India has reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end support for cross-border terrorism. Responding to Pakistan's criticism, the Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi's position remains unchanged and stressed that the treaty was signed in good faith but has been undermined by decades of terrorism and hostile actions. The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions and follows recent international discussions on combating terrorism. Pakistan has opposed India's stance, while the decades-old water-sharing agreement continues to be a major point of contention between the two neighbours. 

Defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 scare, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the tournament's biggest upsets that never happened. Lionel Messi opened the scoring and later delivered the decisive corner that led to the winning goal, keeping Argentina's title defence alive. Cape Verde stunned the football world by twice equalising and pushing the favourites to their limits with a fearless display. Argentina eventually advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cape Verde exited with widespread praise for their historic and courageous performance. (PC: Getty Images)

Defending champions Argentina will take on World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, in a clash widely seen as the tournament's biggest knockout mismatch. Lionel Messi's side, three-time world champions, enter the match as overwhelming favourites against a Cape Verde team ranked 64th in the world. Despite their underdog status, Cape Verde have impressed by reaching the knockout stage unbeaten, earning draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The African nation now hopes to produce another historic upset, while Argentina aim to continue their title defence with a convincing victory. (PC: X)

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved defence procurement proposals worth ₹52,000 crore to strengthen the capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The clearance includes anti-tank guided missiles, kamikaze drones, Akash Tarang anti-UAV systems, medium-range and very short-range air defence systems, and advanced protection systems for tanks. The Navy will receive new unmanned aerial systems, sea mines and propulsion testing facilities, while the Air Force will procure a high-altitude pseudo satellite for surveillance and reconnaissance. The approvals mark another major step in India's military modernisation programme. (PC: HT)

India recorded one of its driest Junes since 1901, with rainfall nearly 40% below normal, prompting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to review the country's drought preparedness. Chairing a high-level meeting, Shah directed the Agriculture, Water Resources and Power ministries to coordinate with states and remain vigilant as the India Meteorological Department forecasts below-normal rainfall in July. He stressed the need to advise farmers on suitable crops, monitor reservoir levels and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. The Centre said adequate food grain stocks are available and is closely monitoring the impact of weak monsoon conditions linked to El Niño. (PC: X)

The Centre has granted a two-year exemption allowing four Chinese-linked power equipment manufacturers with factories in India to participate in government tenders for critical power projects. The companies—TBEA Energy, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India and Taikai Electric (India)—have been exempted from public procurement restrictions introduced after the 2020 India-China border clash. The Finance Ministry clarified that the exemption, issued on June 24, is valid only for two years and will not set a precedent for other firms. The move aims to support India's expanding power transmission network and growing renewable energy infrastructure. (PC: The Indian Express)

Defending champions Argentina begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout campaign against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Saturday. Lionel Messi's side topped Group J with a perfect record, winning all three matches to reach the knockout stage. If Argentina beat Cape Verde, they will face either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16. A further victory could set up a quarter-final against Switzerland or Colombia before possible clashes with Brazil, Mexico or England in the semi-finals. Argentina are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. (PC: NDTV)

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce are set to celebrate their highly anticipated wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York. More than 1,000 guests, including several celebrities, are expected to attend the private ceremony. Strict security measures, road closures and confidentiality agreements have been put in place, and no live broadcast is planned. Reports also suggest the couple may have already exchanged vows in a private ceremony, though this has not been officially confirmed. The wedding has attracted massive public attention and is being described as one of the biggest celebrity events of the year. (PC: X)

The political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated on Friday after a rebel faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee took control of Trinamool Bhavan, the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata, shortly after an Election Commission hearing on the party split. The rebel group reportedly changed the locks and installed new signboards, claiming to represent the "real" TMC. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction called the takeover illegal and announced legal action against those involved. The development marks a major escalation in the ongoing battle over the party's leadership, organisation, and election symbol. (PC: India Today)

A powerful heatwave forced the temporary closure of the Great American State Fair on Washington, DC’s National Mall as Fourth of July celebrations got underway. More than 165 million people across the US East Coast and Midwest were under extreme heat warnings, with temperatures reaching up to 41°C in cities including Washington and Philadelphia. Organisers closed the fair until evening to protect visitors and staff. Several Independence Day events were delayed or cancelled because of dangerous conditions. Officials warned that the heatwave could continue through the weekend before thunderstorms and cooler weather arrive in parts of the eastern United States. (PC: BBC)