Just hours after being named India’s new T20I captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer made an immediate impact by leading his side to a victory over a team captained by Suryakumar in a domestic T20 match. The result added further attention to India’s surprising leadership change ahead of a busy international schedule. Iyer’s successful start as captain showcased his leadership credentials, while Suryakumar’s first outing after losing the national captaincy ended in defeat. The match generated significant buzz among cricket fans, with many viewing it as an early statement from India’s newly appointed T20I skipper. (PC: X)

The West Bengal government has decided to provide land for 61 long-pending railway projects, aiming to accelerate stalled rail infrastructure works across the state. The move follows discussions between state officials and the Railways to resolve land acquisition hurdles that have delayed several projects for years. The projects include new rail lines, track doubling, and connectivity upgrades intended to improve passenger and freight transportation. State authorities will identify and hand over required land parcels to facilitate construction. The initiative is expected to boost regional connectivity, support economic development, and help complete critical railway projects that have remained unfinished due to land-related challenges. (PC: PTI)

US military forces intercepted and shot down two Iranian attack drones approaching the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran and concerns over maritime security in the Gulf. According to reports, the drones were deemed a threat to international shipping and regional stability. In response, US forces also targeted Iranian coastal radar and surveillance facilities linked to the drone activity. The latest confrontation threatens a fragile ceasefire and raises fears of further escalation, with regional allies closely monitoring developments in the volatile Middle East.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has defended Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan against opposition demands for his resignation over the NEET-UG paper leak and CBSE evaluation glitches. Rijiju described the resignation demand as “political,” stating that Pradhan is “not running away” from the issues and has taken several steps to address and rectify the problems. He emphasized that the CBSE functions as an autonomous body and that the government is actively working to strengthen examination systems and restore public confidence. The remarks come amid growing protests and criticism over recent examination-related controversies affecting students nationwide. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

Domestic LPG prices have been increased by ₹29 per 14.2-kg cylinder across India with effect from June 7, making household cooking gas costlier for millions of families. Following the revision, the price of a standard domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has risen from ₹913 to ₹942. This is the second increase in domestic LPG prices within the last three months, after a ₹60 hike in March. While the hike applies nationwide, retail prices may vary across cities due to differences in local taxes and transportation costs. The increase is expected to add pressure on household budgets, particularly for middle- and lower-income consumers. (PC: The Hindu)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will use the Indian Air Force to transport NEET question papers for the June 21 retest after the earlier exam was cancelled over a paper leak. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the move is part of stronger security measures to protect the integrity of the examination. Officials have also been asked to ensure strict security at exam centres and closely monitor social media to prevent rumours and misinformation. In Telangana, around 73,000 candidates are expected to appear at 208 centres across 24 cities. (PC: India Today)

India produced a dominant display to defeat hosts Japan 4-1 and win a record third Men’s U-18 Asia Cup hockey title in Kakamigahara on Friday. Ashish Tani Purti starred with a superb hat-trick, while captain Ketan Kushwaha added another goal as India outclassed the home side. Numada Gaku scored Japan’s lone goal. Tani Purti was named Player of the Match and finished as the tournament’s highest scorer with 13 goals. Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak was awarded the Best Goalkeeper prize, while the Indian women’s U-18 team also celebrated a bronze medal finish. (PC: Sportstar )

  US President Donald Trump said Iran would eventually “have no choice” but to reach an agreement with Washington to end the ongoing conflict. Speaking in an interview in Wisconsin, Trump described Iran as “strong” and “proud” but said its leaders would have to make difficult decisions. His comments came as the US and Iran continued negotiations, with the conflict entering its fourth month. A ceasefire around the Strait of Hormuz remains fragile after fresh military exchanges. Iran also launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Bahrain and Kuwait, with Bahraini authorities saying the projectiles were intercepted.  

Nineteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva won her first Grand Slam title after defeating Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open women's singles final at Roland Garros on Saturday. The Russian recovered from an early challenge and took control with powerful baseline play to finish the match in one hour and 22 minutes. With the victory, Andreeva became the youngest women's singles champion in Paris since Monica Seles in 1992. Chwalinska's remarkable run ended in the final after the qualifier defeated four top-50 players during the tournament, but Andreeva proved too strong on the biggest stage. (PC: India Today)

Iran has accused the United States of refusing visas to several members of its national football team's backroom staff ahead of the FIFA World Cup, despite allowing players and essential support staff to enter the country.   Iran's embassy described the move as politically motivated and called it discriminatory, urging FIFA to intervene. Iranian media reported that senior football federation officials were among those denied entry.   The US said visas had been issued to players and necessary staff but added that the system would not be used to allow individuals linked to terrorism into the country. Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15. (PC: BBC)