A high-intensity encounter between the Gurugram Crime Branch and suspected members of the Deepak Nandal gang left four alleged gangsters dead and one injured in Sushant Lok Phase-2 on Thursday night. According to police, the suspects opened fire while attempting to escape, prompting officers to retaliate. Three Crime Branch personnel sustained injuries during the exchange and were taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities recovered weapons from the scene and launched a detailed investigation to determine the gang's involvement in recent criminal activities. The encounter marks another major crackdown on organised crime in the Delhi-NCR region. (PC: India Today)

FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has firmly rejected allegations that match officials favored Argentina during their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Egypt criticized the disallowing of Mostafa Zico's goal and the decision not to award Mohamed Salah a penalty before Argentina's winning goal. Collina said VAR correctly identified a foul in the build-up and that the contact on Salah did not warrant a penalty. He warned that baseless accusations could endanger referees and reaffirmed FIFA's confidence in the independence and integrity of its officials. (PC: Reuters)

Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks as tensions with Israel and the United States escalated, threatening to collapse the fragile June ceasefire. Israel warned it is prepared to strike Iran again with “even greater force” if attacks continue. Iran also targeted U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, while most missiles were intercepted. The renewed fighting has heightened fears of a wider regional war, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and raised global concerns over energy security. Regional powers, including Qatar, Oman and Turkey, are continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian software engineer, Avinash Narne, has been charged with the alleged murder of his wife, Raajitha Sabbineni, in Bellevue, Washington, nearly nine months after her death. Investigators allege he strangled her, staged the scene to mislead police, and sent a photograph of her body to a woman in India with whom he reportedly had a long-term relationship. Messages from the victim about bitter-tasting drinks and a “medicine-like” smoothie, along with digital evidence, strengthened the case. Narne now faces a first-degree murder charge and could receive life imprisonment if convicted.

At least 28 people were killed after a devastating fire engulfed the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, one of China's largest footwear manufacturing hubs. The blaze broke out around midday while 239 people were inside the multi-storey factory. Authorities said 213 workers and visitors were evacuated or rescued as nearly 200 firefighters battled the flames. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out rescue operation, a swift investigation into the cause, and strict accountability for those responsible. The factory owner and management have reportedly been detained as investigations into the deadly industrial disaster continue.

The controversy over India's mandatory E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy has intensified after political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla sought a live public meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Poonawalla wants an open discussion on concerns over reduced fuel efficiency, vehicle compatibility, and consumer choice. Gadkari has strongly defended the policy, challenging critics to present evidence of vehicle damage caused by E20 fuel. The government maintains that ethanol blending reduces crude oil imports, lowers emissions, and supports farmers, while critics continue demanding greater transparency and accountability in the nationwide rollout. (PC: India Today)

Two doctors, including a woman, have resigned from a civic hospital in Thane after allegedly being assaulted by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre during a dispute over the treatment of a pregnant patient. A viral video showed the corporator slapping, punching, and threatening medical staff, triggering widespread outrage. Doctors and healthcare workers staged protests demanding stronger security in hospitals. Police arrested Mhatre and registered a case against him and others involved. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals and prompted renewed calls for stricter measures against violence in medical institutions. 

Real Madrid teammates Brahim Díaz and Kylian Mbappé will become rivals as Morocco face France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal. The highly anticipated clash pits two close friends against each other, with both expected to play crucial roles for their national teams. Mbappé leads France's title challenge, while Díaz has been instrumental in Morocco's historic run to the last eight. Their friendship will temporarily take a back seat as they compete for a place in the semifinals. The matchup has become one of the tournament's biggest storylines, highlighting elite talent, friendship, and fierce international competition. (PC: X)

Russia has announced a nationwide ban on diesel exports following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes that damaged key oil and fuel infrastructure. The measure aims to stabilize domestic fuel supplies and prevent shortages as repairs continue. The attacks have intensified pressure on Russia's energy sector, disrupting refining operations and logistics. Analysts warn the export ban could tighten global diesel supplies, particularly in regions dependent on Russian fuel, potentially driving up international energy prices. The development highlights the growing economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, with energy markets facing renewed uncertainty amid continued cross-border attacks and escalating hostilities. (PC: X)

The United States has released official footage showing coordinated strikes on 90 Iranian military targets, describing the operation as a response to escalating regional threats. The videos reportedly capture precision attacks on missile facilities, military bases, and other strategic sites. In response, Iran condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and warned that it would retaliate against US interests. The exchange has further intensified tensions across the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional conflict involving multiple countries. Diplomatic efforts remain under strain as both sides adopt increasingly confrontational positions amid growing international concern.