Ukraine targeted a Moscow oil refinery for the second time this week, triggering a large fire and disrupting air traffic across the Russian capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strike as a "justified response" to recent Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv that killed civilians and damaged cultural sites.   Russian authorities said hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted, including many near Moscow, prompting the suspension of flights at all major city airports. The attack came just hours before President Vladimir Putin was scheduled to host ASEAN leaders in Kazan, highlighting escalating tensions despite renewed calls for diplomacy. (PC: HT)

England captain Harry Kane made history as he scored twice in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener in Dallas. Kane became only the second England player after David Beckham to score in three different World Cup tournaments.   The Bayern Munich striker also equalled Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals for England and set a new mark for the most non-shootout penalty goals in World Cup history with five. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals as England overcame a spirited Croatia side to begin their campaign with an impressive win. (PC: NDTV)

The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at extending a ceasefire and opening negotiations on a broader peace agreement. While President Donald Trump described the deal as a major breakthrough, key issues remain unresolved.   The agreement requires Iran to reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium under international supervision, but details of a final nuclear deal are yet to be negotiated within a 60-day period. The deal also outlines plans for at least $300 billion in Iran's reconstruction, though funding sources remain unclear. Questions over Iran's missile program and support for regional proxy groups also remain unanswered.  

Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups remains on hold after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener in Houston.   Portugal took an early lead through Joao Neves, who headed home Pedro Neto's cross in the sixth minute. However, Yoane Wissa equalised before halftime to earn DR Congo a valuable point.   Ronaldo, 41, struggled to make an impact as Portugal's star-studded midfield failed to create enough clear chances. Despite dominating possession, Portugal lacked creativity and could not find a winning goal, raising concerns ahead of their remaining group-stage matches. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have digitally signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching broader negotiations on sanctions and Iran’s nuclear programme. The agreement took effect immediately and includes a ceasefire framework, phased sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian assets, renewed oil exports and a 60-day timeline for negotiating a comprehensive settlement. Iran reaffirmed that it would not develop nuclear weapons, while discussions on enriched uranium stockpiles will continue under international supervision. The deal also includes economic assistance and measures to ensure maritime security in the strategic waterway.

US President Donald Trump defended the newly signed US-Iran peace agreement, arguing that it removes what he called Israel’s greatest security threat: the possibility of an Iranian nuclear attack. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Trump said he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel had achieved its most important objective through the deal. The agreement reportedly includes dilution of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, sanctions relief, and a 60-day framework for broader nuclear negotiations. Trump also criticised Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and urged restraint. However, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would continue operations against Hezbollah and maintain its security posture.

Turkish aviation entrepreneur Can Çelebioğlu has described India’s decision to revoke security clearances for Celebi’s Indian subsidiaries after Operation Sindoor as a devastating blow, saying the company lost a $500 million business “overnight.” India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelled the clearances on May 15, 2025, shortly after hostilities between India and Pakistan ended. Celebi, which had operated in India for over a decade and provided airport ground-handling and cargo services, was forced to halt operations across multiple airports. The company has challenged the decision legally, while Indian authorities have maintained that national security considerations were the primary factor behind the action.

Smriti Mandhana created T20I history during India’s Women’s T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands by becoming the first player in men’s or women’s cricket to surpass 600 fours in T20 internationals. The left-hander scored a fluent 74 off 47 balls, including 11 boundaries and a six, taking her career tally to 604 fours in 168 T20Is. She and Shafali Verma added 115 runs for the opening wicket, powering India to 209/5, their highest total of the tournament. India then secured a commanding 95-run victory as Shree Charani starred with 4/19 and Shafali claimed three wickets. (PC: Prokerala)

India has delivered five tonnes of essential medicines to Afghanistan as part of its ongoing humanitarian assistance programme, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people. The aid was sent to Kabul and includes critical medical supplies intended to support the country’s healthcare sector. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India remains focused on strengthening Afghanistan’s health infrastructure through medicines, medical equipment and specialised healthcare support. Earlier, India also provided diagnostic and treatment equipment, including neonatal and pediatric care devices, ventilators, patient monitors and specialised medical kits. The assistance aligns with India’s broader efforts to promote peace, stability, development and capacity-building initiatives in Afghanistan.

Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick at 38 years and 357 days. The achievement surpassed the previous record held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick against Spain at the 2018 World Cup aged 33. In his 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi scored three distinct goals and also equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. The milestone came exactly 20 years after Messi scored his first World Cup goal, further cementing his legendary status in football history. (PC: Animalia.life)