Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has won widespread admiration for a heartfelt gesture toward Venezuelan earthquake survivor Andres Milles ahead of Portugal’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash with Spain. Andres, who lost his family in the June 24 earthquake and underwent a leg amputation after being rescued from the rubble, had expressed his dream of owning Ronaldo’s Panini World Cup sticker. After learning of his story, Ronaldo sent a personal video message encouraging the boy’s recovery, invited him to attend one of his matches, and promised to meet him in person. Reports also say Ronaldo is sending Andres a signed Portugal jersey.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said American strikes had “knocked the hell out of Iran” as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended a public funeral for senior military commanders and nuclear scientists killed during the recent conflict. Trump claimed the attacks severely damaged Iran’s nuclear programme but added that negotiations with Tehran could resume if Iran agreed to strict conditions. The remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions following weeks of military escalation between the two countries. Iran has not accepted Trump's claims, while regional and global powers continue urging restraint and a return to diplomacy. (PC: X)

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack targeting a Pakistani military convoy in Gwadar, alleging that more than 30 security personnel were killed. According to the group, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber struck the convoy before additional fighters launched a coordinated assault. Pakistani authorities have acknowledged the attack but have not confirmed the casualty figures claimed by the BLA. Security forces have launched operations in the area as investigations continue. The incident highlights the persistent insurgency in Balochistan, where separatist groups frequently target security personnel and government infrastructure.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were overcome with emotion during the farewell ceremony for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, breaking down in tears as thousands gathered to pay their final respects. The funeral drew massive crowds from across Iran, reflecting the late leader's influence over the country's political and religious landscape. Senior officials, military commanders and mourners attended the solemn event amid heightened regional tensions following recent conflict with the United States. The ceremony marked a significant moment in Iran's history as the nation mourned one of its most powerful and influential leaders.

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy during America's Fourth of July celebrations by saying the United States had "given Iran a week off" during the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump used the occasion to underscore U.S. military strength while criticizing Tehran, as Iran held large-scale mourning events attended by millions. The remarks came amid heightened tensions following the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, with Iranian leaders warning against further provocations. The contrasting events—America's Independence Day celebrations and Iran's state funeral—symbolized the deep geopolitical divide between the two nations and their continuing war of words. (PC: Reuters)

India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved defence procurement proposals worth nearly ₹52,000 crore to strengthen the Army, Navy and Air Force. The approvals focus on advanced missile systems, anti-drone technology, air defence, surveillance equipment and unmanned warfare capabilities. The move aims to improve India's operational readiness and enhance its ability to counter emerging security threats. The proposals received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), allowing the procurement process to move forward. Officials said the acquisitions will significantly modernise the armed forces and strengthen India's overall defence preparedness through advanced military technology. (PC: India Today)

A Polish woman has sparked online debate by accusing sections of the media of applying double standards in reporting Europe's ongoing heatwave. She argued that extreme temperatures in some countries receive extensive international attention, while similar or worse conditions elsewhere are often overlooked. Her comments, shared widely on social media, have fueled discussions about media priorities, regional representation, and consistency in climate reporting. The controversy comes as Europe experiences severe heat, prompting health warnings, wildfire risks, and disruptions across several countries. The debate highlights growing public scrutiny of how climate-related events are covered by global news outlets.

The 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara is set against growing security concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine and renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for European allies to increase defence spending. Trump has argued that Europe should shoulder a greater share of NATO’s security burden, while alliance members debate meeting ambitious defence spending targets. Leaders are also expected to discuss continued military support for Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, boosting defence production, and maintaining alliance unity. The summit is viewed as a crucial test of NATO’s cohesion amid evolving geopolitical threats and transatlantic tensions. (PC: AP)

Indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, concluded with what officials described as "positive progress" toward implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Discussions focused on easing regional tensions, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and broader peace efforts following earlier negotiations. While no final agreement was reached, both sides agreed to continue diplomatic engagement through further technical and indirect talks. Mediators expressed optimism that the latest discussions had narrowed differences and strengthened the foundation for future negotiations, raising hopes for greater stability and reduced tensions in the Middle East. (PC: The Hindu)

A massive wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, has killed at least 30 people and injured more than 150, making it one of the deadliest attacks on the city this year. Rescue teams continued searching through the rubble of collapsed residential buildings for survivors, while authorities declared a day of mourning. Ukrainian officials condemned the assault as a deliberate attack on civilians and renewed calls for stronger international support. The strikes caused widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure, underscoring the continuing intensity of the Russia-Ukraine war and its devastating humanitarian impact. (PC: AFP)