Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to sources. Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed during Israeli and US strikes on Tehran on February 28. Iranian state media said the funeral will begin on July 4 and conclude with his burial in his hometown of Mashad on July 9. Ceremonies will also be held in the holy city of Qom on July 7. The invitation comes as India and Iran continue diplomatic engagement following recent developments in West Asia. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian refiners are unlikely to rush into buying Iranian crude despite a temporary US sanctions waiver that has reopened access to some Iranian oil supplies. Industry experts say uncertainty over the future of sanctions, payment systems, insurance coverage and shipping arrangements continues to weigh on buying decisions. India was once a major importer of Iranian oil, but refiners have diversified their sources in recent years, increasing purchases from Russia, the UAE and other suppliers. While Iranian crude remains an option, companies are expected to move carefully until there is greater clarity on long-term policy and trade conditions. (PC: The Indian Express)

Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to purchase 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, with the deal expected to be a major outcome of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China. Reports suggest Dhaka aims to finalise the agreement by August 2026 as the two countries expand cooperation in defence and trade. The J-10CE is the export version of China’s advanced J-10C fighter aircraft. India is closely monitoring the development due to its possible impact on regional security. New Delhi is also watching plans to upgrade Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat airbase near the Indian border, which holds strategic importance for both countries. (PC: NDTV)

Candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won several key Democratic primary races, strengthening the party's left wing in the city. Brad Lander defeated Congressman Dan Goldman in New York's 10th District. Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier also secured victories in their respective races. The contests highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party, including differences over the Israel-Gaza war. Mamdani praised the winning candidates and said they would put working people at the centre of politics. Lander said voters wanted "leadership ready to fight, not fold". Party leaders, however, downplayed the broader impact of the primary results. (PC: BBC)

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee has asserted that his faction represents the “real” Trinamool Congress amid an escalating internal battle for control of the party. Speaking after submitting a list of the party’s national working committee members to the Election Commission, Banerjee claimed his group enjoys the support of a majority of TMC legislators and MPs. The rebel camp recently voted to remove Mamata Banerjee as party chairperson and elected Arup Roy in her place. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee’s faction has submitted a rival list to the Election Commission, setting the stage for a formal review of competing claims. (PC: HT)

Mumbai witnessed widespread disruption on Wednesday as heavy monsoon rain flooded roads, uprooted trees and caused a wall collapse in Vikhroli West. Several areas recorded over 300 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, falling under the IMD's “extremely heavy” rainfall category. Key locations, including Dadar station, King's Circle and Andheri subway, faced severe waterlogging, leading to traffic congestion across the city. A tree fell on a parked car in Dadar, while residents reported concerns over the season ahead. Despite the flooding, suburban train services and BEST buses continued operating. The IMD issued a red alert before downgrading it to orange later in the morning. (PC: India Today)

India strongly rejected Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir during an Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council, with India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, asserting that the Union Territory “is, and will remain” an internal matter of India. Addressing the meeting, Parvathaneni called for reviewing outdated mediation mechanisms under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, arguing they must evolve with changing realities rather than retain perpetual validity. He cited the Palestine issue as an example of evolving mediation frameworks and suggested Security Council mandates should also undergo review under the UN80 framework. India additionally accused Pakistan of politicising the forum.

Former Germany captain and 2014 FIFA World Cup winner Philipp Lahm has criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of “selling out” football through rising commercialisation. Writing in the German newspaper Die Zeit, Lahm said high ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are alienating supporters and damaging the tournament’s credibility. He also criticised the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, warning of its impact on player fitness, and opposed recurring proposals to stage the World Cup every two years. However, Lahm supported the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, praising opportunities created for emerging football nations. (PC: Charity Stars)

A group of Indian tourists in Italy confronted a waiter over alleged derogatory remarks about India and Indian customers, an incident that has gained significant attention on social media. A video shared by Instagram user “@khushicupcake5” appears to show the waiter allegedly referring to the tourists as being from “f***ing India.” While the full circumstances preceding the exchange could not be independently verified, the women are seen challenging the comments and demanding an apology. Following police involvement, the waiter allegedly apologised and stated, “I’m sorry for abusing India.” The incident sparked widespread online support, with many users praising the tourists for demanding accountability while urging caution about drawing conclusions beyond the video.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo ended a 10-match international goal drought with a first-half brace in a dominant 5-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K victory over Uzbekistan in Houston. Under pressure after a subdued display in a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Ronaldo delivered a vintage performance and celebrated his second goal with his iconic “Siuu” gesture. His opening strike made him the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in six different editions of the tournament. The victory moved Portugal to four points from two matches, keeping Roberto Martinez’s side firmly in contention for a Round of 32 berth.