From Ikkis to Balan: The Boy, these are the 10 Indian films that truly deserved the loudest applause in the first half of 2026.
Austria made a winning return to the World Cup after 28 years, defeating debutants Jordan 3-1 in a Group J opener. The victory was secured with a second-half own goal and a late penalty, following a tense match where Austria initially led, was equalised, and had a goal disallowed by VAR.
US President Donald Trump has abruptly withdrawn from a peace deal with Iran, citing fresh intelligence of Iranian assaults on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision, made just a fortnight after celebrating the deal, has led to a significant military escalation in the region, with the US launching extensive counter-operations against Iranian military infrastructure.
The United States conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran, targeting over 80 sites, after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran condemned the US decision to revoke a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil sales.
The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities, entered its 16th day on Sunday, while it was the eighth day of an indefinite hunger strike announced by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has lost around six kg since beginning the fast.
Pakistan capital Islamabad is emerging as the leading venue for the next round of technical negotiations between the US and Iran, a media report said Sunday.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly planning a White House meeting as early as next week, despite growing scepticism within Trump's inner circle regarding Netanyahu's actions and widening disagreements over regional security and Iran.
Hours after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the ceasefire deal with Iran was "over", the US President indicated that Washington could launch another round of strikes against the Islamic Republic, following strikes on Tuesday, saying it had already hit Tehran "very hard" and warning of further attacks.
Is one awards ceremony enough for the unending OTT content that keeps spilling into our digital platforms? Obviously not. After the seventh edition of the Iconic Gold Awards in February, the Iconic Gold Streaming Awards 2026 were held on June 30 in Mumbai.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has accepted "just about everything" the United States has demanded in ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations, particularly regarding denuclearisation. He also asserted that American forces repeatedly carried out military strikes that crippled Tehran's military infrastructure, including radar installations, and escorted commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump dismissed reports of Iran's strength, stating its military and economy were severely weakened.
US President Donald Trump announced a finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set for signing on June 19 in Switzerland, with key figures like J D Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner from the US side, and Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf representing Iran, alongside Pakistani mediators Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Mohsin Naqvi, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic breakthrough.
An All Assam Students' Union (AASU) leader was killed and his cousin sister critically injured in a machete attack by a teenager in Nalbari district of Assam. The attacker, who was later gunned down by police, was allegedly motivated by unrequited love.
Police in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, have busted an online drug supply network, seizing 2,000 pregabalin capsules. A suspect, Sarmad Ali Khan, was apprehended, and further investigation is underway to dismantle the syndicate.
Delhi Police busted a prostitution racket operating under the guise of a spa in Paharganj, arresting one man and rescuing five women after a decoy operation.
'You can't put an an arm around Naseer sir and say, "sir, ek aur take karte hain". You got to be clear why you want it.'
Meet Deepali Sahay, the singing sensation from Main Waapas Aaunga. Nearly two decades after being voted out of Indian Idol Season 3 and after almost losing her voice to bleeding vocal chords after hosting Season 4, she finally gets the break she deserved with a song for the ages.
Main Vaapas Aaunga transcends its flaws to deliver a profoundly moving plea for humanity, anchored by heartbreakingly brilliant performances, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.
Bareilly police have busted an alleged hawala racket, arresting two individuals and seizing Rs 35 lakh in cash along with fake Aadhaar cards. The investigation has uncovered a Dubai link and potential national security implications, with efforts underway to trace other involved parties.
The once promising YRF Spy Universe, which delivered Bollywood's first Rs 500 crore grosser with Pathaan, is now grappling with an uncertain future as recent releases like Alpha and War 2 fail to ignite the box office.
The popular Tum Hi Ho Bandhu from the original Cocktail gets a contemporary makeover as Bandhu 2.0 for the sequel.
Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu share glimpses of their family holiday at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, while celebrating Kunal's 43rd birthday.
Thane police have solved the murder of a Mumbai-based tailor within 48 hours, arresting two men after discovering the victim was killed over an unpaid loan of Rs 3 lakh. The method of tying the victim provided a crucial clue to investigators.
An Indian-flagged dhow sank off the Oman coast due to mechanical failure, but all 14 crew members were successfully rescued. This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region following recent US military actions against merchant vessels, some involving Indian crew, which India has strongly condemned.
'Working with Imtiaz Ali sir was something I had dreamt about for years.' 'His films have shaped the way I look at cinema and storytelling, and to be trusted with a character like Afsana was incredibly meaningful for me.'
The third Delhi Premier League T20 auction will see 600 players, including prominent Indian cricketers Rishabh Pant and Pratika Rawal, go under the hammer. Eight men's and four women's franchises will participate, with specific purse allocations for bidding. Players are categorised based on their experience, with varying base prices for each category.
Glasgow Cosmic have appointed former India fast bowler Varun Aaron as the team's bowling coach ahead of the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League.
An Iraqi national, Ali Amer Mosa, died in a devastating hotel fire in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar, where 21 people lost their lives. His brother-in-law recounted the rapid spread of smoke, forcing desperate escapes, and noted that Ali died attempting to use the smoke-filled stairs. Police have sealed the area, arrested the hotel owner, and are investigating fire safety compliance and evacuation procedures.
As a ruler he was a pragmatist and adaptable, and trying all the time to strengthen and perpetuate the empire that he and his forefathers had built.He seldom, if ever, allowed his policies to be determined by his religious beliefs, notes Rudrangshu Mukherjee.
Nagpur police seized 7.5 kilograms of mephedrone worth 2.25 crore from a rented flat in Uppalwadi, leading to the arrest of an alleged member of an interstate peddling network.
Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, equalling Miroslav Klose's World Cup record, as France defeated Iraq 3-0 to advance to the last 32. The match was significantly delayed by thunderstorms, but France maintained control with Ousmane Dembele also scoring. Iraq's chances of progressing now depend on their final group match and other results.
'Kartavya is a story of a cop in a situation where both the outside world and the inside world are collapsing.'
Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.
'My wife was disturbed. She didn't know how to sleep next to me. It was traumatising.' 'I remember having a frankie at a roadside stall, and a lady came to me and shouted, 'Oh my God!'' 'I said, 'No, no, no... I'm just an actor'.
Qatar's resilience against Switzerland owed much to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, whose key saves kept them in the game, a remarkable comeback for a player once close to retirement due to a serious back injury.
Bollywood celebrate Father's Day with memories, pictures and sweet messages on social media.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested four alleged drug peddlers in Anantnag and Sopore, recovering charas and psychotropic substances. The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown against drug trafficking in the region.
The Indian men's hockey team delivered a commanding performance, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League's London leg. After conceding an early goal, India rallied with seven unanswered goals from multiple players, showcasing strong offensive and defensive play, with Hardik Singh named Player of the Match.
Debutants Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for the World Cup round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. This unexpected achievement sets up a clash with defending champions Argentina. Despite a low-quality match, Cape Verde secured second place in their group, sparking celebrations among players and fans, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated.
Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to miss upcoming Test series against West Indies and England due to workload management, a decision he is reportedly unhappy about. This move aims to focus him on white-ball cricket and provide opportunities for other pacers.
Police in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, have made another arrest in an alleged unlawful religious conversion case, recovering a 'nikahnama' from the accused. The case involves Ayush Malik, who his father claims was forcibly converted, but Ayush himself states his conversion to Islam was voluntary. Legal action has been initiated against nine people, and Hindu organisations are demanding strict measures.
