Iran’s football federation has criticised its FIFA World Cup 2026 travel schedule, arguing that strict travel restrictions are creating unfair conditions for the team. Based in Tijuana, Mexico, Iran must travel to US host cities only a day before matches and return immediately afterward, citing visa and security requirements linked to the recent conflict. Captain Mehdi Taremi and officials say the arrangement affects players physically and mentally, while the federation plans to raise the issue with FIFA. However, FIFA regulations generally require teams to arrive one day before matches and return after games. Iran remains the only participating nation operating under such additional restrictions. (PC: Times Now & X)

Two Republican US senators publicly criticised Pakistan and Qatar during discussions surrounding ongoing US-Iran diplomacy in Switzerland. Senator Rick Scott said both countries have histories of harbouring terrorists and questioned their role in efforts linked to Iran, while reiterating that Tehran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Senator Tim Sheehy cited Pakistan’s past association with hiding Osama bin Laden and argued that key US allies such as the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia should also be represented in negotiations. The remarks followed US Vice President JD Vance describing Pakistan as a valued partner. (PC: The Collector)

Norway striker Erling Haaland continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by scoring a brace in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal. Haaland became only the sixth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two tournament appearances, joining an elite list featuring Guillermo Stabile, Sandor Kocsis, Just Fontaine, Grzegorz Lato and Harry Kane. His four goals in two matches also established a new all-time Norway World Cup scoring record, surpassing Kjetil Rekdal’s previous mark of two goals. Norway secured qualification for the Round of 32 with six points, while Senegal remain winless and face a must-win final group match. (PC: MSN)

Entrepreneur and Kunal Shah, founder of fintech platform CRED, has been appointed as the new global head of WhatsApp, becoming the first Indian to lead the messaging platform. He will succeed Will Cathcart, who will transition to a newly created Meta division focused on next-generation products. The leadership change comes alongside Meta Platforms' $900 million investment in CRED, securing a 20% minority stake and valuing the fintech company at $4.5 billion. Shah will step away from day-to-day responsibilities at CRED while remaining a shareholder. The move marks a significant leadership shift for WhatsApp as Meta expands its ambitions across messaging, payments, business services and AI-powered products. (PC: X)

Global oil prices fell below $80 per barrel as easing geopolitical tensions and growing expectations of a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz improved market sentiment. Brent crude dropped below $80 for the first time since March, while WTI traded near $76. The decline follows progress in a US-Iran framework agreement that could restore normal shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors. However, the International Energy Agency warned that OECD strategic oil reserves have fallen to their lowest level since 1990 after repeated emergency releases. The IEA also lowered its global oil demand outlook for 2026, citing higher fuel costs, trade disruptions and continuing uncertainty. (PC: CNN)

Tata Electronics has confirmed a cybersecurity breach after ransomware group “World Leaks” claimed to have leaked more than 200,000 files, totaling over 630 GB, allegedly containing confidential Apple and Tesla documents. Researchers reviewing the data said the files include Apple quality-inspection standards, Tesla project specifications, internal emails, event logs and employee passport copies. Tata stated the incident was detected weeks ago, response protocols were immediately activated and business operations remain unaffected. Apple has reportedly launched a full investigation, while Tata declined to comment on an alleged ransom demand. The breach highlights growing cybersecurity risks across global technology supply chains as Tata expands its role in electronics manufacturing. (PC: Business Standard)

US and Iran have taken another step toward a permanent post-war agreement after a first round of negotiations in Switzerland, with mediators Qatar and Pakistan announcing a roadmap for a final deal within 60 days. US Vice-President JD Vance described the talks as constructive and said discussions included reopening the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the regional ceasefire. However, a key dispute emerged after Vance claimed Iran could soon allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country. Tehran quickly rejected the assertion, saying it had made no new commitments on inspections. Meanwhile, Washington issued a 60-day sanctions waiver allowing Iranian oil sales in US dollars, easing major restrictions while negotiations continue amid lingering disagreements over nuclear oversight and regional security arrangements. (PC: X)

A devastating fire that killed 15 people in Lucknow's Aliganj area has drawn attention to the troubled history of the commercial building where the tragedy occurred. Official records show the property had faced demolition proceedings in 2016 over alleged unauthorised construction, with the Lucknow Development Authority initially issuing a demolition order before later withdrawing it. The building also changed ownership multiple times since its original allotment in 1980. Investigators are examining whether violations of building regulations and fire safety norms contributed to the scale of the disaster. Preliminary findings indicate the blaze may have started in an air-conditioning duct, while inadequate emergency exits and rapid smoke spread may have trapped victims inside.

France superstar Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup journey by scoring against Iraq in the 2026 tournament, taking his overall World Cup tally to 15 goals. The strike further strengthened his position among the competition’s greatest goalscorers and underlined his status as one of football’s defining players. Still only in his twenties, Mbappé has accumulated goals at a pace unmatched by most legends, putting him within touching distance of the all-time World Cup scoring record. His latest milestone came as France sought another victory in the group stage, with Mbappé once again delivering on the biggest stage and enhancing his growing World Cup legacy.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from BRICS nations during the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi, focusing on regional security and strategic cooperation. Discussions with Iran’s Ghadir Nezamipour centered on developments in West Asia, India-Iran relations and cooperation under the BRICS framework. Doval also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides reviewing recent developments in bilateral relations and noting progress toward the gradual normalisation of India-China ties. The meetings highlighted India’s engagement on key geopolitical issues amid evolving regional and global security challenges.