New Delhi, India — The Delhi High Court on Friday (June 19, 2026) declined to grant relief to Telegram and upheld the Union government’s decision to impose a temporary ban on the messaging platform ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21.
Justice Tejas Karia observed that the Centre had followed due process and acted within its powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The Court noted that the government’s action was a proactive and least restrictive measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the examination process.
“The government’s proactive measures are least restrictive,” Justice Karia said, adding that it could not be concluded that the order was disproportionate or issued without proper application of mind, as alleged by the petitioner.
Acting on a request from the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Union government ordered a week-long suspension of Telegram services in India until June 22, 2026. The NTA had expressed concerns over the alleged organised use of the platform by cheating syndicates seeking to defraud candidates appearing in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.
During the proceedings, the Centre defended its decision, arguing that Telegram has increasingly become a platform exploited by cybercriminals, fraud networks, extremist groups, and those involved in examination paper leaks. The government relied on an assessment by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which described Telegram as a growing hub for illicit online activities.
What is Next by Telegram
Senior Advocate Dhruv Mehta, appearing for Telegram, challenged the government’s use of emergency powers, contending that authorities had failed to justify a complete shutdown of the platform. He argued that the government could have targeted specific content or channels rather than blocking access to the entire service.
“The order says it is in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India. How does an examination like NEET affect the sovereignty and integrity of India? Where is the application of mind?” Mehta submitted before the Court.
With the High Court refusing interim relief, the temporary suspension of Telegram will remain in force until June 22 as authorities continue efforts to prevent malpractice during the high-stakes medical entrance examination.
Miami-Dade County, Florida — The Suarez Family is proudly celebrating a remarkable milestone as four of its young members — Maely Suarez, Yleam Suarez, MaríaJosé Muñoz, and Michael González — graduate with outstanding academic achievements, reflecting years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.
Among the graduates, Yleam Suarez achieved an extraordinary academic distinction by graduating at just 15 years of age after successfully advancing two grade levels. His accomplishment highlights exceptional intellectual ability, maturity, and a deep commitment to education.
Alongside Yleam, Maely Suarez has also distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership, and active participation in community initiatives. Both siblings have consistently demonstrated strong academic performance while contributing to educational programs, youth leadership activities, volunteer efforts, and community service projects focused on promoting education, civic responsibility, and social well-being.
Their achievements have earned recognition from a variety of governmental, educational, and community organizations, including municipalities across Miami-Dade County, the United States Coast Guard, universities, and several national and international institutions. These honors acknowledge not only their academic success but also their dedication to leadership, service, and positive community impact.
The Suarez Family emphasized that these accomplishments represent much more than academic milestones.
“We are deeply grateful and proud to see how our children have successfully combined academic excellence with a commitment to serving others. Their achievements reflect the values of integrity, responsibility, respect, leadership, and social commitment that we hope will continue to guide their lives and future contributions to society,” the family stated.
The family also extended special recognition to MaríaJosé Muñoz and Michael González, whose academic success and determination have brought additional pride and joy to the family. Their accomplishments further demonstrate the importance of discipline, hard work, and dedication to achieving personal and educational goals.
The graduation of these four young individuals marks a significant and inspiring moment for the Suarez Family. Beyond academic success, it celebrates the development of responsible citizens dedicated to education, leadership, strong values, and community service.
The achievements of Maely Suarez, Yleam Suarez, MaríaJosé Muñoz, and Michael González serve as a powerful example for students and families alike, demonstrating that perseverance, quality education, and community involvement remain essential foundations for building a brighter future.
The Suarez Family reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting educational, humanitarian, and community initiatives that empower future generations to become positive leaders and responsible citizens both nationally and globally.
About the Suarez Family
The Suarez Family has long championed education, youth leadership, community service, and human development initiatives. Through its commitment to excellence, social responsibility, integrity, and civic engagement, the family continues to encourage and support efforts that inspire young people to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Guwahati, Assam — In a major success against narcotics trafficking, Assam Police seized heroin valued at approximately 2.47 crore during a special anti-drug operation in Sribhumi district. One individual was arrested in connection with the seizure, marking another significant achievement in the state’s ongoing war against drugs.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the successful operation on social media platform X, praising the alertness and dedication of the police personnel involved. He reiterated the Assam Government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating drug trafficking networks operating within the state.
