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Nico Williams and Gavi both start on the bench as Spain take on France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal.

Why are Nico Williams, Pedri and Gavi not starting today?

Spain faces France today at Dallas Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, with key tactical decisions raising eyebrows, notably coach Luis de la Fuente's choice to leave Nico Williams and Gavi on the bench despite their fitness. Spain has excelled this tournament, advancing after defeating Austria, Portugal, and Belgium, while employing a consistent tactical approach.

Lamine Yamal has received plenty of support and motivation from his girlfriend, Ines Garcia ahead of France semifinal.

Yamal's girlfriend sends powerful message before Spain vs France semifinal

FIFA announced Justin Bieber as the headliner for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, igniting excitement among fans, including influencer Ines Garcia, who urged her boyfriend, Lamine Yamal, to help Spain secure a spot. Ahead of the semifinal against France, Garcia expressed her support, celebrating Yamal’s recent birthday and confidence in their team.

ICE has temporarily stopped most vehicle stops during immigration enforcement operations across the US.

ICE Maine shooting update: Routine vehicle stops suspended after deadly incident

ICE has paused most vehicle stops during immigration enforcement operations following fatal shootings in Texas and Maine, pending additional training for officers. Exceptions apply only to serious criminal targets. The temporary policy shift comes amidst scrutiny over the agency's tactics, after two incidents resulted in fatalities involving individuals not directly targeted by law enforcement.

Lucid stock plunged 55% after reports the EV maker is considering bankruptcy.  (REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/File Photo)

Lucid stock plunges 55% after report says EV maker may file for bankruptcy

Lucid Group’s stock plummeted by 55% as reports emerged that the electric vehicle manufacturer is considering significant restructuring options, including a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing or going private. The turmoil is exacerbated by a class action lawsuit alleging the company overstated production capabilities, coinciding with leadership changes and financial instability concerns. Backed by strategic partnerships, Lucid is grappling with high cash burn and negative profit margins.

The applicant also said that he initially worried his personal savings could have affected the decision, but the topic was never discussed during the interview.

Why was this Indian applicant's US B1/B2 visa rejected in under a minute?

A Reddit user's swift rejection of a B1/B2 visa has sparked discussions about visa decision factors despite his company sponsorship and supporting documents. The consular officer cited insufficient ties to India under Section 214(b). Factors like age, marital status, and lack of travel history may have influenced the outcome. Visa decisions are made individually, often swiftly.

Fraudsters are exploiting the Nancy Guthrie missing probe by soliciting funds through fake QR codes. The Pima County Sheriff's Department warns the public to avoid these scams.

Nancy Guthrie update: Pima County Sheriff issues major warning to public

Fraudsters are exploiting the search for Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, by circulating QR codes requesting funds for the investigation, prompting the Pima County Sheriff to warn the public against scams. Since her abduction on February 1, scammers have intensified, with arrests of individuals like Derrick Callella, charged with sending fake ransom letters.

Gram it: Motorcyclists vroomed on Kartavya Path as the Shaurya Vijay Yatra expedition kicked-off in the Capital, on Tuesday. This bike rally is planned from National War Memorial in Delhi to Kargil War Memorial in Dras in Ladakh, and aims to honour the Indian Armed Forces and former servicemen. Here’s how the bikers took to the streets after the expedition was flagged off by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on July 15 in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram

This week in Delhi offers diverse events: "Human Relation with House Bird" artwork by Rahul Gupta at IIC (July 15-21, 11am-7pm, free entry), "Turtle Walker" screening (July 15, 5:30pm, registration required), and "Sampravah" tribute concert (July 15, 7pm, free). Various nearby metro stations provide access to these cultural experiences.

Barbault Basket event explained.

Barbault Basket 2026: The meaning behind André Barbault's final prediction

A rare planetary alignment, known as the Barbault Basket, is set for July 19, 2026, when four outer planets will align at the 4th degree of different zodiac signs, an event not seen since 1922. Astrologers believe this configuration marks the end of a challenging cycle and signals a new phase of cooperation, highlighting André Barbault's lasting influence in astrology.

AI-generated image of Kylian Mbappé as a dictator

How did the Kylian Mbappe 'dictator' meme start? Viral trend explained

Kylian Mbappé has become a viral sensation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, inspiring the "Dictator Mbappé" meme trend showcasing his commanding presence on the pitch. The memes originated from a March 2024 dispute with influencer Mohammed Henni over a sandwich naming, which escalated into jokes about Mbappé’s leadership style. Despite the buzz, Mbappé has remained largely silent on the matter.

Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, and Harry Kane.

Mbappe v Yamal: All eyes on El Classico rivalry as France take on Spain

In a highly anticipated showdown dubbed the "final before the final," Kylian Mbappé aims for a historic third consecutive World Cup final against Lamine Yamal, known for his exceptional dribbling and recent hamstring issues. Their fierce rivalry, marked by previous knockout defeats for Mbappé, adds intensity to this captivating matchup. Each encounter has produced thrilling drama and unforgettable moments.

 xAI's Grok Build is under scrutiny after researchers claimed it uploaded entire Git repositories to cloud storage.

