Times of India

Punjab Congress faces a deep-rooted crisis fueled by persistent infighting and a delayed response from the high command. Despite Rahul Gandhi's call for unity, internal rifts are widening, with senior leaders expressing discontent over leadership decisions. This recurring pattern of internal conflict and inaction has historically led to electoral defeats, raising serious doubts about the party's prospects in the upcoming elections.

Orlando Gill admitted he "lost my temper" after Kylian Mbappe ignored his post-match handshake following France's 1-0 World Cup win over Paraguay national football team. Gill threw the ball at Mbappe after the final whistle, while the France captain defended his team's response to Paraguay's physical tactics after scoring the decisive penalty.

Chinese firm Agibot has showcased the world's first live broadcast of humanoid robots on a tablet production line. Eight Agibot G2 robots worked non-stop for six days at Longcheer Technology, successfully inspecting and sorting 17,625 tablets with a near-perfect success rate. This demonstration highlights the practical application of embodied AI in real-world industrial settings, working alongside human employees and existing machinery.

US President Trump has offered to help resolve the Ukraine conflict following separate calls with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. While Russia claims battlefield advances, Ukraine disputes these assertions. Trump's envoys are set to continue mediation efforts ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, where the stalled peace talks and the ongoing war are expected to be key discussion points.

The grandfather of Ketan Agarwal, a Pune realtor whose death at Lohagad Fort is being investigated as murder, has passed away weeks after his grandson's demise. Devichand Agarwal reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest following the shock. Police are investigating the alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal, with his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover arrested. A Snapchat message from Goyal, expressing doubts about the wedding, has surfaced.

An emergency meeting is scheduled as the Ram temple trust grapples with a donation theft scandal. Investigations reveal early warnings were ignored, leading to the emergence of Avinash Shukla as a key accused. Significant financial improvements among suspects and potential daily theft of Rs 6-8 lakh are under scrutiny. CCTV footage and close ties between staff and trust members are also being examined.

Ukrainian drones targeted an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and military sites near the Baltic coast overnight, escalating attacks on Russia's energy sector. Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed the Kirovsky district oil terminal was hit, with no casualties. President Zelensky claimed responsibility, stating the strikes hit revenue-generating oil infrastructure and the naval base at Kronstadt. These actions come amid deepening fuel shortages across Russia, with long queues reported at petrol stations.

Portugal's dramatic World Cup win over Croatia has sparked debate about Cristiano Ronaldo's starting role. Zlatan Ibrahimovic controversially stated that Portugal cannot win the 2026 World Cup with a 41-year-old Ronaldo leading the attack, suggesting his legendary status is overshadowing current form. Despite Ronaldo scoring, Gonçalo Ramos' late winner highlighted the team's potential, leaving many questioning the veteran's continued prominence.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed readiness to work with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to foster long-term, stable bilateral ties. This comes amid escalating regional tensions and Pyongyang's deepening military collaboration with Russia. Xi's message, in response to Kim's congratulatory note, highlighted the historical bond and commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, underscoring China's crucial economic role for North Korea.

Following alleged toddler abuse at a Bengaluru daycare, the Karnataka Commission for Protection of Child Rights will mandate CCTV cameras with live parental access at all centers. This move aims to enhance safety and transparency. The investigation into the incident, which involved a nanny allegedly locking a child in a bathroom and another nanny accused of suspicious video recording, is ongoing.

An investigation into Ram Temple donations in Ayodhya has revealed a stark financial uplift among accused individuals, with some building homes and acquiring SUVs despite modest known incomes. Evidence suggests significant daily siphoning of funds, estimated at Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh, particularly during the Maha Kumbh period. Concerns were raised about the handling of precious metal donations and the lack of proper oversight.

Tech titans like Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk joined the nation in celebrating America's 250th Independence Day. Leaders from Apple, Google, SpaceX, and others shared heartfelt messages on social media, reflecting on the country's journey and future. Michael Dell also announced a significant donation to support American children's financial futures, highlighting a blend of patriotic sentiment and forward-looking initiatives within the tech community.

Mohamed Salah has chosen Lionel Messi as his ideal “last dance” partner ahead of Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash with Argentina in Atlanta. The showdown marks their first World Cup meeting, with Messi leading Argentina’s title defence and Salah chasing an upset. Both icons face a potentially defining knockout battle for a quarter-final place.

Sanju Samson's omission from India's T20I against England, despite his World Cup heroics, has sparked debate. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who previously lauded Samson as 'world-class,' was seen in a quiet conversation with the player before the match. Samson's recent low scores on the UK tour led to his replacement by debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting the swift shifts in international cricket fortunes.

Alia Bhatt's exhilarating spy thriller 'Alpha' has made a sensational debut, amassing ₹24 crore in India and ₹37 crore globally by its second day. Co-starring Sharvari, the film showcases impressive box office growth and captivated audiences right from the start. Kareena Kapoor Khan has praised the film's celebration of 'girl power', as it successfully engages viewers with its electrifying storyline.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, making his India debut, confidently advised senior partner Abhishek Sharma on pitch conditions during the second T20I against England. Becoming India's youngest international debutant, Sooryavanshi impressed with a fearless 14 off 10 balls, including two sixes. His historic entry and bold batting display captivated fans, showcasing remarkable composure on the international stage.

France lead Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash played in extreme heat at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, with temperatures near 100°F (37.8°C) and heat index reaching 105–110°F (40.6–43.3°C). The extreme conditions, under an official heat warning, have turned the match into a severe physical test, with Kylian Mbappé’s penalty separating the sides.