UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin skipped the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey, protesting several decisions by FIFA. His boycott followed FIFA’s controversial decision to let United States striker Folarin Balogun avoid suspension after intervention from US President Donald Trump. UEFA had called the move “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” Ceferin also opposes FIFA’s expanded halftime entertainment, proposals for a 64-team World Cup, and several new disciplinary rules introduced during the tournament. The absence highlighted growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA over governance, competition rules, and the future direction of international football. (PC: BBC)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the police crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest march. Calling the incident “un-Indian,” Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister’s silence and accused the government of suppressing students instead of addressing concerns over the examination system. He also criticised Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, claiming Parliament was denied a discussion on the issue. Gandhi demanded the resignations of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Several Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal, also condemned the police action. (PC: India Today)

3 Argentina footballers could face questions over their UK visas after displaying a Falklands banner during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez held a banner saying the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina after beating England in the semi-final. The display sparked criticism in the UK. Some British politicians demanded action and called for the players' work visas to be cancelled. However, an immigration expert said showing the banner alone is unlikely to be enough to cancel their visas. FIFA is also investigating the incident and another clash involving Argentina players after the World Cup final. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said those involved in the NEET paper leak will face strict punishment under the law. Speaking at the NDA parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, he asked lawmakers to assure students that their interests will be protected. He also said young people should not be misled by the opposition. His remarks came as protests over the paper leak continued during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister also spoke about recent achievements, including free trade agreements. He added that the government will protect farmers' interests while signing trade deals with other countries. (PC: PTI)

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin skipped the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in protest over FIFA's handling of disciplinary and tournament issues. According to Telegraph Sport, Ceferin was angered after Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match suspension following a red card was reportedly lifted during the tournament. UEFA said the move undermined football's rules, fairness and credibility, calling it an unprecedented and unjustifiable decision. Ceferin also reportedly objected to referee Omar Artan being denied US entry, Iran's treatment during the tournament, costly ticket prices and new disciplinary rules. His absence highlighted escalating tensions between UEFA and FIFA over the tournament's governance. (PC: Turkiye Today)

Hundreds of farmers marching from Punjab to Delhi for a Kisan Mahapanchayat against the proposed India-US trade agreement were stopped by Haryana Police at the Shambhu border, where fresh barricades evoked memories of the 2024 "Delhi Chalo-2" agitation. Denied entry, the protesters turned the border into a demonstration site, accusing the Haryana and Punjab governments of curbing their democratic right to assemble. Farmer groups warned the proposed trade pact could expose India's agriculture and dairy sectors to subsidised US imports, threatening millions of livelihoods. They demanded transparency in negotiations and urged the Centre not to sign any agreement without consulting farmers and other stakeholders.

A 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Kerala, Akhil Joyan, was among four Indians reportedly killed after a cargo vessel came under attack off Ukraine's coast. A native of Kasaragod, Akhil had recently returned to work after getting engaged, with his wedding scheduled in two months. Following reports of the attack, the Kerala Chief Minister's Office directed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department to coordinate with the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to verify details and assist the family. Local officials said the shipping company informed relatives of his death by email as authorities worked to complete formalities and facilitate repatriation. (PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, expressing confidence that India and the UK would continue strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In his message, Modi said he looked forward to working closely with Burnham to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation and people-to-people ties. The congratulatory message came as both countries seek to expand collaboration following recent progress in bilateral relations. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to advancing shared priorities and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of the India-UK partnership in promoting mutual growth, economic opportunities and strategic engagement in the years ahead.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said the group's protest will continue, accusing the Centre of prioritising Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over students demanding accountability in the NEET paper leak row. Addressing supporters, Dipke alleged the government was willing to "spill" students' blood to protect the minister, whom he held responsible for the deaths of more than 20 students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy. His remarks came as the agitation entered another day despite talks between CJP representatives and the Centre yielding no concrete assurances. Protesters have reiterated that demonstrations will continue until their key demands, including Pradhan's resignation, are addressed by the government.

Spain’s FIFA World Cup final hero Ferran Torres shares a unique connection with India, where the forward first showcased his talent at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. Then a 17-year-old Valencia academy prospect, Torres scored two goals and provided two assists as Spain finished runners-up, playing in Kochi and Kolkata. Nearly nine years later, the Barcelona forward struck the decisive 106th-minute winner against Argentina to secure Spain’s second World Cup title and was named Player of the Match. Torres also became only the second Spaniard after Andres Iniesta to score a World Cup-winning goal, while teammate Eric Garcia also featured in India’s 2017 U-17 tournament. (PC: India.com)