Security forces have intensified a major counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district after surveillance cameras captured two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists hiding in an orchard. A joint team of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF has sealed all escape routes while clearing four of seven villages under a tight cordon. The trapped terrorists, identified as Latif and Zakir from Kulgam district, reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce gunbattle. Zakir is believed to have joined Lashkar in 2024 and Latif in 2025. Officials said eliminating local operatives remains crucial to dismantling terror logistics and recruitment networks, especially in Shopian’s dense summer terrain that offers natural cover. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi praised Cape Verde after Argentina survived a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, saying the African debutants had already proven their quality by avoiding defeat against Spain and Uruguay. Messi, who scored his record-extending 20th World Cup goal and provided the decisive contribution, admitted Argentina struggled after taking the lead, losing possession and allowing Cape Verde to exploit their strengths. He stressed that knockout football offers no easy matches and warned against underestimating teams based on reputation. Argentina eventually advanced after a Diney Borges own goal and will now face Egypt in the Round of 16.

A protest movement in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has called for worldwide demonstrations on July 5 to highlight what organisers describe as an escalating crackdown by Pakistani security forces. Led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the campaign seeks international attention while asserting that its movement remains peaceful and focused on fundamental rights. Addressing a gathering in Rawalakot, Advocate Mehrah Khawja criticised Pakistan’s military, stating there was “no law” permitting the army to kill civilians, and urged overseas Kashmiris, particularly in the United Kingdom, to organise protests from Birmingham to London. He also criticised Pakistan’s leadership, saying it lacked the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. (PC: WION)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated 23 Pakistan-based operatives linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and other terror outfits as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, taking the total number of designated individuals to 80. The list includes 17 Pakistani nationals and six Indians, all currently operating from Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Among them is Bengaluru engineer Mohammed Shaheed Faisal, accused of recruiting youths, raising terror funds and handling multiple Karnataka-based terror modules, including the 2024 Rameshwaram Cafe blast. The list also features close aides of Hafiz Saeed and senior Jaish operatives allegedly involved in infiltration, drone-based arms supply, recruitment and major terror attacks targeting India. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said Washington could eliminate Iran’s remaining leadership “with one shot” if it chose to, referring to senior Iranian officials gathered for the state funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Trump, however, said the United States deliberately avoided such action to preserve ongoing nuclear negotiations with Tehran. “They are all there. One shot, but we are not going to do that because then we would have nobody to negotiate with,” he told Axios. Trump had earlier said he had given Iran a “week off” to observe Khamenei’s funeral before diplomatic efforts resumed. (PC: MSN)

Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has explained the heated post-match incident with Kylian Mbappé after France's 1-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory. Coronel admitted he threw the ball toward Mbappé after feeling ignored when the French captain declined his handshake following the final whistle. He insisted the act was born out of frustration rather than hostility, saying emotions ran high after Paraguay's narrow elimination. The incident briefly sparked tension on the pitch before teammates intervened. France advanced to the quarterfinals, while Paraguay exited the tournament after a spirited defensive performance against the former world champions.

Security forces have launched an intensive search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district following intelligence reports about the presence of militants linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The joint operation, involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces, has led to cordon-and-search efforts across suspected locations. Authorities are conducting thorough searches while maintaining heightened security to prevent militant movement or attacks. No exchange of fire or casualties had been reported at the time of the operation. Officials said the search would continue until the area is fully cleared and secured. (PC: The Hindu)

India has dropped one place to 125th in the Global Passport Index 2026, reflecting the relative strength of its passport compared with others worldwide. Despite the slight decline in ranking, Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 54 destinations, an improvement over previous years. The index evaluates passports based on global mobility and ease of international travel. While countries like Singapore, Japan and several European nations continue to dominate the rankings, India’s expanded travel access signals gradual progress, even as its overall global position slipped. (PC: Getty Images)

France secured a tense 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, booking a quarterfinal clash with Morocco. Captain Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Désiré Doué. Paraguay frustrated France with disciplined defending and physical play, while goalkeeper Mike Maignan made crucial late saves to preserve the lead. Despite dominating possession, France struggled to break down Paraguay until Mbappé's intervention, extending Les Bleus' title bid with another resilient knockout-stage performance. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning during the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, claiming the United States could eliminate Iran's remaining leadership "with one shot" but had chosen not to because there would be no one left to negotiate with. Trump also said Washington was pausing negotiations during the mourning period, describing it as a gesture of goodwill. His remarks came as massive crowds gathered across Tehran for Khamenei's funeral amid heightened security, anti-US slogans, and fragile regional tensions following the recent conflict and an uneasy ceasefire. (PC: Reuters)