A powerful heatwave continued to grip Europe on Saturday, with Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic recording their highest-ever temperatures. Germany reached a provisional 41.5°C, while the Czech Republic hit 40.8°C and Denmark recorded 37°C. Around 150 million people across Europe are experiencing temperatures above 35°C, prompting warnings from the World Meteorological Organization about serious health and environmental risks. The heatwave has already been linked to hundreds of deaths, including rising drowning incidents in France and heat-related fatalities in Spain. Forecasters expect cooler conditions to gradually spread across western Europe later this week. (PC: BBC)

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised FIFA over the travel and visa difficulties his team faced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the tournament "a disaster." Taremi said, **"It's a disaster. FIFA didn't solve our problems,"** referring to the logistical challenges that affected Iran's campaign. The team was based in Mexico and travelled to the United States for matches because of visa restrictions, while some staff members were reportedly denied entry. Taremi said the situation created unnecessary difficulties for the squad. Iran finished third in Group G and now depends on other results to qualify for the Round of 32. (PC: New York Times)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Sunday in support of students protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Shortly after the fast began, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleged that Delhi Police disconnected water and sanitation facilities at the protest site. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed repeated requests to restore the basic amenities were ignored despite concerns over Wangchuk's age and health. The protest, which has continued since June 20, also demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak issue. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the **'Guardian of the Blue Horizon'**, Seychelles' highest national honour, during his state visit to the island nation. The award was presented by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in recognition of Modi's leadership in environmental conservation, sustainable development, climate action and the Blue Economy. Accepting the honour, Modi dedicated it to all countries working to combat climate change and promote sustainable growth. India and Seychelles also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in maritime security, ocean governance and regional development, while signing several agreements to deepen bilateral ties. (PC: India Today)

Modern football is increasingly being shaped by immigrants and their families, whose stories have become central to many national teams. From France and England to Spain, Australia and the United States, players with immigrant roots are making a major impact at the FIFA World Cup. An Indian Express report highlights how local community clubs, especially in immigrant neighbourhoods, help preserve identity while nurturing football talent. Coaches and players say the sport offers belonging, friendship and opportunity for people far from home. The World Cup reflects not only sporting excellence but also the diverse backgrounds that have transformed football into a truly global game. (PC: The Indian Express)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to Bangladesh before the end of this year despite living in exile in India since 2024. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, the Awami League leader said, "I'll be back home this year," expressing confidence in her political comeback. Hasina described the Awami League as more than just a political party, calling it a "force." She also said that attacks on minority communities are attacks on Bangladesh's independence. Her remarks come days after the Awami League marked its 77th foundation day despite a nationwide ban, with several party workers reportedly arrested during the events.  

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified after Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain in response to fresh American strikes on Iranian targets. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that US bases in the region would face "hell" if attacks continued and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire. The US said its strikes targeted Iranian military facilities after a drone attack on a commercial tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump warned that Iran could "cease to exist" if forced to escalate military action, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai Police have arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly distributing capsules filled with rat poison during a Muharram procession in an attempt to cause mass harm. Police said the accused disguised zinc phosphide-filled capsules as painkillers after allegedly preparing around 30,000 capsules over the past two weeks. The plot came to light after one person fell ill after consuming a capsule, leading investigators to the suspect. Police have seized nearly 15,000 capsules and are searching for the remaining stock. Authorities are also investigating possible foreign links and whether others were involved in the alleged conspiracy. (PC: HT)

Lionel Messi once again lit up the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a sensational free-kick against Jordan. Introduced from the bench in the second half, the Argentina captain curled a low strike past a motionless goalkeeper in the 80th minute, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament. The goal extended Messi's all-time World Cup tally to 19 and made him the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Argentina went on to beat Jordan 3-1, completing a perfect group-stage campaign with three wins from three ahead of the Round of 32.  

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh military strikes on Saturday, with both countries accusing each other of violating their recent ceasefire agreement. The US said it struck 10 Iranian military targets after a drone attack damaged a Panama-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denied responsibility and retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US-linked military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. US officials reported no American casualties. The latest escalation has raised fears over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, and threatens to derail recent diplomatic efforts. (PC: BBC)