World

Lionel Messi’s Kolkata event at Salt Lake Stadium ended in chaos, with police detaining the organiser for mismanagement. Fans vandalised the venue after failing to see Messi clearly. CM Mamata Banerjee apologised and ordered a judicial probe into the incident

Over 10,000 Afghan refugees were forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan in two days, with thousands more detained in Pakistan in 2025. Humanitarian groups warn of instability, lack of housing, and basic services for returned families.

Two people were killed in a drone attack in Russia’s Saratov region, while Russia launched strikes on Ukraine’s energy and port infrastructure, leaving thousands without power. Peace talks continue, with Zelenskyy visiting Germany amid stalled negotiations.

Thailand said it will continue military action until its people are safe, rejecting claims that recent casualties were accidental. Cambodia accused Thai forces of attacking civilians as fighting along the border intensified, despite earlier ceasefire agreements.

A fire broke out in a 12-storey market and residential building in Dhaka early Saturday. Firefighters rescued at least 42 people, and no casualties were reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze.

More than 1,000 people have died after floods and landslides hit Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. Authorities continue rescue and recovery efforts as experts warn that climate change and weak planning are increasing disaster risks.

Spain has recorded the first known case of human-to-human transmission of mpox clade 1b outside Africa. The infection was confirmed in a vaccinated patient with no travel history, raising fresh public health concerns.

US President Donald Trump said Thai and Cambodian leaders have agreed to renew a ceasefire after days of deadly border clashes. The truce revives a peace accord brokered earlier this year with support from Malaysia, amid lingering tensions between the two neighbours.

Democratic lawmakers in the US House have introduced a resolution to terminate President Donald Trump’s national emergency that imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports, calling the move illegal and harmful to jobs, consumers and US-India ties.

Twenty US states have sued the Trump administration over a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, calling it illegal and harmful to public services. The states say the move worsens labour shortages in education and healthcare.

An Australian skydiver survived a dramatic mid-air mishap after his reserve parachute snagged on a plane’s tail at 15,000 ft, leaving him dangling mid-air. He cut himself free using a hook knife, deployed his main chute and landed safely, investigators said

India slipped to sixth in the World Test Championship standings after New Zealand’s nine-wicket win over West Indies in Wellington. The Kiwis climbed to third, while Australia and South Africa remain top. India’s next WTC assignment is against Sri Lanka in August

Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025 will be high on glamour but low on football action. Unlike his 2011 visit, this promotional roadshow spans Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, featuring fashion events, celebrity matches and meetings with leaders

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said Shubman Gill must bat freely in T20s, like he does in the IPL, instead of trying to justify his place. He also backed Suryakumar Yadav and admitted India’s bowlers had a poor outing against South Africa

The Indian men’s hockey team finished its South Africa tour unbeaten, winning two matches and drawing one. India defeated South Africa 5-2 in the opener, drew 2-2 in the second Test, and sealed the tour with a 4-1 victory

Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 171 off 95 balls as India crushed UAE by 234 runs in the U19 Asia Cup opener in Dubai. India posted a record 433/6 before restricting UAE to 199/7, assuring a dominant start to their campaign

Indian shuttlers dominated the Odisha Masters in Cuttack, with Unnati Hooda, Tasnim Mir, Isharani Baruah, Kiran George and Rounak Chouhan reaching the semifinals. India assured multiple medals as all four women’s singles semifinalists are Indians, alongside strong doubles and mixed doubles performances

Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan felicitated the Indian blind women’s cricket team after their World Cup victory. The ACA organised the event, acknowledging his personal contribution to support the players. Senior ACA officials attended the felicitation ceremony in Hyderabad

The Indian women’s kabaddi team was felicitated in Mumbai by PKL and JioStar after winning the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in Dhaka. India defeated Chinese Taipei in the final to claim their second consecutive title, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohaib Afridi alleged that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are facing mistreatment in Adiala Jail, citing lack of basic necessities and harsh treatment. Afridi condemned the use of water cannons on Khan’s sisters and criticised repeated denial of meeting requests 

Thailand’s Parliament was dissolved by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for early elections amid deadly border clashes with Cambodia. The caretaker government will hold limited powers, while Anutin leverages nationalism and military action to bolster popularity ahead of a constitutional referendum

TTP terrorists attacked a police checkpost in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, injuring five policemen. A three-hour gunfight ensued, with several militants reportedly killed. Authorities praised police bravery, amid rising terror incidents in KP and Balochistan following the TTP’s ceasefire end

Pakistan’s former spy chief Faiz Hameed was sentenced to 14 years for violating military laws, with ongoing investigations linking him to May 2023 anti-army riots. Analysts suggest his conviction may trigger further cases against politicians and activists allegedly involved in unrest