FIFA: Torres’ extra-time heroics fire Spain to World Cup glory

FIFA: Torres’ extra-time heroics fire Spain to World Cup glory

New York, (IANS) Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the decisive goal in extra time as La Roja edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 title at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

After a tense and fiercely contested 90 minutes ended goalless, Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute. The forward latched onto Nico Williams’ headed knockdown before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to seal Spain’s second FIFA World Cup triumph, their first since winning the title in South Africa in 2010.

Spain dominated possession for long spells and carved out the better chances throughout the final but found Martinez in inspired form as the Argentine goalkeeper repeatedly denied the European side. Argentina, meanwhile, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with captain Lionel Messi largely contained by Spain’s disciplined defence.

The defending champions suffered a major setback deep into stoppage time of normal time when midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card, reducing Argentina to 10 men for extra time.

Spain continued to pile on the pressure and thought they had doubled their lead in extra time, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. However, Luis de la Fuente’s men remained composed and comfortably saw out the closing stages to bring Argentina’s reign as world champions to an end.

The triumph capped a remarkable tournament for Spain, who went unbeaten throughout the competition and added a second World Cup crown to their historic 2010 success. Argentina, champions in Qatar four years ago, fell agonisingly short in their bid to retain football’s biggest prize. FIFA: Torres’ extra-time heroics fire Spain to World Cup glory | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → July 20, 2026

India's AI ambitions get boost from nearly $80 billion Big Tech investments

India's AI ambitions get boost from nearly $80 billion Big Tech investments. (IANS Photo)

New Delhi, (IANS): India’s ambitions to emerge as a global artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse are receiving a major boost as global technology giants have committed nearly $80 billion towards AI and cloud infrastructure in the country over the next few years, strengthening its position as a key innovation and digital infrastructure hub, a report has said.

The latest push came after Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced an additional $13 billion investment in AI and cloud infrastructure in India by 2030, taking the company's total planned investment in the country to $48 billion over the next five years, according to an analysis by One World Outlook.

The report further highlighted that the fresh commitment includes more than $21 billion earmarked for expanding AI and cloud infrastructure.

In addition, the investment adds to similar commitments by other global technology companies.

Microsoft has announced $17.5 billion in investments towards AI and cloud infrastructure in India through 2029, while Google has committed $15 billion over five years to establish its first AI hub in Visakhapatnam, it added.

Together, these investments amount to nearly $80 billion, reflecting growing confidence among global technology firms in India's AI ecosystem.

This momentum to a combination of government policy support, a large technology talent pool, expanding digital infrastructure and a rapidly growing domestic market, the report said.

The government's IndiaAI Mission -- launched with a budget of about $1.25 billion -- aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem by supporting computing infrastructure, indigenous AI models, datasets, startups, skilling and responsible AI development, it added.

The government has also operationalised a $12 billion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to promote private sector investment in emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum computing.

Meanwhile, India is witnessing rapid expansion in digital infrastructure.

As per industry estimates, AI funding in India rose 58 per cent year-on-year in 2025, according to the report.It further noted that with over 1.5 million engineering graduates entering the workforce annually and a large digital consumer base, India is increasingly being viewed as a preferred destination for developing and deploying AI applications at scale. India's AI ambitions get boost from nearly $80 billion Big Tech investments | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → July 17, 2026