A public dispute between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has intensified following the recent G7 Summit in France. Trump repeated his claim that Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo with him during the summit and suggested she was seeking to improve her political standing. Meloni strongly rejected the remarks, calling them “completely fabricated” and criticizing what she described as repeated attacks against Italy. The disagreement has also highlighted tensions over Italy’s refusal to support certain US military logistics related to Iran. The row has drawn political attention in both countries and strained relations between the two leaders. (PC: HT)

The Netherlands face Sweden in a key FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match in Houston, with both teams chasing important qualification goals. The Dutch are looking for their first win after a 2-2 draw against Japan, where they surrendered the lead twice. Sweden, meanwhile, are aiming to secure a place in the knockout stage following an impressive 5-1 victory over Tunisia. Led by forwards Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden have started strongly under coach Graham Potter. The match could prove decisive in shaping the Group F standings and knockout qualification race. (PC: NDTV)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that several of its bank accounts were frozen during an investigation into ₹440 crore linked to rebel party MLAs. The party claimed the action has disrupted its financial operations and accused authorities of targeting it ahead of key political developments. Investigators are examining the flow of funds and possible financial irregularities involving legislators who had distanced themselves from the party. TMC leaders denied any wrongdoing and demanded that the accounts be restored. The probe continues, with officials yet to release detailed findings on the alleged fund transactions.  

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after fresh Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed at least 16 people, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Tehran said the move was a response to growing regional instability and warned of further measures if hostilities continue. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route through which a large share of the world's oil exports passes. The development has raised concerns about energy supplies and oil prices worldwide. The United States said it had not yet observed a complete disruption to maritime traffic but is closely monitoring the situation. (PC: The Indian Express)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strengthened security measures ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. More than 22.79 lakh candidates will appear for the medical entrance test across 551 cities in India and 14 overseas locations.   To prevent malpractice, the NTA has deployed 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras, over 51,000 jammers, biometric verification teams and thousands of frisking staff. AI-powered monitoring and live surveillance will also be used at exam centres. Authorities conducted a nationwide mock drill on Friday to test security arrangements. The NTA said the measures are aimed at ensuring a fair and smooth examination process. (PC: HT)

Delhi Police have uncovered a major baby trafficking racket that allegedly bought newborns from poor families in Rajasthan and Gujarat and sold them to childless couples in several states. Investigators said baby boys were sold for ₹6-8 lakh, while girls were sold for ₹3-4 lakh.   The operation began after police received a tip about a woman frequently seen with different infants. A decoy operation led to multiple arrests and the rescue of five babies. Police allege a hospital in Delhi's Rohini area was used to forge documents and hold infants before sale. Authorities say at least 30 infants may have been trafficked in the past year.  

A major Ukrainian drone attack hit an oil refinery in Moscow, sending thick black smoke over parts of the Russian capital and highlighting how the war is increasingly affecting life inside Russia. The strike also damaged residential buildings and shopping centres in the Moscow region. Local authorities said an eight-year-old girl was killed in a fire caused by one of the drones.   While many residents continued their daily routines, the attack underscored growing security concerns in Moscow. Russian officials downplayed the incident, insisting that Moscow's strikes on Ukraine remain more effective. The attack was among the largest on the region since the war began. (PC: BBC)

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, accusing Israel and the United States of violating a recent ceasefire agreement. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the move was the “first step” in response to what it called breaches of commitments and warned that further action could follow if attacks continue.   The announcement came after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed at least 16 people, including two children. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and any disruption there could raise concerns about global energy supplies and regional stability. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has again criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she repeatedly asked to take photos with him during the G7 summit. Trump claimed Meloni wanted the pictures to help increase her popularity.   He also criticised Italy’s views on Iran and raised concerns about the country's role in Nato cooperation. Trump's comments have brought fresh attention to differences between the two leaders on international issues.   Meloni has not publicly replied to the remarks. The comments come as G7 countries work together on major global challenges, including security, defence and foreign policy. (PC: India Today)

Algeria have filed an official complaint with FIFA over refereeing decisions during their 3-0 defeat to Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The complaint focuses on an incident in which Lionel Messi appeared to step on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi during the first half but was not shown a card. Algeria also questioned a second-half challenge by Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on Ibrahim Maza that went unpunished. Despite the controversy, Messi starred for Argentina with a hat-trick in Kansas City. The three goals took the Argentine captain level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in men's World Cup history with 16 goals. (PC: NDTV)