India captain Rohit Sharma faces what could be his final chance to cement his place in Test cricket as India prepares for the decisive match against England at Lord's. With inconsistent performances and increasing scrutiny over his form, the series decider has taken on added significance for the veteran opener. A strong performance could silence critics and reaffirm his leadership, while another failure may intensify calls for a transition to younger players. As India aims to clinch the series, all eyes will be on Rohit's bat in a match that could shape both the team's future and his Test career. (PC: ANI)

The UK government has warned that supporting or promoting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could lead to up to 14 years in prison under strengthened counterterrorism measures. The warning comes as the conflict between Iran and its adversaries continues to escalate. Meanwhile, an airstrike on the Iranian port city of Bandar Khamir reportedly killed seven people, according to Iranian media. The developments have heightened regional tensions, with military exchanges intensifying and diplomatic efforts struggling to contain the crisis. Governments worldwide remain concerned about the growing risk of a wider Middle East conflict. (PC: X)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has pledged to continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20, despite doctors warning that his health has become critical after 20 days without food. Addressing supporters, Wangchuk said he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost” to lead the planned Parliament march, adding in a light-hearted remark that he would “return as a ghost” if the movement failed. The protest, backed by the Cockroach Janta Party, demands accountability over alleged examination irregularities and broader reforms. Support for Wangchuk continues to grow as concerns over his deteriorating health intensify. (PC: PTI)

FIFA has appointed experienced Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. The appointment makes Vinčić the first Slovenian referee to oversee a FIFA World Cup final, marking a historic milestone in his career. A FIFA-listed international referee since 2010, Vinčić has previously handled major matches, including the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. He will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, with Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh serving as the fourth official. (PC: AP)

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has begun his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS) after lifting off aboard Russia's Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft at 8:17 PM IST yesterday. The spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, carrying Menon alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. It successfully reached orbit and docked automatically with the ISS's Prichal module following a two-orbit journey lasting about three hours. According to NASA, the newly arrived crew will spend around eight months aboard the orbital laboratory conducting scientific research and technology demonstrations before returning to Earth in April 2027, completing Menon's maiden spaceflight mission.

In a first for West Bengal, 36 Jadavpur University students observed a one-day symbolic hunger strike on Friday in solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and students continuing their indefinite fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The protest, held outside Triguna Sen Auditorium, sought to amplify demands for education reforms. Carrying placards reading "Scrap NTA" and "Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign," participants called for greater accountability, transparency and dialogue in education policymaking. Organisers described it as Kolkata's first symbolic fast supporting Wangchuk's ongoing protest. Students said the demonstration reflected nationwide concerns over education policies and expressed solidarity with those continuing the hunger strike in the national capital of India. (PC: Shorts91)    

FIFA is assessing match reports before deciding whether to take disciplinary action against Argentina after players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" following their 2-1 World Cup semifinal victory over England. The slogan supports Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, a long-running sovereignty dispute with the UK. FIFA previously fined Argentina in 2014 for displaying the same message. Downing Street backed calls for an investigation, while the Falkland Islands government said politics should stay out of sport. Argentina President Javier Milei called the gesture understandable but stressed sovereignty should be pursued diplomatically. Argentina remain unaffected competitively and will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final. (PC: Getty Images)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike over alleged NEET irregularities, while calling on the Centre to open dialogue with protesters. In an open letter, Tharoor said Parliament's upcoming session provides an opportunity to raise students' concerns through democratic channels rather than a fast unto death. Recalling his middle-class upbringing, he stressed that fair examinations and merit-based opportunities are vital for ordinary families, warning that paper leaks destroy young people's dreams. Tharoor appealed to the government to engage with protesters, saying dialogue reflects statesmanship, not weakness. Wangchuk, meanwhile, has continued his fast despite worsening health concerns.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has dismissed speculation over his animated on-field exchange with Lionel Messi during England's 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal defeat to Argentina, insisting it was "nothing bad." Bellingham said the discussion was about a foul, with Messi reminding him of an earlier challenge before both moved on. Calling it a privilege to face "one of the best," the England star admitted the defeat hurt but denied any hostility. Messi inspired Argentina's comeback with assists for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser and Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner. Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final, while England take on France in the third-place playoff.

Actor Atul Kulkarni has announced a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, bringing renewed attention to the latter's ongoing protest. Sharing a video on Instagram, Kulkarni said he wanted to "connect with the pain" of Wangchuk and urged the Central Government to begin a dialogue, calling conversation the essence of democracy. Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged NEET examination irregularities, demanding accountability, transparency and education reforms. His protest has attracted support from students, activists and several public figures. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to regularly monitor Wangchuk's health as concerns over his deteriorating condition continue.