Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly working to influence the final US-Iran peace agreement even after telling President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by the deal. According to reports, Netanyahu remains skeptical of Tehran’s intentions and believes Iran will not fully comply with restrictions on its nuclear programme. He is said to be using allies in conservative media and supportive US senators to pressure Washington. A major sticking point is the agreement’s requirement for a permanent end to hostilities in Lebanon, which Israel has resisted despite growing international pressure. (PC: Reuters)

Indian equity markets continued their upward momentum for the fifth consecutive session on June 18, with the Sensex and Nifty gaining on optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran peace agreement and declining global crude oil prices. Lower energy costs improved investor confidence and supported gains across several sectors, particularly banking and financial stocks. Analysts said easing geopolitical tensions and expectations of stable inflation have strengthened market sentiment. The rally also received support from positive global cues, although concerns over future US interest-rate decisions continued to weigh on information technology shares. Overall, Indian markets maintained a strong bullish trend. (PC: Rediff)

India's World Cup preparations suffered a setback as Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi was denied entry to Canada ahead of Saturday's Group-stage clash against Germany. The 23-year-old Nice striker, who featured in Ivory Coast's opening win over Ecuador, is reportedly under investigation in France over alleged spot-fixing linked to a May Ligue 1 match against Metz. French authorities confirmed a footballer was arrested and later released as inquiries continue. Ivory Coast's football federation said it had received no official notice of proceedings but confirmed Wahi could not secure Canadian entry authorisation. He will remain in the United States pending the team's return. (PC: Getty Images)

India is poised to become the next major driver of global steel demand, according to Lakshmi Mittal. Speaking ahead of the 20th anniversary of ArcelorMittal, Mittal said large-scale infrastructure expansion, rapid urbanisation and energy-transition investments could position India in a role similar to China’s over the past two decades. Reflecting on the 2006 merger of Mittal Steel and Arcelor, he said greater scale and diversification helped the company withstand major disruptions, including the global financial crisis and the Covid pandemic. Despite regulatory, environmental and market challenges, Mittal remains optimistic about steel’s future, citing strong long-term demand fundamentals worldwide. (PC: X)

Austria goalkeeper Florian Wiegele has made FIFA World Cup history by becoming the tallest player ever named in a tournament squad. Standing 2.05 metres (6ft 9in), the 25-year-old surpassed former record-holder Andries Noppert of the Netherlands, who measured 2.03 metres at the 2022 World Cup. Born in Graz, Wiegele progressed through Sturm Graz’s academy, later playing for DSV Leoben, Grazer AK and Czech club Viktoria Plzen. He earned his only Austria cap in a 5-1 friendly victory over Ghana under coach Ralf Rangnick. Despite being Austria’s third-choice goalkeeper, Wiegele has already secured a unique place in World Cup history through his record-breaking height. (PC: Kicker)

Telegram has challenged India’s temporary ban in the Delhi High Court after the government blocked the platform until 22 June ahead of the NEET medical entrance exam retest involving nearly 2.3 million candidates. Authorities alleged Telegram was used to “defraud” students and ordered the platform to disable message editing until June-end. The exam was rescheduled after a May paper leak, triggering nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party. Telegram called the ban disproportionate, arguing leaks merely shifted to other apps. Founder Pavel Durov said hundreds of leak-related channels had already been removed. Critics, including internet freedom advocates and analysts, questioned the ban’s effectiveness and impact.

Neymar will miss Brazil’s FIFA World Cup Group C clash against Haiti as he continues recovering from a calf injury suffered while playing for Santos in May. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that the 34-year-old forward will remain in New Jersey to complete the final phase of his rehabilitation rather than travel with the squad to Philadelphia. Neymar has shown encouraging signs of progress, returning to the training pitch and participating in limited drills with teammates this week. Brazil’s medical staff are reportedly targeting a return during the knockout rounds to avoid aggravating the injury. Brazil opened the tournament with a draw against Morocco and are seeking their first win. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have digitally signed the 14-point “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” a landmark agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and paving the way for a broader settlement. The deal establishes a permanent ceasefire framework, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, initiates sanctions relief for Iran, and launches negotiations for a final agreement within 60 days. Iran reaffirmed it would not acquire nuclear weapons and accepted international oversight of enriched material through agreed mechanisms. The United States pledged sanctions waivers, asset unfreezing and economic assistance, while both sides committed to avoiding escalatory actions during negotiations. (PC: Inspired Pencil)

Several stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are using football’s biggest stage to highlight refugee experiences after fleeing war and conflict. Antonio Rudiger revealed how members of his family escaped Sierra Leone’s civil war, with his brother once hidden inside a rice sack to avoid abduction by rebels. Germany-born Rudiger grew up in a refugee centre after his family was granted asylum. Canada captain Alphonso Davies spent his early years in a refugee camp in Ghana after his parents fled Liberia’s civil war. Other players with refugee backgrounds include Eduardo Camavinga, Victor Moses and Australia’s refugee-born stars, highlighting resilience, opportunity and integration through sport. (PC: X)

Former France star Thierry Henry criticised Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup, accusing the veteran forward of prioritising personal glory over team play. Henry suggested Ronaldo’s decisions in key moments reflected selfishness and may have cost Portugal a victory. The result left Portugal with work to do in Group K as they seek qualification for the knockout stage. Ronaldo’s performance sparked debate among fans and pundits, with opinions divided over Henry’s comments. The match highlighted growing scrutiny on Portugal’s captain during the tournament. (PC: Reuters)