Minerva Academy created history by winning the prestigious Helsinki Cup in Finland, one of the world's largest youth football tournaments. The Indian academy showcased exceptional skill, discipline, and teamwork throughout the competition, defeating strong international opponents to lift the coveted title. The victory highlights the rapid growth of grassroots football in India and demonstrates the academy's commitment to nurturing young talent capable of competing on the global stage. The triumph is expected to inspire aspiring footballers across the country while strengthening India's reputation in international youth football. It also reflects the increasing success of Indian academies in producing world-class young players. (PC: X)

Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel witnessed a major security scare after a late-night anonymous caller claimed that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim had planted a bomb inside the hotel. Acting swiftly, Mumbai Police, bomb disposal squads, and other security agencies conducted a thorough search of the premises. After an extensive inspection, no explosive or suspicious object was found, confirming the threat to be a hoax. Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the caller using technical evidence and call records. Security remains heightened around the hotel, given its historical significance and association with the 26/11 terror attacks. (PC: X)

Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has recalled an emotional exchange with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. In his upcoming book, Quraishi writes that Singh told him, "If that is what you think, I will commit suicide. I have never done anything against the Election Commission. I have the highest respect for it." The remark came after Quraishi informed him that the Election Commission was upset over comments made by some Congress ministers following action against Salman Khurshid for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Quraishi said Singh insisted he was unaware of the remarks and assured him such incidents would not happen again. (PC: HT)

FIFA has clarified why Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina despite an apparent case of mistaken identity. The referee initially booked the wrong Swiss player before realising the error through VAR. Under FIFA's Laws of the Game, once play restarts after a caution, the yellow card cannot be transferred to the correct player. When Embolo later committed another bookable offence, the referee had no option but to show him a second yellow card and a red card. Switzerland eventually lost 3-1 as Argentina advanced to the semi-finals. (PC: NDTV)

Vietnamese authorities have detained the captain of a speedboat following a deadly tourist boat capsize in Ha Long Bay that claimed the lives of 15 Indian tourists. Investigators said the captain allegedly violated safety regulations before the accident. The boat overturned during rough weather while carrying tourists, triggering a major rescue operation. Vietnamese officials have launched a criminal investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy and whether safety lapses contributed to the disaster. Indian authorities are coordinating with Vietnam to assist the victims' families and support efforts to repatriate the bodies. (PC: India Today)

Jude Bellingham is emerging as England's biggest star at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after scoring twice against Norway to send the Three Lions into the semi-finals. The 23-year-old became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score 2 or more goals in consecutive World Cup knockout matches. He is also the second-youngest player after Pele to achieve the feat. Bellingham now has 9 goals in major tournaments for England and will lead his side into a blockbuster semi-final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. His outstanding form has sparked comparisons with some of football's greatest World Cup performers.  

An Iranian newspaper linked to Tehran's municipal authorities has published an infographic naming US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer among foreign leaders it described as targets for revenge following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The list appeared after Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, vowed retaliation against those responsible for his father's killing. The publication has further raised concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East, though it does not represent an official government policy or military announcement. (PC: HT)

New York City has introduced a new "Click-to-Cancel" rule that will require companies to let customers cancel subscriptions as easily as they signed up. Announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the rule will take effect on October 1, making New York the first U.S. city to adopt such a law. It applies to automatic renewal and continuous service subscriptions, requiring clear terms and a simple cancellation process. The move follows a similar Federal Trade Commission rule that was struck down by a U.S. appeals court in 2025 over procedural issues after legal challenges from major companies.

England captain Harry Kane admitted he is not fully satisfied despite his team's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway that secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals. Kane said England showed great character to fight back but stressed the team must improve its overall performance if it wants to win the tournament. Jude Bellingham scored both goals after Norway had taken the lead, helping the Three Lions book a last-four clash with Argentina. Head coach Thomas Tuchel also demanded higher standards, saying England cannot rely only on resilience against stronger opponents. (PC: NDTV)

India on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, calling the targeting of civilian shipping "deeply worrisome." The Ministry of External Affairs said 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board have been rescued, while one crew member remains missing. India's Embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities as search and rescue operations continue. New Delhi also urged an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia and stressed the need to protect commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation amid the escalating regional conflict. (PC: The Indian Express)