India’s smart television market may have contracted in early 2026, but the FIFA World Cup is driving strong demand for premium, large-screen TVs as consumers upgrade their home entertainment systems. According to Counterpoint Research, smart TV shipments fell 3% year-on-year in the first quarter due to inflation, rupee depreciation and geopolitical uncertainties, with the slowdown concentrated in entry-level models. Meanwhile, 55-inch and larger televisions accounted for nearly one-third of shipments, while QLED and MiniLED models gained market share. Hisense India reported a 40–50% jump in large-screen TV sales during the tournament, expecting growth to reach 60% by the World Cup’s conclusion, supported by easy financing and regional demand. (PC: Haier India)

Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran for the funeral of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” echoed across the ceremony. Poet Mohammad Rasouli openly questioned why US President Donald Trump was still alive, drawing loud cheers from the crowd in the first direct public call for Trump's death by a funeral emcee. The event featured banners and posters targeting Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The funeral, delayed due to the war, comes as Iran negotiates with the US over ending the conflict. Khamenei’s son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is expected to strengthen the country's leadership after the ceremony.

Satellite images from ISRO’s INSAT-3DR have captured two massive monsoon systems driving intense rainfall over Maharashtra and West Bengal. One sprawling convective cloud mass stretches from the east-central Arabian Sea into the Konkan coast, while another powerful system covers the northern Bay of Bengal, extending across Gangetic West Bengal, Bangladesh and adjoining northeastern states. Infrared imagery shows extremely cold, bright white cloud tops, signalling deep convection and vigorous thunderstorm activity capable of producing heavy rainfall. The twin weather systems have significantly strengthened the southwest monsoon, increasing rainfall across large parts of India. However, meteorologists warn the intensified systems also raise the risk of flooding, waterlogging, transport disruption and weather-related damage in vulnerable regions. (PC: India Today)

India has slipped one place to 125th in the Global Passport Index 2026, according to the fifth annual report by Global Citizen Solutions, despite recording its highest composite score in five years. The Indian passport now offers visa-free access to 26 countries and has improved only two positions since 2021. Unlike traditional passport rankings focused on travel, the index evaluates passports across Enhanced Mobility, Investment and Quality of Living. India ranked 136th in mobility, 118th in quality of living and 94th in investment, showing gains in the latter two categories. Sweden topped the 2026 rankings, followed by Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. (PC: CN Traveller)

India has withdrawn most emergency natural gas supply restrictions imposed during the West Asia conflict after LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following a ceasefire. The Petroleum Ministry amended the March 9 Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, ending government-controlled priority allocation of domestic gas and imported LNG. The emergency measures had been introduced after disruptions triggered force majeure declarations and threatened supplies. Earlier restrictions on LPG production and diesel sales had already been lifted. During the crisis, the government prioritised gas for PNG households, CNG, fertiliser plants and essential sectors while curbing supplies to petrochemical units and power plants. Officials said improved regional conditions and resumed maritime traffic made the emergency measures unnecessary. (PC: The Tribune )

A major controversy has erupted in Pakistan after Muhammad Raza Dar, a close relative of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, was named among suspects accused of abducting and gang-raping two foreign women in Lahore. The victims, from the Netherlands and Venezuela, allegedly met Raza Dar in Singapore through a cryptocurrency business connection before travelling to Pakistan, where they were reportedly abducted on June 29. Police rescued the women after one victim’s father alerted authorities from Spain. Four suspects, including Raza Dar, have been arrested and remanded to five days’ police custody. Investigators said the high-profile case is being examined from every possible angle. (PC: Times Now)

Iran has confirmed it will introduce service fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz after the current 60-day free-passage arrangement expires, while offering “special” treatment to countries that supported Tehran during its recent conflict. Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Iran’s ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, said the fees would cover safe passage, vessel monitoring and environmental protection, stressing they should not be viewed as a toll. Iran is coordinating the new system with Oman despite US opposition to the proposal. The Strait of Hormuz, which carries nearly one-fifth of global crude oil and LNG exports, reopened after the Iran-US ceasefire, with permanent negotiations still underway. (PC: News18)

Security forces have intensified a major counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district after surveillance cameras captured two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists hiding in an orchard. A joint team of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF has sealed all escape routes while clearing four of seven villages under a tight cordon. The trapped terrorists, identified as Latif and Zakir from Kulgam district, reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce gunbattle. Zakir is believed to have joined Lashkar in 2024 and Latif in 2025. Officials said eliminating local operatives remains crucial to dismantling terror logistics and recruitment networks, especially in Shopian’s dense summer terrain that offers natural cover. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi praised Cape Verde after Argentina survived a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, saying the African debutants had already proven their quality by avoiding defeat against Spain and Uruguay. Messi, who scored his record-extending 20th World Cup goal and provided the decisive contribution, admitted Argentina struggled after taking the lead, losing possession and allowing Cape Verde to exploit their strengths. He stressed that knockout football offers no easy matches and warned against underestimating teams based on reputation. Argentina eventually advanced after a Diney Borges own goal and will now face Egypt in the Round of 16.

A protest movement in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has called for worldwide demonstrations on July 5 to highlight what organisers describe as an escalating crackdown by Pakistani security forces. Led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the campaign seeks international attention while asserting that its movement remains peaceful and focused on fundamental rights. Addressing a gathering in Rawalakot, Advocate Mehrah Khawja criticised Pakistan’s military, stating there was “no law” permitting the army to kill civilians, and urged overseas Kashmiris, particularly in the United Kingdom, to organise protests from Birmingham to London. He also criticised Pakistan’s leadership, saying it lacked the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. (PC: WION)