Why Elon Musk's xAI is facing backlash over claims it uploaded users' code

A security researcher claims xAI's Grok Build tool uploaded entire code repositories to the cloud without user consent, sparking controversy. The researcher reported uploads included files explicitly marked "never read" and sensitive data. xAI has since stated it values user privacy while making changes to prevent future uploads. Elon Musk assured users that previously uploaded data would be deleted.

Amabile first appeared on Becca Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette, where he earned the nickname 'Grocery Store Joe'.

What happened to Joe Amabile? ‘Bachelor’ star reveals diagnosis

Former 'Bachelor' star Joe Amabile, known as "Grocery Store Joe," has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, identified as a glioma, following an MRI that revealed a "blueberry-sized" lesion. He is set to undergo surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in two weeks. Amabile shared his journey on social media, emphasizing the importance of support and positivity during this challenging time.

According to temple sources, the deities adorn around 30 different designs of ornaments which include gold, diamond, silver and other precious metals.

How does spirituality connect with the Rath Yatra?

The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is a globally celebrated festival where millions witness the grand procession of wooden chariots, yet spiritual teacher Yuvika Dhar highlights its deeper meaning: the oneness of all life. She emphasizes that the festival inspires personal introspection and encourages kindness, reminding devotees that spirituality transcends rituals and lies in how we treat each other.

Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly speaker Satish Mahana. (HT file)

Simultaneous polls will save time, resources: Satish Mahana

Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly speaker Satish Mahana emphasized the long-standing sentiment for 'One Nation, One Election' during a meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing related legislation. He argued that simultaneous elections would enhance governance, allowing representatives to focus on development rather than election activities, and ensure efficient use of resources while highlighting the importance of public input in electoral reforms.

It has become difficult to bring turbidity levels completely under control during the treatment process said the officials. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Heavy rain raises turbidity in raw water supply; PMC issues advisory

Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of dams supplying Pune has sharply increased turbidity levels in raw water, prompting the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to issue an advisory for residents to take precautions before drinking. The Parvati water treatment plant is particularly affected, though treated water is still disinfected. Residents are advised to store water, use alum, and filter it before consumption.

Dhirendra  Shastri is the head of Bageshwar Dham, a religious centre.

Spiritual leader Dhirendra Shastri's brother, 3 others booked in assault case

A case was filed against Shaligram Garg and three associates for allegedly assaulting Moti Kushwaha and shooting at him over a land dispute in Chhatarpur. Kushwaha, who was called out of his home, reported being attacked with sticks and narrowly avoiding three gunshots. Dhirendra Shastri distanced himself from Garg, insisting justice should prevail. No arrests have occurred yet.

According to data released by the Traffic Branch, fines totalling  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>40,83,29,900 were imposed for offences including overspeeding, signal jumping, helmet and seat belt violations. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pimpri-Chinchwad traffic police collect 40.83 crore in fines in six months

Pimpri-Chinchwad Traffic Police collected over ₹40.83 crore in fines from 4,01,787 traffic violations during an enforcement drive aimed at enhancing road safety between January 1 and June 30, 2026. Key offences included overspeeding and signal jumping. Deputy Police Commissioner Vikrant Deshmukh emphasized ongoing enforcement and public awareness initiatives to improve traffic discipline and encourage compliance with road safety norms.

Talera claimed that three plots, No. 55, 56 and 69 in Survey No. 51/1 at Wadgaonsheri, were allotted to her in a 1992 family partition after she paid  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>75,000 to her sister-in-law. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Bombay HC revives cheating probe in land dispute involving 78-year-old widow

The Bombay High Court has reinstated a cheating and criminal breach of trust investigation against two women regarding a land dispute involving a 78-year-old widow in Wadgaonsheri, overruling a Pune sessions court's civil classification. Justice Shivkumar Dige emphasized the necessity for justice for the elderly widow. Talera claims her sister-in-law used forged documents to unlawfully sell her inherited plots.

Accordingly, the city will continue to receive uninterrupted water supply till July 22. (HT)

Pune water cuts suspended till July 22

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has extended the suspension of water cuts until July 22 due to sufficient water levels in local dams. Mayor Manjusha Nagpure emphasized the importance of daily supply, pending a review based on rainfall forecasts and current reservoir conditions. Initially, cuts began on June 15 amid El Niño concerns, but a recent rainfall improved conditions. Nagpure urged residents to conserve water responsibly.

Norway's Erling Haaland consumes a 6000-calorie diet to keep up with his nutritional needs as an elite footballer (Reuters)

From Haaland’s ‘Viking diet’ to Chhetri’s vegetarianism: How nutrition works for elite footballers

New Delhi: Following Erling Haaland's insights on elite athlete diets, attention has turned to Cristiano Ronaldo and Sunil Chhetri's nutrition strategies. Chhetri emphasizes individualized diets over trends, advocating routine, whole foods, and a shift towards vegetarianism. Despite nutritional advancements for top players, awareness and access remain limited for emerging athletes. Addressing this gap is crucial for future talent development.

