Qatar Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has condemned missile and drone strikes launched by Iran across Gulf countries, calling them a “dangerous miscalculation” and a “betrayal.” Speaking after multiple attacks targeted the region, he said Gulf nations had made clear they would not participate in wars against their neighbours. Despite efforts to maintain good relations with Tehran, Al Thani said the strikes had shocked the region and even hit civilian facilities. He warned the escalating conflict could destabilise the Middle East and trigger global economic consequences. While criticising Iran’s actions, the Qatari leader urged restraint and emphasised the need for diplomacy and negotiations to prevent the crisis from worsening.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad to win their third title. The win also made India the first team to defend the T20 World Cup and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.   Batting first, India scored 255 for 5, the highest total in a men’s T20 World Cup final. Sanju Samson led the innings with 89 runs, the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. Abhishek Sharma hit the fastest fifty of the tournament from 18 balls. Ishan Kishan scored 54 and Shivam Dube added 26 not out.   New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets and Axar Patel claimed three. India became the first team to win three men’s T20 World Cup titles and the first to defend the trophy. (PC: BCCI)

Iran signalled that the family of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could remain in power as the country prepares to name a new supreme leader. Cleric Hosseinali Eshkevari said, “The name of Khamenei will continue,” suggesting support for Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son.   Eshkevari added that the vote had already been cast and the result would be announced soon. Another cleric said the Assembly of Experts’ secretary, Hosseini Bushehri, would formally declare the successor.   The announcement comes as fighting between Iran and Israel continues. Israeli strikes hit oil depots in Tehran, sending thick smoke across the city. Iran called the attacks a “dangerous new phase” of the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

India’s T20 World Cup win marked a shift in the team’s structure under head coach Gautam Gambhir. The side lifted the ICC trophy without a dominant superstar leading the group. Captain Suryakumar Yadav guided the team, but the focus remained on a balanced unit rather than individual fame.   Gambhir has often criticised cricket’s star culture. As coach, he backed players who were overlooked earlier. He also dropped senior names during poor form, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.   Gambhir trusted players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite criticism. Abhishek later scored a quick fifty in the final. The approach built a team where, as Gambhir believes, “none of them are bigger than the team.” (PC: BCCI)

Lebanon’s health minister says nearly 400 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across the country. Hospitals in southern Lebanon reported receiving injured people and bodies after an overnight attack on a village.   The strikes come as tensions widen across the region. The US Central Command urged people in Iran to remain indoors, accusing Tehran of launching attacks from civilian areas.   Residents in Tehran described heavy bombardment after oil depots were hit. One woman said, “You can smell the burning.”   Meanwhile, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts said there is agreement on who could replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though some obstacles remain. (PC: BBC)

India opener Sanju Samson said Sachin Tendulkar helped him during a difficult phase before the 2026 T20 World Cup. Samson had lost his place in the team after a poor series against New Zealand. He said he felt broken and reached out to Tendulkar for advice. The former captain spoke to him and helped him improve his mindset and preparation. Samson later returned to the team during the World Cup and performed strongly. He scored 321 runs in five innings and became India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament. Samson also won the Player of the Tournament award after India defeated New Zealand in the final.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian cricket team after their victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.   India defeated New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad to defend their title. India scored 255/5 before restricting New Zealand to 159.   In a post on X, Modi praised the team’s effort during the tournament.   “Champions! Congratulations to the Indian team on winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup,” he wrote.   “This remarkable triumph reflects exceptional skills, determination and teamwork.”   He said the players showed “outstanding grit through the tournament” and added that the victory had filled “every Indian heart with pride and joy.” (PC: India Today)

Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament after India won the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. Jasprit Bumrah was awarded Player of the Match for his bowling performance.   Bumrah took 4 wickets for 15 runs in the final. “Feels extremely special… to win man of the match here at my home ground in a World Cup final,” he said.   Samson said the award meant a lot after a difficult period earlier in his career.   “Very happy, very grateful. A lot of emotions… I am out of words,” Samson said.   He said he worked hard after missing games in the 2024 World Cup. “I kept working, visualising, dreaming. This is what I wanted,” he said. (PC: X)

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to win the T20 World Cup 2026 final and secure their third title.   India posted 255/5 after strong batting from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Abhishek scored a quick 52, while Samson made 89 and Kishan added a 23-ball fifty. Shivam Dube struck 24 runs in the final over to lift the total.   New Zealand never recovered in the chase. Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling attack with key wickets. Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy also struck at important moments.   The final wicket fell when Abhishek Sharma dismissed the batter and Tilak Varma completed the catch at long-on, sealing India’s victory. (PC: ICC)

2 people were killed after a missile hit a residential area in Al-Kharj city in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Saudi Civil Defense said the victims were foreign nationals, one Indian and one Bangladeshi. Twelve others, all Bangladeshi residents, were injured in the attack. The projectile struck a residential compound used by a maintenance and cleaning company. Authorities have not released the names of the victims. Following the incident, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised Indian citizens to stay alert and follow local safety guidelines. Officials said embassy and consulate services are functioning normally. Flights between Saudi Arabia and India are also operating regularly.