India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected reports claiming Bhutan refused to import E20 petrol, clarifying that no Indian oil marketing company ever offered E20 exports and no such proposal exists. The ministry issued a fact-check after media reports suggested Bhutan requested continued supplies of regular petrol due to concerns over ethanol-blended fuel storage and infrastructure. Bhutanese publication The Bhutanese defended its reporting, citing official government responses that highlighted storage challenges and requests for continued conventional petrol supplies. The ministry urged the public to rely only on official information regarding India's ethanol-blending programme. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the massive crowds attending the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, remarking, “I thought people hated him.” Speaking during an interview, Trump questioned the scale of public mourning and suggested the displays of grief could be genuine or “fake tears.” He also claimed senior Iranian leaders gathered at the funeral could have been targeted but said the US chose not to act to keep diplomatic negotiations alive. The remarks came as hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran for Khamenei's state funeral amid heightened regional tensions. (PC: X)

Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini represented India at the United States International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 in New York during celebrations marking America's 250th Independence Day. The three-masted barque participated in the Parade of Sail on the Hudson River, flying the Indian tricolour and highlighting India's maritime heritage. The visit is part of the Navy's 10-month transoceanic expedition, Lokayan 2026, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and naval diplomacy. After earlier stops in Norfolk and Baltimore, INS Sudarshini continues its voyage, reflecting India's commitment to international partnerships and the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

A video circulating on social media after Argentina's dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has triggered allegations of bias against FIFA officials. The clip appears to show several officials celebrating as Argentina secured qualification, prompting some fans to question their neutrality. However, there is no official evidence that FIFA officials acted improperly or that the celebrations influenced the match outcome. The controversy has fueled widespread debate online, even as Argentina advanced to the Round of 16 after surviving a spirited challenge from World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has married his longtime partner Gauri Spratt in an intimate ceremony at his Bandra residence in Mumbai. The couple exchanged vows in the presence of close family members and a small group of friends, choosing a simple registered wedding over a grand celebration. Aamir had publicly introduced Gauri as his partner in 2025 after reconnecting with her years after their first meeting. The wedding marks a new chapter in the actor's personal life and his third marriage. Photos from the private ceremony have since gone viral, with fans and celebrities sending their congratulations. (PC: HT)

France captain Kylian Mbappé currently leads the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race despite being tied with Argentina's Lionel Messi on seven goals. FIFA's tiebreaker rules give the advantage to the player with more assists if goals are equal. Mbappé has provided two assists during the tournament, while Messi is yet to register one, putting the French star ahead in the standings. If both players finish level on goals and assists, the award will then be decided by fewer minutes played. With the quarter-finals approaching, the race for the tournament's top scorer remains wide open. (PC: HT)

The alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple is expected to be a key issue at the RSS's three-day annual Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak beginning July 10 in Belagavi, Karnataka. According to senior RSS functionaries, the controversy has become a major concern because it is affecting the organisation's public image. While the meeting will also discuss national issues such as the Census, leaders believe the temple donation case will dominate discussions. The RSS may also review the role and future of functionaries linked to temple operations as investigations into the alleged financial irregularities continue. (PC: The Indian Express)

Paraguay goalkeeper Gatito Fernández sparked attention after appearing to throw the ball toward France captain Kylian Mbappe following his side's 1-0 defeat in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The incident occurred after Fernández felt Mbappe had ignored his attempt to shake hands at full-time. Speaking after the match, the goalkeeper said his reaction came in the heat of the moment and insisted there was no disrespect intended. Fernández added that he respects Mbappe and acknowledged the French forward may not have noticed the handshake. The incident quickly went viral on social media.  

The United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence with fireworks, military flyovers, concerts and public events across the country despite severe weather disruptions. In Washington, DC, President Donald Trump addressed a crowd at the National Mall after thunderstorms delayed the celebrations. The event featured a flyover by the new Air Force One and a large fireworks display. Heavy rain, thunderstorms and extreme heat affected celebrations in several states, causing event cancellations, power outages and travel disruptions. Communities nationwide also hosted parades, concerts and citizenship ceremonies to mark the historic milestone. (PC: BBC)

Iran strongly criticised US President Donald Trump after he said the United States could eliminate Iran's remaining leadership with "one shot" during the funeral ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran described the remarks as lacking "civilisation" and "honour", saying they violated diplomatic norms and showed disrespect during a period of national mourning. Trump, however, added that such action would not be taken because Washington wanted to keep negotiations with Iran alive. The exchange comes as thousands gather in Tehran for Khamenei's funeral, with tensions between the two countries remaining high despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. (PC: India Today)