A landslide hit a tunnel project near Meppady in Wayanad on Tuesday after heavy rain. Two people died, and seven workers are still missing. Rescue teams from the police and fire department are searching the area. Eight people were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. Local families were moved to safe shelters as a safety measure. The weather department has issued a red alert because more heavy rain is expected. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan is monitoring the situation. The state government has started an inquiry after reports that the contractor ignored earlier orders to remove soil.

Pressure is growing on FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun's World Cup red-card ban, allowing the United States striker to play against Belgium. The decision followed confirmation that US President Donald Trump contacted Infantino over the incident. Human rights group FairSquare has called for an ethics investigation, arguing the episode may have breached FIFA's political neutrality rules. UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and several football figures have also criticised the move, saying it undermines the integrity of the game. FIFA maintains its independent disciplinary committee made the decision without Infantino's involvement.

A cattle herder in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district survived a terrifying lioness attack after remaining calm while pinned to the ground for nearly 30 minutes. A viral video shows the injured man gently petting the lioness as it stood over him, though officials have not confirmed that this caused the animal to let him go. Villagers tried to drive the lioness away by shouting and throwing stones, but it eventually walked off on its own. The man was rushed to a hospital with injuries. Forest officials are investigating the incident and have urged caution in lion habitats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia is expected to deliver major strategic gains for India, with both countries strengthening defence and maritime cooperation. India is set to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia, deepening defence ties in the Indo-Pacific. The two nations are also expected to advance cooperation on the development of Indonesia’s Sabang port, located near the strategic Strait of Malacca, a key global shipping route. The agreements are aimed at enhancing regional security, boosting India’s defence exports and reinforcing its Act East policy while expanding bilateral economic and strategic partnerships. (PC: HT)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will urge NATO leaders to provide more Patriot air defence systems during the alliance's summit in Ankara after recent Russian missile attacks killed more than 50 civilians in Kyiv. Zelensky is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump, arguing that Russia's intensified strikes show weakness rather than strength. While Ukraine has increased long-range drone attacks on Russian military and energy targets, Kyiv says it urgently needs stronger air defences to intercept ballistic missiles and protect civilians from escalating attacks. (PC: BBC)

French President Emmanuel Macron has praised captain Kylian Mbappe for speaking out against racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France's FIFA World Cup win over Paraguay. Macron said Mbappe had scored "another goal" by standing up for dignity and respect in football. Amarilla had posted racist comments targeting Mbappe's heritage and identity after France's Round of 16 victory. The French Football Federation announced legal action, while Paraguay's government distanced itself from the senator's remarks, saying they do not reflect the country's values. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his state visit to Jakarta. The award recognises Modi's contribution to strengthening India-Indonesia ties and expanding cooperation in trade, defence, connectivity and regional security. Accepting the honour, Modi dedicated it to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries. The honour comes as both nations seek to deepen their strategic partnership across the Indo-Pacific region.

Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup journey ended in heartbreak as Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Moments after the final whistle, Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal paused his team's celebrations to console the emotional 41-year-old, whose tears reflected the end of his World Cup career. Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner sent Spain into the quarter-finals, while Ronaldo later confirmed it was his final World Cup appearance. The touching exchange between football's rising star and one of its greatest legends quickly went viral, earning praise from fans around the world.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war is "getting closer than people realise" after holding separate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump said he will continue discussions on the conflict during the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, expressing optimism about peace efforts. His remarks come despite continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed ongoing contact with Washington, while Zelensky has also signalled hope that diplomatic efforts could move forward. No breakthrough or formal peace agreement has been announced yet. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian-origin businessman, Gaurav Srivastava, allegedly posed as a CIA operative to gain access to Indonesia's top political and defence leadership and influence multibillion-dollar military deals, according to an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The report says Srivastava built close ties with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, including during his tenure as defence minister, while claiming links to the CIA. The allegations are based on civil lawsuits filed by his former business partner, who accused him of using the false identity to secure access to discussions involving fighter jets and other defence equipment worth nearly $13.9 billion. The claims have not been proven in court. (PC: The Indian Express)