Rajasthan Royals secured their IPL 2026 playoff place with a tactical win over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium after promoting England pacer Jofra Archer up the batting order. Archer scored a quick 32 off 15 balls, shifting momentum after RR lost early wickets. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said the team wanted an aggressive batter to attack while another batter held the innings together. RR director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara described the move as a calculated gamble. Archer later contributed with the ball as RR defended 206 runs. The victory confirmed Rajasthan Royals’ place in the IPL playoffs. (PC: India Today)

Three elephant calves have died within 17 days in Chhattisgarh’s Dharamjaigarh forest division, raising concerns over habitat conditions and elephant safety in the region. The latest death occurred on Sunday after a calf became trapped in a marshy pond area under the Pureda-Amjhar forest range despite rescue efforts. Forest officials said the calf’s mother stayed nearby for hours and tried to free it. Divisional Forest Officer Kishore Kumar Upadhyay said wildlife experts and veterinarians from Dehradun, Bareilly and Jabalpur will investigate the deaths, assess forest conditions and train local staff. Eight elephant calves have reportedly died in the division over five months. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre, the National Testing Agency and the Central Bureau of Investigation on petitions seeking major reforms in the NEET examination system following the 2026 paper leak controversy. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe said it was “sad” that lessons were not learned from earlier leaks. The court asked the NTA to explain compliance with recommendations made by a monitoring committee formed after the 2024 NEET controversy. Petitioners sought replacing the NTA with an autonomous body and shifting NEET entirely to a computer-based format. (PC: X)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar won praise on social media after a video showed him greeting passengers and taking selfies during a commercial flight. In the viral clip, Tendulkar walked through the aisle to personally meet fans, many of whom were seen cheering and recording the moment. Sharing the video online, Tendulkar wrote, “Had to do a lap and meet everyone! Always appreciate the love people show me.” The gesture quickly drew admiration from fans, who praised the former cricketer for remaining humble and approachable despite decades of fame and global recognition. 

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for a meeting of the INDIA opposition alliance following the Trinamool Congress’ major defeat in the 2026 Bengal Assembly election. The party won 80 seats, sharply down from 215 previously, while Banerjee lost the Bhabanipur seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The move comes amid growing tensions within the opposition bloc involving the Congress, DMK and other allies. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had criticised the Trinamool during campaigning but later expressed support after the results. Opposition parties are now assessing whether a June INDIA bloc meeting will take place. (PC: NDTV)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that American and Iranian negotiators have a “pretty solid” proposal on the table and a deal to end the conflict could be reached soon. Speaking during his India visit, Rubio said talks were continuing and discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump earlier said negotiators should not rush the agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said both sides were simultaneously “very close and very far” from a final understanding. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court on Monday was informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation is likely to take over the probe into actor-model Twisha Sharma’s death within a day. A bench led by Justice Surya Kant recorded the Madhya Pradesh government’s statement recommending a CBI inquiry. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre was expected to issue formal approval soon. The court expressed concern over allegations of institutional bias and media speculation because Sharma’s husband is advocate Samarth Singh and her mother-in-law Giribala Singh is a former district judge. The bench urged all parties and media to avoid influencing the investigation. (PC: HT)

Petrol and diesel prices were increased again across India on Monday, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks. State-run oil marketing companies raised petrol prices by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre, taking the total increase to nearly Rs 7.5 since May 16. Petrol in Delhi now costs Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 95.20. ONGC Director (Exploration) Sushma Rawat said global crude prices remain volatile due to the US-Iran conflict and uncertainty over peace talks. Analysts warned repeated hikes may increase transport costs and push up prices of essential goods. (PC: India Today)

The Indian government has finalised a Letter of Request (LoR) to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and is expected to send it to France within weeks. About 90 aircraft will be manufactured in India through a Dassault Aviation partnership with an Indian company, while the remaining jets will be delivered in fly-away condition. The procurement follows Defence Acquisition Council approval and will proceed through an inter-governmental route. India aims to secure Interface Control Documents to integrate indigenous weapons like Astra and BrahMos-NG. The deal is expected to help address the IAF’s fighter squadron shortfall until indigenous programmes, including LCA Mk2 and AMCA, mature. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump made a surprise phone call to US Ambassador Sergio Gor during celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence Day at the US Embassy in New Delhi, expressing strong support for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking on speakerphone, Trump said he “loves India and Prime Minister Modi,” adding that India could count on him whenever needed. He highlighted America’s strong economy, praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and asked that his greetings be conveyed to Modi. Ambassador Gor said the Trump-Modi relationship continues to drive deeper India-US cooperation, while also hinting that an interim trade deal could be signed in the coming weeks.