The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated 23 Pakistan-based operatives linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and other terror outfits as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, taking the total number of designated individuals to 80. The list includes 17 Pakistani nationals and six Indians, all currently operating from Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Among them is Bengaluru engineer Mohammed Shaheed Faisal, accused of recruiting youths, raising terror funds and handling multiple Karnataka-based terror modules, including the 2024 Rameshwaram Cafe blast. The list also features close aides of Hafiz Saeed and senior Jaish operatives allegedly involved in infiltration, drone-based arms supply, recruitment and major terror attacks targeting India. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said Washington could eliminate Iran’s remaining leadership “with one shot” if it chose to, referring to senior Iranian officials gathered for the state funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Trump, however, said the United States deliberately avoided such action to preserve ongoing nuclear negotiations with Tehran. “They are all there. One shot, but we are not going to do that because then we would have nobody to negotiate with,” he told Axios. Trump had earlier said he had given Iran a “week off” to observe Khamenei’s funeral before diplomatic efforts resumed. (PC: MSN)

Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has explained the heated post-match incident with Kylian Mbappé after France's 1-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory. Coronel admitted he threw the ball toward Mbappé after feeling ignored when the French captain declined his handshake following the final whistle. He insisted the act was born out of frustration rather than hostility, saying emotions ran high after Paraguay's narrow elimination. The incident briefly sparked tension on the pitch before teammates intervened. France advanced to the quarterfinals, while Paraguay exited the tournament after a spirited defensive performance against the former world champions.

Security forces have launched an intensive search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district following intelligence reports about the presence of militants linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The joint operation, involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces, has led to cordon-and-search efforts across suspected locations. Authorities are conducting thorough searches while maintaining heightened security to prevent militant movement or attacks. No exchange of fire or casualties had been reported at the time of the operation. Officials said the search would continue until the area is fully cleared and secured. (PC: The Hindu)

India has dropped one place to 125th in the Global Passport Index 2026, reflecting the relative strength of its passport compared with others worldwide. Despite the slight decline in ranking, Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 54 destinations, an improvement over previous years. The index evaluates passports based on global mobility and ease of international travel. While countries like Singapore, Japan and several European nations continue to dominate the rankings, India’s expanded travel access signals gradual progress, even as its overall global position slipped. (PC: Getty Images)

France secured a tense 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, booking a quarterfinal clash with Morocco. Captain Kylian Mbappé scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Désiré Doué. Paraguay frustrated France with disciplined defending and physical play, while goalkeeper Mike Maignan made crucial late saves to preserve the lead. Despite dominating possession, France struggled to break down Paraguay until Mbappé's intervention, extending Les Bleus' title bid with another resilient knockout-stage performance. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning during the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, claiming the United States could eliminate Iran's remaining leadership "with one shot" but had chosen not to because there would be no one left to negotiate with. Trump also said Washington was pausing negotiations during the mourning period, describing it as a gesture of goodwill. His remarks came as massive crowds gathered across Tehran for Khamenei's funeral amid heightened security, anti-US slogans, and fragile regional tensions following the recent conflict and an uneasy ceasefire. (PC: Reuters)

Morocco stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in their Round of 16 clash in Houston. After a tense first half, Azzedine Ounahi broke the deadlock before scoring again after the restart to put the Atlas Lions firmly in control. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi sealed the win deep into stoppage time after being introduced following an injury to tournament top-scorer Ismael Saibari. Brahim Díaz provided assists for Ounahi’s second goal and Rahimi’s late strike as Morocco completed a dominant second-half display. The African champions now await the winner of the France-Paraguay Round of 16 match in the quarter-finals.

Defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek crashed out in the third round after a stunning 7-6 (11-9), 6-2 defeat to 21-year-old Alexandra Eala on Centre Court. The upset saw Eala become the first Filipina to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam singles event. Reflecting on her title defence ending, Swiatek admitted “s**t happens,” blaming uncharacteristic net errors while acknowledging Eala’s fearless display. The six-time Grand Slam champion said she failed to find the right balance in crucial moments, particularly during the opening-set tiebreak, where Eala played with greater courage. Eala now faces 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, while Swiatek’s early exit raises fresh questions over her consistency.

Iran issued a fresh warning to the United States and Israel during the funeral ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei declaring that “divine retribution” against both nations was near. In a message carried by Iranian state media, Ozmaei said Iran’s armed forces had renewed their commitment to Khamenei’s legacy and would continue defending the Islamic nation. Speaking on behalf of personnel guarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, he described the funeral as a renewed pledge to uphold Khamenei’s ideals and resist what he called the front of “arrogance and disbelief.” Khamenei was killed in coordinated US-Israeli air strikes on Tehran on February 28, 2026. (PC: X)