Donald Trump said Iran should be allowed to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026, adding “let them play”. Iran’s participation had been uncertain after recent US and Israeli strikes. Gianni Infantino had earlier confirmed that Iran would compete and play matches in the United States. Trump said, “If Gianni said it, I’m OK.” He added, “You do whatever you want.” Iran is set to begin its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The issue had raised questions about safety and travel amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. (PC: X)

People across India received a loud emergency alert on their phones during a government test on Saturday. The message began with “Extremely severe alert” and caused confusion. It later clarified that it was a test and “no action is required”. The system is part of a nationwide rollout using cell broadcast technology. The Department of Telecommunications and National Disaster Management Authority are leading the project. Officials said multiple test alerts may be sent in different languages. The aim is to check performance before launch. A similar test was also conducted earlier this year. (PC: HT)

An Indian worker in the US on an H-1B visa could not reach India before his mother died of cancer due to visa delays. He tried for weeks to get an appointment for visa stamping but failed to secure a slot. Travelling without it risked his job and legal status in the United States. He stayed back and could only speak to his mother on video calls. She died before he could return. He later said, “I will carry that pain forever.” The case has drawn attention to visa issues faced by many Indian professionals working abroad. (PC: AI)

The Supreme Court of India said the Election Commission of India circular on using central staff for vote counting is “not contrary to rules”. The court made the remark while hearing a plea by the All India Trinamool Congress. The party had challenged the move to appoint central government and PSU staff as counting supervisors. The bench said the ECI can choose personnel from one pool. It added the circular “cannot be said to be incorrect”. The court said party agents will still be present during counting. It declined to give further directions and said the circular will be implemented. (PC: X)

An Indian wedding procession on Fifth Avenue has gone viral online. The video shows bride Pankti Doshi and groom Avish Jain leading a lively baraat with music and dance. The couple sang Bollywood songs live from an open vehicle. Guests in traditional clothes danced on the street. The clip was shared by Amrish Patel with the caption, “When the bride & groom shut down 5th Avenue and live-sing their way into their Baraat.” Such events in New York need permits and police coordination. Reactions online were mixed, with some praising the celebration and others questioning the disruption.

Seven-year-old Ishank Singh has become the youngest to swim across the Palk Strait. The Ranchi boy completed the 29-km stretch in 9 hours and 50 minutes on Friday. He started at 4 am from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and reached Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu by 1:50 pm. The route is known for strong currents and rough sea conditions. Singh overcame these challenges during the swim. Hemant Soren praised him, calling it an “extraordinary” achievement. The earlier record was held by Jay Jashwanth, who completed the swim at age 10. (PC: India today)

Donald Trump told Congress that a ceasefire with Iran means he does not need their approval to continue military action. In a letter, he said hostilities had “terminated” and there had been no fighting since April 7, 2026. US law requires presidents to seek Congress approval within 60 days of starting military action. Trump said the ceasefire paused that deadline. Some lawmakers and experts disagreed. Senator Tim Kaine said the law does not support this claim. Talks with Iran are ongoing, with reports of a new proposal sent through Pakistan. (PC: BBC)

A new video from the boat tragedy at Bargi Dam shows panic as water rushed into the vessel. Passengers were seen without life jackets as the boat began to sink. Survivors said safety rules were not followed. “They provided neither life jackets nor any other assistance,” one survivor said. Life jackets were reportedly kept sealed and opened only after the crisis began. The boat was carrying over 40 people despite fewer tickets. It sailed despite an orange weather alert. So far, nine bodies have been found and four people are missing. The state has ordered an inquiry and suspended services.

The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea by All India Trinamool Congress against a high court order on vote counting supervisors in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The party has opposed the use of only central and PSU staff. Meanwhile, repolling is underway at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas after complaints of EVM tampering. Voting began at 7 am in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour seats. Officials said 77 complaints were received. Some EVM buttons were taped or marked. The Election Commission of India ordered fresh polling at affected booths. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump said the United States is in a war with Iran to stop it from getting nuclear weapons. “We cannot let lunatics have a nuclear weapon,” he said at a public event. Iran sent a new proposal for talks through mediators in Pakistan. Trump said he was “not satisfied” and claimed Iran wanted concessions he could not accept. He said hostilities had been “terminated” after a ceasefire, but warned the threat remains. Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran is open to talks if US actions and rhetoric change. (PC: India Today)