Two US service members were killed and another is missing after Iran launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on a US military base in Al Azraq, Jordan, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. Four other US personnel were injured, treated at hospitals in Jordan and later discharged. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the strike and said it damaged US military aircraft. The attack came as fighting between the US and Iran entered its seventh straight day. Both sides continued exchanging strikes, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict centred around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 may have cost US employers an estimated $11.7 billion in lost productivity, according to a report by human resources software provider UKG. Globally, productivity losses were estimated at $17 billion as many employees arrived late, left early or missed work to watch matches. Workplace attendance in the US dropped 26% on July 7, a day after the national team was eliminated by Belgium, a trend Envoy called “Knockout Tuesday.” Several companies encouraged remote work on match days. Attendance is expected to see only a small dip after the July 19 final between Argentina and Spain. (PC: X)

Skyroot Aerospace co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana has become a symbol of India's growing private space sector after Vikram-I became the country's first privately developed rocket to reach space. Chandana, who once scored 51 marks in mathematics, later cracked the IIT entrance exam, joined IIT Kharagpur and worked at ISRO on the GSLV Mk III programme. In 2018, he co-founded Skyroot Aerospace with fellow former ISRO engineer Naga Bharath Daka. Today, the Hyderabad-based startup is leading India's private space revolution, proving that curiosity, determination and innovation matter more than early academic setbacks. (PC: X)

Iran has suspended all ceasefire-related commitments under its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States after US President Donald Trump declared the agreement "over." The MoU, signed last month, aimed to reduce tensions, protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way for talks on sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme. Both countries have accused each other of violating the deal. The announcement comes as the US carries out a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran warns of a stronger military response, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: X)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has praised Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, calling the 39-year-old "the best player in the history of football." Scaloni urged fans to cherish the opportunity to watch Messi play on the biggest stage, saying his achievements are extraordinary. Messi has scored 8 goals in the tournament and is the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals. Argentina will face defending European champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to become the first team in 64 years to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. (PC: NDTV)

Manipur activist Irom Sharmila has expressed support for Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, saying meaningful change can only come through sustained public participation. Speaking to Scroll, Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, said the responsibility to fight for change should not rest on one individual. She urged citizens, especially young people, to join Wangchuk's protest and build a united movement. Sharmila argued that governments respond only to large-scale, collective agitations and warned against expecting a single protester to carry the burden or become a martyr. (PC: Scroll)

Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has voiced support for students protesting against alleged examination paper leaks, saying the issue is about education, safety and accountability, not politics. In a post on X, the 24-year-old said every child deserves equal opportunities and a fair chance to build their future. Bhaker urged people not to view the protests through a political lens, stressing that protecting students' dreams should be a national priority. Her remarks come amid ongoing demonstrations led by activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party, demanding transparency and accountability over alleged paper leaks. (PC: HT)

NEET UG 2026 AIR 2 Panshul Bansal proved that success does not require giving up hobbies. The Faridabad student scored 715 out of 720, including a perfect 180 in Physics, while continuing to play video games, badminton, piano and other activities during his preparation. After the original NEET exam was cancelled, Panshul overcame the setback by staying focused and improving his performance in the re-exam. He said consistency, quality study and analysing mistakes mattered more than long study hours. Panshul now hopes to join his dream medical college and pursue a career as a surgeon. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's Minerva Academy Under-12 team successfully defended the Gothia Cup after beating Brazil's RS Sports Yellow 2-1 in the final. The victory came just days after the Chandigarh-based academy won the Helsinki Cup, completing a memorable European double. Kipgen Thangsanglen scored the opening goal, while Mekhamkhraw Nongrem netted the winner with a free-kick. Minerva remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and defeated teams from England, Norway, Sweden, Kenya, France, Bolivia and Ukraine. The latest triumph adds to the academy's growing list of international titles and highlights the rising standard of Indian youth football.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the government over the removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar in Delhi. In a post on X, Rahul called the action "wrong" and accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests. Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health worsened and that the move followed medical advice and court directions. However, the Cockroach Janta Party claimed he was taken without his or his family's consent. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said the planned Parliament march on July 20 will continue as scheduled.