US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, saying the conflict has caused excessive civilian casualties and prolonged instability. Speaking during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Trump said Syria could do a better job of dealing with Hezbollah if Israel “cannot do the job without killing everyone else.” He also revealed that he had objected to Israel’s recent strike on Beirut, warning that such actions risk undermining broader regional diplomacy, including efforts to revive peace talks with Iran. Trump stressed that civilian lives must be protected during military operations.

A diplomatic row has emerged after Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s adviser, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, left India following a nearly two-hour delay at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Indian immigration officials reportedly held him for verification after his name triggered a security alert linked to past remarks on India. Although authorities later cleared him for entry, Rahman chose to abandon his visit and returned to Dhaka via Colombo. Bangladesh expressed disappointment over the incident and summoned India’s deputy high commissioner in Dhaka. The episode is expected to add strain to already sensitive India-Bangladesh relations. (PC: X)

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said Israel does not trust Pakistan, citing what he described as “terrible anti-Semitic statements” against Israel. Speaking at the Greater West Asia Forum in New Delhi, Azar said countries seeking to join the Abraham Accords must first recognize Israel’s legitimacy and historical connection to the region. He also raised concerns over Hezbollah and Iran, calling for continued international pressure on Tehran. Highlighting India’s growing influence in West Asia, Azar said stronger regional stability could unlock significant economic opportunities and deepen cooperation across the region. (Photo: X)

India's merchandise exports climbed to a record high of $45.2 billion in May 2026, registering an 18% year-on-year increase driven by strong shipments of engineering goods, electronics and petroleum products. However, the country's trade deficit widened to $28.2 billion as imports rose more sharply by over 20% to $73.4 billion, fuelled by higher crude oil prices and increased purchases of petroleum products. Government data showed that while export growth remained robust despite global uncertainties, rising import bills continued to put pressure on the trade balance. Economists say sustaining export momentum will be crucial for India's external sector outlook.  

India’s first eight-lane tunnel built beneath a tiger reserve is set to open on June 20, marking a major milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. The tunnel, constructed under the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, is designed to improve road connectivity while protecting wildlife movement above ground. Officials say the project will significantly reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion on a key highway corridor. Equipped with modern safety features, surveillance systems and emergency facilities, the tunnel balances development with conservation. The project is expected to boost tourism, trade and regional connectivity while safeguarding the reserve’s ecosystem. (PC: X)

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticised FIFA and US authorities over the treatment of his team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling Iran “the most oppressed” side at the tournament. The comments came after Iran’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi said the team was ordered to leave the United States immediately after the match and return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, limiting recovery time. Iran has also faced visa issues affecting staff members and logistical disruptions linked to political tensions, prompting players to voice concerns directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (PC: The Guardian)

A nine-year-old Australian girl was killed and her father and brother seriously injured after Pakistani police mistakenly opened fire on their vehicle in Punjab's Chakwal district. Authorities said officers from the Punjab Police Elite Force wrongly believed the family’s rental car was being used by armed robbery suspects and opened fire during a chaotic pursuit. The victim, Hania Ahmed from Perth, died at the scene, while her father and 11-year-old brother were hospitalised with severe injuries. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent investigation. The officer involved has been detained as authorities continue their inquiry into the tragedy.  

The US-Iran war has significantly altered India's trade patterns, forcing businesses and policymakers to adapt to disruptions across West Asia. As traditional trade routes faced uncertainty, countries such as Oman emerged as important alternative suppliers and logistics hubs for Indian imports. The conflict also pushed India to diversify sourcing, reduce dependence on vulnerable routes, and explore new trade opportunities in regions including East Africa. Analysts say the geopolitical crisis highlighted the need for supply-chain resilience and strategic diversification. While a recent peace agreement has eased some concerns, the war has already left a lasting impact on India's trade strategy and economic planning.  

India vice-captain and star batter Smriti Mandhana has been named in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026. Mandhana is the only Indian sportsperson to feature in the prestigious global ranking, highlighting her growing impact on world cricket and women’s sports. The recognition comes after a remarkable period in her career, marked by consistent performances and leadership on the international stage. TIME praised Mandhana’s influence beyond the boundary, noting her role in inspiring a new generation of athletes. The honour further cements her status as one of the biggest figures in women’s cricket globally.  

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee is facing mounting political and legal pressure amid the deepening crisis within the TMC. While the party battles a major rebellion by 20 Lok Sabha MPs seeking recognition under a new banner, Banerjee was given a two-hour notice by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's office to present his side in the dispute. At the same time, he has spent nearly 19.5 hours being questioned by probe agencies. Banerjee was grilled for over eight hours by the West Bengal CID and around 11 hours by the Enforcement Directorate in separate cases, even as the battle over TMC's future intensifies.