The FIFA World Cup 2026 has been hit by fresh refereeing controversy after USA striker Folarin Balogun received a straight red card during his team's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge, forcing the United States to finish the match with 10 players. After the decision, many fans on social media compared the incident to a similar challenge involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament that did not result in a red card. The debate has reignited questions over consistency in FIFA's officiating and VAR decisions. (PC: X)

India-born business leader and former PepsiCo Chairperson and CEO Indra Nooyi said the United States' merit-based system made it possible for her to lead one of the world's largest companies, adding that she "would never have been CEO in India." Speaking during a conversation with former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Hoover Institution, Nooyi said the US rewards talent regardless of gender or ethnicity. Born and raised in Chennai, India, she moved to the US for higher studies before rising to lead PepsiCo. She said the country's meritocratic culture gave her opportunities she believes she would not have received elsewhere.   (PC: X)

Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, killing at least 18 people and injuring around 90 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, striking residential neighbourhoods, apartment buildings and other civilian sites across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as the "most massive attack" on the capital in terms of the number of weapons used. Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians, while Moscow said the strikes were aimed at military and defence facilities. Rescue operations and investigations are continuing. (PC: BBC)

India's Supreme Court has strongly cautioned against the misuse of artificial intelligence in legal proceedings, calling its unchecked use "catastrophic" and warning that fake or AI-generated case citations threaten the justice system. The court said relying on fabricated judgments or unverified AI outputs amounts to misconduct, not a simple error. Stressing that AI can only assist and never replace human judgment, the bench highlighted the need for accountability by judges and lawyers. The observations came while examining cases involving AI-generated fake legal citations and reinforced the court's push for responsible AI use in India's judicial system. (PC: HT)

A family of three from Gujarat died after a fire broke out at an Econo Lodge motel in Wooster, Ohio, where they lived and worked. The victims were identified as Hiteshbhai Suthar, his wife Hinaben, and their 20-year-old daughter, Ishani, who had moved to the US around two years ago. According to relatives and local reports, the family took shelter inside a bathroom after calling the motel's front desk for help. They reportedly followed safety instructions and turned on the water before locking themselves inside. However, they died of suspected suffocation before firefighters could rescue them. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. (PC: India Today)

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that teenage star Lamine Yamal is fully fit and available to play a full match against Austria in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger had his minutes managed during the group stage as he recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in April. Yamal scored once in Spain’s three group matches and is now ready for a bigger role. De la Fuente also said Yerémy Pino and Victor Muñoz are available, while Nico Williams is improving but is unlikely to feature against Austria. (PC: NDTV)

India and Japan are set to deepen their strategic partnership by signing new agreements on artificial intelligence, defence, clean energy and economic security at their upcoming annual summit. The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies, resilient supply chains, semiconductor development and regional security. The two countries are also expected to expand collaboration in infrastructure, green energy and digital innovation as they seek to boost economic ties. The summit reflects the growing importance of the India-Japan partnership in the Indo-Pacific and their shared commitment to promoting stability, sustainable development and trusted technology cooperation. (PC: India Today)

The Adani Group and Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) have announced plans to invest $11.5 billion (around ₹1.08 lakh crore) in a new aluminium plant in Odisha. Speaking at the announcement, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), described Odisha as the heart of eastern India’s economic growth. He said the state’s rich reserves of bauxite, iron ore and coal, along with strong government support, make it an ideal manufacturing hub. The project aims to create jobs, boost local industries and strengthen Odisha’s role in India’s industrial development. (PC: NDTV)

At least 13 people were killed and around 90 injured after Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight. Ukrainian officials said Russia fired 74 missiles and 496 drones, with several striking residential areas, an ambulance station and other civilian infrastructure. Fires broke out across the city, forcing evacuations in multiple neighbourhoods. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a day of mourning, calling it the city's "most massive attack." Russia said it targeted military and defence facilities in response to Ukrainian strikes, while Ukraine accused Moscow of deliberately attacking civilians. (PC: BBC)

A man died after falling into an open manhole in Mumbai’s Sakinaka area during heavy rain on Thursday. According to officials, the man was reportedly using his mobile phone while walking when he stepped into the uncovered drain, where maintenance work was underway. Contract workers tried to rescue him immediately, but strong water flow swept him away. Only his umbrella and slippers were recovered at the scene. The tragedy occurred as Mumbai faced intense monsoon rainfall, causing severe waterlogging across the city. The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety measures, including barricades and warning signs, at maintenance sites. (PC: HT)