National News

Two geniuses, two completely different characters, yet so similar in their endeavour to defend the ultimate glory their professional lives had to offer. Messi could easily have walked away after the Qatar high. Not many would have questioned Maradona either if Argentina didn’t match the dizzying heights of 1986 four years on.

Himachal Pradesh school holiday: Educational institutions across Kangra, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur districts of Himachal Pradesh are closed today, July 21, 2026, following an IMD Red Alert for heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides. Examinations scheduled in the affected districts have been postponed, while teaching and non-teaching staff have been granted leave, subject to emergency duties. Several other districts remain open, although local authorities have been authorised to suspend classes if weather conditions deteriorate.

The Cockroach Janta Party alleges police brutality during a recent Parliament march. Protesters claim public figures were assaulted and dragged from a truck. One activist's wife reportedly had her hair pulled during the police action. The group states their volunteer suffered shattered ribs and other injuries. They demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and government dialogue.

A 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Kerala died after his ship was hit. The cargo vessel was reportedly struck by Russian forces near Odesa. Akhil Joyan was due to marry in two months and was the sole provider. His family is seeking assistance to bring his body home. India condemned the attack on commercial shipping and civilian lives.

Farmers marched towards Delhi to protest the proposed Indo-US trade agreement. Police barricaded the Shambhu border, preventing many from reaching their destination. Protesters voiced concerns about potential impacts on Indian agriculture and dairy sectors. They demanded transparency and consultations regarding the trade deal. The Desh Bachao Morcha called for the government to make agreement details public.

The July 20 WWE Monday Night RAW event in Detroit featured several exciting tag team and singles matches. Bron Breakker and Austin Theory secured a victory in the opening tag team bout. Oba Femi defeated JD McDonagh and challenged Brock Lesnar to a future match. LA Knight faced Jacob Fatu in the main event, with Fatu emerging victorious.

Stock market recommendations: Bank of India, Computer Age Management Services (CAMS), Bharti Airtel, and PFC - Somil Mehta, Head of Retail Research at Mirae Asset Sharekhan recommends these as the top stocks to buy on July 21, 2026:

Highlights importance of villages in shaping the nation’s development and social fabric.

She will hold bilateral talks with her counterpart Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova

At least seven workers have died in a Sikkim tunnel landslide incident. Several other workers are feared trapped inside the under-construction tunnel. Rescue operations are underway by multiple agencies to evacuate those still inside. Authorities suspect around twenty-seven workers were inside when the landslide occurred. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation by officials.

A large fire erupted in a Delhi residential building's parking area. Two cylinders exploded, and four vehicles sustained damage in the blaze. Firefighters safely rescued eight individuals trapped within the building. The incident occurred in the Hari Nagar locality on Tuesday morning. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

FIFA has launched an investigation into post-match clashes following Argentina's World Cup final loss. Several Argentina players were involved in confrontations with Spanish counterparts after the game. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has appointed a prosecutor to examine these potential breaches. Players found guilty of violent conduct face a minimum three-match suspension. The Argentine Football Association could also face disciplinary action and fines.

Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankar was found dead in his office toilet on Monday. A magisterial probe has been ordered into the circumstances surrounding his death. The government declared one day of state mourning for the respected officer. Additional DGP Goduguluri Srinivasa Rao has been appointed as the acting police chief. Investigators are examining all possible factors, including a potential suicide note.

In an unprecedented turn of events, despite multiple layers of barricades, deployment of around 3,000 security personnel and an Internet shutdown, large crowds comprising mostly students and young people were able to reach the doorsteps of Parliament before they were tear-gassed and charged with batons

Using criminal law to protect reputation of rulers is condemnable

The French firm SUEZ has begun non-destructive testing of the water utility’s reservoirs, pump houses and other infrastructure