The death of 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal at Pune's Lohagad Fort has sparked intense debate over trial by media. What was initially treated as an accidental fall turned into a murder investigation after police arrested his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her friend, Chetan Chaudhary, accusing them of killing him. Both have denied the allegations through their lawyers, who say there is no conclusive evidence against them. As the investigation continues, personal photos, videos and unverified claims have flooded television and social media, raising concerns that public opinion is being shaped before a court has determined guilt or innocence. (PC: X)

A Russian couple climbed the restricted transmission tower of New York City's Empire State Building, unfurled a peace banner and got engaged before being arrested by police. Urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus reached the top of the 1,454-foot skyscraper without authorization and documented the stunt on social media. After displaying a banner calling for world peace, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau on a platform near the tower's base, and she accepted. The New York Police Department later took the pair into custody without incident. Authorities are investigating how they accessed the restricted area.

An India-bound oil tanker has safely reached Paradip Port in Odisha after coming under gunfire near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The vessel was carrying crude oil when it encountered the security incident during its voyage through the tense Gulf region. Despite the attack, the tanker continued its journey without major damage or injuries to the crew. Authorities confirmed that the ship arrived safely at the Indian port and cargo operations are expected to continue as planned. The incident highlights ongoing security risks for commercial shipping in the Middle East. (PC: X)

Trump ally and far-right activist Laura Loomer has sparked fresh controversy after urging Israel to carry out strikes during the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a series of social media posts, Loomer described the funeral as a "target-rich environment" and encouraged the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to act. She later said she would support any opportunity to see the US or Israel target "jihadis." Her remarks quickly drew criticism online and added to tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. (PC: HT)

Belgium produced one of the greatest comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, beating Senegal 3-2 after extra time to reach the Round of 16. Trailing 2-0 until the closing minutes of normal time, Belgium fought back through Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to force extra time. With a penalty shootout moments away, Tielemans converted a dramatic 125th-minute spot-kick after a VAR review awarded Belgium a penalty. The victory completed an extraordinary turnaround and sent the Red Devils into the Round of 16, where they will face the United States in Seattle. (PC: X)

At least 10 people were killed after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, according to Ukrainian officials. Several residential areas were hit, triggering fires, damaging civilian infrastructure and forcing residents to seek shelter. Children were among the casualties, while emergency teams continued rescue operations across the city. Ukraine said the strikes deliberately targeted civilian areas, while Russia claimed it attacked military and energy facilities in response to recent Ukrainian strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned that Moscow was preparing a major assault on the capital. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi jointly inaugurated Maruti Suzuki India's new manufacturing plant at Kharkhoda in Haryana, marking one of the country's biggest automobile investments. The Rs 35,000 crore project is Maruti Suzuki's fourth manufacturing facility in India and will add an annual production capacity of 10 lakh vehicles when fully operational. The plant is expected to create more than 21,000 direct jobs while boosting India's automotive supply chain, exports and the 'Make in India' initiative. The inauguration also highlights the growing economic and industrial partnership between India and Japan. (PC: India Today)

The United States ended a 24-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun gave the hosts the lead just before half-time but was sent off after a VAR review in the second half. Despite playing with 10 men, the Americans stayed composed as Malik Tillman scored from a superb free-kick to seal the victory. USA will now face Belgium in the Round of 16, keeping their dream of a deep World Cup run alive on home soil. (PC: NDTV)

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea during a routine operation. Three of the four crew members were rescued safely and are reported to be in stable condition aboard the aircraft carrier, while an intensive search continues for the missing aircrew member. The U.S. Navy said there is no indication the incident resulted from hostile action, and the cause remains under investigation. Naval assets in the region are supporting the ongoing search-and-rescue mission as authorities work to determine what led to the emergency landing. (PC: X)

Twenty-six years after Patrick Kluivert suffered a painful World Cup exit on June 29, history repeated itself for his son, Justin Kluivert. The Netherlands were eliminated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after losing to Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Patrick had endured a similarly heartbreaking defeat in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Brazil on penalties. The striking coincidence of both father and son experiencing major World Cup heartbreak on the same date has become a poignant moment in Dutch football history, highlighting football’s remarkable cycles across generations. (PC: X)