The Indian government has suspended access to the Telegram messaging app nationwide until June 22, 2026, citing concerns over its alleged misuse in leaking examination material ahead of the NEET-UG re-test scheduled for June 21. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology acted following recommendations from the National Testing Agency to curb organized exam fraud. Some Telegram features may remain restricted until June 30. The move has sparked debate over digital freedoms, with Telegram challenging the order in court and founder Pavel Durov criticizing the ban as affecting millions of legitimate users. (PC: X)

A leaked 14-point memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran outlines a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending hostilities and reviving Iran's economy. Under the proposed agreement, Iran pledges never to develop nuclear weapons, while the U.S. would ease sanctions on Iranian oil, petrochemicals, and banking sectors. The framework also includes facilitating at least $300 billion in financing and releasing frozen Iranian assets. The two sides are expected to hold final negotiations within 60 days, with any comprehensive agreement requiring international approval and strict monitoring mechanisms. The deal marks a significant step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East. (PC: AP)

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 captures global attention, India remains absent from the tournament despite its population of 1.4 billion and passionate football fan base. Former captain Baichung Bhutia says India has the talent but lacks a strong grassroots system and long-term planning. The national team has slipped to 136th in FIFA rankings and failed to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Experts point to poor football infrastructure, administrative challenges and competition from cricket as major obstacles. While AIFF hopes reforms and overseas Indian players can help, World Cup qualification remains a distant goal. (PC: BBC)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi revealed he cried after scoring against Algeria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 because of personal struggles he had faced in recent days. The 38-year-old scored a historic hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory, equalling Miroslav Klose’s record for most World Cup goals. Messi said the emotional moment had nothing to do with football and thanked his teammates for supporting him through a difficult period. He described his current World Cup journey as the “cherry on top” of his career, while coach Lionel Scaloni praised the veteran star’s remarkable performance.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, with trade, defence cooperation and the West Asia situation high on the agenda. The meeting comes amid strains in India-US ties over tariffs and regional security concerns. Earlier, Modi participated in discussions on sustainable economic growth and held meetings with European leaders. G7 nations also welcomed the US-Iran peace framework and reaffirmed support for Ukraine. Leaders discussed critical minerals, North Korea’s nuclear programme, migration, cybercrime and global economic challenges. (PC: HT)

Construction of Bangladesh’s proposed 81-foot Lord Ram statue, set to be the country’s tallest, has been suspended after threats from radical Islamist groups. The project, located in Palashbari, Gaibandha district, was reportedly 80% complete when work was halted to maintain law and order. The decision followed online campaigns and public calls by Islamist preachers demanding the statue’s demolition. The move has triggered protests by Hindu groups and students, who say it raises concerns about religious freedom and minority rights. The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the government’s commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s religious minorities. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has said the proposed agreement with Iran to end months of conflict is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if Washington is unhappy with the final terms. Speaking at the G7 Summit in France alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Trump described the framework deal as "very strong" but said the US would act if Iran failed to comply. He also claimed financial markets had reacted positively to the announcement, with oil prices falling. Trump further criticized former President Barack Obama’s 2015 Iran nuclear deal, accusing him of trying to "bribe" Iran with cash payments. (PC: NDTV)

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with match-winning performances and major milestones. Messi scored a hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record, Mbappé became France’s leading scorer, and Haaland netted twice on his World Cup debut.   Now, attention turns to Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal prepare to face DR Congo. The 41-year-old star has the chance to become the first player to score in six different World Cups. Ronaldo enters the tournament with eight World Cup goals and another historic record within reach. (PC: India Today)

India is pushing for a steel export quota worth nearly $900 million in the UK market to resolve a dispute that has delayed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). New Delhi argues that Britain's planned steel import restrictions, including a sharp cut in tariff-free quotas and higher duties on excess imports, could hurt Indian steel exports despite the trade pact. India wants a quota matching its recent export levels to the UK. Officials have also raised concerns over the UK's upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), with both sides continuing negotiations to break the deadlock. (PC: The Indian Express)

Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football history by scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The three goals took the 38-year-old’s World Cup tally to 16, equalling German striker Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament record.   Messi also became the first player to appear in six World Cups and the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick. The Argentina captain reached the milestone exactly 20 years after making his World Cup debut. Defending champions Argentina opened their campaign strongly, with Messi once again proving decisive on football’s biggest stage. (PC: X)