“The Assam Police continue to strike hard against drug syndicates. No hideout is safe for smugglers,” the Chief Minister stated, emphasizing that the anti-narcotics campaign will continue with full force until the menace is eradicated.
Police officials have launched a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the seized consignment and identify its intended destination, as well as uncover any larger network linked to the trafficking operation.
Welcoming the development, noted human rights and social activist Dr. Dibyajyoti Saikia lauded the Assam Police for their decisive action against drug smugglers. Dr. Saikia stressed that both the Central and State Governments must work together to make India drug-free and ensure strong support for law enforcement agencies.
“Drug abuse is a serious threat to society and our youth. The morale of the police force must be strengthened, and they should receive full administrative and social support to effectively combat this menace,” Dr. Saikia said.
He further observed that since Director General of Police Harmeet Singh assumed office, Assam has witnessed a more aggressive and comprehensive campaign against illegal narcotics. According to him, the intensified operations have significantly weakened drug syndicates, resulting in substantial seizures and numerous arrests across the state.
The latest seizure underscores Assam’s continued determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks and safeguard communities from the devastating impact of narcotics.
Évian, France — The G7 summit kicked off on Monday, entirely overshadowed by a breakthrough deal between the United States and Iran reached just hours before President Donald Trump arrived in Évian. Upon arrival, Trump expressed confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would remain fully open by Friday.
He made these remarks to the press during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, shortly before the official start of the summit, which concludes on Wednesday. Ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical topic.
Trump shows disdain for Macron’s Hormuz proposal In addition to repeatedly praising the Iran deal, which he claims is already allowing oil to flow, lowering barrel prices, and causing the stock market to be «shooting up like a rocket,» the US president appeared dismissive of Macron’s ongoing proposal to guarantee safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron reiterated that he and the United Kingdom are leading a coalition of around twenty countries that have made concrete contributions in military assets to provide security in the Strait, provided the warring parties (the US and Iran) and neighboring Oman agree.
«think we’re going to need much help, because we have an agreement where it’s going to be open and it’s toll-free,» Trump remarked. However, he admitted it would be «a bad idea to have a ship or two up here from a few countries» country like France, just in case.
Turning to Ukraine
Trump believes he may be able to «do something» to end the war in Ukraine, confirming he spoke with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, respectively, and that both are «open to it.»
He made these comments during his bilateral meeting with Macron, which was marked by forced smiles. «We had a very good conversation yesterday with President Zelenskyy and President Putin, and I think maybe we can do something there. I really do,» he said.
Tuesday (the busiest day of the summit) will begin with the Ukrainian president’s arrival and a session dedicated to peace and security in Ukraine.
On Monday, Macron told French television channel TF1 that he hopes to convince Trump to put more pressure on Russia to end the war. «A good negotiation requires Ukraine and Russia to sit at the same table, with the Europeans and Americans present,» he stated.
Veiled threats vs. pragmatism
The French G7 presidency had signaled beforehand that it wanted the summit to focus on international crisis management and concrete results. Macron underscored this commitment on Monday, emphasizing that he is pragmatic, not spiteful, in his relationship with Trump.
Reports surfaced on Monday in The New York Post that Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on French wine and champagne if Macron does not withdraw a digital services tax that disproportionately affects US tech companies.
Macron made it clear that this is a tax decided upon by Europeans and to which they are entitled, and after emphasizing his intention to have a firm but respectful conversation with his counterpart, he stated: “If I were vindictive, it would cause me problems. I am pragmatic.”
Macron’s “Snub”
While the provisional schedule indicated Trump would be the only leader greeted personally by the host, he was met on the Hôtel Royal red carpet by the chief of protocol instead of the French president.
The Élysée had announced a bilateral meeting with Brazilian leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shortly before. «Everything is very nice,» Trump told reporters upon exiting his car, though the reason for the schedule change remains unclear.
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — President Donald Trump arrived in the French Alps on Monday to meet with fellow world leaders at the Group of Seven summit after announcing an agreement he says will bring an end to the U.S. war with Iran.
