China is advancing plans to expand its regional connectivity network by linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh route, extending its strategic reach from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. The initiative aims to boost trade, infrastructure and regional connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative. However, analysts say the move could strengthen China's geopolitical influence around India and increase strategic pressure on New Delhi. India remains cautious, citing sovereignty concerns over CPEC and the growing Chinese presence in neighbouring countries, while Bangladesh views the proposal as an opportunity for economic development and improved connectivity. (PC: X)

A 17-year-old boy died after being electrocuted while walking through a waterlogged street in Maharashtra’s Thane during heavy rainfall. According to his family, exposed electrical cables lying inside roadside gutters became live after the rain, and repeated calls for emergency assistance went unanswered. The teenager reportedly received a fatal electric shock after stepping into the flooded area. The incident has triggered allegations of negligence against civic authorities over poor maintenance of electrical infrastructure and delayed emergency response. Officials have launched an investigation into the tragedy, while the grieving family has demanded accountability and action to prevent similar incidents. (PC: NDTV)

Belgium produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash. Senegal took control with two first-half goals and looked set for a famous victory, but Belgium fought back through late goals to level the match and force extra time. The decisive winner came in the additional period, completing a remarkable turnaround and securing Belgium’s place in the Round of 16. The victory showcased Belgium’s resilience under pressure, while Senegal’s spirited performance ended in heartbreak after surrendering a commanding lead in one of the tournament’s most dramatic knockout encounters. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership during their summit in New Delhi, highlighting shared interests in security, technology and economic growth. Modi warmly referred to Takaichi as India's “little sister,” reflecting the close bilateral relationship. The two leaders announced major agreements on artificial intelligence, economic security, critical minerals, energy resilience and defence co-development, alongside a roadmap for over $10 billion in new Japanese investments. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, stronger supply chains and expanded cooperation in advanced technologies and regional stability. (PC: X)

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly disputed the red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun during the USA’s 2-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun, who scored the opening goal, was sent off after a VAR review for a challenge on a Bosnian defender. Pochettino argued the incident was a “normal action” and insisted the dismissal was harsh and undeserved. Despite playing with 10 men, the USA secured victory and advanced to the Round of 16, where Balogun will miss the clash against Belgium due to an automatic one-match suspension. (PC: Reuters)

The family of 33-year-old merchant navy sailor Rakesh Ramdev Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh has alleged that his body was returned from Venezuela with several vital organs missing after his death aboard a merchant vessel. A second post-mortem in India reportedly found the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines and other organs absent, making the exact cause of death impossible to determine. While Venezuelan authorities attributed the death to a heart attack, the family and the Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) have demanded a transparent investigation, accountability, and compensation, raising concerns over possible irregularities in the handling of the case.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has been hit by fresh refereeing controversy after USA striker Folarin Balogun received a straight red card during his team's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge, forcing the United States to finish the match with 10 players. After the decision, many fans on social media compared the incident to a similar challenge involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament that did not result in a red card. The debate has reignited questions over consistency in FIFA's officiating and VAR decisions. (PC: X)

India-born business leader and former PepsiCo Chairperson and CEO Indra Nooyi said the United States' merit-based system made it possible for her to lead one of the world's largest companies, adding that she "would never have been CEO in India." Speaking during a conversation with former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Hoover Institution, Nooyi said the US rewards talent regardless of gender or ethnicity. Born and raised in Chennai, India, she moved to the US for higher studies before rising to lead PepsiCo. She said the country's meritocratic culture gave her opportunities she believes she would not have received elsewhere.   (PC: X)

Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, killing at least 18 people and injuring around 90 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, striking residential neighbourhoods, apartment buildings and other civilian sites across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as the "most massive attack" on the capital in terms of the number of weapons used. Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians, while Moscow said the strikes were aimed at military and defence facilities. Rescue operations and investigations are continuing. (PC: BBC)

India's Supreme Court has strongly cautioned against the misuse of artificial intelligence in legal proceedings, calling its unchecked use "catastrophic" and warning that fake or AI-generated case citations threaten the justice system. The court said relying on fabricated judgments or unverified AI outputs amounts to misconduct, not a simple error. Stressing that AI can only assist and never replace human judgment, the bench highlighted the need for accountability by judges and lawyers. The observations came while examining cases involving AI-generated fake legal citations and reinforced the court's push for responsible AI use in India's judicial system. (PC: HT)