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)

Iran has thanked India for sending a high-level delegation to the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling it a "gesture of friendship." The message came as Iran's Tasnim News Agency claimed that US diplomatic pressure led 13 countries to withdraw or reduce their participation in the state funeral. The report alleged that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged governments to avoid attending, although Washington has not publicly confirmed the claims. India was among the countries that maintained representation at the ceremony in Tehran. (PC: India Today)

The UK's Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has officially recognised 9,909 previously forgotten soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during World War I. Their names were uncovered after years of research using historic Punjab Registers preserved at the Lahore Museum. The update is the CWGC's largest revision of casualty records in more than 80 years. Many soldiers had been left out under colonial-era policies because they died away from the battlefield. The recognition honours their sacrifice and acknowledges the contribution of soldiers from pre-Partition Punjab to the war. (PC: BBC)

India and Indonesia are set to launch the restoration of the historic Prambanan, the world's largest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Yogyakarta. The restoration project follows a 2025 commitment by both countries and highlights their shared cultural and civilisational heritage. The initiative is expected to deepen bilateral ties while preserving one of Southeast Asia's most significant Hindu monuments. The announcement comes as India and Indonesia expand cooperation in defence, trade and cultural diplomacy during Modi's two-day visit. (PC: X)

Belgium mocked FIFA and US President Donald Trump after defeating the United States 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Moments after the victory, Belgium's official team account posted a photo of Romelu Lukaku celebrating with the caption, "Overturn this," in an apparent dig at FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension before the match. The ruling followed Trump's public intervention, drawing criticism from Belgium and several European football bodies. Belgium backed up its protest with a dominant performance to book a place in the quarter-finals.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has criticised the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj from ZEE5, calling it an attempt to suppress historical truth. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami urged authorities to restore the film, saying, "No ban can erase the history." The film is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged illegal killings and disappearances in Punjab during the 1990s. The film was reportedly taken down following government directions citing security concerns, reigniting debate over censorship, historical representation and freedom of expression. 

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that Portugal's 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain marked his final FIFA World Cup appearance, ending a tournament journey that began in 2006. The 41-year-old captain said he was heartbroken but stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football. “It was my last World Cup, yes, but I'll now have time to reflect,” Ronaldo said after the match. Despite winning the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, the World Cup remained the only major trophy to elude one of football's greatest players. (PC: X)

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said an oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, sailing southbound, reported damage to its port side following the impact. UKMTO said the fire was brought under control, with no casualties or environmental damage reported. The incident has renewed concerns over security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Authorities are investigating the attack as maritime agencies continue to closely monitor the situation. (PC: NDTV)

France star Kylian Mbappe has strongly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she made racist comments on social media following Paraguay's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to France. Calling her "despicable" and "unworthy" of public office, Mbappe said her remarks tarnished Paraguay's image and promoted hatred. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced it will file a criminal complaint, describing the comments as "utterly abhorrent and unacceptable." The controversy comes after former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert also faced criticism for racist remarks about the French team before the match. (PC: BBC)

Belgium ended the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 in Seattle, booking a quarterfinal clash against Spain. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to lead Belgium after Malik Tillman had briefly equalised with a superb free-kick for the hosts. Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added late goals as Belgium punished defensive mistakes and dominated the second half. The defeat ended the USA's dream of a deep run at their home World Cup, while Belgium advanced with confidence to face Spain in a blockbuster quarterfinal.