Commercial LPG cylinder prices saw a significant increase from Monday, with the 19kg cylinder becoming ₹42-₹53.50 costlier across major cities, while the 5kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinder saw an ₹11 hike, putting additional pressure on small businesses and restaurants that depend on cooking gas.

In Delhi, the 19kg commercial cylinder now costs ₹3,113.50, up from ₹3,071.50, according to sources familiar with the matter. Kolkata witnessed an even steeper increase of ₹53.50, taking the price to ₹3,255.50 per cylinder. However, domestic LPG cylinders used by households remain unchanged, offering some relief to families.

Domestic Gas Prices Stay Put

The price revision applies only to commercial cylinders, not the 14.2kg domestic cylinders used by households. Sources clarified that there has been no change in domestic LPG rates across cities, a move that authorities say was intentional to protect middle-class families from rising living costs during the summer months.

Restaurant owners and small business operators, however, expressed concern over the impact on their operations. "This increase will force us to either absorb the cost or pass it on to customers," said Rajesh Kumar, owner of a mid-sized restaurant in Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. "Either way, margins are getting squeezed."

FIFA World Cup 2026 to Air on Zee Network in India

In sports entertainment news, Indian football fans will soon have access to the FIFA World Cup 2026 through Zee Entertainment. The broadcaster has secured television and streaming rights for the tournament, which begins on June 11 and runs until July 19, 2026.

Matches will be telecast on United8 Sports, Zee's newly launched sports channel, while live streaming will be available on the Zee5 app. The deal, reportedly valued between USD 30-35 million, covers both television broadcasting and online streaming distribution rights for India.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches—marking the first time the tournament has expanded to this format.

GST Collection Drops 20% in May After April's Record

Government tax revenues showed signs of moderation in May 2026. India's gross GST collection stood at ₹1.94 lakh crore, down 20% from April's record ₹2.42 lakh crore, according to official data released on Sunday. However, the figure remains 3.2% higher than the ₹1.88 lakh crore collected in May 2025, indicating year-on-year growth despite the month-on-month dip.

Net GST revenue for May rose 3.3% year-on-year to ₹1.67 lakh crore, compared to ₹1.62 lakh crore in the same period last year. The April surge was attributed to advance tax payments and festival-related spending, economists noted.

Maruti Suzuki Sets Monthly Sales Record

The automotive sector showed strong momentum, with Maruti Suzuki India Limited selling 2,42,688 units in May 2026—the company's highest-ever monthly sales volume. This represents a 34% increase compared to 1,80,077 units sold in May 2025.

The growth was driven by robust domestic demand and strong export performance. Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Toyota also reported healthy growth, with sales rising up to 11% year-on-year, according to monthly sales reports released by automakers on June 1.

Gold, Silver Prices Retreat from Record Highs

Precious metals saw a correction on Monday. Gold prices fell ₹864 to ₹1,56,220 per 10 grams for 24-carat gold, while silver dropped ₹450 to ₹2,79,900 per kilogram, according to India Bullion and Jewelers Association (IBJA) data.

Analysts attributed the decline to profit-booking after gold touched record highs earlier this year. "Gold has corrected about ₹20,000 from its all-time high, making it more accessible for jewelry demand," said a Mumbai-based bullion trader.

Fuel Prices Hold Steady on June 1

Petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged across India on June 1 following a recent hike. In Delhi, petrol is now priced at ₹102.12 per litre and diesel at ₹95.20 per litre. Mumbai saw petrol at ₹111.21 and diesel at ₹97.83 per litre.

Oil marketing companies had recently increased fuel prices by ₹2.61 per litre for petrol and ₹2.71 for diesel as global crude oil crossed $100 per barrel.

Banks Closed 11 Days in June

The Reserve Bank of India's holiday calendar shows banks will remain closed for 11 days in June 2026. This includes four Sundays, the second and fourth Saturdays (June 14 and June 28), and five additional regional holidays observed across different states, including Bakrid/Eid al-Adha on June 13.

New Export Duty on Fuel Takes Effect

Additionally, new export duties on petrol, diesel, and ATF (aviation turbine fuel) came into effect from June 1, impacting India's fuel export economics. The move is expected to reduce fuel exports while ensuring adequate domestic supply during the monsoon season when demand typically rises.

