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.

The escalating conflict between Iran and the United States is putting global energy markets under pressure, but India's diversified crude oil import strategy has helped reduce immediate risks. Over the past few years, India has increased oil purchases from countries including Russia, the United States and Brazil, lowering its dependence on Middle Eastern supplies. However, any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could still affect shipping, insurance costs and global crude prices. Industry experts say India's diversified sourcing and strategic planning have strengthened its energy security, though continued regional instability remains a concern for the country's fuel imports and economy.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has moved closer to securing a majority in the Rajya Sabha after strengthening its position with recent gains in West Bengal. According to the latest numbers, the party is now just 6 seats short of the 123-member majority mark in the 245-seat Upper House. The improved tally is expected to make it easier for the BJP-led NDA to push key legislation, though support from allies and nominated members will still remain important. The development marks another significant milestone in the party's parliamentary expansion ahead of future elections. (PC: News18)

Veteran actor Sam Neill, best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died at the age of 78. His family said he died suddenly in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones. Neill had revealed in 2023 that he was battling cancer but announced earlier this year that he was cancer-free. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, he built a celebrated career spanning more than 5 decades with acclaimed roles in The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Event Horizon and Peaky Blinders. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans worldwide. (PC: BBC)

India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia said it felt "like a dream" after becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. The unbeaten 113 not only secured her place on the iconic honours board but also marked a remarkable comeback from a serious knee injury that kept her out for months. Yastika said that six months ago she could never have imagined achieving such a milestone. She credited her family, teammates and the BCCI support staff for helping her through rehabilitation and described kissing the Indian flag after reaching her hundred as one of the proudest moments of her career. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the proposed relocation of the century-old Bankra Mosque near Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying national security must take priority. He said the airport's strategic location and security requirements make unrestricted public access unacceptable. Adhikari also argued that the mosque's location has delayed runway expansion and the installation of advanced landing systems. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress opposed the move, calling for any decision to be taken only after consultation with the local Muslim community. Airport authorities have suspended public access to the mosque, citing security concerns. (PC: India Today)

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a halt after fresh overnight strikes between the United States and Iran sharply escalated tensions in the Gulf. The US said it targeted dozens of Iranian military sites, including air defence systems, radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, in response to attacks on commercial vessels. Iran said it struck US bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, along with radar systems in Oman. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged maximum restraint, warning that renewed full-scale conflict would have "catastrophic consequences" and calling for freedom of navigation through the vital shipping route. (PC: X)