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)

Ghana’s viral FIFA World Cup supporter Kailani Ibrahim Kpa, popularly known as “Powder Man,” has dismissed widespread claims that his famous powder-blowing celebrations involve juju or supernatural powers. Speaking after attracting global attention during Ghana’s World Cup campaign, Kpa clarified that he is an actor and entertainer whose performances are designed solely to energise fans and celebrate Ghanaian football culture. He stressed that his trademark white powder and theatrical gestures are part of a carefully created character rather than any spiritual ritual. While social media speculation linked his antics to traditional beliefs, Kpa insisted the performance is purely symbolic, urging fans to appreciate it as entertainment instead of attributing mystical powers to it.

A Delhi court rejected the fresh bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the alleged larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 North East Delhi riots. The trial court ruled that it was bound by the Supreme Court of India's January 5, 2026 order, which permitted fresh bail applications only after protected witnesses were examined or one year had elapsed, whichever occurred first. The defence cited a subsequent Supreme Court ruling in the Syed Iftikhar Andrabi v. NIA case, arguing that prolonged incarceration could justify bail. However, the trial court held it had no option but to follow the earlier binding directive. (PC: Emmanual Yogini)

A man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as Zeeshan Mir from Muzaffarabad, allegedly crossed the Line of Control (LoC) illegally after developing an online relationship with Iram Majeed from Uri in Jammu and Kashmir through Snapchat. According to officials, Mir entered Indian territory about a month before being apprehended by the Indian Army’s 12 Grenadiers near the Silikote sector on May 31. Following legal and security formalities, he was handed over to Pakistan Army officials at the Kaman Aman Setu crossing on July 4. Officials said he was treated with dignity during his stay. The incident adds to several recent cross-border love stories linked to social media. (PC: News18)