Market analysts suggest that while the commercial LPG hike and fuel export duties may increase short-term costs for businesses, the overall economic picture remains resilient with GST collections showing year-on-year growth and auto sales hitting record levels.

Looking ahead, attention will turn to the RBI's monetary policy review next week, where interest rate decisions could further impact business borrowing costs and consumer spending patterns.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be broadcast in India on Unite 8 Sports channels, while live streaming will be available on Zee5 as Zee Entertainment expands its sports portfolio.

Zee Entertainment Secures FIFA World Cup Rights for India Ahead of 2026 Tournament

New Delhi: Less than two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced that it has acquired the media rights for the tournament in India, bringing one of the world's biggest sporting events to its television and digital platforms.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be available to Indian viewers through the newly launched Unite 8 Sports channels and on the Zee5 streaming platform. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest edition of the competition to date.

Rights Secured Across FIFA Events

Beyond the men's FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2030, ZEEL said it has also secured media rights for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 and several other FIFA competitions through 2034. The package includes a range of youth tournaments and additional football-related content aimed at Indian audiences.

The acquisition significantly strengthens Zee's position in the sports broadcasting market, where competition for premium global sports properties has intensified in recent years.

Late Confirmation Before Kick-Off

The announcement comes unusually close to the start of the tournament. Industry observers had been watching developments around the Indian broadcast rights for months, as no official broadcaster had been confirmed despite the event drawing near.

One of the key challenges has been the time-zone difference. Most FIFA World Cup matches are expected to be played during late-night and early-morning hours in India, potentially limiting television viewership compared to previous editions.

According to industry reports, this factor influenced negotiations and broadcaster interest in the rights package.

Reports of Earlier Negotiations

Media reports indicate that discussions between FIFA and JioStar over broadcast rights pricing did not result in an agreement. Sources familiar with the matter suggested that differing assessments of the commercial value of the tournament in the Indian market contributed to the impasse.

The development eventually opened the door for Zee Entertainment to enter the bidding process and secure the rights.

Reports have suggested that FIFA initially sought around $100 million for the Indian rights package before lowering expectations during negotiations. However, broadcasters reportedly remained cautious, citing scheduling challenges and audience considerations.

New Sports Channels Launched

As part of its renewed push into sports broadcasting, Zee has introduced four dedicated sports channels under the Unite 8 Sports brand. These include standard-definition and high-definition offerings in both Hindi and English.

The channels are expected to serve as the primary destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage in India while also carrying other sports programming throughout the year.

More Than Just Football

The company has indicated that its sports portfolio will extend beyond football. Programming plans include cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports, alongside existing properties such as regional leagues and franchise tournaments.

In addition to the FIFA World Cup, Zee will also broadcast events including the FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 World Cup, women's youth tournaments, futsal competitions and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Return to Sports Broadcasting

The FIFA rights acquisition marks a significant milestone in Zee Entertainment's return to sports broadcasting after several years away from the segment. The company had previously exited the space following the sale of its sports network assets but has gradually signalled its intention to re-establish a presence in the market.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now added to its portfolio, Zee has made one of its biggest moves in sports media in recent years. The success of the venture will likely depend on audience engagement, digital viewership and advertiser response as Indian fans prepare to follow football's biggest tournament through Unite 8 Sports and Zee5 next month.

Brazil and Croatia have officially announced their squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, bringing major headlines from both teams as star players return, veterans prepare for historic appearances, and injury setbacks shake Spain’s campaign plans.

The announcement has added fresh excitement ahead of the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 16 cities starting from June 11.

Neymar makes long-awaited return to Brazil squad

Five-time world champions Brazil have recalled star forward Neymar Jr after a gap of nearly three years. The 34-year-old forward, who last featured for Brazil in 2023, has been named in the squad by head coach Carlo Ancelotti after a detailed fitness review.

Ancelotti confirmed during the squad announcement in Rio de Janeiro that Neymar’s recent performances and improved fitness levels made him eligible for selection. He added that the forward is now physically ready to compete at the highest level.

Neymar will be playing his fourth FIFA World Cup, having previously represented Brazil in 2014, 2018, and 2022. His return is being seen as a major boost for Brazil’s attacking lineup as they aim for their sixth World Cup title. Brazil have been placed in Group C, where they will begin their campaign against Morocco on June 13, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland.

