Meta has appointed CRED founder Kunal Shah as the new global head of WhatsApp, making him one of the most prominent Indian entrepreneurs to take a top leadership role at a global technology company. The announcement was made by outgoing WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart, who has led the platform since 2019. Shah will join Meta's global leadership team while remaining a shareholder in CRED. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised Shah's entrepreneurial success and leadership. Meanwhile, CRED's strategy and finance head Miten Sampat has been named interim CEO as the fintech company enters its next phase of growth. (PC: X)

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday announced the removal of party founder Mamata Banerjee as chief during a meeting in Kolkata. The group, which included several MLAs, councillors and former party leaders, formed a 10-member national working committee and adopted a resolution to reorganise the party. Former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim and other senior leaders were reportedly present at the meeting. The rebels said they represent the real Trinamool Congress and rejected suggestions of a split. The development marks a major escalation in the ongoing political turmoil within the party. (PC: The Indian Express)

At least 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani nationals, were killed and 66 others injured in an explosion at Qatar's Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The blast occurred while workers were restarting operations that had been disrupted by earlier war-related damage. Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi described the incident as a technical accident and said an investigation was underway. Authorities confirmed that LNG export operations remain unaffected and there is no environmental risk. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to assist those affected. (PC: India Today)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after nearly 23 months in office, paving the way for Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade. Starmer said he would remain in office until the Labour Party selects a new leader to ensure a smooth transfer of power.   His departure follows months of growing pressure from Labour lawmakers concerned about the party’s declining popularity since its landslide election victory in July 2024. Critics pointed to economic challenges, rising living costs and leadership controversies. Labour will now begin the process of choosing a successor, with Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting among the names being discussed.  

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland return to action in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after stunning performances in their opening matches. Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria and is now one goal away from becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Mbappe netted twice against Senegal and moved closer to the World Cup scoring record, while Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals in Norway's win over Iraq. Argentina face Austria, France take on Iraq, and Norway meet Senegal as all three stars look to guide their teams closer to the knockout stage and add more records to their names. (PC: X)

The first round of talks between the United States and Iran ended with what mediators Qatar and Pakistan described as "encouraging progress" toward a final agreement. Both sides have agreed on a 60-day roadmap aimed at ending the conflict and reducing regional tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said significant progress had also been made on efforts to end fighting in Lebanon. The discussions included plans to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and establish a joint de-confliction mechanism involving the US, Iran and Lebanon. Technical negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days. (PC: BBC)

Larry the Cat, the famous Chief Mouser of 10 Downing Street, has once again become a symbol of continuity in British politics after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned from office. Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has now outlasted six prime ministers, including David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Starmer. Originally adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to help control mice, Larry has become one of the most recognised figures at the Prime Minister’s residence. His long stay highlights a rare sense of stability amid years of political change in the United Kingdom. (PC: X)

The first round of talks between the United States and Iran has ended with what mediators described as “encouraging progress”. Qatar and Pakistan, which are helping mediate the negotiations, said both sides agreed on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there had been major progress toward ending the conflict in Lebanon. The two sides also agreed to create communication channels to avoid incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and support a ceasefire in Lebanon. Technical discussions will continue as negotiators work toward a broader agreement. (PC: Reuters)

Andy Burnham has announced that he will contest the Labour Party leadership race following Keir Starmer’s resignation as UK Prime Minister. Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour leader, is widely seen as the leading candidate to replace Starmer. In a statement, he thanked Starmer for his service and said the leadership transition should be carried out in an “orderly and responsible way”. Burnham promised to focus on stability and the issues that matter most to people. The Labour Party is expected to choose its new leader before Parliament returns in September. (PC: AP)

The Tamil Nadu government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has cancelled 46 projects worth ₹245.85 crore that were approved during the previous DMK administration. The projects included 29 marriage halls and 17 commercial complexes planned using temple funds across the state. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department said court stay orders and financial pressure on Tamil Nadu's temples were key reasons for the decision. None of the projects had started construction. The government said the funds will now be used for schemes that directly benefit temples and devotees in Tamil Nadu.