Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung for his warm wishes on India-New Zealand friendship during Modi's historic visit to Auckland. President Lee had wished for stronger ties and shared progress between India and New Zealand, prompting Modi to express gratitude on social media, calling such messages from friends deeply valued. Modi's two-day visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in over four decades, aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, economic engagement, and people-to-people ties. The visit marks a significant step in expanding India's strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: India Today)

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday. Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere equalised before half-time to keep Belgium in the contest. The match looked set for extra time until substitute Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 88th minute after capitalising on a rebound. Belgium also suffered a major setback when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured late in the game. Spain will now face France in the semi-finals after extending their impressive World Cup run.  

US President Donald Trump said he has already left instructions for a massive military response if Iran attempts to assassinate him. Speaking in an interview, Trump said the orders call for strikes at "levels never seen before" if such an attack takes place. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following recent military confrontations in the region. US officials have previously accused Iran of being linked to threats against Trump, while Tehran has repeatedly denied the allegations. The latest comments are expected to further escalate tensions between the two countries. (PC: India Today)

Spain face Belgium in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Los Angeles. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente makes a surprise selection by leaving midfielder Pedri out of the starting XI and choosing Fabian Ruiz instead. Belgium welcome Kevin De Bruyne back to the lineup, but captain Youri Tielemans misses the match after suffering an injury during the warm-up. Spain enter the contest with a record run of World Cup minutes without conceding a goal. Teenage star Lamine Yamal also has the chance to become the youngest goalscorer in a World Cup knockout match in the 21st century.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been ranked 3rd in the 2026 Global Airpower Rankings released by the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), behind only the United States and Russia. The ranking marks the fifth consecutive year since 2022 that the IAF has been placed ahead of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which is ranked 4th. Despite the achievement, the report highlights key capability gaps, including a shortage of fighter squadrons and the need for faster modernisation. The findings underline both the IAF's growing strength and the challenges it must address.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian community in New Zealand for preserving India's rich cultural heritage across generations during a community event in Auckland. He said the diaspora has kept Indian traditions alive while strengthening people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand. Modi appreciated cultural performances featuring Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, along with a rendition of Vande Mataram. Calling the event a vibrant celebration of India's diversity, he said the Indian diaspora continues to play a key role in promoting the country's culture across the world and deepening the friendship between India and New Zealand.

The BCCI will conduct a detailed review of India's disappointing T20 series defeat against England after the tour concludes. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the assessment will focus on the team's overall performance and future improvements, stressing that the board will not make any knee-jerk decisions. Despite growing criticism following the heavy losses, head coach Gautam Gambhir is not facing any immediate threat to his position. The review will examine the team's preparation, selection, and execution during the series. England sealed their first-ever T20 series win over India, prompting the BCCI to evaluate the team's direction ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's next prime minister after winning the support of 80% of Labour MPs. He secured 322 nominations, far above the 81 needed to enter the party leadership race. Burnham said he was "deeply grateful" for the backing and promised a new approach to politics. He is expected to become Labour leader after nominations close on July 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation last month. Burnham has promised to boost economic growth, improve public services and continue Britain's support for NATO, the United States and Ukraine. (PC: Reuters)

A viral audio clip has renewed concerns over racism faced by Indian truck drivers in Australia. The recording, first aired in an ABC investigation, includes abusive and violent remarks targeting Indians. Several drivers said racial abuse has become common on UHF radio channels used by truckers. Some said they now avoid using the radios despite needing them for road safety. Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner linked the problem to growing anti-immigration sentiment. Experts also said there is no official data showing Indian truck drivers are more likely to cause crashes than other drivers in the country.

The Delhi High Court has upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in a cheque bounce case and sentenced him to three months in jail. The sentence applies to seven cases and will run at the same time. The court also refused to grant him probation. Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha Yadav, have been directed to pay compensation to the complainant. The case began after a loan taken to produce the film Ata Pata Laapata was not repaid. The court gave the actor two months to approach a higher court against the judgment.