Brazil and Japan began their Round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston on Monday. Brazil made a strong start and won an early corner after a quick attack. Brazil entered the match as Group C winners with two wins and one draw. Japan finished second in Group F after beating Tunisia and drawing with the Netherlands and Sweden. Neymar started on the bench, while Ritsu Doan and Daichi Kamada were included in Japan's lineup. Both teams are aiming to reach the Round of 16 with a win.

A 26-foot baby humpback whale died after washing ashore on the rocky Bandra coastline in Mumbai. The whale was spotted near Carter Road on Saturday morning. Rescue teams from the Forest Department, BMC, Fire Brigade and wildlife experts rushed to save it. They tried to help the whale return to deeper waters. However, the animal stopped moving and was later declared dead. Officials will investigate the cause of the stranding and death. The whale's body will be examined before burial as per wildlife rules. Humpback whales migrate through the Arabian Sea during certain seasons.

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran will hold talks in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. He said Iran requested the meeting after recent military strikes increased tensions. Iran has not confirmed the talks but said it will keep control of the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said both sides have agreed to avoid further conflict for now and continue negotiations. The talks will focus on a proposed agreement between the two countries. Meanwhile, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continued in Lebanon, adding to concerns about stability in the Middle East. (PC: Getty Images)

The Central government will remove temporary restrictions on petrol and diesel sales from July 1. The curbs were introduced to protect fuel supplies during the US-Israel conflict with Iran and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. Commercial buyers were not allowed to buy fuel from retail pumps, and limits were placed on diesel purchases. With fuel supplies improving, the government has decided to end the restrictions. Commercial LPG supplies have also returned to normal levels. However, industries and businesses that have already switched to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) will not be allowed to return to LPG.

The Faizabad Bar Association has decided that its members will not represent the eight people arrested in the Ram temple donation theft case. The decision was taken during a general body meeting on Monday. The association said the alleged theft had hurt the feelings of lawyers. It also announced a fine of ₹5 lakh for any member who defends the accused. The lawyers further demanded action against three members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. They warned of protests if their demands are not met within three days.

India has rejected Pakistan's allegations linking it to the recent terrorist attack in Karachi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the claims "baseless." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Instead of pointing fingers at others, Pakistan would do better to look inwards." He also urged Pakistan to take action against terror groups operating from its own soil. The response came after Pakistani officials blamed India for the attack on a Sindh Rangers compound in Karachi. Pakistani security forces said they killed six militants and arrested one attacker after the 90-minute operation. (PC: HT)

India has successfully tested its first green hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route. The train reached a top speed of 120 kmph during trials. It will run at 75 kmph in regular service. The train uses hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity and releases only water vapour, making it environment-friendly. It can travel about 250 km on one refill. The project is part of Indian Railways' plan to reduce carbon emissions. The hydrogen train is expected to run on routes that are difficult to electrify. Passenger service will begin after final approval.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours to raise money and awareness for cancer care. She climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales. Kate was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and announced she was in remission in 2025 after chemotherapy. She said the challenge was a way to support people living with cancer and highlight the importance of holistic healthcare. The walk covered 23 miles and included over 10,000 feet of climbing. Prince William, their children, and other family members welcomed her after she completed the challenge.

China has defended its cooperation with Bangladesh on the Teesta River project. It said the project is meant to improve people's lives and is not aimed at any other country. China also said its work with Bangladesh should not face outside influence. India has raised concerns because the Teesta basin is close to the Siliguri Corridor, an important route linking northeast India with the rest of the country. Bangladesh and China have agreed to carry out a technical study of the project. India is closely watching the development due to its strategic and security importance.

India's women's cricket team has qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the qualification process on Monday. India secured its place after finishing as the top eligible team from Asia in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain also qualified from their continents. The USA can qualify as the host nation if it finishes in the top 15 of the ICC T20I rankings. The men's qualification will be decided through the ICC T20I rankings by December 2026. Cricket will return to the Olympics after more than 100 years. (PC: AFP)