Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut with two goals as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening match of the 2026 tournament. The Manchester City striker opened the scoring before adding another after forcing an error from Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.   The victory was Norway’s biggest-ever World Cup win and their first goal in the tournament since 1998. Haaland now has 57 goals in 51 appearances for Norway, underlining his importance to the national team. Iraq briefly equalised through Aymen Hussein, but Norway responded strongly to secure a comfortable win and make an impressive start to their World Cup campaign.  

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that Members of Parliament from his party are being offered up to ₹50 crore each to switch sides amid renewed speculation of a split in Uddhav Thackeray’s camp. Raut claimed that ₹15 crore was being offered as an advance payment and described ₹50 crore as the “minimum support price” for defection. The allegations come as reports of an “Operation Tiger” to engineer a rebellion within the party gain traction in Maharashtra. Raut challenged any potential rebels to resign and seek a fresh mandate from voters if they choose to leave the party.  

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light-hearted moment at the G7 Summit in France that quickly caught attention online. In a viral video, the two leaders greeted each other before a group photograph when Modi appeared to mention their popularity on social media. Meloni responded, “Yes, we are the most famous couple on Instagram,” referring to the viral “Melodi” nickname created by combining their names. The term first gained popularity after their 2023 meeting and has since become a social media sensation, symbolising the warm rapport between the Indian and Italian leaders.  

Lionel Messi delivered a stunning performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his career in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. The 38-year-old captain opened the scoring with a powerful long-range strike before adding two more goals in the second half.   The hat-trick took Messi's World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing level with German legend Miroslav Klose as the tournament's joint-highest scorer. Messi also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick. His dominant display sent a strong message that Argentina remain serious contenders to defend their world title.  

Messaging platform Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Central government's temporary ban imposed ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-test. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before Justice Tejas Karia.   The Centre blocked Telegram until June 22 following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which said the platform was being used by cheating networks to spread alleged leaked papers, scams and misinformation related to the June 21 examination. The government invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act for the restriction.   Telegram argued that the ban unfairly affects millions of legitimate users and sought urgent relief. The court’s decision could have significant implications for digital platforms and exam security measures in India. (PC: India Today)

Messaging platform Telegram has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Central government's temporary ban imposed ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-test. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before Justice Tejas Karia.   The Centre blocked Telegram until June 22 following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which said the platform was being used by cheating networks to spread alleged leaked papers, scams and misinformation related to the June 21 examination. The government invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act for the restriction.   Telegram argued that the ban unfairly affects millions of legitimate users and sought urgent relief. The court’s decision could have significant implications for digital platforms and exam security measures in India. (PC: India Today)

Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut in two separate deals worth a combined $2.7 billion, marking a major change for the global pizza chain. The company will sell Pizza Hut’s operations outside mainland China to LongRange Capital for $1.5 billion, while Yum China will acquire the China business for $1.2 billion. The move follows years of weak sales and rising competition in key markets. Alongside the sale, Yum Brands approved an additional $4 billion share buyback program. The company said the deal will help sharpen its focus on faster-growing brands such as KFC and Taco Bell and support future technology investments.  

New Zealand defender Tyler Bindon and his mother, former footballer Jenny Bindon, have made FIFA World Cup history as the first mother-son pair to appear in the tournament. Jenny represented New Zealand at the 2007 and 2011 Women’s World Cups, while Tyler made his debut for the All Whites at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their achievement marks a unique milestone in international football and highlights the family’s lasting legacy in the sport. Tyler said his mother’s experience and support played a major role in shaping his career and inspiring his journey to football’s biggest stage. (PC: X)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi delivered a memorable performance by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The three goals took the 38-year-old's World Cup tally to 16, equalling the all-time men's scoring record held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose. Playing in his sixth World Cup and 200th international match, Messi also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick. The victory gave defending champions Argentina a perfect start to their title defence. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged world leaders at the G7 Summit to ensure secure maritime routes and protect seafarers, days after three Indian sailors were killed in attacks on commercial vessels. Stressing that global trust is the most valuable strategic asset, Modi said sailors must be able to perform their duties without fear. His remarks highlighted the importance of safeguarding international shipping lanes and strengthening maritime security. India has also placed its agencies on high alert to protect maritime interests amid rising tensions in the Gulf region following the deaths of the Indian crew members. (PC: The Times of India)