India is grappling with an ethanol surplus after rapidly expanding production capacity to support its fuel blending programme. With ethanol demand falling short of installed capacity, the government and industry are exploring export opportunities to prevent idle distilleries and financial losses. The surplus comes as the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol faces consumer concerns over vehicle compatibility and mileage, slowing domestic demand growth. While officials maintain that ethanol blending remains important for reducing crude oil imports and boosting energy security, the immediate challenge is managing excess supply and keeping the country's ethanol industry financially viable. (PC: Economic Times)

Prince William has praised England's players after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. In a message shared by Kensington Palace, the Prince of Wales said he was "gutted" by the result but called England "the most complete England team in a tournament" and urged the players to "hold your heads high." Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed disappointment, saying the team made the nation proud with its passion and effort. England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon before Argentina scored twice late in the match to reach the final. (PC: BBC)

The Department of Space has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for Isro scientists after more than 100 experienced personnel reportedly left the organisation in recent months. Scientists working on critical missions, including Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan and SpaDeX, will now need approval from the Department of Space before leaving. The move follows concerns over the loss of mission-specific expertise, with several senior scientists among those who resigned. Isro Chairman V. Narayanan said replacements would take over important responsibilities, but the government aims to ensure that major national space projects are not disrupted by the growing number of exits. (PC: India Today)

India has directed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment agencies not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing growing security risks linked to renewed US-Iran tensions. The advisory follows the deaths of 2 Indian sailors in separate attacks on commercial ships in the region. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) said recent attacks have significantly increased the danger to seafarers and asked vessel operators to closely monitor security updates. India has also lodged a strong protest with Iran over the incidents. (PC: X)

Hundreds of residents, students and environmental activists in Uttarakhand have launched protests against the proposed felling of nearly 3,000 trees for a road-widening project on the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh stretch. Protesters hugged trees and raised slogans, drawing comparisons with the historic Chipko Movement. The forest area is part of an important elephant corridor, with activists warning that tree cutting could harm wildlife and the fragile ecosystem. Authorities said the project is being carried out with expert-recommended mitigation measures, while protesters continue demanding sustainable alternatives to protect the region's forests.  

A new Pew Research Center survey has found that more countries now view China more favourably than the United States for the first time since the study began in 2002. Conducted across 36 countries with over 42,000 respondents, the survey showed China enjoyed higher favourability in 25 countries. Respondents also said China interferes less in other nations' affairs than the US. While confidence in both Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump remained low, Xi received higher ratings overall. India, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Israel and the Philippines remained among the countries favouring the US. (PC: BBC)

Lionel Messi has dismissed claims that Argentina received favourable treatment during the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying, "No one gives us anything for free." After Argentina's 2-1 comeback win over England in the semi-final, Messi said the team had earned its place in the final through hard work and consistent performances. The Argentina captain also praised his teammates for showing resilience under pressure and said the defending champions had once again proved they belong among the world's best. Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final as they chase a second straight title. (PC: The Indian Express)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike, saying, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Join the July 20 Parliament march instead." On the 18th day of his fast, Wangchuk urged supporters to participate in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Chalo Sansad" march, saying it would send a stronger message to the government. He said medical tests, including an ECG, showed no immediate health risk despite weakness and muscle loss. Calling the march a "real lesson in democracy and political science," Wangchuk also invited students and educational institutions to take part. (PC: India Today)

Lionel Messi and Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal are set to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, 19 years after a remarkable UNICEF charity photoshoot brought them together. In 2007, a 20-year-old Messi posed with baby Yamal during a Barcelona-based campaign, never imagining they would one day face each other on football's biggest stage. The photos resurfaced in 2024 after Yamal's father shared them online. Now, 39-year-old Messi leads defending champions Argentina, while Yamal heads Spain's new generation, setting up one of the most extraordinary full-circle stories in World Cup history. (PC: X)

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has shared his first message from the International Space Station (ISS) after arriving for an 8-month scientific mission. In a video recorded on his first day in orbit, Menon thanked his family, former SpaceX colleagues, the US Space Force and NASA for supporting his journey to space. He said the ISS would serve as a stepping stone for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Menon, the first NASA astronaut of Malayali heritage to travel to space, reached the ISS aboard Russia's Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft with 2 Russian cosmonauts.