International

The Thursday Times brings the globe into focus, delivering clear, comprehensive reporting on pivotal events shaping nations and communities. With The Thursday Times‘ on-the-ground insights and expert analysis, we connect readers to the stories that matter across borders, helping make sense of our fast-changing world.

Andy Burnham becomes UK Prime Minister as Starmer resigns

Andy Burnham has become the United Kingdom's 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Keir Starmer after being invited by King Charles III to form a government. The former Manchester mayor, Britain's seventh PM in a decade, promised "a circuit breaker for Britain."
International

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain have won the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, ending a tightly contested final with a decisive breakthrough.
Football

FBI captures Indian national wanted over crime network links

The FBI has confirmed the capture of Nitish Kaushal, a 26-year-old Indian national wanted over his alleged role as an enforcer for the Bhagwanpuria crime network. He was arrested in Vermont near the US-Canada border, the first confirmed capture among the fugitives named under Operation Hard Ball.
International

Argentina stun England with dramatic late comeback to reach World Cup Final

Argentina scored twice in the final minutes to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback over England in Atlanta and advance to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
Football

China now viewed more positively than the US in most countries, Pew finds

For the first time, more people view China favourably than the US across most of 36 countries surveyed, Pew Research Center finds, with more expressing confidence in Xi than Trump. The US leads China in just six countries. In Pakistan, 84% call China a reliable partner against 36% for the US.
International

امریکی ایف بی آئی نے جرائم پیشہ نیٹ ورک سے منسلک بھارتی شہری کیلئے مطلوب نوٹس جاری کر دیا

بھارتی شہری نِتیش کوشل کیلئے امریکی ایف بی آئی نے مطلوب نوٹس جاری کر دیا۔ ”آپریشن ہارڈ بال“ میں شامل تین میں سے ایک جرائم پیشہ نیٹ ورک (بھگوانپوریا) سے منسلک نِتیش کوشل کو مسلح و خطرناک شخص قرار دیتے ہوئے ریکٹیئرنگ جرائم پر وارنٹ گرفتاری جاری کیے گئے ہیں۔
International

FBI issues wanted notice for Indian national linked to crime network

The FBI has issued a wanted notice for Nitish Kaushal, a 26-year-old Indian national alleged to be an enforcer for the Bhagwanpuria crime network, one of three India-based groups named in Operation Hard Ball. He is wanted on racketeering charges and considered armed and dangerous.
International

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the 2026 World Cup final, scoring in the 22nd and 58th minutes behind a clean sheet from Unai Simón. France had more shots but no way through. Spain play the final on 19 July.
Football

Erdoğan receives Field Marshal Asim Munir at Ankara Airport as Pakistan-Türkiye defence ties deepen

Turkish President Erdoğan received Field Marshal Asim Munir at Ankara Airport for talks on regional security and the Pakistan-Türkiye strategic partnership. Munir received a guard of honour and was awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal during his two-day official visit.
International

Pakistan’s Naqvi meets FBI chief Kash Patel in Washington security push

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met FBI Director Kash Patel at bureau headquarters in Washington, part of Islamabad's push to deepen US security cooperation. Patel called the partnership "critical." The visit comes amid Pakistan's continuing mediation between Washington and Tehran.
International

Lindsey Graham, influential US Senate hawk on Iran, dies at 71

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally and leading foreign-policy hawk on Iran, has died aged 71 after a brief and sudden illness, his office says.
International

Afghan Taliban minister says Indians and Afghans share the same DNA

Afghan Taliban Agriculture Minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari has said Indians and Afghans "share the same DNA", describing India as feeling "like our own country" during a visit to New Delhi aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation.
International

U.S. charges Bishnoi, Goldy Brar for Nijjar assassination

The US has charged Lawrence Bishnoi, imprisoned in India, and Goldy Brar with directing the 2023 murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 37 defendants charged, 24 arrested. The charges renew scrutiny of India-linked transnational repression.
International

Argentina survive Egypt scare to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Goals in the 79th, 83rd and 90th minutes completed a stunning comeback. Messi and Argentina are in the quarter-finals.
Football