Morocco enters its FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against France carrying the hopes of Africa and the Arab world in a rematch of the historic 2022 semifinal. The Atlas Lions have impressed by defeating top opponents, including Canada and the Netherlands, to reach the last eight. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, remains one of the tournament favourites with a powerful attack. Beyond football, the clash holds deep historical and cultural significance, making it one of the most anticipated matches of the World Cup as Morocco aims to create another unforgettable chapter in its football history. 

State-owned BSNL has introduced a satellite phone priced at ₹1,34,166 (inclusive of taxes), designed to provide communication where conventional mobile networks are unavailable. The device operates through satellites, enabling voice calls and SMS in remote, disaster-hit, maritime, mining and defence areas. Unlike regular smartphones, its use is tightly regulated in India and generally requires authorisation under government guidelines. Built for rugged environments, the phone features reliable connectivity and emergency communication capabilities, making it suitable for rescue teams, security forces and organisations operating in isolated regions where uninterrupted communication is essential. (PC: X)

A high-intensity encounter between the Gurugram Crime Branch and suspected members of the Deepak Nandal gang left four alleged gangsters dead and one injured in Sushant Lok Phase-2 on Thursday night. According to police, the suspects opened fire while attempting to escape, prompting officers to retaliate. Three Crime Branch personnel sustained injuries during the exchange and were taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities recovered weapons from the scene and launched a detailed investigation to determine the gang's involvement in recent criminal activities. The encounter marks another major crackdown on organised crime in the Delhi-NCR region. (PC: India Today)

FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has firmly rejected allegations that match officials favored Argentina during their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Egypt criticized the disallowing of Mostafa Zico's goal and the decision not to award Mohamed Salah a penalty before Argentina's winning goal. Collina said VAR correctly identified a foul in the build-up and that the contact on Salah did not warrant a penalty. He warned that baseless accusations could endanger referees and reaffirmed FIFA's confidence in the independence and integrity of its officials. (PC: Reuters)

Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks as tensions with Israel and the United States escalated, threatening to collapse the fragile June ceasefire. Israel warned it is prepared to strike Iran again with “even greater force” if attacks continue. Iran also targeted U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, while most missiles were intercepted. The renewed fighting has heightened fears of a wider regional war, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and raised global concerns over energy security. Regional powers, including Qatar, Oman and Turkey, are continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian software engineer, Avinash Narne, has been charged with the alleged murder of his wife, Raajitha Sabbineni, in Bellevue, Washington, nearly nine months after her death. Investigators allege he strangled her, staged the scene to mislead police, and sent a photograph of her body to a woman in India with whom he reportedly had a long-term relationship. Messages from the victim about bitter-tasting drinks and a “medicine-like” smoothie, along with digital evidence, strengthened the case. Narne now faces a first-degree murder charge and could receive life imprisonment if convicted.

At least 28 people were killed after a devastating fire engulfed the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, one of China's largest footwear manufacturing hubs. The blaze broke out around midday while 239 people were inside the multi-storey factory. Authorities said 213 workers and visitors were evacuated or rescued as nearly 200 firefighters battled the flames. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out rescue operation, a swift investigation into the cause, and strict accountability for those responsible. The factory owner and management have reportedly been detained as investigations into the deadly industrial disaster continue.

The controversy over India's mandatory E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy has intensified after political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla sought a live public meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Poonawalla wants an open discussion on concerns over reduced fuel efficiency, vehicle compatibility, and consumer choice. Gadkari has strongly defended the policy, challenging critics to present evidence of vehicle damage caused by E20 fuel. The government maintains that ethanol blending reduces crude oil imports, lowers emissions, and supports farmers, while critics continue demanding greater transparency and accountability in the nationwide rollout. (PC: India Today)

Two doctors, including a woman, have resigned from a civic hospital in Thane after allegedly being assaulted by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre during a dispute over the treatment of a pregnant patient. A viral video showed the corporator slapping, punching, and threatening medical staff, triggering widespread outrage. Doctors and healthcare workers staged protests demanding stronger security in hospitals. Police arrested Mhatre and registered a case against him and others involved. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals and prompted renewed calls for stricter measures against violence in medical institutions. 

Real Madrid teammates Brahim Díaz and Kylian Mbappé will become rivals as Morocco face France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal. The highly anticipated clash pits two close friends against each other, with both expected to play crucial roles for their national teams. Mbappé leads France's title challenge, while Díaz has been instrumental in Morocco's historic run to the last eight. Their friendship will temporarily take a back seat as they compete for a place in the semifinals. The matchup has become one of the tournament's biggest storylines, highlighting elite talent, friendship, and fierce international competition. (PC: X)