FIFA's decision to suspend United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup ban has sparked fresh controversy after reports claimed only disciplinary committee chairman Mohammad Al-Kamali approved the move without consulting the other 17 members. Balogun, sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, became the only player at the tournament to have his suspension deferred for 12 months following US President Donald Trump's request to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the incident. FIFA confirmed Trump's intervention, though it said the decision was made independently. The unusual process has drawn scrutiny, as high-profile disciplinary rulings are typically decided by multi-member panels rather than a single official. (PC: Getty Images)

Seventeen-year-old Indian-American Riddhi Chauhan is leading nearly 300 students as Battalion Commanding Officer of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, New York. Arriving before 7 am four days a week, she oversees drill practice, battalion operations, training and cadet welfare while balancing academics. Chauhan previously served as Academic Commander, STEM Commander, Platoon Leader and Inspection Commander, helping her school achieve national academic success and build its first SeaPerch underwater robot. She has also mentored more than 200 cadets and is preparing to join the Naval Academy Preparatory School, aiming to become a US Naval Officer. (PC: X)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed the governing body will examine expanding the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams ahead of the 2030 edition after the 2026 tournament concludes. The current World Cup already features an expanded 48-team format, which Infantino called a complete success, arguing more nations deserve the opportunity to compete and develop. The proposal, backed by several South American football officials, would be discussed by FIFA's relevant committees. However, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani have opposed further expansion, warning it could weaken the tournament's quality and diminish regional qualification. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted across six nations on three continents. (PC: X)

India is observing a one-day national mourning on July 13 to honour Qatar's Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who died at 74. As a mark of respect, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and official entertainment has been cancelled, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader and true friend of India, recalling their meeting during his 2024 Qatar visit. Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to visit Qatar to convey India's condolences. Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, transformed the nation into a global LNG powerhouse while strengthening India-Qatar ties.

Erling Haaland described Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey as a life-changing experience after their historic campaign ended with a 2-1 extra-time quarter-final defeat to England. The striker said representing Norway on football's biggest stage filled him with immense pride, adding that the tournament changed him personally while strengthening unity and positivity back home. Norway, playing their first World Cup since 1998, reached the quarter-finals for the first time in history before England sealed victory to set up a semi-final against Argentina. Despite the heartbreaking exit, Haaland enjoyed a remarkable tournament, scoring in every group-stage match and both knockout rounds to finish as Norway's top scorer with seven goals.

Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enjoyed a memorable first visit to Wimbledon, attending the men's singles final at Centre Court alongside Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The 15-year-old described the experience of watching one of sport's most iconic events live as special, saying he was eager to observe how players perform under pressure in a Grand Slam final. Fresh from a breakthrough year in cricket, Vaibhav also revealed that Novak Djokovic is his favourite tennis player while backing Jannik Sinner ahead of the title clash. The visit highlighted the youngster's growing profile as he experienced one of tennis' biggest stages for the first time.

Ten Indian nationals were rescued while one remains missing after merchant vessel GFS Galaxy was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, prompting India's Ministry of External Affairs to condemn the incident. The MEA thanked Omani authorities for the rescue, called attacks on commercial shipping deeply worrisome, and urged immediate de-escalation alongside restoration of safe international navigation. The attack came as US-Iran tensions sharply escalated, with the US saying it struck around 140 Iranian military targets, including missile, drone, naval and surveillance infrastructure. Iran claimed retaliatory attacks on US bases across the region. The US said GFS Galaxy suffered severe fire damage and was unable to continue its voyage. (PC: The Hindu)

At least 27 people were killed and more than 60 injured after a devastating fire ripped through a bar in Bangkok on Sunday night, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said. Firefighters reached the venue shortly after midnight and found patrons desperately trying to escape through the front entrance as flames rapidly engulfed the building. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke, towering flames and panicked crowds fleeing, with screams heard as chaos unfolded. Some victims appeared to catch fire while escaping, and many were reportedly found inside the restroom after seeking refuge from the smoke. Prime Minister Charnvirakul confirmed 27 bodies had been recovered, while the cause of the deadly blaze remains under investigation.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has downplayed the historic rivalry with England ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, saying the match should be viewed simply as a game of football. Speaking before the last-four clash, Scaloni said past political and sporting tensions should not influence the players or fans. He urged everyone to enjoy the occasion and focus on the football rather than history. Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals after beating Switzerland, while England defeated Norway. The winners will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in the United States. (PC: X)

One Indian national is missing after a commercial vessel carrying 11 Indian crew members was hit during an Iranian attack near the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs said 10 crew members have been rescued, while search operations are underway for the missing sailor. India strongly condemned the attack and described the escalating conflict between the US and Iran as "deeply worrisome." The Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities and closely monitoring the situation. New Delhi also called for the safety of commercial shipping and urged all sides to avoid further escalation. (PC: X)