Strong Brazilian squad with global stars

Brazil’s squad features several top European club players, including Alisson Becker, who returns after recovering from injury. Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr and Barcelona forward Raphinha will also lead Brazil’s attacking strength.

Young forward Endrick, just 19 years old, is also included, marking one of the rising talents expected to shine on the global stage. However, a notable omission from the squad is Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who has been in excellent form in the Premier League this season. Brazil’s midfield includes experienced names such as Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta, providing balance between defense and attack.

Croatia name experienced squad with Modric at the helm

Croatia have also announced their 26-member squad, with legendary midfielder Luka Modric once again leading the team. At 40 years of age, Modric is set to play his fifth World Cup, making him one of the most experienced players in tournament history.

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic expressed confidence that Modric will recover from a recent facial injury in time for their opening match against England on June 17. If he plays, Modric could also reach the milestone of 200 international appearances. Croatia’s squad also includes experienced forward Ivan Perisic, who has scored in the last three World Cups, making him a crucial part of their attacking strategy. The team, which finished as runners-up in 2018 and secured third place in 2022, will also face Panama and Ghana in Group L.

Spain suffer major injury setbacks

Spain have been dealt a major blow with young midfielder Fermin Lopez ruled out of the World Cup due to a fracture in his right foot. The injury occurred during a La Liga match for Barcelona against Real Betis. Medical reports confirmed that Lopez suffered a fifth metatarsal fracture, requiring surgery and ruling him out of the tournament entirely. Lopez was part of Spain’s successful Euro 2024 squad and had also played a key role in their Olympic gold medal victory at Paris 2024. Adding to Spain’s concerns, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will also miss the opening match due to fitness issues, raising further concerns over squad depth. Spain will begin their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde in Atlanta.

Tournament expectations rise ahead of kickoff

With major teams announcing their squads, expectations are rising for the expanded 48-team World Cup format. The tournament will see more nations competing than ever before, increasing global attention and competitiveness. Brazil enter the tournament as one of the favorites, driven by a blend of experienced stars and young talent. Croatia, meanwhile, continue to rely on their golden generation led by Modric, while Spain must now regroup after key injuries. The early squad announcements from France and Belgium have already set the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive World Cups in history. Football fans around the world are now eagerly waiting for the final preparations and warm-up matches before the global spectacle begins in June.

Nora Fatehi Set for FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Act

First Bollywood star to grace tournament's Toronto kickoff alongside Katy Perry's LA show

Historic Milestone for Nora

Nora Fatehi is poised to make history as the first Bollywood actress to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The Moroccan-Canadian dancer-singer, known for her roles in films like Bharat, Street Dancer 3D and Bhuj: The Pride of India, will take the stage on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. FIFA's official handle confirmed the lineup late Friday, sparking buzz across social media.

This comes just months after Fatehi lit up the opening ceremony of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on February 7. She had earlier performed the official anthem 'Light the Sky' at the FIFA World Cup 2022 closing ceremony on December 18 in Qatar.

Three Ceremonies Across Host Nations

The 2026 edition, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, breaks new ground with three separate opening ceremonies ahead of each host's first match. Initial reports indicate these events will set the tone for the tournament running from June 11 to July 19, featuring 104 matches in total. The final is slated for New Jersey.

Toronto's show at BMO Field will blend global stars. Alongside Fatehi, expect Canadian icons like Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Eliana, Jessie Reyez, We Are The Dream and William Prince. Bangladeshi-origin American DJ Sanjoy, professionally known as DJ Sanjoy, joins the bill too. He previously remixed the Bollywood hit 'Chammak Challo' from Ra.One for official use.

Katy Perry Headlines LA Spectacle

Over in the US, pop superstar Katy Perry announced her debut World Cup performance via Instagram. She'll headline the June 12 opening at SoFi Stadium in California, ahead of the USA vs Paraguay clash. Perry will share the stage with Lisa, Tyla, Anitta and Rema, sources familiar with the event confirmed.

Mexico City's ceremony kicks off a day earlier on June 11, boasting a Latin-heavy lineup: Tyla, Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Belinda, J Balvin, plus bands Los Angeles Azules and Man.

Shakira's Return with New Anthem

Adding to the star power, Shakira is back for the tournament. The Colombian singer dropped news of her new track 'Dai Dai', featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy. It echoes her iconic 2010 World Cup anthem 'Waka Waka', which became a global smash. Officials haven't detailed her performance slot yet, but the release ties neatly into the pre-tournament hype.

