Georgia, in a suspected domestic violence incident. Their 23-year-old son, Jason Wrzesien, sustained a gunshot wound and was hospitalised. Police arrested 56-year-old Kirk B. Wrzesien at the scene and charged him with felony murder, aggravated assault and firearm-related offences. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public, while the motive remains under investigation. A senior technology executive with over two decades of experience, Sheetal previously worked at Home Depot, held two software patents, and served on leadership boards associated with the Georgia Institute of Technology. (PC: X)

Bengaluru-based startup Vimag Labs is developing software-defined, magnet-free electric motors to reduce dependence on China's dominance in rare earth minerals used for EVs. Instead of permanent magnets, the company's patented technology uses copper coils, steel and proprietary software to generate magnetic fields, delivering comparable performance while enabling over-the-air updates and potentially improving driving range. Founded after pandemic-related supply disruptions, Vimag says its motors can be manufactured entirely in India using conventional materials and electronics. The startup has secured five Indian patents, is testing its technology with leading EV manufacturers, and plans to ship between 1,000 and 10,000 motors this year as it scales production and prepares a fresh funding round. (PC: India Today)

FIFA's decision to suspend United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup ban has sparked fresh controversy after reports claimed only disciplinary committee chairman Mohammad Al-Kamali approved the move without consulting the other 17 members. Balogun, sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, became the only player at the tournament to have his suspension deferred for 12 months following US President Donald Trump's request to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the incident. FIFA confirmed Trump's intervention, though it said the decision was made independently. The unusual process has drawn scrutiny, as high-profile disciplinary rulings are typically decided by multi-member panels rather than a single official. (PC: Getty Images)

Seventeen-year-old Indian-American Riddhi Chauhan is leading nearly 300 students as Battalion Commanding Officer of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, New York. Arriving before 7 am four days a week, she oversees drill practice, battalion operations, training and cadet welfare while balancing academics. Chauhan previously served as Academic Commander, STEM Commander, Platoon Leader and Inspection Commander, helping her school achieve national academic success and build its first SeaPerch underwater robot. She has also mentored more than 200 cadets and is preparing to join the Naval Academy Preparatory School, aiming to become a US Naval Officer. (PC: X)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed the governing body will examine expanding the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams ahead of the 2030 edition after the 2026 tournament concludes. The current World Cup already features an expanded 48-team format, which Infantino called a complete success, arguing more nations deserve the opportunity to compete and develop. The proposal, backed by several South American football officials, would be discussed by FIFA's relevant committees. However, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani have opposed further expansion, warning it could weaken the tournament's quality and diminish regional qualification. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted across six nations on three continents. (PC: X)

India is observing a one-day national mourning on July 13 to honour Qatar's Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who died at 74. As a mark of respect, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and official entertainment has been cancelled, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader and true friend of India, recalling their meeting during his 2024 Qatar visit. Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to visit Qatar to convey India's condolences. Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, transformed the nation into a global LNG powerhouse while strengthening India-Qatar ties.

Erling Haaland described Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey as a life-changing experience after their historic campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time quarter-final defeat to England. The striker said representing Norway on football's biggest stage filled him with immense pride, adding that the tournament changed him personally while strengthening unity and positivity back home. Norway, playing their first World Cup since 1998, reached the quarter-finals for the first time in history before England sealed victory to set up a semi-final against Argentina. Despite the heartbreaking exit, Haaland enjoyed a remarkable tournament, scoring in every group-stage match and both knockout rounds to finish as Norway's top scorer with seven goals.

Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enjoyed a memorable first visit to Wimbledon, attending the men's singles final at Centre Court alongside Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The 15-year-old described the experience of watching one of sport's most iconic events live as special, saying he was eager to observe how players perform under pressure in a Grand Slam final. Fresh from a breakthrough year in cricket, Vaibhav also revealed that Novak Djokovic is his favourite tennis player while backing Jannik Sinner ahead of the title clash. The visit highlighted the youngster's growing profile as he experienced one of tennis' biggest stages for the first time.