A group of talented young footballers from Chandigarh’s Minerva Academy achieved a landmark success by winning a prestigious youth football tournament in Helsinki, Finland. The victory marks the culmination of years of disciplined training, perseverance and international exposure under the academy’s development programme. Facing strong European opposition, the Indian youngsters displayed remarkable teamwork, tactical discipline and confidence throughout the competition. Their triumph highlights the growing standard of grassroots football in India and reinforces Minerva Academy’s reputation for nurturing world-class talent. The achievement is expected to inspire aspiring footballers across the country and strengthen India’s ambitions on the global football stage.

FIFA has defended the decision to allow Jude Bellingham's equalising goal in England's World Cup 2026 quarter-final victory over Norway, dismissing claims that the ball struck an overhead camera cable before the goal. Norway's players and coach Ståle Solbakken argued the apparent contact should have halted play, sparking widespread debate. FIFA said data from its Connected Ball technology showed no evidence of any cable contact or abnormal ball movement, backing the referee and VAR's decision. England went on to win 2-1 after extra time, booking a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. 

6 The United States carried out fresh military strikes on Iran after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The assault left the vessel severely damaged and one civilian crew member missing, escalating tensions in the strategically vital waterway. In response, Iran reportedly shut the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes and raising concerns over global energy supplies. The latest confrontation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, prompting international calls for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami. Norway struck first through Andreas Schjelderup, but Jude Bellingham equalised just before halftime amid controversy over a possible camera-ball contact. After a tense second half, Bellingham scored again early in extra time following a goalkeeping error to seal England's win. Erling Haaland was unable to inspire a Norwegian comeback despite several chances. England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory. (PC: X)

England and Norway lock horns in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal at Miami Stadium, with a place in the semifinals at stake. England head into the clash after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, while Norway have emerged as one of the tournament's surprise packages, eliminating Brazil before reaching the last eight. Harry Kane will lead England's attack alongside Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, while Erling Haaland remains Norway's biggest threat following his impressive knockout performances. Referee Clement Turpin of France will officiate the contest, which kicks off at 2:30 AM IST. The winner will advance to the World Cup semifinals. (PC: X/@UTD_Seth001)

India and New Zealand have upgraded bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and set a target of doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) by 2030. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland, both countries adopted the Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, outlining cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, tourism and innovation. The two sides welcomed the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement and agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue. They also signed agreements on maritime cooperation, hydrography, logistics support and tourism, including efforts to launch direct flights. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free Indo-Pacific and called for restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. (PC: X)

India has withdrawn the special travel conditions imposed on Indian citizens visiting Yemen, revoking a 2017 notification issued under the Passports Act. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the restrictions were introduced due to Yemen’s deteriorating security situation during the civil war, but noted that conditions in the country have since evolved. The latest order, signed by Joint Secretary B.S. Mubarak, takes immediate effect and removes the earlier legal requirements for travel. However, the MEA has not changed its travel advisory for Yemen. Indian nationals travelling to the country have been advised to continue following official travel advisories and security updates issued by the government from time to time. (PC: ANI)

Erling Haaland's girlfriend has spoken candidly about the challenges of protecting their family while living under constant public scrutiny. In a rare interview, she said the couple makes a conscious effort to maintain privacy despite Haaland's global football stardom. She described the intense media attention and public curiosity surrounding their personal lives as one of the biggest challenges, especially when spending time together as a family. While acknowledging the privileges that come with Haaland's success, she stressed the importance of creating a normal environment away from the spotlight. Her remarks offer a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices that accompany life alongside one of football's biggest stars. (PC: Cosmopoliton)

Indian-origin truck drivers in Australia have spoken out about facing frequent racist abuse, including verbal slurs, spitting incidents and death threats over CB radios, according to an ABC News report. Drivers said many incidents go unreported due to anonymous offenders, language barriers and little confidence in authorities. One driver recalled being spat on while speaking Punjabi, while others described being told to "go back" and subjected to racial slurs. The Australian Human Rights Commission acknowledged racism exists in the freight industry and urged a broader approach to address it. The revelations come as Australia faces a shortage of nearly 28,000 heavy vehicle drivers despite increasing reliance on migrant workers. (PC: AI Generated)

Legendary playback singer S Janaki, fondly known as the "Nightingale of South India", died at the age of 88 in Mysore on Friday evening. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, actors Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi led tributes, calling her death an irreplaceable loss to Indian music. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also remembered her extraordinary contribution to cinema and music. Janaki, who began her playback career in 1957, recorded songs in multiple Indian languages over a career spanning six decades before retiring in 2016. A four-time National Award winner, she had declined the Padma Bhushan in 2013, saying recognition for her contributions had come too late. (PC: X)