Centre lifts restrictions on sale of petrol, diesel from July 1 amid easing supply situationThe Union government on Monday (June 29, 2026) evening removed all restrictions and caps on the sale of diesel and petrol in the country, effective July 1. That is, it removed the cap on the retail sale of diesel of 200 litres per consumer per day and removed the restriction on industrial consumers from purchasing fuel from retail pumps.U.P. Congress chief Ajay Rai placed under house arrest in AyodhyaThe Congress’ Uttar Pradesh unit President Ajay Rai has been placed under house arrest at a hotel in Ayodhya, the opposition party said in a statement on Monday evening (June 29, 2026). This development comes ahead of a high-level party delegation visit to pay obeisance at the Ram temple’s shrine on Tuesday (June 30), amid an ongoing controversy over alleged embezzlement of funds at the temple.FIFA World Cup 2026 | Paraguay knocks out Germany on penalty kicksParaguay stunned four-time world champions Germany 4-3 on penalties on Tuesday (June 30, 2026 - Indian time) to advance to the World Cup round of 16 ​in one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history, after the teams were tied 1-1 ‌over 120 minutes.‘Direct threat to regional peace’: India condemns Pakistan air strikes on Afghan territoryIndia on Monday (June 29, 2026) strongly condemned Pakistan’s air strikes on Afghan territory in which several civilians were killed, calling them a “blatant act of aggression” and a “direct threat” to regional peace and stability. “It reflects Pakistan’s persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders,” the MEA said.West Bengal govt. to introduce Uniform Civil Code Bill soonThe West Bengal government will introduce a Bill in the Assembly in August to implement the Uniform Civil Code in the State, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday (June 29, 2026). Mr. Adhikari informed the Assembly that the State Cabinet will give its in-principle approval to the UCC on July 2. Catching up on border infrastructure, says Kiren Rijiju Days after a tribal body in Arunachal Pradesh alleged that it was “losing their land, inch by inch, day by day to China” in the Taksing area, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that although India started “late”, it has now begun building roads and other infrastructure in border areas.As SIR begins, Karnataka govt. issues guidelines for permanent residence certificatesAhead of the house-to-house enumeration for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to be taken up by the Election Commission of India in Karnataka on Tuesday (June 30, 2026), the State government notified guidelines to provide permanent residence certificates and domicile certificates. These are some of the documents prescribed under SIR.Trump says U.S.-Iran meeting to take place in Qatar as Tehran denies any sit-down in coming daysU.S. President Donald Trump said Iran has requested a meeting that will be held in Qatar on Tuesday (June 30, 2026), despite Tehran denying that any technical talks on the deal aimed at ending the West Asia war were planned. The announcement came after Iran held its first talks with Oman on managing the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S.-Iran deal was signed.HDFC Bank names ex-Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar as part-time chairman The Board of Directors of HDFC Bank, at its meeting held on Monday (June 29, 2026), approved the appointment of former Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar as an Additional Director (Independent Director) of the Bank for a period of four years, with effect from June 30, 2026. This decision was based on the recommendation of Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee.Burnham to create ‘No. 10 North’ as U.K. PM, oversee massive decentralisationAndy Burnham, who is likely to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) previewed his economic policy on Monday (June 29, 2026), emphasising devolution of economic powers from London, towards the regions of England, as well as to Scotland and Wales. The former Greater Manchester Mayor said he would create an extension of the Prime Minister’s office in Manchester — a ‘No.10 North’ — to oversee and enable the devolution.FIFA World Cup 2026: Martinelli’s last-gasp goal takes Brazil past Japan into pre-quarterfinalsAt the NRG Stadium on Monday (June 29, 2026), Carlo Ancelotti’s side survived a major scare to beat Japan 2-1 and book its place in the World Cup round of 16, with Gabriel Martinelli striking late after Casemiro had cancelled out Kaishu Sano’s stunning first-half opener. For 28 minutes, Japan’s supporters had been drowned out by a sea of yellow. In the 29th, they found their voice.