India

Messi and Yamal to Meet in World Cup Final 19 Years After Iconic Photo

Argentina's Lionel Messi and Spain's Lamine Yamal are set to face each other in the World Cup final, creating a remarkable coincidence rooted in history. Nineteen years ago, Messi held a baby Yamal during a charity photoshoot event. Yamal has since risen to become one of Spain's brightest football talents, representing Barcelona at the highest level. Messi, who departed Barcelona in 2021, and Yamal, who emerged as a global star thereafter, will now meet on football's grandest stage. The final marks an extraordinary full-circle moment between the two players separated by nearly two decades.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan reworked after footage leak, set for July 23 release

Tamil film Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, has undergone significant changes ahead of its scheduled July 23 theatrical release. The film's producer confirmed that major modifications and new additions were incorporated into the final cut. These revisions came after portions of the footage leaked online prior to the movie receiving its censor certificate. Reports also indicate that Vijay's title card in the film has been updated by the makers. As a result, audiences are expected to see a substantially different version of the film than what had circulated online.

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Divya Deshmukh nominated for FIDE Excellence Awards

Three prominent Indian chess players — D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Divya Deshmukh — have been shortlisted for FIDE Excellence Awards, competing against top global talent across multiple player categories. The All India Chess Federation has also received a nomination in the Best Federation category. Additionally, Indian national teams and ChessBase India Foundation earned recognition for their respective contributions and achievements. The awards span several prestigious categories, reflecting India's growing dominance in international chess. Winners across all categories will be officially announced at the upcoming Chess Olympiad.

US Mom Spends $17,000 Building DIY Hockey Rink in Family Basement

Amanda Vernaci spent approximately $17,000 converting her basement into a hockey rink over three months. The project was driven by her sons' passion for the sport. Vernaci first developed her DIY skills while living in a rental home, where she began sharing budget-friendly home projects. She continued honing her abilities even during pregnancy, teaching herself to use various tools. The basement rink stands as her most ambitious undertaking to date.

Rising Nighttime Temperatures Are Disrupting Sleep Globally, India Badly Affected

A new study has found that increasingly hot nights are causing significant sleep loss for people around the world. Cities in the Middle East have been identified as the worst affected, recording the highest heat-related sleep disruptions. South Asia, including India, along with Southeast Asia and West Africa, are also among the regions experiencing notable impacts. The findings highlight how climate-driven temperature rises are extending beyond daytime discomfort into nighttime rest. Researchers warn that the trend poses a growing public health concern as global temperatures continue to climb.

Skyroot's Vikram-1 Rocket Set to Launch Micro-Sculptures of Indian Icons into Space

Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace plans to carry micro-sculptures of Indian icons aboard its Vikram-1 rocket. The mission would mark a rare fusion of art, science, and space exploration. If successful, Vikram-1 would become the first Indian rocket to transport micro art into space. The initiative highlights growing ambitions within India's private space sector beyond purely scientific payloads.

Skyroot’s rocket Vikram-1 will carry to space a special message from PM Modi

Ex-Badrinath Temple Officer Arrested Over Alleged Donation Theft

A former officer of the Badrinath temple has been arrested in connection with an investigation into stolen donations. The accused has been identified as Rajendra Chauhan. Authorities are continuing their probe into the alleged theft of funds from the temple. Chauhan is scheduled to be produced before a court on July 18 for further legal proceedings.

Modi Slams AAP as 'Kattar Beimaan Party' at Jalandhar Campaign Rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party at a campaign rally held in Jalandhar. He dubbed the party 'Kattar Beimaan Party', targeting it over corruption allegations. Modi also raised concerns about the worsening law and order situation in the state, referencing a former AAP leader's murder conviction linked to the Delhi riots. The Prime Minister used the occasion to make a pitch for the BJP, urging voters to choose the party for Punjab's development and prosperity.

Two held in 39-hour remand over alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement

Ram Shankar Yadav and Manish Yadav were sent to 39-hour police remand on Friday in connection with the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Authorities said custodial interrogation is essential to uncover the alleged conspiracy and trace the flow of funds. Two other suspects in the same case had previously been taken into custody for questioning as part of the broader investigation. The alleged scam has drawn considerable political controversy, putting pressure on the ruling BJP.

Congress to Back Omar Abdullah's Statehood Protest for Jammu and Kashmir

The Indian National Congress has announced it will participate in a protest demanding statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstration is scheduled for July 20 and is being led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. J&K Congress President Tariq Hamid Karra confirmed the party's involvement in the planned action. He added that Congress's central leadership will also be present at the protest.

Elephants Deployed to Deliver Supplies to Flood-Hit Arunachal Villages

Severe flooding has cut off remote villages in the Nari-Koyu constituency of Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Siang district. With conventional transport routes destroyed, local communities have turned to elephants to ferry essential supplies. The flood-ravaged region has left residents heavily dependent on these animals as the only viable means of reaching isolated areas. The situation highlights the extent of infrastructural damage caused by the natural disaster in this part of northeast India.

US weighs $100,000 bond requirement for Green Card applicants

The US government is considering requiring Green Card applicants to post a $100,000 bond as part of the immigration process. The measure is intended to ensure that immigrants are financially independent and do not rely on public assistance programs. The Trump administration is looking to invoke existing authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to implement this policy. The proposal comes after earlier efforts to introduce fees on H-1B visa applications. Officials have cited pilot program data suggesting similar measures helped reduce visa overstays.

Bangladesh Groups Demand Death Penalty for Kolkata MLA Over Airport Mosque Dispute

A protest rally was held in Bangladesh, organized by local residents and multiple Muslim organizations. The demonstration was triggered by reports that Friday prayers were being restricted at the Bankra Mosque, also called Gouripur Jama Masjid. The mosque is situated within the premises of Kolkata Airport. Protesters directed their anger at a Kolkata MLA in connection with the alleged restrictions on worship at the site.

Pakistan's fifth province? Gilgit-Baltistan assembly passes resolution amid PoK unrest

Brent crude spiked near $144 but stayed below historic crisis highs after Hormuz closure

Brent crude oil prices briefly surged to approximately $144 per barrel in spot markets following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz before easing as markets adjusted. Despite the severity of the supply disruption, prices did not reach the extreme levels recorded during the 1973 Arab oil embargo or the 1990 Gulf War when adjusted for inflation. The Asian Development Bank highlighted this in a report, noting the shock as unprecedented yet comparatively contained in its price impact. Several market factors appear to have cushioned the full force of the supply disruption on global crude prices.

Andy Burnham To Take Oath As Britain's Prime Minister Next Week

Burnham brings a more relaxed style of leadership than the rather stern Starmer, and is regarded as one of the Labour Party's best communicators.

Bharat Tex 2026 Closes With Rs 14,300 Crore in Investment Pledges

The third edition of Bharat Tex, a global textile trade fair, concluded on Friday after a four-day run. The event attracted over 1.15 lakh visitors throughout its duration. The fair generated investment commitments totalling Rs 14,300 crore, signalling strong industry interest. Bharat Tex has established itself as a major platform for the textile sector to showcase opportunities and forge business ties.

Delhi Court Awards Rs 40 Lakh to Family of Child Killed in 2020 Road Accident

A Delhi court has ordered Rs 40 lakh in compensation to the family of a child who died in a road accident in 2020. Presiding Officer Sunil Kumar heard the claim petition filed by the deceased child's parents. The court determined that the accident was caused by the rash and negligent driving of the vehicle involved. The ruling provides financial relief to the grieving family nearly five years after the fatal incident.

Kuber Group owner’s son arrested in Rs 8.7 crore watch smuggling case, gets bail