Trump and Iranian officials had been saying for days they were making progress toward reaching a deal, but even on Sunday, things appeared to be on shaky ground after a new round of strikes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
With the agreement, the Republican U.S. president arrived in Evian-les-Bains on Monday with the wind at his back for talks with G7 leaders, including some who’ve been sharply critical of his managing of the 15-week-old conflict, which has led to a surge in global energy prices.
Polls show American voters largely disapprove of the conflict, which has made some Republicans nervous about the political impacts it could have on November’s midterm election.
“Ships of the World, start your engines,” Trump said in a social media post celebrating the deal that he said would lead to the U.S. ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s crude had flowed before the conflict. “Let the oil flow!”
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, however, said the Iranian closure of the strait would continue until the agreement is signed.
Neither the White House nor Iran published the final agreement or revealed many details. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country served as a mediator in the negotiations, said there would be “pre-implementation discussions” this week to lay the ground for 60 days of technical talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
Vice President JD Vance told CNBC on Monday that the White House hopes to release the text of the agreement in the coming days.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives for the G7 summit. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Deal could change G7 dynamic
Sealing an agreement before jetting off to the summit could change the dynamic of the gathering for Trump. He’s had friction with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over failing to consult them before the decision to go to war.
Meanwhile, Trump has pushed back on the four European leaders — members of the NATO military alliance — for their lack of support for the U.S. in the conflict.
Trump is expected to discuss with leaders the demining of the Strait of Hormuz, the White House says. Britain and France have expressed interest in assisting with the demining once the conflict is paused. Fear of potential mines is among the reasons tanker traffic has come to a halt during the war, and quickly clearing them will be crucial to regaining the confidence of commercial vessels.
Macron on Monday said France was ready to move “very quickly” to deploy assets, including mine-clearing vessels, to the region to help.
He added that a French aircraft carrier and an accompanying strike group are already in the region and would be ready to assist within days of the U.S. and Iran signing the agreement.
Macron, the summit’s host, invited the leaders of three nations that aren’t part of the G7 — Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — to take part in a session on the Middle East on Tuesday, when Iran is expected to be a central focus.
The leaders of the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Canada issued a joint statement welcoming the agreement as a “moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilize the global economy.”
In a separate development, Trump, ahead of departing for the summit, told the New York Post he’s warned Macron the U.S. will “have no choice” but to slap 100% tariffs on French wines unless Paris eliminates its digital tax on American tech companies, renewing a long-running threat from him that dates to his first administration.
Wines and spirits exported to the U.S. from the European Union currently face a 15% tariff.
In an interview with broadcaster TF1, Macron said Monday that it’s not “for the United States to decide what European or French law should be.”
Trump is scheduled to meet with Macron later Monday. Following their meeting, Macron and Trump will join the other leaders for a working dinner.
Trump faces questions about financial incentives for Tehran
Trump had fiercely criticized President Barack Obama for the 2015 nuclear agreement, which Trump argued failed to stop Tehran from advancing toward a weapon and funneled billions of dollars into the Islamic Republic’s coffers.
In 2018, Trump exited the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union were also signatories to the pact.
Trump in an interview on Sunday with The New York Times pushed back on comparisons to the Obama-era nuclear deal. “We negotiated from strength,” Trump said. “He was basically paying them off.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Trump makes calls to Putin, Zelenskyy ahead of G7
Macron also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a working session with G7 leaders on Tuesday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war.
At the moment, Zelenskyy is not scheduled to hold one-on-one talks with Trump while they’re both in France, but Trump on Sunday held separate phone calls with Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladnmir Putin.
Madhani reported from Geneva, Superville from Washington. AP writer Samuel Petrequin in Paris contributed reporting.
Washington, USA — The United States President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a deal with Iran to end the war will be signed on Sunday. The deal is expected to result in the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
«The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL,» the Republican leader explained on his Truth Social network.
Trump’s message comes after the Government of Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator, indicated on Saturday that the agreement could be signed remotely within the next 24 hours.
However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry had ruled out the signing taking place on Sunday, though it left open the possibility of it being finalized in the coming days.
In his message, Trump asserted that he had succeeded in getting the Islamic Republic to renounce its nuclear ambitions: «They no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one, either through purchase, development, or any other form of procurement,» he stated.
According to the president, the deal does not include any «exchange” of money with Iran and will allow the US to access Iranian enriched uranium for its destruction.
