FIFA has strongly condemned racist abuse directed at popular streamer IShowSpeed during Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show sections of the crowd directing discriminatory chants and gestures at the internet personality while he attended the match. FIFA said racism has no place in football and pledged to investigate the incident in coordination with the relevant authorities. The organisation reiterated its commitment to combating discrimination, while the episode reignited concerns over racist behaviour by spectators at major international sporting events and calls for stronger enforcement. (PC: Reuters)

The prime suspect in the killing of an 11-year-old girl in West Bengal died during a police operation conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. According to police, the operation was aimed at recovering evidence related to the case when the suspect allegedly attempted to escape, leading to an exchange in which he sustained injuries. He was later declared dead at a hospital. The case has drawn widespread public attention and renewed calls for timely justice and child safety. Authorities said the investigation remains active, and any remaining legal proceedings will continue in accordance with due process and the law.

    Argentina produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash, securing a place in the quarter-finals. Egypt stunned the defending champions by racing into a two-goal lead through disciplined defending and clinical finishing. However, inspired by Lionel Messi, Argentina responded with three unanswered goals to complete a dramatic turnaround. The victory kept Argentina's title defence alive, while Egypt exited the tournament after delivering one of their finest performances. The match was praised for its intensity, high-quality football, and unforgettable late drama that captivated fans worldwide. (PC: FIFA)

    Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zakir Ganai was killed in an encounter with security forces after a four-day anti-terror operation in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation began after intelligence inputs led forces to the area, where Ganai remained trapped despite repeated attempts to escape. Security personnel maintained a tight cordon before neutralising the militant during the final assault. Officials described the operation as a significant success in ongoing counter-terror efforts in the region. Authorities recovered weapons and other incriminating material from the encounter site, while search operations continued to ensure no other militants were hiding nearby. (PC: NDTV)

England produced a dominant all-round display to defeat India by 125 runs in the third T20I, extending their lead to 2-0 in the series. After posting a formidable total with aggressive batting, England's bowlers dismantled India's batting lineup, triggering a dramatic collapse. Indian batters struggled against disciplined pace and spin, with none able to build a meaningful partnership as the team was bowled out cheaply. The emphatic victory underlined England's superiority in both departments, putting India under immense pressure to respond in the remaining matches and avoid a series defeat. (PC: Reuters)

The United States launched a new wave of airstrikes on more than 80 Iranian military targets after attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, further shattering the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Iran accused the US of violating the peace agreement and vowed a "crushing response," later launching missiles and drones at US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait while claiming to have downed an American drone. The renewed escalation comes amid the funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, intensifying regional tensions and raising fears of wider conflict across the Middle East. 

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan sparked controversy after his team's dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 defeat to Argentina national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hassan claimed FIFA wanted Lionel Messi to remain in the tournament and suggested match officials favored the defending champions. Egypt, who led 2-0 before Argentina's stunning comeback, were left furious over a disallowed goal, rejected penalty appeals, and key VAR decisions. Despite the accusations, no evidence has emerged to support claims of bias or match manipulation, and FIFA had not responded publicly at the time of reporting. (Reuters)

A key accused in the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in West Bengal's Baruipur was killed in a police encounter during a crime scene reconstruction, officials said. Police alleged Prabhash Mondol snatched a policeman's firearm, opened fire and attempted to escape, prompting retaliatory firing in which he was fatally injured. The case has triggered widespread outrage after the girl's body was recovered in a sack, with the post-mortem confirming sexual assault. Three people have been arrested under murder, gangrape and POCSO charges, while a Special Investigation Team is probing the case. Authorities are also investigating the lynching of another man who was allegedly mistaken for a suspect during protests. (PC: The Indian Express)

Oil prices climbed more than 2% after the United States launched fresh airstrikes on Iran and reinstated sanctions on Iranian crude exports, raising fears that the fragile ceasefire could collapse and disrupt global energy supplies. Brent crude rose to $76.08 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate advanced to $72.26. The gains followed renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on commercial vessels and reports of damage to a Saudi-flagged oil tanker and a Qatari LNG carrier. Analysts warned that continued instability around the key shipping route, which handles about one-fifth of global energy supplies, could tighten crude markets and keep oil prices elevated. (PC: Reuters)

Egypt's World Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16, with forward Mostafa Ziko accusing FIFA of favouring the defending champions. Ziko's frustration centred on a controversial VAR review that disallowed one of his goals before Argentina staged a late comeback through Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez. After the match, Ziko claimed the tournament was "fixed" and alleged the referee had denied Egypt a famous victory, while apologising to supporters for the heartbreaking exit. A viral video highlighting disputed refereeing decisions has further fuelled online debate, though its claims remain unverified and FIFA has not responded to the allegations.