According to the police, the confrontation escalated when another group of locals allegedly joined in, assaulted the family and pursued them in a car and on a two-wheeler. (HT)

Local goons harass woman tourist in Igatpuri, chase family for 20 km on Mumbai-Nashik highway

A family outing to Bhavali Dam turned disastrous when local youths harassed a woman, leading to a violent 20-km chase of the family on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Authorities have identified 12 suspects, with nine arrests made so far. The incident highlights concerns over safety in popular tourist locations like Igatpuri, which attracts many visitors.

(For representation) (AP)

ICC considers Super 10s round for T20 World Cup

The ICC plans to revamp the T20 World Cup format by introducing a Super 10 phase to replace the Super 8s, following recent board discussions. This change aims to enhance competitive matches and reduce early tournament fixtures. The revised format could debut in 2028, while the upcoming World Cups are scheduled in Australia-New Zealand and the UK.

Rath Yatra 2026: Date, timings, history and spiritual significance.

Rath Yatra 2026: Date, timings, history and spiritual significance

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 will commence on July 16, 2026, in Puri, Odisha, attracting millions to witness the deities' grand procession to Gundicha Temple. Spiritual teacher Yuvika Dhar emphasizes its significance beyond religion, symbolizing inclusivity and divine blessings. As one of the oldest festivals, it encourages faith, compassion, and community service, culminating in a return journey known as Bahuda Yatra.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during Sahyog programme at Lok Sevak Awas in Patna on Tuesday. (Santosh Kumar/ Ht)

CM directs officials to resolve grievances in time bound, transparent manner

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launched the state-level Sahyog programme in Patna, mandating priority handling of public grievances to enhance transparency and encourage citizen trust in government. He called for respect toward citizens, timely resolution of issues, and the promotion of the Chief Minister Solar scheme. Sahyog camps will assist those dissatisfied with lower-level responses, ensuring incomplete applications receive necessary guidance.

Can you solve this forest optical illusion and locate the hunter hiding in plain sight?

Optical illusion: Can you find the hunter hidden in this forest?

A new optical illusion invites viewers to spot a hidden hunter within a serene forest scene featuring a prominent bull and grazing bison. While the foreground captivates attention, the concealed figure blends into the natural surroundings, challenging observers to carefully scrutinize the entire image. Such puzzles, popular online, enhance observation skills and mental engagement. Have you found the hunter?

The Gandak river in full spate at Valmikinagar in West Champaran on Tuesday. (HT)

Bihar on flood alert as Nepal rivers swell

Severe rainfall in Nepal has caused rivers flowing into Bihar, including Gandak and Kosi, to swell, prompting the state water resources department to cancel officials' leave to manage the flood crisis. Though monitoring is intensified, safety remains a priority. Officials recommend evacuating families in vulnerable areas as water levels are predicted to rise further.

Amy Coney Barrett, associate justice of the US Supreme Court, during a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Amy Coney Barrett husband and kids: SCOTUS Justice reveals threats to her family

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett revealed the increasing threats and intimidation she and her family face in a polarized America, including a swatting incident at her home. Barrett emphasized the urgency for heightened security, as over 200 judges have reported threats this year. Married for over 20 years and a mother of seven, Barrett shared personal impacts of these dangers.

UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath with Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on July 14. (Soured)

Yogi Adityanath meets Amit Shah in Delhi, calls it a courtesy visit

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Union Home Minister Amit Shah amid controversy over alleged embezzlement at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, drawing scrutiny ahead of the 2027 UP assembly elections. The Supreme Court has sought a response from the government on the misappropriation claims. The meeting, labeled a courtesy call, raises speculation about BJP organizational strategies.

ZTE Kangxun Telecom and server maker Maginfra have been permitted to purchase Nvidia's H200 chips.

ZTE among Chinese firms licensed to purchase Nvidia's H200 chips, documents show

The U.S. has approved three Chinese firms, including ZTE Kangxun Telecom, to buy advanced AI chips from Nvidia and AMD, amid ongoing tech rivalry. This follows previous approvals for ten firms but no deliveries. While U.S. restrictions on AI chip exports to China tighten, China's push for domestic alternatives adds uncertainty to future sales.

The key puzzle is that the same officers, who underperform in their normal daily responsibilities, do a remarkable job in “mission mode” tasks — short-term tasks with clear accountability.

When will we start judging bureaucrats on delivery?

Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan urged Indian bureaucrats to avoid complacency, stressing the need for genuine care in public service. Despite rigorous selection processes, IAS officers often prioritize compliance over service delivery, undermining public welfare. To enhance performance, reforms are essential: linking promotions to outcomes and ensuring stable tenures longer than 15 months for effective governance.