A man carrying a Tibetan flag set himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City, prompting a swift emergency response from police and firefighters. Authorities quickly extinguished the flames and rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have not yet disclosed his identity or the extent of his injuries, and the motive behind the act remains under investigation. The dramatic incident drew attention from bystanders and security personnel, while authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the self-immolation and whether it was intended as a political protest.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout goal as Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 match in Toronto to reach the last 16. Ivan Perisic gave Croatia the lead before Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded Portugal a spot-kick. Substitute Goncalo Ramos then headed home the winner in stoppage time from a Rafael Leao cross. Croatia thought they had forced extra time through Josko Gvardiol, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16. 

    The Indian Navy successfully prevented a piracy attempt on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden after responding swiftly to a distress call. Naval personnel intercepted the suspected pirate skiff, forcing the attackers to abandon their assault and ensuring the ship's safe passage. The incident highlights the Navy's continued role in safeguarding vital international shipping routes. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) warned that three commercial vessels and their crews remain in captivity after being seized by Somali pirates, urging sustained international cooperation to combat piracy and protect maritime security in the region. (PC: The Hindu)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi strongly condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. The leaders denounced the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the Red Fort blast, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. They urged coordinated international action against UN-designated terrorist organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The summit also reaffirmed both nations' commitment to strengthening strategic, defence, economic and technology cooperation while promoting a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region. (PC: AP)

A British woman has shared her decade-long battle with neurocysticercosis after doctors discovered 38 parasites in her brain, years after a 2007 trip to India. The rare infection, caused by pork tapeworm larvae, led to severe headaches, seizures, psychosis, and long-term neurological complications. She underwent extensive treatment with antiparasitic drugs and steroids before her condition gradually improved. Medical experts note that neurocysticercosis is typically spread through food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs rather than simply eating pork, highlighting the importance of hygiene and sanitation in preventing the disease. (PC: Instagram)

A remarkably preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named "Gus" has gone on public display in New York ahead of a major auction later this month. Standing about 12 feet tall and stretching nearly 40 feet long, the fossil is expected to attract intense interest from museums and private collectors, with experts estimating it could fetch millions of dollars. The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to view one of the most complete and scientifically significant T. rex specimens before it goes under the hammer. The sale highlights the growing global demand for exceptional dinosaur fossils in the international auction market.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said state-run oil marketing companies have suffered cumulative losses of around ₹74,781 crore due to selling petrol, diesel and LPG below market-linked prices in recent years. Despite these losses, he indicated that consumers could benefit from lower fuel prices if global crude oil rates remain subdued. Puri stressed that any reduction would depend on international market trends and the financial health of oil companies. The government continues to balance consumer interests with the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of public sector fuel retailers amid fluctuating global energy prices. (PC: X)

The Central government has issued notices to Telegram and Signal seeking detailed explanations about their username features, following similar action against WhatsApp. Authorities are examining whether usernames could be misused for impersonation, cybercrime, fraud, or bypassing existing user identification safeguards. The move reflects growing concerns over online safety, digital accountability, and the potential misuse of anonymous communication tools. The platforms have been asked to clarify how the feature operates and what security measures are in place to prevent abuse. The development forms part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen oversight of digital platforms while balancing user privacy and security.

A Kuki village in Manipur’s Noney district has reportedly been torched by unidentified armed men, according to media reports, intensifying ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Manipur, where several villages in hill districts have recently faced arson attacks and armed clashes linked to the prolonged ethnic conflict between communities. Security forces have been deployed to assess the damage and prevent further escalation. Local organisations have alleged militant involvement, while investigations are ongoing to determine the attackers’ identity and motive. The situation has further deepened instability in the already conflict-hit northeastern state, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety and law and order. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has highlighted the expanding use of ethanol-blended fuels in India, stating that even racing cars are now operating on ethanol-based fuel. He emphasized that the country’s shift towards ethanol blending in petrol is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner energy alternatives. Puri noted that ethanol adoption has already reached significant levels in regular vehicles and is now being tested in high-performance applications such as racing, showcasing its viability. The government maintains that ethanol fuels are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial, despite ongoing debates over engine compatibility and performance concerns in older vehicles. Officials say the transition is irreversible and part of India’s long-term energy security plan. (PC: X)