Spain took a 1-0 lead against France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final after Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded when Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box. Oyarzabal calmly beat goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give Spain the advantage. France created chances through Kylian Mbappe but could not score. Spain also looked dangerous in attack and controlled much of the early play. France suffered another setback when defender William Saliba picked up a back injury and was forced off. The winner of the match will advance to the World Cup final.

US President Donald Trump has backed a proposed Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries buying Russian oil, including India. The bill would allow the US President to penalise imports from nations trading with Russia's energy sector. Trump said the proposal has a good chance of becoming law. The White House confirmed his support for the bill. India is one of Russia's biggest oil buyers, though imports have fallen in recent months. If the bill is passed, it could affect India-US trade and increase pressure on countries to reduce purchases of Russian energy.

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has arrived at the International Space Station after the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft successfully docked. He travelled with Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. The crew will spend about eight months on the station before returning to Earth in April 2027. Menon will carry out scientific research on human health, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and medical technology in microgravity. The mission will also include experiments in biology, physics, materials science and Earth observation. Scientists hope the research will support future Moon and Mars missions while also improving healthcare and technology on Earth. (PC: NASA)

France and Spain meet in the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas. France hope to reach their third straight World Cup final. Kylian Mbappe is two goals away from passing Lionel Messi in the all-time World Cup scoring list. He could also become the first player this century to score 10 goals in a single World Cup. Spain have left midfielder Pedri out of the starting lineup again. Young star Lamine Yamal could become the youngest player to score in a World Cup knockout match this century. The winners will face England or Argentina in the final.

The UK has recorded 25 days with temperatures above 30°C in 2026, surpassing the 24 days seen during the famous 1976 heatwave. The Met Office said the country is now experiencing its third heatwave of the summer. Temperatures could reach 33°C in parts of southern England this week. Most areas are expected to remain dry, with some places going nearly a month without measurable rain. The hot weather has increased wildfire risks and led to hosepipe bans in several regions. Yellow heat health alerts remain in place as officials advise vulnerable people to take extra care during the heat.

Real Madrid are set to receive approximately $2.7 million (€2.3 million) through FIFA's Club Benefits Programme for releasing players to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Los Blancos had 15 players representing their national teams, though new signing Denzel Dumfries will not generate compensation as he was not registered when the tournament began. FIFA pays clubs at least $5,000 per player per day, with payouts depending on each player's tournament duration. Real Madrid will also receive around $222,000 (€195,000) for World Cup qualifiers. Despite the expanded tournament, the payout is lower than the $3.8 million earned after Qatar 2022 and remains modest compared to the club's lucrative summer commercial tours and Club World Cup revenues. (PC: Getty Images)

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated a government reshuffle aimed at addressing "new challenges and new tasks." Parliament approved her resignation on Tuesday, ending a tenure that began in July 2025. Svyrydenko, who helped negotiate a minerals investment deal with the US after Zelenskyy's Oval Office clash with President Donald Trump, has reportedly been offered a new role overseeing relations with a key partner. The reshuffle comes as Russia intensifies ballistic missile strikes and Ukraine advances plans to domestically produce US Patriot air defence systems. Ukrainian media reports Naftogaz CEO Sergiy Koretsky is the leading candidate to succeed her. (PC: Reuters)

A growing number of UEFA member associations are reportedly exploring candidates to challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino in November's presidential election, ending expectations of an uncontested third-term bid. According to talkSPORT, the move follows rising tensions between FIFA and UEFA, including controversy over the suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is not expected to run, with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski among the names reportedly discussed. However, neither has confirmed interest. Infantino is still considered the favourite, backed by strong support across Africa, Asia and CONCACAF. Nominations close on November 18 in Rabat. (PC: AP)

On the 17th day of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, crowds grew as concern mounted over activist Sonam Wangchuk's worsening health during his indefinite hunger strike demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has drawn increasing public attention as more voices urge Wangchuk to end his fast. An online petition signed by more than 1,800 writers, academics, social activists and other concerned citizens appealed to him to stop the hunger strike, citing his deteriorating condition. Despite mounting concern and calls to prioritise his health, demonstrations continued with larger participation, reflecting sustained support for the movement and its demands.

A 36-year-old American national, Jordan Brown, arrested while allegedly attempting to cross the India-Nepal border illegally, was found carrying a Chinese passport, Nepalese currency, religious books, an AI-powered translation device, a mobile phone, a diary and other belongings. Officials said no evidence of suspicious or anti-national activity has emerged so far, but multiple intelligence agencies are verifying his identity, travel history and the authenticity of the recovered documents. Brown claimed he lost his US passport in Thailand, travelled to Sri Lanka by sea and entered India through the sea route in November 2025 before living in Goa. He has been booked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act.