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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for expressing condolences after the Ras Laffan industrial complex explosion that killed 13 people, including 12 Indians. The two leaders spoke by phone and shared their grief over the loss of lives. Modi also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident. He appreciated the support and medical care provided by Qatari authorities to the victims. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and well-being of their citizens. They also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and ties between India and Qatar. (PC: ANI)

Downing Street has confirmed that Keir Starmer will remain a Member of Parliament after stepping down as UK prime minister. The announcement came as political attention shifted toward potential successor Andy Burnham. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer defended his government's record while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch continued her criticism. Meanwhile, Labour minister Darren Jones ruled out running for the party leadership. Starmer also attended a meeting of European leaders in Berlin, where he discussed defence and support for Ukraine. Labour MP Tulip Siddiq said Starmer wants to continue serving the voters who elected him more than a decade ago. (PC: PA)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace during a go-around manoeuvre on June 22, the airline said. Flight AI479 was approaching Amritsar when Air Traffic Control instructed it to hold due to a runway inspection after a bird strike incident. During the manoeuvre, the aircraft crossed the international border and entered Pakistan's airspace for a short time. The incident was coordinated with Pakistani air traffic authorities, according to the DGCA. The aircraft was later diverted to Delhi. Air India has removed the pilot from duty pending an investigation and informed aviation regulators. (PC: Reuters)

France recorded its hottest day since weather records began in 1947 as a severe heatwave continued across Europe. Temperatures crossed 40°C in Paris and several other cities, while southwestern France recorded 44.3°C. Tens of thousands of homes lost power and many regions remained under red heat alerts. The heatwave has caused deaths, including several drowning incidents, and raised concerns about wildfires and drought. Tourist attractions such as the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower reduced operating hours. Weather agencies expect some relief later this week, but thunderstorms and flash floods may follow the extreme heat. (PC: Reuters)

Lionel Messi has hinted that he could continue playing beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After scoring twice in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, the 39-year-old spoke about his future. “I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates,” Messi said. When asked about playing in the 2030 World Cup, he replied, “I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present.” Messi is currently playing in his sixth World Cup. Argentina will host one match during the 2030 tournament as part of its centennial celebrations. (PC: AP)

France is facing a growing debate over the use of air conditioning as a record heatwave pushes temperatures close to 40°C. Thousands of schools have closed and hospitals are struggling with the extreme heat. Only about 25% of French homes have air conditioning, far lower than many other countries. While environmental groups have long opposed its widespread use, some leaders now say it is necessary. “There are places where we just can’t do without it now,” said Green Party leader Marie Tondelier. Politicians are proposing plans to expand air conditioning in schools, hospitals and homes across France. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the NEET 2026 re-exam was conducted successfully after the government corrected earlier lapses. The original exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. Pradhan admitted mistakes were made and said steps were taken to improve the system. He urged students and parents to remain positive and trust the examination process. More than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the re-exam at over 5,400 centres across India and abroad. The NTA used biometric verification, CCTV cameras, jammers and strict security measures. The government also promised strong action against paper leak networks. (PC: PTI)