Ecuador declared a national holiday after the country's football team stunned four-time FIFA World Cup champions Germany with a dramatic 2–1 victory in the Round of 32. The historic win secured Ecuador's place in the Round of 16 and sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans flooding streets to mark one of the nation's greatest football achievements. Government officials announced the holiday to honour the team's remarkable performance and unite the country in celebration. Germany's early exit marked one of the tournament's biggest upsets, while Ecuador's fearless display highlighted their growing stature on the world football stage. (PC: AFP)

CJP founder Dipke has called on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, saying students would present him with a resignation letter as a "birthday gift." The remarks came during a protest highlighting concerns over the education system, including examination management, transparency, and student welfare. Dipke accused the ministry of failing to address persistent issues affecting students and demanded accountability for recent controversies. The protest reflects growing dissatisfaction among sections of the student community over educational policies and administrative decisions. The Union Education Ministry has not yet issued an official response to the demand for Pradhan's resignation. (PC: The Hindu)

CJP founder Dipke has called on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, saying students would present him with a resignation letter as a "birthday gift." The remarks came during a protest highlighting concerns over the education system, including examination management, transparency, and student welfare. Dipke accused the ministry of failing to address persistent issues affecting students and demanded accountability for recent controversies. The protest reflects growing dissatisfaction among sections of the student community over educational policies and administrative decisions. The Union Education Ministry has not yet issued an official response to the demand for Pradhan's resignation.

Newly appointed India's T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma has received a strong message from former cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who cautioned that leadership does not guarantee a permanent place in the team. Kaif stressed that consistent performances remain the only criterion for selection, pointing to recent examples where even senior players and captains have been dropped. The remarks come after India's leadership reshuffle following their T20 World Cup triumph, with Tilak elevated to the vice-captaincy. The warning highlights the highly competitive environment in Indian cricket, where every player must continue delivering results to retain their place. (PC: HT)

In a first, the Indian government has officially released the names of six soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor, marking a significant departure from its earlier approach to disclosing casualty details. The fallen personnel are Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar (Vir Chakra), Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Aviation Technician Mood Murali Naik, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh, and Sergeant Surendra Kumar (Vayu Medal). Their names have been added to the Roll of Honour at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The government paid tribute to their sacrifice and extended condolences to their families, recognising their service to the nation.

Japan and Sweden played out a 1–1 draw in their final Group F match, with both teams securing places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead early in the second half before Anthony Elanga equalised with a superb long-range strike six minutes later. Japan finished second in the group and will face Brazil in the knockout stage, while Sweden advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. The match came alive after a quiet first half, with both goalkeepers making crucial saves to preserve the result. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan's military has reportedly approved a 25% salary increase for its personnel, with reports suggesting the move is intended to boost troop morale following the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The pay hike is expected to benefit officers and soldiers across the armed forces as part of broader welfare measures. While officials have presented the increase as support for military personnel amid economic challenges, reports indicate morale concerns influenced the decision. The development comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with financial pressures, raising questions about the fiscal impact of increased defence spending alongside the country's ongoing economic recovery efforts. (PC: X)

Denmark's government has proposed a nationwide ban on broadcasting the Islamic azaan through loudspeakers, arguing that public spaces should remain free from religious calls amplified over sound systems. The proposal has sparked intense political and public debate over religious freedom, integration, and national identity. Supporters say the measure promotes social cohesion and equal treatment of all religions, while critics argue it unfairly targets Muslims and restricts religious expression. The debate follows comments from some politicians expressing concerns about demographic and cultural changes. If approved, the legislation would prohibit amplified azaan broadcasts across Denmark while allowing prayers to continue inside mosques. (PC: X)

The United States suffered a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Türkiye after conceding a late goal in their final Group D match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Despite the loss, the Americans had already secured qualification for the Round of 32 and finished second in the group. Türkiye's victory boosted their campaign, but the USA progressed to the knockout stage, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match featured end-to-end action, with both teams creating numerous chances before Türkiye sealed the win in the closing moments, ending the group stage on a high note. (PC: Fox)

Police have arrested eight people in connection with the alleged theft of cash from donation boxes at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The accused include a temple attendant, former bank employees, and others allegedly involved in the conspiracy. Investigators recovered a master key believed to have been used to access the donation boxes without authorization. Authorities suspect the group siphoned off devotees' contributions over a period of time and are examining financial records to determine the total amount stolen. The investigation is ongoing, with police probing whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged fraud. (PC:NDTV)