US President Donald Trump said American forces struck Iran "very hard" in retaliation for recent attacks that killed 3 US soldiers in Jordan and Iraq. The US carried out a ninth consecutive night of strikes, targeting military sites and communications networks, saying the operation aimed to weaken Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reported explosions in several cities and claimed it launched retaliatory attacks in Syria while targeting US aircraft in Jordan. Tehran also warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain unsafe if US military operations continue, raising fears of wider regional escalation. (PC: BBC)

Lionel Messi has faced criticism after appearing to urge the referee to send off Spain defender Marc Cucurella during Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat in the FIFA World Cup final. Messi was seen appealing for action under FIFA's rule on players covering their mouths while speaking, but the referee rejected the request. Pundits, including Wayne Rooney and Lee Dixon, called the move unsporting. Tensions escalated after the final whistle as players from both teams clashed on the pitch. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card following the confrontation, with FIFA expected to review the incident. (PC: India today)

Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) marched towards Parliament in New Delhi on Monday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. Delhi Police used barricades and a lathi-charge to stop protesters from reaching Parliament, triggering chaos as several people fell during the crackdown. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das claimed party founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained by police. Samajwadi Party leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Dimple Yadav, criticised the police action and demanded justice for NEET students, alleging excessive force was used against peaceful protesters. (PC: X)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Home Minister Amit Shah inside Parliament on Monday as the government monitored the escalating CJP protest over the NEET paper leak. The meeting came as protesters moved closer to the Parliament complex, prompting heightened security and the closure of some entry gates. Talks were also held between protest leaders and the government, while Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda was expected to engage further if demonstrations continued. Inside Parliament, the INDIA bloc met to finalise its strategy for the Monsoon Session, with the NEET controversy remaining a key issue in both the House and on the streets. (PC: India Today)

Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's new prime minister, replacing Keir Starmer after winning the Labour Party leadership. Starmer will deliver his farewell speech before both leaders meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace, after which Burnham will officially take office. In his first address outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham is expected to promise "more breathing room" for Britain and call for a more stable and responsible style of politics. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wished him success but questioned his plans. Burnham will become the UK's fifth prime minister in the past 4 years. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the Parliament complex on Monday as hundreds of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters continued their march towards Parliament amid heavy security. Authorities closed Parliament entry gates and deployed additional police personnel as the protesters approached the area. Tear gas shells and baton charges were reported near the Constitution Club and the Reserve Bank of India as security forces tried to disperse the crowd. Protesters continued marching despite the action. Meanwhile, CJP leaders held talks with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, while activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to be discharged from hospital to join the Parliament march. 

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has requested Safdarjung Hospital to allow him to leave temporarily so he can join the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Parliament march in Delhi. In a handwritten letter, Wangchuk said he was feeling well and that his health parameters were normal. His team shared the letter on X, questioning why he was being restricted if he was not under detention. Wangchuk was admitted to the hospital by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike. He also said his fast would continue until the government addresses education issues, including paper leaks, or MPs assure action. (PC: NDTV)

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has hinted that he could step down after his team's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. An emotional Scaloni said the loss "hurts me in the soul" and admitted he needs time to reflect on his future before making a decision. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, he praised his players for their effort throughout the tournament and called Lionel Messi's performances "unbelievable." Scaloni, who guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles, said he will discuss his future with the Argentine Football Association. (PC: India Today)

Hundreds of CJP protesters continued marching from Connaught Place towards Jantar Mantar and Parliament House on Monday, passing the Reserve Bank of India, Press Club of India and Raisina Road. The group claimed security personnel used tear gas shells at Jantar Mantar during the protest. In posts on X, the CJP questioned the police action, calling the march peaceful. Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his hunger strike after the father of a NEET student who died by suicide urged him to do so. The organisation said Dipke ended the fast to lead the march towards Parliament.

Argentina President Javier Milei triggered social media buzz after an apparent scheduled X post celebrating a FIFA World Cup victory went live despite Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 final. The post announced a national holiday to celebrate the triumph, with the date to be decided by the players and coaching staff, prompting speculation that it had been scheduled in advance and not deleted. Earlier, Milei had thanked the squad for their fighting spirit following the defeat. Spain secured its second men's World Cup title through Ferran Torres' 106th-minute winner, ending Argentina's title defence and Lionel Messi's final World Cup campaign on a heartbreaking note.