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)

Shah Rukh Khan has inaugurated the $21 million Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, marking a major milestone for cricket in the United States. The state-of-the-art venue will serve as the home ground of the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket and is expected to play an important role during cricket’s return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Calling it a dream come true, Shah Rukh Khan said the venue is designed for sports, entertainment and families. Built to ICC standards, the stadium reflects growing efforts to expand cricket’s reach in the US.

A residential neighbourhood in Yuncheng, northern China’s Shanxi Province, is using rooftop misting systems to cool buildings during extreme summer heat. High-pressure nozzles spray a fine mist that evaporates quickly, absorbing heat from the air through evaporative cooling. According to Chinese reports, the system can lower local temperatures by 5°C to 8°C within minutes when outdoor temperatures approach 38°C. The mist evaporates before reaching the ground, keeping streets dry while reducing heat. The energy-efficient technology uses far less electricity than air conditioning and is part of China’s broader effort to tackle rising temperatures linked to climate change. (PC: India Today)

England captain Harry Kane produced a brilliant solo goal to inspire a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo and book the Three Lions' place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. With England trailing until the 75th minute, Kane scored twice, including a sensational 86th-minute strike after dribbling past several defenders before firing into the top corner. The goal is already being hailed as one of the tournament's best. Kane also reached 13 career FIFA World Cup goals, moving past Brazilian legend Pelé's tally of 12. England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. 

The death of 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal at Pune's Lohagad Fort has sparked intense debate over trial by media. What was initially treated as an accidental fall turned into a murder investigation after police arrested his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her friend, Chetan Chaudhary, accusing them of killing him. Both have denied the allegations through their lawyers, who say there is no conclusive evidence against them. As the investigation continues, personal photos, videos and unverified claims have flooded television and social media, raising concerns that public opinion is being shaped before a court has determined guilt or innocence. (PC: X)

A Russian couple climbed the restricted transmission tower of New York City's Empire State Building, unfurled a peace banner and got engaged before being arrested by police. Urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus reached the top of the 1,454-foot skyscraper without authorization and documented the stunt on social media. After displaying a banner calling for world peace, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau on a platform near the tower's base, and she accepted. The New York Police Department later took the pair into custody without incident. Authorities are investigating how they accessed the restricted area.

An India-bound oil tanker has safely reached Paradip Port in Odisha after coming under gunfire near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The vessel was carrying crude oil when it encountered the security incident during its voyage through the tense Gulf region. Despite the attack, the tanker continued its journey without major damage or injuries to the crew. Authorities confirmed that the ship arrived safely at the Indian port and cargo operations are expected to continue as planned. The incident highlights ongoing security risks for commercial shipping in the Middle East. (PC: X)

Trump ally and far-right activist Laura Loomer has sparked fresh controversy after urging Israel to carry out strikes during the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a series of social media posts, Loomer described the funeral as a "target-rich environment" and encouraged the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to act. She later said she would support any opportunity to see the US or Israel target "jihadis." Her remarks quickly drew criticism online and added to tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. (PC: HT)

Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Senegal 3-2 after extra time to reach the Round of 16. Trailing 2-0 until the closing minutes of normal time, Belgium fought back through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to force extra time. With a penalty shootout moments away, Tielemans converted a dramatic 125th-minute spot-kick after a VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty. The victory completed an extraordinary turnaround and sent the Red Devils into the Round of 16, where they will face the United States in Seattle. (PC: X)

At least 10 people were killed after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, according to Ukrainian officials. Several residential areas were hit, triggering fires, damaging civilian infrastructure and forcing residents to seek shelter. Children were among the casualties, while emergency teams continued rescue operations across the city. Ukraine said the strikes deliberately targeted civilian areas, while Russia claimed it attacked military and energy facilities in response to recent Ukrainian strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned that Moscow was preparing a major assault on the capital. (PC: BBC)