Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck western Venezuela within seconds on June 24, triggering widespread panic, structural collapses and emergency rescue operations. The epicentres were located near Morón, about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Authorities reported damage to residential buildings, roads and airport infrastructure, while hospitals were placed on alert. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, identified six worst-hit regions and appointed General Juan Ernesto Sulbarán Quintero to lead the military response. Venezuela’s main international airport was temporarily closed due to serious damage. At least 20 aftershocks followed, while the USGS warned of potentially significant casualties and economic losses.

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches by FIFA after a reckless tackle left Canada’s Ismael Kone with a broken tibia and fibula during their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match in Vancouver. The incident occurred in the 51st minute of Canada’s 6-0 victory, overshadowing the nation’s landmark World Cup win. Madibo received a straight red card and later personally apologised to Kone. Following a review, FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed the ban for “serious foul play.” Kone underwent emergency surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months. Qatar can appeal the decision but had not commented immediately after the ruling.                               

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is showing signs of recovery, with 30 India-bound ships successfully crossing the strategic waterway while 26 vessels of Indian interest remain in the Persian Gulf awaiting transit. According to shipping ministry sources, nearly half of the ships that crossed were carrying LPG and LNG, alongside crude oil and bulk cargo. Officials attributed the improvement to easing tensions following the Iran-US memorandum of understanding. Of the vessels still awaiting passage, three carry energy cargo, ten transport fertilisers, and thirteen carry other goods. As nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, uninterrupted shipping remains crucial for India’s energy security. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is facing severe shortages of food, fuel and medicines amid escalating anti-government protests and a region-wide shutdown led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Residents, opposition groups and local reports allege Pakistani authorities are restricting the movement of essential supplies into the territory to suppress dissent, a claim Islamabad denies. The unrest centres on disputed legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, with protesters accusing Islamabad of political interference. Clashes have reportedly left 58 people dead. Residents across Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Rawalakot, Bagh and Neelum Valley report worsening shortages, while some allege police blocked vehicles carrying food, medicines and fuel into POK. (PC: PTI)                           

An event focused on helping cities adapt to extreme heat was cancelled in London after soaring temperatures made it unsafe for attendees. The meeting, part of London Climate Action Week, was due to take place at the London School of Economics but organisers said the building lacked cooling systems. The cancellation comes as a Met Office red heat warning remains in place across London and parts of England, with temperatures expected to reach 37°C. The heatwave has also caused school closures and raised concerns about travel disruptions. Officials have urged people to stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary travel during the extreme weather. (PC: BBC)

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said Neymar is ready to return to action ahead of the team's crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match against Scotland. The 34-year-old forward has recovered from injury and is available for selection after missing Brazil's opening two games of the tournament.   "Neymar is training very well and he's ready," Ancelotti said before the match, adding that the forward could play either part of the game or the full 90 minutes.   Neymar has not represented Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023. His return would be a major boost as Brazil seek a result that would secure their place in the Round of 32. (PC: X)

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strengthened his influence within the Democratic Party after three candidates he endorsed won key congressional primaries in New York. Brad Lander and community activist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Democratic lawmakers, while state assemblywoman Claire Valdez beat an establishment-backed rival. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who shocked political observers by winning New York City's mayoral race last year, campaigned for all three candidates. Their victories highlight growing support among some Democratic voters for progressive policies such as affordable housing, government-funded healthcare and higher taxes on the wealthy. The results are expected to intensify debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party ahead of November's midterm elections. (PC: BBC)  

Brazil will take on Scotland in a decisive Group C match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami on Thursday, with both teams still fighting for a place in the Round of 32. Brazil currently lead the group with four points from two matches and need at least a draw to secure qualification. Scotland, who have three points, can also advance with a positive result. Meanwhile, Morocco, level on four points with Brazil, face already-eliminated Haiti and are aiming to finish top of the group. The final round of Group C fixtures will determine the knockout-stage qualifiers. (PC: NDTV)

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck northern California in the United States on Wednesday morning, sending tremors across the San Francisco Bay Area. The quake occurred near Redwood Valley in California's Mendocino County at around 8:10 a.m. local time, according to the US Geological Survey. A smaller 2.5-magnitude aftershock followed shortly afterwards in the same area. Authorities said there was no tsunami threat. As of the latest update, no injuries or major property damage had been reported. US officials are continuing to assess the situation, while California Governor Gavin Newsom is monitoring developments.

A London court has ordered fugitive businessman Nirav Modi to pay $10.7 million (around ₹100 crore) to Bank of India. The case relates to loans given to Dubai-based Diamond FZE, a company owned by Modi. Judge Simon Tinkler ruled that Modi was liable under a personal guarantee he signed for the loans. The court rejected Modi’s arguments that the guarantee was not enforceable. Modi is currently lodged in a UK prison and is fighting extradition to India. He is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case and other financial crime investigations. (PC: ANI)