Iran has threatened to block more key trade and energy routes in the Gulf after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington ends what it called its "acts of aggression" and warned that other oil and gas export routes could also be targeted. The US military said its latest strikes hit Iran's coastal defence systems and cruise missile sites to reduce threats to commercial shipping. The renewed conflict has disrupted tanker traffic and pushed global oil prices higher as regional tensions continue to escalate.

England and Argentina meet in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta, with the winner set to face Spain in Sunday's final. England manager Thomas Tuchel has made 3 changes from the side that beat Norway, bringing in Reece James, Djed Spence and Morgan Rogers for Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly and Noni Madueke. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has made just 1 change, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul in the starting XI alongside Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez. The historic rivalry adds extra excitement as both former champions chase a place in the World Cup final.

A ransomware group called World Leaks has published nearly 19,000 files allegedly linked to India’s largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, on the dark web. The leaked data reportedly includes engineering drawings, supplier details, inspection records and project documents related to Units 3 and 4, which are being built by Reliance Infrastructure. Reliance Group confirmed a partial data breach involving a server hosted by data centre provider Yotta and said the incident has been reported to the government. Authorities are investigating the breach, while cybersecurity experts have raised concerns over the exposure of sensitive infrastructure-related information.

Tensions rose before the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final as a group of Argentina fans were involved in a brawl outside the stadium in Atlanta less than an hour before kick-off against England. Security officials quickly stepped in to control the situation. On the field, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made a surprise decision by leaving midfielder Rodrigo De Paul on the bench and handing 23-year-old Giuliano Simeone only his second World Cup start. England made 3 changes to their lineup after defeating Norway. The winner of the match will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk refused to end his indefinite hunger strike despite entering its 18th day, saying, “My muscles are weak, but my heart is strong.” In a message shared on Instagram, Wangchuk thanked supporters while reaffirming his resolve to continue the protest. His remarks came amid mounting concern over his deteriorating health and repeated appeals from public figures, activists and supporters urging him to call off the fast. Despite growing physical weakness, Wangchuk maintained that his commitment to the cause remains unwavering. The protest has continued to draw nationwide attention, with supporters intensifying calls for dialogue even as Wangchuk insists on carrying forward his agitation. (PC: X)

India’s seafarers have emerged as the worst-hit nationality during the Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis despite making up only around 12% of the global maritime workforce. According to an NDTV Datafy analysis, Indians accounted for seven of the 16 seafarers killed in attacks on commercial vessels between March 1 and July 14, 2026, representing nearly 44% of the fatalities. The figures highlight the disproportionate risks faced by Indian crew members amid escalating maritime insecurity in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. Beyond conflict zones, Indian seafarers also remained the most affected by shipowner abandonment in 2025, accounting for 18% of all abandoned seafarers worldwide for the second consecutive year. (PC: ABC News)

Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed England ahead of their FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina during his final Prime Minister’s Questions. Addressing Parliament, Starmer said he had an “important” appointment with the television later in the day, referring to the high-stakes clash. He added that he was unconcerned about the margin of victory, joking that “I don’t care about the score as long as we win.” The light-hearted remark came during his final appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions before leaving office. England face Lionel Messi’s Argentina for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Starmer publicly expressing his support for the Three Lions before kickoff.

Bangladesh-born author Taslima Nasrin will return to Kolkata on August 1 for the first time in nearly two decades to attend an event against religious fundamentalism at Rabindra Sadan. Organised by Secular Mission, Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters' Foundation (HRBFF), and Poschimbongyer Jonnyo, the programme will feature poetry recitals, discussions on free thought, and a civic reception. Nasrin left Kolkata in 2007 after violent protests over her writings, including Dwikhandito. Organisers said the West Bengal government assured her security for the visit. Her return has reignited political debate, while organisers insist the event aims to promote free thought and oppose religious fundamentalism. (PC: Bizz Buzz)

The Centre clarified that an Indian passport is issued under the Passports Act, 1967, to regulate the departure of Indian citizens after due verification, amid debate over whether it can serve as proof of citizenship. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said passport issuance follows the Passports Act, 1967, and Passports Rules, 1980, through an established verification process. He also noted that fewer than 8% of Indians currently possess a passport. The clarification came in response to questions linked to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The issue sparked political controversy after earlier remarks describing passports primarily as travel documents rather than standalone proof of citizenship.

An Indian man, identified as Sohail, was allegedly stabbed around 15 times at a shopping mall in Utah in what authorities are investigating as a religion-based hate crime. Police said the accused, 48-year-old Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly admitted targeting Muslims after Sohail told him, "I'm from India... I'm Muslim." Sohail underwent multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition. Bystanders overpowered the suspect before police arrived. Friends said Sohail, the sole earning member of his family, has no medical insurance, prompting a GoFundMe fundraiser. Larsen was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct as investigators continue probing the alleged hate-crime motive. (PC: NDTV)