India and Indonesia have strengthened defence ties with agreements in principle for the purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta. Indonesia is expected to procure two BrahMos batteries worth around $200 million, doubling its initial plan for a single battery. The two countries also agreed to jointly develop the strategic Sabang-Aceh port near the Malacca Strait, a key global shipping chokepoint. While the number of Astra missiles is yet to be finalised, they will be integrated into Indonesia's Su-30 fighter fleet, with contract negotiations expected to begin soon. (PC: Edition CNN)

Argentina came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, but the dramatic victory was overshadowed by VAR controversy. Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan criticised the officiating after Mostafa Ziko’s equaliser was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review, denying the Pharaohs a 3-1 lead. Egypt also questioned why a later incident involving Argentina’s winning goal was not reviewed, accusing officials of inconsistent decisions. Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez scored as Argentina completed a late comeback in Atlanta. Furious Egyptian players and staff argued the disputed VAR calls changed the outcome, reigniting debate over the technology’s consistency.

India's private space sector is set for a defining moment as Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, between July 12 and August 4 from Sriharikota. Mission Aagaman aims to place payloads into a 450-km low-Earth orbit, marking a potential breakthrough during ISRO's launch pause following two PSLV failures. Built with 95% indigenous components, Vikram-1 reflects India's growing deep-tech capabilities. Backed by a $60 million funding round that made Skyroot India's first space-tech unicorn, the company is targeting global customers. Experts say the launch could accelerate India's commercial space ecosystem, provided sustained investment, government support and global competitiveness continue beyond a single mission.

The United States launched a series of military strikes on Iran after accusing Tehran of attacking three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions despite an existing ceasefire. US Central Command said the strikes aimed to impose “heavy costs” for attacks on civilian shipping, calling Iran’s actions dangerous and unjustified. Iran retaliated by targeting US Navy warships in the Sea of Oman. Explosions were reported across Kharg Island, Qeshm Island, Sirik and Bandar Abbas, with Iranian media reporting injuries after projectiles struck commercial and fishing facilities. Authorities said no civilian deaths had been reported, though several people were wounded as the conflict intensified.

Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in their Round of 16 clash. Egypt stunned the defending champions with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while Lionel Messi also missed an early penalty. Argentina responded in the final 13 minutes as Cristian Romero headed in from a Messi cross before the captain equalised with a powerful finish. Deep into stoppage time, Enzo Fernandez headed home the winner to complete a remarkable turnaround and send Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals after an unforgettable contest. 

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister has warned that FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban after intervention from US President Donald Trump could set a dangerous precedent for football. McAllister said allowing political leaders to influence disciplinary decisions risks turning the sport into an "absolute cesspit" of political interference. Balogun was cleared to play in the United States' Round of 16 match against Belgium despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. UEFA criticised FIFA's move as crossing a "red line", while former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said football must never become a playground for political power.

Lionel Messi set an unwanted FIFA World Cup record after missing his fourth career penalty in Argentina's Round of 16 clash against Egypt. The Egyptian goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, saved Messi's spot-kick, making him the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup edition and the player with the most missed penalties in tournament history. Despite trailing 2-0, Argentina staged a stunning late comeback, with Messi scoring the equaliser and providing an assist before Enzo Fernandez netted the stoppage-time winner to seal a 3-2 victory. Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Switzerland vs Colombia.

The FBI has launched a major international crackdown on the Lawrence Bishnoi gang under "Operation Hard Ball," arresting 24 suspects after conducting more than 50 coordinated raids across the United States, Canada and Europe. Investigators also charged 37 people in connection with the alleged transnational criminal network. Authorities seized firearms, illegal drugs and large amounts of cash during the operation. Officials say the gang is linked to organised crime, extortion and violent offences affecting communities in North America and India. The operation is one of the largest international actions taken against the Lawrence Bishnoi network to date. (PC: India Today)

Meta has denied allegations that it knowingly targeted users in India with Instagram advertisements linked to child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM), calling the claims "categorically inaccurate." The response came after the Indian government issued a notice directing the company to immediately disable such advertisements and explain how they appeared on the platform. Meta said it has a zero-tolerance policy for child exploitation and uses technology, human reviewers and reporting tools to detect and remove such content. The controversy follows a BBC investigation that raised concerns over Instagram ads allegedly promoting access to child abuse material in India. (PC: HT)

Argentina produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after trailing 2-0 in Atlanta. Lionel Messi missed an early penalty but sparked the fightback by assisting Cristian Romero's goal before scoring the equaliser in the second half. Egypt looked set for a famous victory after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made several outstanding saves. However, Enzo Fernandez headed home the winner in stoppage time to complete Argentina's remarkable turnaround and book the defending champions a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.