A deadly explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City has claimed 13 lives, including 12 Indian nationals, while 66 people were injured and 18 remain missing. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi described the blast as an industrial accident that occurred during efforts to restart the facility after months of shutdown. Search and rescue operations involving civil defence and security teams remain underway. The Barzan plant, a key component of Qatar’s energy infrastructure, supplies gas for electricity generation and water desalination. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and solidarity with Qatar, while authorities confirmed that all injured individuals are receiving treatment and remain in stable condition.

India’s absence from the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reignited debate among football fans, prompting Indian goalkeeper and former captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to offer a candid explanation. Responding to discussions on social media, Sandhu argued that the real issue is not World Cup qualification but India’s failure to consistently qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. He stressed that reaching the World Cup requires becoming regular participants in the Asian Cup and advancing consistently to the knockout stages. Describing qualification as a step-by-step process, Sandhu called for greater accountability and reflection on India’s broader football development pathway rather than focusing solely on the World Cup dream. (PC: ESPN)

Lionel Messi scored both goals as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match and secured a place in the Round of 32. The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 38th minute before adding a second goal in stoppage time. Messi missed a penalty earlier in the match but still delivered a historic performance. His brace took his World Cup goal tally to 18, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. The win ensured Argentina's progress to the knockout stage and added another remarkable achievement to Messi's legendary career. (PC: X)

Britain's Labour Party is looking to Andy Burnham as its next leader after Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned. Burnham's recent by-election victory has strengthened his position as Labour tries to stop the growing popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform UK.   Reform UK has gained support by focusing on immigration and voter frustration over the economy and government policies. Labour has also faced criticism over internal disputes and policy decisions. Political observers say Burnham's biggest challenge will be winning back voters who have moved away from Labour and preventing Reform UK from expanding its influence across the country. (PC: HT)

Twelve Indian nationals were among 13 people killed in a major explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s main LNG production hub. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said 66 others were injured and are receiving treatment, with none in life-threatening condition.   Authorities described the blast as a technical accident and have launched an investigation into the cause. The explosion was felt across parts of Doha, more than 70 kilometres away. QatarEnergy said LNG export operations were not affected. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and is coordinating with Qatari authorities to assist affected families and repatriate the bodies. (PC: India Today)

While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation has triggered fresh political uncertainty, one familiar resident of 10 Downing Street is staying put. Larry the Cat, the long-serving "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office", is set to welcome his seventh prime minister in just over a decade. Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has become a symbol of continuity through a period of rapid political change. Having served under six prime ministers already, the popular tabby once again finds himself at the centre of attention as Britain prepares for a new leader.  

Six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday, delivering a major political setback to the former Maharashtra chief minister. The MPs joined Shinde's camp in Mumbai after days of speculation over their future.   Welcoming the leaders, Shinde described the move as the success of "Operation Tiger" and said the MPs had joined the "real Shiv Sena". The development strengthens the Shinde faction's position in Parliament and marks another significant shift in Maharashtra politics. Uddhav Thackeray's camp has criticised the defections and called meetings to discuss its response. (PC: India Today)

Lionel Messi created FIFA World Cup history by becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer during Argentina's Group J match against Austria in Dallas. The Argentine captain scored his 17th World Cup goal, moving past Germany's Miroslav Klose on the all-time list.   Messi had earlier missed a penalty but later found the net to give Argentina the lead in a closely contested encounter. The historic strike marked another milestone in the 39-year-old's remarkable career. With the match still in progress, Argentina were on course to strengthen their position in Group J as Austria continued to search for an equaliser.  

At least 15 people, most of them students, were killed after a massive fire broke out in a commercial building housing a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday. Several students were trapped inside as thick smoke spread rapidly through the building, forcing some to jump from the first floor in a desperate attempt to escape. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after an extensive operation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site and ordered an investigation into the tragedy. The cause of the fire is being probed. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, according to US Vice President JD Vance, marking a major step in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Speaking in Switzerland, Vance said discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could begin within days.   The announcement followed the first round of US-Iran talks aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days. Mediators Qatar and Pakistan said both sides had agreed on a roadmap for further negotiations. The talks also covered reopening the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining a regional ceasefire. Iran continues to insist its nuclear programme is for peaceful civilian purposes. (PC: BBC)