Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In Instagram posts, Kashyap called Wangchuk a "braveheart" and said he lacks the courage to undertake such a protest. He also criticised the government's alleged silence, saying he feels ashamed to remain quiet. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28, demanding an open dialogue with the government over issues linked to the NEET controversy. Several celebrities, including Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, and Naseeruddin Shah, have also voiced support for the activist. (PC: HT)

FIFA has appointed Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England in Atlanta. The decision has drawn attention because Lionel Messi has won all 5 matches in which Elfath has served as referee or match official. While the statistic has sparked debate among fans, there is no evidence that the referee has influenced those results. Elfath, a FIFA referee since 2016, has already officiated 3 matches at the 2026 World Cup. He was also the fourth official during the 2022 World Cup final, which Argentina won against France. (PC: India Today)

A freight train was trapped between massive wildfires in Ontario, Canada, as fast-moving flames surrounded the railway tracks. Videos from inside the locomotive showed crew members describing the situation as "scary" while smoke and fire closed in. According to reports, part of the crew had detached a locomotive to rescue a foreman, but poor visibility caused it to collide with its own train. The collision reportedly sparked additional fires, forcing the crew to evacuate on foot. All crew members escaped safely. Ontario is battling 128 active wildfires, with several communities under evacuation orders.

Trinamool Congress has claimed that activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has become "extremely critical" after 18 days of hunger strike, warning that the Centre would be responsible if anything happened to him. In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, TMC leader Saket Gokhale urged the government to begin talks with Wangchuk and the protesters demanding accountability over alleged NEET and CBSE exam irregularities. Gokhale said Wangchuk has lost over 8 kg and remains under constant medical supervision. The Centre has not officially responded to the latest allegations or the demand for dialogue.

Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England has taken on a political tone after Vice-President Victoria Villarruel called England "the usurping pirates" ahead of the match. In a post on X, she said the game was about more than football, linking it to Argentina's long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina. She also referenced football legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, calling the clash symbolic for the nation. Argentina and England will meet in Atlanta, with the winner advancing to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York. (PC: NDTV)

Riddhi Chauhan, an Indian-origin teenager from the United States, has earned widespread recognition after being appointed commander of nearly 300 U.S. Navy Junior ROTC cadets. Her leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to public service have made her a standout among her peers. Chauhan now aims to secure admission to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, with aspirations of serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. Her achievement has inspired many in the Indian diaspora, highlighting the growing contributions of Indian-origin youth in American military leadership and educational excellence. (PC: X)

A heartwarming yet heartbreaking incident from Madhya Pradesh has gone viral after a pet dog reportedly died just minutes after its owner's funeral procession began. Family members said the dog had remained beside its owner throughout the final rites and suddenly collapsed as the procession moved forward. The emotional scene left mourners in tears, with many describing the animal’s unwavering loyalty as extraordinary. Videos and photos of the incident spread widely across social media, prompting an outpouring of condolences and admiration. The story has reignited conversations about the deep emotional bond between humans and their pets.

An Indian Muslim man was critically injured after being stabbed multiple times inside Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, Utah, in what police are investigating as a religiously motivated hate crime. Authorities said the suspect admitted he targeted the victim because of his Muslim faith and allegedly told investigators he “intended to kill Muslims.” Bystanders restrained the attacker until police arrived, and he was arrested at the scene. The victim remains hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over rising anti-Muslim hate crimes in the United States. (PC: NDTV)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved sweeping changes to its men's World Cup formats to make tournaments more competitive and meaningful. The 2027 ODI World Cup will retain 14 teams but introduce a new three-stage structure featuring a Super Series, group stage, and Super 7 before the semi-finals. From the 2028 T20 World Cup, the tournament will include five groups of four teams, followed by a Super 10 stage and new Eliminator matches to decide two semi-final spots. The reforms also create expanded qualification opportunities for emerging cricket nations. (PC: X)

Nagpur Cyber Police have registered an FIR against YouTuber Manish Kashyap and three other social media influencers over alleged false, misleading, and defamatory content related to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the government's E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy. The complaint, filed by a BJP Social Media Cell functionary, alleges the videos distorted facts, spread misinformation, and harmed Gadkari's reputation. Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Manish Kashyap has denied the allegations, defended his criticism of the E20 policy, and said he stands by his remarks. (PC: India Today)