Norway captain Erling Haaland strongly criticised the referee and VAR after his side’s 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Haaland argued that England’s equalising goal should have been disallowed, claiming the ball struck an overhead camera cable before Jude Bellingham scored. The controversial decision sparked protests from Norway’s players and coaching staff. However, FIFA later defended the officials, stating that Connected Ball technology detected no contact with the camera cable. England’s victory secured a place in the semi-finals, where they will face Argentina in a blockbuster showdown. (PC: X)

Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, fondly known as the "Nightingale of South India," passed away at the age of 88 in Mysuru after age-related health complications. Her remarkable career spanned more than six decades, during which she recorded over 48,000 songs in multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. A recipient of numerous National and State Film Awards, Janaki's soulful voice defined generations of Indian cinema. Tributes poured in from political leaders, musicians and fans across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing her passing as an irreparable loss to India's rich musical heritage. (PC: The Hindu)

Sheetal Wrzesien, an Indian-origin software engineer working at Google, was allegedly shot dead by her husband at their home in Georgia, United States, in a suspected domestic violence incident. Authorities said the couple's young son was also injured during the shooting and is receiving medical treatment. Police arrested the husband at the scene and have launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The incident has shocked the local community and drawn attention to the devastating impact of domestic violence. Investigators are continuing to examine evidence while legal proceedings against the accused move forward. (PC: X)

Argentina secured a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals. After a tense 90 minutes ended 1-1, Julián Álvarez restored Argentina's lead early in extra time before Lautaro Martínez sealed the win with a late strike. Lionel Messi played a key role in orchestrating Argentina's attacks, while Switzerland battled bravely but could not withstand the South American side's relentless pressure. The victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final clash between Argentina and England, with a place in the World Cup final at stake. (PC: Reuters)

A group of talented young footballers from Chandigarh’s Minerva Academy achieved a landmark success by winning a prestigious youth football tournament in Helsinki, Finland. The victory marks the culmination of years of disciplined training, perseverance and international exposure under the academy’s development programme. Facing strong European opposition, the Indian youngsters displayed remarkable teamwork, tactical discipline and confidence throughout the competition. Their triumph highlights the growing standard of grassroots football in India and reinforces Minerva Academy’s reputation for nurturing world-class talent. The achievement is expected to inspire aspiring footballers across the country and strengthen India’s ambitions on the global football stage.

FIFA has defended the decision to allow Jude Bellingham's equalising goal in England's World Cup 2026 quarter-final victory over Norway, dismissing claims that the ball struck an overhead camera cable before the goal. Norway's players and coach Ståle Solbakken argued the apparent contact should have halted play, sparking widespread debate. FIFA said data from its Connected Ball technology showed no evidence of any cable contact or abnormal ball movement, backing the referee and VAR's decision. England went on to win 2-1 after extra time, booking a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. 

6 The United States carried out fresh military strikes on Iran after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The assault left the vessel severely damaged and one civilian crew member missing, escalating tensions in the strategically vital waterway. In response, Iran reportedly shut the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes and raising concerns over global energy supplies. The latest confrontation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, prompting international calls for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami. Norway struck first through Andreas Schjelderup, but Jude Bellingham equalised just before halftime amid controversy over a possible camera-ball contact. After a tense second half, Bellingham scored again early in extra time following a goalkeeping error to seal England's win. Erling Haaland was unable to inspire a Norwegian comeback despite several chances. England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory. (PC: X)

England and Norway lock horns in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal at Miami Stadium, with a place in the semifinals at stake. England head into the clash after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, while Norway have emerged as one of the tournament's surprise packages, eliminating Brazil before reaching the last eight. Harry Kane will lead England's attack alongside Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, while Erling Haaland remains Norway's biggest threat following his impressive knockout performances. Referee Clement Turpin of France will officiate the contest, which kicks off at 2:30 AM IST. The winner will advance to the World Cup semifinals. (PC: X/@UTD_Seth001)

India and New Zealand have upgraded bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and set a target of doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) by 2030. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland, both countries adopted the Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, outlining cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, tourism and innovation. The two sides welcomed the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement and agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue. They also signed agreements on maritime cooperation, hydrography, logistics support and tourism, including efforts to launch direct flights. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free Indo-Pacific and called for restraint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. (PC: X)