«We look forward to working with Iran, and the entire Middle East, long into the future. Hopefully, this process will all work out quickly, easily, and smoothly,» he declared.
Should this not happen, Trump threatened the Islamic Republic with applying «the ultimate alternative,» in an apparent reference to a new offensive against the country.
Tehran asserts that the finalizing agreement would allow for the release of frozen Iranian funds, something Washington denies, and the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including the Israeli offensive in Lebanon.
According to the US Administration, the deal would allow for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, without any toll from Iran, and would lay the foundation for dismantling the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
The Indian Community in Rwanda and the Africa Division of the The Diplomatic Club have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Narendra Modi on the completion of 12 years of leadership as Prime Minister of India.
In a congratulatory message, Dr. Saurabh Singhal, Head of the Rwanda Chapter of The Diplomatic Club – Africa Division, praised Prime Minister Modi’s transformative governance, economic reforms, digital innovation initiatives, and efforts to strengthen India’s position as a leading global economic power.
The organization highlighted India’s progress under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, noting significant achievements in commerce, entrepreneurship, technology, and global diplomacy. The message also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s role in strengthening India-Africa relations through enhanced cooperation in trade, manufacturing, digital innovation, capacity building, and economic development.
Dr. Singhal expressed gratitude to members of the Indian community in Rwanda for promoting the values of unity, service, and national pride, emphasizing the diaspora’s continued commitment to India’s growth and global success.
Reaffirming their support for a developed and prosperous India, community members stated that Indians living abroad remain firmly connected to their homeland and are proud contributors to India’s journey toward greater prosperity, innovation, and global leadership.
“Together, we look forward to witnessing India’s continued progress towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and contributing to the nation’s journey of growth and global leadership,” Dr. Singhal said.
Bangkok, Thailand — Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, a lawyer and the eldest of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s children, has died at 47, the Bureau of the Royal Household said.
She died Thursday evening at a Bangkok hospital where she had been cared for since falling unconscious due to illness three years ago, according to the statement issued Friday.
“This loss is not merely bad news announced to the people, but an immeasurable grief in the hearts of the entire nation,” Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a televised speech. He said the princess was “a pride of Thailand,” and that “her commitment to building a society of kindness, justice, and equality, will forever remain as a moral legacy for the nation, a guiding light for generations of Thais.”
A small group of mourners gathered in an atrium at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where the princess had been treated. Most held framed or laminated photos of her throughout the years.
Pattamaporn Kaewkityakorn said she had arrived Thursday and spent the night there to show her support for the princess, unaware that the announcement of her passing would come the following morning.
“I know she was sick, but I wished there were a miracle,” she said, her voice trembling. “I was saddened and shocked.”
Bajrakitiyabha was active in justice reform efforts and best known for her Kamlangjai, or “Inspire,” project to help rehabilitate incarcerated Thai women ahead of their release.
Bajrakitiyabha was hospitalized in December 2022 after falling unconscious while training dogs for an army exhibition. The palace said she had a mycoplasma infection, a bacterial infection usually associated with pneumonia.
Her father’s New Year’s greeting card for 2023 showed King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida garbed in somber black, which many Thais saw as confirmation of the gravity of her condition.
The princess was born on Dec. 7, 1978, to Vajiralongkorn, who was the crown prince at the time, and his then-wife, Princess Soamsawali. Vajiralongkorn has seven children by three of his four successive wives. Bajrakitiyabha was also known by the royal name Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, used in formal state settings.
Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the youngest of the king’s children, is the presumptive heir because sons take precedence in Thailand’s line of succession. But Bajrakitiyabha’s experience in public service raised speculation she was set to hold an important role in any future succession, perhaps as regent to a youthful monarch.
Bajrakitiyabha studied law at Thammasat University then went to Cornell University in New York state, where she earned a master’s degree in law in 2002. She earned a doctorate at Cornell in 2005 with a dissertation concerning the protection of the rights of the accused. Scholarships to Cornell Law School and a program for the exchange of legal scholars between Thailand and Cornell were later established in her name.
After working briefly at the Thai Mission to the U.N. in New York City, she returned home and worked as a public prosecutor. She renewed her diplomatic career with an appointment as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014 before returning to her homeland to concentrate on criminal justice issues. In 2017 she was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.