Global Stage for Indian Talent

For Indian fans, Fatehi's slot marks a proud moment. As the only Bollywood artist to headline openings for both FIFA and ICC World Cups, she's bridging cultures on football's biggest platform. "This is a massive step for desi performers," noted entertainment desk sources tracking the announcements.

The ceremonies underscore FIFA's push for diversity, blending local heroes with international draws. With matches spread across 16 cities, expect packed stadiums and massive viewership.

What's Next for Fans

As preparations ramp up, eyes are on how these events will hype the expanded 48-team format. Ticket details for ceremonies remain pending, but FIFA urges fans to monitor official channels. For Nora Fatehi FIFA World Cup 2026 fans, it's a wait till mid-June—but the excitement is already building.

FIFA Chief Confirms Iran’s Presence at 2026 World Cup as Ticket Demand Hits Record High

Gianni Infantino dismisses political concerns, asserting that the Iranian national team will participate in the mega-event hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially put to rest any speculation regarding Iran’s participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Speaking at a high-profile forum in the US capital, the football chief confirmed that the Iranian squad will travel to North America, despite simmering geopolitical tensions in West Asia and security concerns raised by American leadership.

The announcement comes as a significant India News Update for football enthusiasts, as Iran remains one of the strongest Asian contenders on the global stage. Infantino’s remarks underline FIFA’s long-standing stance of keeping the beautiful game insulated from international diplomacy.

Infantino rejects political interference

Addressing the CNBC Invest in America Forum on Wednesday, Infantino was direct when asked about the "Team Melli" and their entry into the United States. "The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," he stated, reinforcing that the team earned its spot through a rigorous qualification process.

The FIFA President acknowledged the complex political landscape but maintained that the tournament must remain a celebration of sport. He noted that while a peaceful global situation would be ideal, the participation of a qualified nation like Iran is non-negotiable under FIFA statutes.

Security concerns and Trump’s warning

The confirmation follows recent comments from US President Donald Trump, who expressed reservations about the safety of the Iranian players. While Trump clarified that the team would be "welcome," he suggested that their presence might not be "appropriate" given the current friction between the two nations.

"I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," Trump had noted previously. However, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) countered this, asserting that as a host, the US is obligated to ensure the safety of all participating athletes.

Venue shift request declined

In a bid to avoid potential friction on American soil, the Iranian federation had reportedly requested FIFA to move their group-stage matches to Mexico. Iran is currently scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle—cities with significant international visibility.

FIFA, however, has formally declined the request, citing massive logistical complexities. Moving fixtures at this late stage would disrupt the highly coordinated schedule of the 48-team tournament, which is set to be the largest in the history of the sport.

Group stage fixtures locked

As per the latest Government Updates and official FIFA schedules, Iran will compete in Group G. Their campaign kicks off against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 16, followed by a high-octane clash against Belgium on June 22 at the same venue.

Their final group match is slated for June 27 against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle. These matches are expected to be among the most-watched during the opening phase, given the competitive nature of the group and the global diaspora of the nations involved.

Record-breaking global ticket demand

Despite the surrounding controversies, the 2026 edition is witnessing a historic surge in interest. Infantino revealed that ticket requests have reached an unprecedented 500 million, far exceeding any previous tournament. This surge reflects the massive scale of an expanded 48-team format.

The FIFA President emphasized that fans from all 211 member associations have applied for tickets. This global appetite highlights the tournament's potential to generate over $11 billion in revenue, cementing its status as a major Public Interest Story and an economic juggernaut.

Sports vs geopolitical tensions

The debate over Iran's participation has sparked a wider conversation in Trending News India and across the globe regarding the intersection of sports and politics. Infantino's visit to the Iranian squad in Turkey recently served as a gesture of support for the players’ right to compete.

"They are a very good team and they really want to play," Infantino remarked. By standing firm on their participation, FIFA aims to uphold the integrity of the World Cup as a universal event that transcends borders and political disagreements.

Future outlook for 2026

With the tournament just months away, the focus now shifts to the operational and security arrangements in the host cities. FIFA and US authorities are expected to collaborate closely to ensure a seamless experience for all teams, including those from sensitive regions.