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.

Lionel Messi added another chapter to his extraordinary World Cup legacy by scoring twice against Austria at FIFA World Cup 2026, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 18. The achievement came just days before Messi’s 39th birthday and during his sixth World Cup appearance. After missing an early penalty, the Argentina captain redeemed himself with a clinical strike in the 38th minute before adding another goal in stoppage time. Beyond the statistics, the performance reinforced Messi’s enduring influence on football. Argentina secured qualification for the knockout stage, while Messi’s combination of vision, composure and artistry continued to captivate audiences worldwide.

A deadly explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City has claimed 13 lives, including 12 Indian nationals, while 66 people were injured and 18 remain missing. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi described the blast as an industrial accident that occurred during efforts to restart the facility after months of shutdown. Search and rescue operations involving civil defence and security teams remain underway. The Barzan plant, a key component of Qatar’s energy infrastructure, supplies gas for electricity generation and water desalination. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and solidarity with Qatar, while authorities confirmed that all injured individuals are receiving treatment and remain in stable condition.

India’s absence from the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reignited debate among football fans, prompting Indian goalkeeper and former captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to offer a candid explanation. Responding to discussions on social media, Sandhu argued that the real issue is not World Cup qualification but India’s failure to consistently qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. He stressed that reaching the World Cup requires becoming regular participants in the Asian Cup and advancing consistently to the knockout stages. Describing qualification as a step-by-step process, Sandhu called for greater accountability and reflection on India’s broader football development pathway rather than focusing solely on the World Cup dream. (PC: ESPN)

Lionel Messi scored both goals as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match and secured a place in the Round of 32. The Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 38th minute before adding a second goal in stoppage time. Messi missed a penalty earlier in the match but still delivered a historic performance. His brace took his World Cup goal tally to 18, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. The win ensured Argentina's progress to the knockout stage and added another remarkable achievement to Messi's legendary career. (PC: X)

Britain's Labour Party is looking to Andy Burnham as its next leader after Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned. Burnham's recent by-election victory has strengthened his position as Labour tries to stop the growing popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform UK.   Reform UK has gained support by focusing on immigration and voter frustration over the economy and government policies. Labour has also faced criticism over internal disputes and policy decisions. Political observers say Burnham's biggest challenge will be winning back voters who have moved away from Labour and preventing Reform UK from expanding its influence across the country. (PC: HT)

Twelve Indian nationals were among 13 people killed in a major explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s main LNG production hub. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said 66 others were injured and are receiving treatment, with none in life-threatening condition.   Authorities described the blast as a technical accident and have launched an investigation into the cause. The explosion was felt across parts of Doha, more than 70 kilometres away. QatarEnergy said LNG export operations were not affected. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and is coordinating with Qatari authorities to assist affected families and repatriate the bodies. (PC: India Today)

While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation has triggered fresh political uncertainty, one familiar resident of 10 Downing Street is staying put. Larry the Cat, the long-serving "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office", is set to welcome his seventh prime minister in just over a decade. Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has become a symbol of continuity through a period of rapid political change. Having served under six prime ministers already, the popular tabby once again finds himself at the centre of attention as Britain prepares for a new leader.  

Six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday, delivering a major political setback to the former Maharashtra chief minister. The MPs joined Shinde's camp in Mumbai after days of speculation over their future.   Welcoming the leaders, Shinde described the move as the success of "Operation Tiger" and said the MPs had joined the "real Shiv Sena". The development strengthens the Shinde faction's position in Parliament and marks another significant shift in Maharashtra politics. Uddhav Thackeray's camp has criticised the defections and called meetings to discuss its response. (PC: India Today)