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)

Germany's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 took an unusual turn after several snakes were spotted near the team's training base. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich addressed the situation with humor and calm, insisting the unexpected visitors had not disrupted the squad's focus. Team officials implemented precautionary measures to ensure player safety, while training continued as scheduled. Despite the bizarre distraction, Germany remain concentrated on their World Cup objectives following their emphatic opening victory. The incident has become one of the tournament's more unusual off-field stories, attracting widespread attention among fans and media. (PC: X)

Addressing the G7 Summit, Narendra Modi warned that the world is experiencing a growing “shortage of trust” amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. He urged leading nations to promote inclusive global partnerships and strengthen cooperation based on transparency, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. Modi emphasized the importance of giving greater voice to the Global South and called for reforms in international institutions to make them more representative. His remarks highlighted India's vision for a more balanced world order and underscored the need for collective action to address challenges ranging from conflicts to climate change and sustainable development. (PC: ANI)

France kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal, powered by a brilliant performance from Kylian Mbappé. The French captain scored twice to inspire the defending European champions and underline their title credentials. Senegal fought back after falling behind and briefly threatened a comeback, but France's attacking quality proved decisive. The win gives Didier Deschamps' side an ideal start in Group I, while Mbappé's brace further cemented his status as one of the tournament's biggest stars and a leading contender for the Golden Boot. (PC: X)

India's temporary ban on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination has sparked debate after many users reported that the messaging platform continued to function hours after the order was issued. The government imposed the restriction to curb exam-related fraud and misinformation, but Telegram's continued accessibility has raised doubts about India's ability to effectively enforce app-level blocks. Experts point to Telegram's built-in anti-censorship mechanisms and the complexity of internet infrastructure as reasons for the partial effectiveness. The episode has reignited discussions on digital governance, censorship, and the technical challenges of restricting online platforms. (PC: India Today)

The United States and Iran are set to launch a two-month round of peace negotiations beginning June 19, after agreeing to a framework aimed at ending more than 100 days of conflict. The talks, scheduled to formally commence in Switzerland, will focus on unresolved issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. The agreement extends the ceasefire for 60 days and could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and restoration of oil exports. Despite optimism surrounding the breakthrough, analysts caution that major challenges remain before a lasting peace can be secured. (PC: Reuters)