The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in coordination with Oman and regional partners, has begun a large-scale operation to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers stranded aboard hundreds of ships in the Persian Gulf following months of disruption linked to the Iran-U.S. conflict. The plan focuses on safely guiding vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire reduced immediate security risks. Temporary navigation routes will be used because standard shipping lanes remain unsafe due to hazards such as floating mines and collision risks. Ships will be evacuated in phases, with authorities assigning specific transit schedules to ensure a controlled and secure operation. (PC: Reuters)

Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match in Toronto, keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive while eliminating Panama from the tournament. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, converting a cross from Josip Stanišić after a clever attacking move. Panama created several chances and pushed hard for an equaliser, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković produced key saves to preserve the lead. The match also marked a historic milestone for captain Luka Modrić, who made his 200th appearance for Croatia. The win moves Croatia back into contention ahead of a decisive final group-stage fixture. (PC: Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo created football history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston. The 41-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute and added a second goal before halftime. His latest goals came in his sixth World Cup appearance, spanning tournaments from 2006 to 2026. Ronaldo now stands alone in achieving the milestone, ahead of Lionel Messi, who has played in six World Cups but did not score in every edition. Portugal secured their first win of the tournament, with Nuno Mendes, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao also finding the net. (PC: X)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations over a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will remain separate from broader efforts to reach a peace deal with Iran. Speaking during a visit to the Gulf region, Rubio said Washington wants to hear the views of its regional allies as talks with Tehran continue. His comments came as US officials reported progress in negotiations with Iran following recent talks in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan for discussions linked to regional diplomacy. Differences remain over nuclear inspections and other key issues in the ongoing negotiations. (PC: X)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to resume peace talks with Ukraine after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeted oil refineries and other infrastructure inside Russia. Putin accused Kyiv of trying to destabilise Russia through attacks on civilian and energy facilities. Despite the latest strikes, he said Moscow remains open to negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also said Russia is prepared to continue talks from where previous discussions ended. Ukraine has said the strikes are aimed at weakening Russia’s war effort and energy sector. The conflict continues as both sides exchange attacks while diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. (PC: Sky News)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals as Portugal moved into a commanding 4-0 lead against Uzbekistan in their FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Houston. The Portugal captain struck twice in the first half, helping his side take control of the contest. Bruno Fernandes played a major role in midfield, creating chances and driving Portugal forward. Portugal added another goal before the break and extended their advantage in the second half, with an own goal contributing to the scoreline. Ronaldo also came close to completing a hat-trick as Portugal continued to dominate with the match still in progress.

France has reported 40 drowning deaths since Thursday as a severe heatwave grips much of Europe. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said many of the deaths were linked to people swimming in unsafe areas to escape the heat. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari warned that swimming in unsupervised rivers and reservoirs during a heatwave should not be taken lightly. France recorded its hottest June day on record this week, with more than half the country under red alert. Spain and Italy are also facing extreme temperatures above 40C in some areas. Authorities across Europe have urged people to stay safe as the heatwave continues. (PC: BBC)

US Vice President JD Vance suggested deploying Indian troops as part of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine during a White House meeting on January 30, 2025, according to a new book by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The proposal was discussed as part of efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The book claims Vance proposed India or Saudi Arabia as non-NATO countries that could help oversee a ceasefire. Donald Trump reportedly dismissed the idea, saying India would not participate. The book also describes Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his comments on India's trade tariffs. (PC: HT)

Cristiano Ronaldo created a new FIFA World Cup record after scoring for Portugal against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. The goal made him the first player in football history to score in six different World Cup editions.   Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the Group K match and helped Portugal take control of the game. Nuno Mendes later doubled Portugal's lead with a well-worked team move.   Uzbekistan thought they had pulled a goal back with a stunning long-range strike, but the effort was ruled out after a foul in the build-up. Portugal continued to dominate as they pushed for an important World Cup victory.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after a gas explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City killed 13 people, including 12 Indians.   In a post on X, Modi thanked the Emir for his condolences and said both countries share the grief of the affected families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.   The explosion took place at a gas facility operated by QatarEnergy LNG. Sixty-six people were injured. India is working with Qatari authorities to identify the victims and arrange the return of mortal remains.