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)

Morocco stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in their Round of 16 clash in Houston. After a tense first half, Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock before scoring again after the restart to put the Atlas Lions firmly in control. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win deep into stoppage time after being introduced following an injury to tournament top-scorer Ismael Saibari. Brahim Díaz provided assists for Ounahi’s second goal and Rahimi’s late strike as Morocco completed a dominant second-half display. The African champions now await the winner of the France-Paraguay Round of 16 match in the quarter-finals.

Defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek crashed out in the third round after a stunning 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 defeat to 21-year-old Alexandra Eala on Centre Court. The upset saw Eala become the first Filipina to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles event. Reflecting on her title defence ending, Swiatek admitted “s**t happens,” blaming uncharacteristic net errors while acknowledging Eala’s fearless display. The six-time Grand Slam champion said she failed to find the right balance in crucial moments, particularly during the opening-set tiebreak, where Eala played with greater courage. Eala now faces 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, while Swiatek’s early exit raises fresh questions over her consistency.

Iran issued a fresh warning to the United States and Israel during the funeral ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei declaring that “divine retribution” against both nations was near. In a message carried by Iranian state media, Ozmaei said Iran’s armed forces had renewed their commitment to Khamenei’s legacy and would continue defending the Islamic nation. Speaking on behalf of personnel guarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, he described the funeral as a renewed pledge to uphold Khamenei’s ideals and resist what he called the front of “arrogance and disbelief.” Khamenei was killed in coordinated US-Israeli air strikes on Tehran on February 28, 2026. (PC: X)

Ghana’s viral FIFA World Cup supporter Kailani Ibrahim Kpa, popularly known as “Powder Man,” has dismissed widespread claims that his famous powder-blowing celebrations involve juju or supernatural powers. Speaking after attracting global attention during Ghana’s World Cup campaign, Kpa clarified that he is an actor and entertainer whose performances are designed solely to energise fans and celebrate Ghanaian football culture. He stressed that his trademark white powder and theatrical gestures are part of a carefully created character rather than any spiritual ritual. While social media speculation linked his antics to traditional beliefs, Kpa insisted the performance is purely symbolic, urging fans to appreciate it as entertainment instead of attributing mystical powers to it.

A Delhi court rejected the fresh bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the alleged larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 North East Delhi riots. The trial court ruled that it was bound by the Supreme Court of India's January 5, 2026 order, which permitted fresh bail applications only after protected witnesses were examined or one year had elapsed, whichever occurred first. The defence cited a subsequent Supreme Court ruling in the Syed Iftikhar Andrabi v. NIA case, arguing that prolonged incarceration could justify bail. However, the trial court held it had no option but to follow the earlier binding directive. (PC: Emmanual Yogini)

A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as Zeeshan Mir from Muzaffarabad, allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) illegally after developing an online relationship with Iram Majeed from Uri in Jammu and Kashmir through Snapchat. According to officials, Mir entered Indian territory about a month before being apprehended by the Indian Army’s 12 Grenadiers near the Silikote sector on May 31. Following legal and security formalities, he was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Kaman Aman Setu crossing on July 4. Officials said he was treated with dignity during his stay. The incident adds to several recent cross-border love stories linked to social media. (PC: News18)

Security forces resumed their anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday, with two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists still trapped inside a dense orchard after an overnight pause. The joint operation by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force entered its second day in the Meemandar area, where surveillance cameras first detected the terrorists on Friday. Officials identified the suspects as Zakir and Latif, both residents of Kulgam district. Zakir allegedly joined LeT in 2024, while Latif became associated with the outfit in 2025. The encounter began after the terrorists opened fire on Army personnel, prompting retaliatory action. Security forces have sealed all escape routes while search operations continue.

India has exempted customs duty and Integrated GST (IGST) on animals imported from the UK for shows, exhibitions, competitions, demonstrations and specified public functions under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), effective July 15. The exemption covers animals such as police, sniffer and guide dogs, provided they are re-exported after the event. Importers must declare the purpose of import, execute a bond equal to the animals’ value and generally furnish a bank guarantee worth 110% of the applicable duty. Government bodies, diplomatic missions and certain international organisations are exempt from the guarantee requirement. Customs authorities must approve any movement, and re-export is generally required within six months. (PC: The Economic Times)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India successfully overcame the West Asia fuel crisis through strategic planning and strong diplomacy, claiming history would remember the country's response. Addressing a gathering in Balotra, Rajasthan, he said India expanded fuel imports from over 25 countries to more than 40 during the conflict, preventing shortages despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He credited refinery upgrades, increased domestic LPG production, rapid expansion of PNG connections and government subsidies for keeping fuel supplies stable and prices under control. Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹1.06 lakh crore, including the Pachpadra Refinery.