Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar won praise on social media after a video showed him greeting passengers and taking selfies during a commercial flight. In the viral clip, Tendulkar walked through the aisle to personally meet fans, many of whom were seen cheering and recording the moment. Sharing the video online, Tendulkar wrote, “Had to do a lap and meet everyone! Always appreciate the love people show me.” The gesture quickly drew admiration from fans, who praised the former cricketer for remaining humble and approachable despite decades of fame and global recognition. 

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for a meeting of the INDIA opposition alliance following the Trinamool Congress’ major defeat in the 2026 Bengal Assembly election. The party won 80 seats, sharply down from 215 previously, while Banerjee lost the Bhabanipur seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The move comes amid growing tensions within the opposition bloc involving the Congress, DMK and other allies. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had criticised the Trinamool during campaigning but later expressed support after the results. Opposition parties are now assessing whether a June INDIA bloc meeting will take place. (PC: NDTV)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that American and Iranian negotiators have a “pretty solid” proposal on the table and a deal to end the conflict could be reached soon. Speaking during his India visit, Rubio said talks were continuing and discussions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump earlier said negotiators should not rush the agreement. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said both sides were simultaneously “very close and very far” from a final understanding. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court on Monday was informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation is likely to take over the probe into actor-model Twisha Sharma’s death within a day. A bench led by Justice Surya Kant recorded the Madhya Pradesh government’s statement recommending a CBI inquiry. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre was expected to issue formal approval soon. The court expressed concern over allegations of institutional bias and media speculation because Sharma’s husband is advocate Samarth Singh and her mother-in-law Giribala Singh is a former district judge. The bench urged all parties and media to avoid influencing the investigation. (PC: HT)

Petrol and diesel prices were increased again across India on Monday, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks. State-run oil marketing companies raised petrol prices by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre, taking the total increase to nearly Rs 7.5 since May 16. Petrol in Delhi now costs Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 95.20. ONGC Director (Exploration) Sushma Rawat said global crude prices remain volatile due to the US-Iran conflict and uncertainty over peace talks. Analysts warned repeated hikes may increase transport costs and push up prices of essential goods. (PC: India Today)

The Indian government has finalised a Letter of Request (LoR) to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and is expected to send it to France within weeks. About 90 aircraft will be manufactured in India through a Dassault Aviation partnership with an Indian company, while the remaining jets will be delivered in fly-away condition. The procurement follows Defence Acquisition Council approval and will proceed through an inter-governmental route. India aims to secure Interface Control Documents to integrate indigenous weapons like Astra and BrahMos-NG. The deal is expected to help address the IAF’s fighter squadron shortfall until indigenous programmes, including LCA Mk2 and AMCA, mature. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump made a surprise phone call to US Ambassador Sergio Gor during celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence Day at the US Embassy in New Delhi, expressing strong support for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking on speakerphone, Trump said he “loves India and Prime Minister Modi,” adding that India could count on him whenever needed. He highlighted America’s strong economy, praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and asked that his greetings be conveyed to Modi. Ambassador Gor said the Trump-Modi relationship continues to drive deeper India-US cooperation, while also hinting that an interim trade deal could be signed in the coming weeks.

The new BJP government in West Bengal has directed district magistrates to establish holding centres for detained foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation, following a Union Home Ministry directive issued last year. The move aligns with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s pledge to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingya residents and hand them over to the BSF for deportation. Officials said suspects can be detained for up to 30 days during citizenship verification. Those identified as illegal immigrants will have biometric data uploaded to the MHA portal before deportation. The decision reverses the previous Trinamool government’s refusal to implement the Centre’s directive, citing concerns over migrant harassment. (PC: The Telegraph)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that America’s relations with other countries at a “tactical” level would not come at the expense of its strategic partnership with India. Speaking alongside External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio stressed the importance of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and linked the concept to protecting international waterways globally. He accused Iran of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, holding civilian vessels hostage and supporting proxy terror groups, describing Tehran as the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized the need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce amid growing concerns over regional instability and shipping disruptions.

Fuel prices in India have been increased for the fourth time in less than two weeks, with petrol rising by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71. The latest revision pushed petrol prices in New Delhi above the Rs 100 mark to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel climbed to Rs 95.20 per litre. State-run oil companies are continuing price adjustments to offset losses incurred after holding rates steady despite global crude oil prices crossing $100 per barrel. The hikes are largely linked to disruptions caused by the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn sustained increases could raise transportation costs and fuel broader inflation. (PC: India Today)