Jude Bellingham is emerging as England's biggest star at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after scoring twice against Norway to send the Three Lions into the semi-finals. The 23-year-old became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score 2 or more goals in consecutive World Cup knockout matches. He is also the second-youngest player after Pele to achieve the feat. Bellingham now has 9 goals in major tournaments for England and will lead his side into a blockbuster semi-final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. His outstanding form has sparked comparisons with some of football's greatest World Cup performers.  

An Iranian newspaper linked to Tehran's municipal authorities has published an infographic naming US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer among foreign leaders it described as targets for revenge following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The list appeared after Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, vowed retaliation against those responsible for his father's killing. The publication has further raised concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East, though it does not represent an official government policy or military announcement. (PC: HT)

New York City has introduced a new "Click-to-Cancel" rule that will require companies to let customers cancel subscriptions as easily as they signed up. Announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the rule will take effect on October 1, making New York the first U.S. city to adopt such a law. It applies to automatic renewal and continuous service subscriptions, requiring clear terms and a simple cancellation process. The move follows a similar Federal Trade Commission rule that was struck down by a U.S. appeals court in 2025 over procedural issues after legal challenges from major companies.

Minerva Academy scripted history by defeating defending champions HJK 1-0 to win the Helsinki Cup 2026 in Finland. The Indian youth side produced a disciplined performance in the final, with the decisive goal securing the club's first title at the prestigious international tournament. The victory marked a major milestone for Indian youth football, as Minerva completed an impressive campaign against strong European opposition. Players and coaching staff celebrated the historic triumph, calling it a proud moment for Indian football. The success is expected to boost the reputation of India's youth development system on the global stage.  

The United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran after Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following an incident involving a commercial vessel. The US military said it struck 140 Iranian military targets, including missile sites, drone facilities and communication networks. In response, Iran claimed it targeted a US base in Jordan and launched missiles and drones toward the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting air defence operations across the region. The latest escalation has heightened tensions in the Middle East and raised fresh concerns over global shipping, energy supplies and regional security. (PC: BBC)

India on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, calling the incident "deeply worrisome" amid the escalating US-Iran conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs said attacks on civilian ships threaten maritime security and global trade, urging all sides to respect international law and ensure safe navigation. According to officials, 10 of the 11 Indian crew members have been rescued, while one remains missing. New Delhi said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with regional authorities to ensure the safety of Indian nationals. (PC: HT)

The Middle East conflict escalated sharply after the United States launched strikes on 140 Iranian targets following Tehran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz. Iran announced the closure after intercepting a vessel it claimed was using an "unauthorised route." The US said the strikes targeted missile and drone sites, naval assets, ammunition depots and surveillance systems. Hours later, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, triggering air defence operations and missile alerts across the Gulf. The latest escalation has further weakened diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and raised concerns over regional stability.  

At least 2 people were killed and several others injured after gunfire broke out during the annual Salsa on St. Clair street festival in Toronto, Canada. Police said an exchange of gunfire between 2 individuals triggered panic among thousands of festival-goers. Officers recovered 2 firearms from the scene and launched an investigation, but no arrests had been made. Authorities are managing multiple crime scenes and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the attack, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.  

Fresh US strikes on Iranian military targets have sharply escalated tensions across the Gulf, prompting Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE to activate emergency security measures. Iran claimed it launched missile and drone attacks on several US military bases, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, though these claims remain unverified. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile aerial targets, while Bahrain and Qatar issued emergency alerts. The US said it struck around 140 Iranian military sites to weaken Tehran's capabilities. The growing conflict has also raised concerns over regional security, global energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

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.