Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged a coordinated crackdown on the satirical digital movement after losing access to multiple social media platforms. Dipke claimed the party’s Instagram page was hacked, its backup account removed, and the official X account withheld in India. He also said his personal Instagram account was compromised and warned supporters not to trust posts made from those accounts. The controversy comes as the viral youth-driven movement gains massive online attention over issues like unemployment, paper leaks, and governance. The developments have sparked fresh debates on digital censorship, online freedom, and political satire in India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India aims to become the world’s largest arms exporter within the next 25-30 years, highlighting the growing role of the private sector in defence manufacturing. Speaking at the inauguration of a major private defence facility in Maharashtra, he said the government plans to increase private sector participation in defence production to 50%. Singh emphasized the success of the “Make in India” initiative, noting India’s rising defence exports and stronger indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The new facility is expected to boost military production, create jobs, and strengthen India’s position in the global defence market. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi on Saturday, focusing on trade, defence, energy security, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. During the meeting, Rubio extended an invitation from US President Donald Trump for Modi to visit the White House. The visit comes amid efforts to stabilise India-US ties strained by tariff disputes, immigration concerns, and global energy tensions linked to the Iran conflict. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership and working together on regional peace, security, and critical technology cooperation. 

Iran praised former US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard after she announced her resignation from the Trump administration. In a post on X, Iran’s embassy in Armenia said Gabbard had spoken “truths” about Iran that US President Donald Trump “hated”. Gabbard resigned after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Trump confirmed her resignation and said Aaron Lukas would serve as acting intelligence director. Several US leaders reacted to her departure, with Vice President JD Vance calling her a patriot and loyal friend.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday during his four-day India visit. The meeting at Seva Theerth lasted for more than an hour. Rubio earlier visited Kolkata, where he toured the Mother House of Missionaries of Charity, Nirmala Sishu Bhawan and Victoria Memorial. His visit is focused on energy cooperation, trade, defence and the QUAD partnership involving India, the US, Japan and Australia. Rubio is also expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over energy supplies.

Iran’s Mumbai consulate mocked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X after he arrived in India on Saturday for a four-day official visit. Replying to Rubio’s arrival post, the consulate wrote, “Sabhyata ka crash course seekh lo,” suggesting he should learn civility and culture from India. The remark is believed to be linked to recent comments by US President Donald Trump during tensions with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio visited the Mother House in Kolkata before travelling to New Delhi. He is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on trade, defence, energy and QUAD cooperation.

India is set to secure broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a deal worth around USD 30-35 million. An official announcement is expected next week. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will feature 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time. FIFA sees India as an important market because of football’s growing popularity, especially among young viewers in cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru and Goa. Despite the Indian football team’s recent poor performance, interest in European football and the World Cup remains strong. Fans across India are expected to get full access to the matches. (PC: Getty Images)

The BJP government in West Bengal has removed a controversial football-themed sculpture near Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The structure was designed by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and installed in 2017 before the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Many football fans had criticised the sculpture’s unusual design for years. The demolition came days after Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik called it “grotesque” and promised to remove it. BJP leaders welcomed the decision, while the government said it plans to improve infrastructure around the iconic football stadium in Kolkata.

Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation as the US Director of National Intelligence. She said she is stepping down to support her husband, Abraham, who was recently diagnosed with bone cancer. Her resignation will take effect on June 30. US President Donald Trump praised Gabbard and said she had done an “incredible job”. Aaron Lukas will serve as acting director after her departure. Gabbard joined Trump’s administration in 2025 and led the US intelligence community during major international tensions, including conflicts involving Iran and Cuba. (PC: Getty Images)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Saturday for his first official visit and is expected to hold key talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi later in the day. The meeting will focus on trade, defence cooperation, technology, energy and the QUAD partnership involving India, the US, Japan and Australia. Rubio first landed in Kolkata before travelling to Delhi. He is also scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday. US Ambassador Sergio Gor described the visit as “historic” and said it would help strengthen ties between the two countries.