Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei says political tensions and visa restrictions have disrupted his team's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Some Iranian support staff were reportedly denied US visas, forcing the team to shift its training camp from the United States to Mexico before arriving for its opening match against New Zealand. Ghalenoei insisted his players would ignore the controversy, saying, "We are not political people... football is separate from politics." Striker Mehdi Taremi also said the tensions had reduced the joy of the tournament, which should promote peace and unity through football. (PC: NDTV)

Indian-flagged LNG carrier *Disha* has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first Indian vessel carrying liquefied natural gas to transit the strategic waterway in more than three months. The ship, managed by a Shipping Corporation of India-led consortium, is transporting 62,370 metric tonnes of LNG and is expected to reach Dahej, Gujarat, on June 18. The voyage comes as maritime traffic gradually resumes after the US-Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the route. The government said it remains in close contact with Indian missions and shipping firms to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers. (PC: The Indian Express)

Fresh questions have emerged over the proposed US-Iran peace deal as conflicting accounts surface about key parts of the agreement. While US President Donald Trump has said the deal could help end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, uncertainty remains over whether the ceasefire will also cover Lebanon. Reports also differ on the possible release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and the scale of future sanctions relief. Iran's nuclear programme is expected to be discussed in later negotiations. Officials from both sides have yet to publish the full terms, leaving several major issues unresolved. (PC: HT)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that children under the age of 16 will be banned from using major social media platforms from spring 2027. The restriction will apply to TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and X, but messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will be exempt. Starmer said he was "not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children" and called a full ban the right decision. The move follows growing concerns over online harms and pressure from bereaved families, while critics argue platforms should be made safer instead of introducing a blanket ban. (PC: BBC)

India's southwest monsoon has entered a worrying pause, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a nationwide rainfall deficit of 64% between June 4 and June 15. Satellite images from INSAT-3DS show a sharp decline in cloud cover over large parts of central and peninsular India, while major rain activity remains limited to the Himalayan region and the Northeast. Meteorologists say an unusual shift in upper-atmospheric winds is disrupting the normal monsoon circulation despite sufficient moisture over surrounding seas. Weather models, however, suggest rainfall activity could gradually improve later this week as atmospheric conditions become more favourable. (PC: India Today)

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that teenage star Lamine Yamal will not start the team's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Cape Verde despite recovering from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona winger, who has not played since April, is fit enough to feature but is expected to play only limited minutes from the bench. Fellow wingers Nico Williams and Victor Munoz are also available only as substitutes. De la Fuente backed his squad, calling it the best in the world as Spain begin their Group H campaign, with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also awaiting them. (PC: NDTV)

Indian seafarers have found themselves caught in the escalating Gulf conflict, with three sailors killed in missile attacks and another dying after an alleged delay in medical evacuation. Merchant vessels Marivex, Settebello and MT Jalveer, carrying Indian crew, were attacked in separate incidents near the Strait of Hormuz. Three Indians aboard Settebello lost their lives, while crews from Marivex and Jalveer were rescued. In a separate case, Second Officer Nishanth Uirthanathan died aboard MT Celestial after falling ill, with seafarers' unions alleging repeated SOS calls went unanswered. Indian authorities are coordinating efforts as investigations continue. (PC: India Today)

Indian stock markets ended sharply higher on Monday, with the BSE Sensex climbing 736 points and the Nifty 50 closing above the 23,850 mark. The rally was driven by optimism over the US-Iran peace framework, which eased geopolitical tensions and pushed global oil prices lower. Falling crude prices are seen as positive for India's economy and helped lift investor confidence. Broad-based buying was witnessed across sectors, while the rupee also strengthened against the US dollar. Analysts said improving global sentiment and lower bond yields added further support to the market rally.  

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have gathered in Evian-les-Bains, France, with discussions set to centre on the US-Iran peace framework, the Russia-Ukraine war, global trade tensions and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the summit as an invited leader and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump on June 17. The proposed India-US trade agreement is expected to be a major topic of their meeting. G7 leaders will also discuss China's trade practices, the debt burden of developing nations and global energy security. (PC: News18)

Television actress Sanchita Ugale, known for her roles in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, has died at the age of 22. Police said the incident took place at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. Based on a complaint filed by her father, Achole Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and an investigation is underway. Ugale had also appeared in the films Chhaava and Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout. The exact circumstances are yet to be determined. (PC: NDTV)