A civilian aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed shortly after takeoff near the town of Tomblaine, close to Nancy in eastern France, on Sunday, killing all 11 people on board. The victims included the pilot, five instructors, and five first-time skydiving students. Authorities said the German-registered aircraft appeared to suffer damage before plunging to the ground near a shopping centre, though no one on the ground was injured. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, while psychological support was provided to victims' families. French investigators have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the deadly crash. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi came off the bench in the 60th minute and made an immediate impact as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The captain scored a stunning free-kick 10 minutes from time, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Earlier, Giovani Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead with a free-kick before Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Jordan's Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back, but Argentina sealed a perfect group-stage campaign and will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.  

France has recorded around 1,000 excess deaths in just one week as an intense heatwave swept across the country, according to health authorities. Nearly 85% of the deaths were among people aged 75 and above, highlighting the severe impact of extreme temperatures on older residents. Officials said hospitals and emergency services remained under pressure as temperatures stayed well above seasonal averages. Authorities urged people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, and regularly check on elderly relatives and neighbours. Europe continues to face unusually high temperatures, raising concerns over the growing health risks linked to climate change. (PC: X)

History was created at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as nine of the 10 African teams qualified for the knockout stage, marking the continent's best-ever performance at the tournament. Countries including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Algeria, Cape Verde and DR Congo progressed to the Round of 32. Only one African nation failed to advance. The milestone highlights the growing strength and competitiveness of African football on the world stage. Fans and football experts have praised the achievement, calling it a landmark moment that reflects the continent's rising influence in international football. (PC: NDTV)

A helicopter belonging to Saudi Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, eastern Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board. Saudi state media confirmed the deaths, while authorities said the cause of the crash remains unknown. An investigation has been launched involving the relevant agencies to determine what led to the accident. The crash occurred near Ras Tanura, home to one of the world's largest oil export terminals. Officials have not indicated any impact on oil production or export operations. Saudi Aramco has not released further details about the victims or the helicopter's mission. (PC: X)

Fresh details have emerged in the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case, with sources claiming that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was aware of the suspected misappropriation before the matter became public. According to sources, trust representatives accompanied police during a search at the residence of an accused on June 5, where cash was allegedly recovered. However, no formal police complaint was filed at that time, and the case surfaced publicly only on June 7. CCTV footage has also raised fresh questions about the sequence of events. Authorities have not officially explained the delay, while the investigation into the alleged theft continues.  

The United States carried out fresh airstrikes on multiple Iranian military targets for the second consecutive day after accusing Tehran of attacking another oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US military, the strikes targeted surveillance systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities and communication infrastructure. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran would "no longer exist" if Washington was forced to resume full-scale military action. Iran responded with a warning that US military bases in the Gulf would "experience hell" in the coming days. The renewed confrontation has raised fears of a wider conflict across the Middle East despite ongoing ceasefire efforts. (PC: NDTV)

Two photographs of Palestinian journalist Mujahid Bani Mufleh taken before and after his detention in Israel have drawn international attention. The Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) alleged that Mufleh was held without charge under Israel's administrative detention policy for six months and suffered abuse and medical neglect while in custody. The group said he experienced a severe brain haemorrhage after his release and has since undergone multiple brain surgeries. Israel has previously rejected allegations of systematic abuse in its detention facilities, saying prisoners are treated according to Israeli law and complaints of misconduct are investigated. (PC: X)

Austria and Algeria produced what could be the most thrilling match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw that sent both teams into the knockout stage and eliminated Iran. The Group J clash featured six goals, constant lead changes and a breathtaking finish. Riyad Mahrez appeared to have won it for Algeria with a 93rd-minute strike, but substitute Sasa Kalajdzic headed home a dramatic equaliser in the 96th minute. The result capped one of the tournament's most unforgettable matches, with both teams advancing after an entertaining contest played at full intensity from start to finish.

India on Saturday strongly rejected Pakistan's allegations linking it to the recent militant attack on the Pakistan Rangers headquarters in Karachi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the claims as "baseless" and accused Islamabad of trying to shift attention from its own internal security challenges. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan should focus on tackling terrorism and addressing its domestic issues instead of making unfounded allegations against India. The response came after Pakistan blamed India following the Karachi attack, which killed three Rangers personnel. Pakistan has not publicly presented evidence supporting its allegations. (PC: HT)