In addition to working for the rehabilitation of female convicts, she was involved in other projects including a campaign to enhance the living conditions of women prisoners and promoting efforts to stem violence against women as an honorary U.N. goodwill ambassador for women. Her efforts led to the U.N. General Assembly adopting the “Bangkok Rules” on care and conditions for female prisoners.
“Society cannot grow if there is instability and injustice,” Bajrakitiyabha said in a 2013 interview with The Associated Press.
“Without the rule of law, without a good justice system, it’s always chaos,” she said. “I think the rule of law is a very important pillar to development, to economic growth, and of course to human rights.”
Bajrakitiyabha is survived by her parents and siblings.
Mexico City — The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened in spectacular fashion at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with a star-studded musical celebration showcasing Latin America’s rich cultural heritage before the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
The ceremony began with acclaimed Mexican singer Lila Downs, who welcomed fans from around the world with the message, “People of the world, welcome to Mexico.” Dressed in a traditional white huipil, Downs performed alongside dancers paying tribute to Mexico’s indigenous and pre-Hispanic cultures, creating a vibrant display of national pride.
Legendary Mexican rock band Maná energized the crowd with their iconic hit “Oye Mi Amor,” setting the stage for the kickoff of football’s biggest tournament. Representing Guadalajara, one of the host cities, the band’s performance highlighted Mexico’s deep musical and sporting traditions.
The entertainment continued with performances from artists featured on the official FIFA World Cup album. Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean performed “Partidazo,” followed by “Por Ella,” presented by Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules, delighting fans with a blend of contemporary and traditional Latin sounds.
Colombian superstar J Balvin brought the stadium to life with performances of “Qué Calor” alongside fellow Colombian Ryan Castro, and “I Like It,” creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated the spirit of Latin music and culture.
The evening reached its climax with the appearance of global music icon Shakira, who performed “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside visuals celebrating unity, diversity, and the global passion for football. Surrounded by hundreds of dancers and dressed in a striking yellow and purple ensemble, Shakira delivered a memorable performance as the World Cup trophy shone at center stage.
The ceremony also featured plans for renowned Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández to perform the Mexican national anthem, while South African artist Tyla was expected to perform the South African national anthem before kickoff.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic milestone as the first edition to be hosted by three nations—Mexico, United States, and Canada. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams competing across 104 matches.
Forty years after hosting the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Mexico once again takes center stage in world football, ushering in a new era for the sport with an unforgettable opening celebration that welcomed fans from every corner of the globe.
Pyongyang, North Korea — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on Monday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirming Beijing’s influence over its longtime ally amid evolving regional geopolitical dynamics.
Xi, accompanied by First Lady Peng Liyuan, was welcomed in Pyongyang as part of his first visit to North Korea in seven years. The Chinese delegation includes senior Communist Party official Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The visit comes at a significant time as North Korea continues to expand its nuclear capabilities and deepen its strategic partnership with Russia. Analysts view the trip as an effort by Beijing to underscore its role as Pyongyang’s principal political partner and economic supporter while maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula.
During the visit, Xi is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on regional security, economic cooperation, and strengthening strategic communication between the two neighboring countries.
In an article published by North Korea’s state media ahead of the visit, Xi emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and jointly opposing “hegemonism and power politics,” signaling Beijing’s intention to deepen coordination with Pyongyang amid shifting global alliances.
The visit follows a period of renewed engagement between China and North Korea after relations cooled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent months have seen the resumption of rail and air connections between the two capitals, reflecting efforts to revitalize bilateral exchanges.
Observers are closely monitoring whether the discussions will reveal any changes in China’s long-standing position regarding the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. While Beijing has historically supported a nuclear-free peninsula, recent diplomatic exchanges have sparked speculation about China’s evolving approach toward North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities.
The trip also comes as North Korea continues to strengthen ties with Russia under a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed in 2024, adding a new dimension to regional security dynamics.
For Beijing, the visit highlights the strategic importance of maintaining strong relations with its only formal military ally. For Pyongyang, hosting the Chinese leader reinforces its diplomatic standing and underscores the enduring significance of China-North Korea relations.
Regional governments, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States, are expected to closely watch the outcomes of the high-level meetings for signals regarding future cooperation, security policy, and regional stability in Northeast Asia.
