The last 24 hours of news across every topic — markets, crypto, geopolitics, and tech, AI-curated by PiQ Markets

SpaceX achieved a record-breaking debut on the Nasdaq, with its IPO raising $75 billion and pushing its valuation past $2 trillion. Shares closed at $160.95, up 19% from the $135 IPO price, making it the sixth-largest U.S. company and propelling Elon Musk to become the world's first trillionaire. The IPO created over 4,400 millionaires among employees and saw significant demand, including an oversubscribed UK retail offering. However, the high valuation and small free float have led to analyst concerns about potential volatility, with some calling it a 'mega bubble.' Crypto exchanges also canceled tokenized share offerings due to allocation issues.

The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a deal to end their conflict, with terms including nuclear material removal, sanctions relief, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This potential agreement comes as U.S. forces intercepted Iranian drones targeting commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in the negotiations, though Iran disputes that a full agreement has been reached, noting that key objectives remain unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Israel has indicated it would retaliate if Iran responds to future Israeli strikes in Lebanon, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities.

Iran and the United States are reportedly nearing a memorandum of understanding to end a protracted conflict, with Iran's Foreign Minister stating a deal is "close" and potentially involving the unfurling of $24 billion in assets. President Trump has reposted the Foreign Minister's statement after initially dismissing related leaks as "fake news." The status of Lebanon remains a significant point of contention, with differing views between the two nations. Meanwhile, UNIFIL peacekeepers have been targeted in southern Lebanon, and Israel has ordered the displacement of residents from several towns in the region. US forces are maintaining patrols and vigilance in the Middle East, including downing Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. men's national soccer team opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. Folarin Balogun netted two goals, while Christian Pulisic played a key role in early offensive plays before being substituted at halftime. Defender Chris Richards also set a passing record, completing all 83 of his passes. Meanwhile, 48 national teams are preparing across three host countries for the tournament, and Emirates will broadcast all matches live on its flights.

Russian military deaths in Ukraine have surpassed 225,000 according to a media investigation, a figure that Western intelligence estimates could be closer to 500,000 total casualties. Ukraine's General Staff reported on June 13, 2026, that Russia has lost approximately 1,381,430 troops since the invasion began in February 2022, including 1,310 in the preceding day. Meanwhile, a year-long report by The Journal highlights the profound impact of the conflict on civilians in a front-line town, detailing their endured transformations.

The U.S. government has ordered AI company Anthropic to suspend access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models globally, citing national security concerns over potential jailbreaks. This directive has led to a sell-off in Anthropic's pre-IPO market. The move has prompted calls for technological sovereignty, with Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu urging India to develop its own AI capabilities. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen criticized the U.S. government's actions as "red-tape monsters" that hinder innovation.

An Israeli airstrike on a medical facility in Selaa, Lebanon, wounded two paramedics, an incident Doctors Without Borders called alarming due to a pattern of attacks on first responders. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the nation at a "fateful choice" regarding state authority and militia influence, stressing national unity. In the West Bank, Israeli forces used tear gas and stun grenades near Bethlehem, impacting Palestinian visitors. The UN also reported heavy Israeli military activity near the Lebanon border, including armored movements and air operations.

South Korea's military has grounded its LAH-1 Miron helicopters due to engine defects, with 47 out of 57 supplied choppers showing corrosion and cracks. Separately, investigators are seeking arrest warrants for three former Shincheonji Church officials suspected of forcing members to join an opposition party to influence elections. In international news, a senior South Korean official stated it is too early to confirm if President Lee Jae Myung will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the upcoming G7 summit in France. Meanwhile, thousands attended Seoul's annual LGBTQ pride parade, accompanied by a nearby counter-rally from a conservative Christian group.

The Indian rupee surged against the US dollar, closing at 95.11, driven by a sharp decline in global crude oil prices and optimism for US-Iran peace talks. This geopolitical easing also improved overall risk sentiment, boosting Bitcoin, which traded near $63,538. The fall in oil prices, down over 5% to $85.80 a barrel, eased input cost concerns for companies like tyre makers and airlines, leading to a relief rally in their stocks.

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces conducted a "swift and lethal kinetic strike" that killed Hector Guerrero Flores, the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang. Trump stated the operation was coordinated with the government in Caracas. Separately, a federal judge has indefinitely blocked a $1.776 billion fund intended to compensate individuals claiming to be victims of a weaponized government, requiring the Justice Department to confirm the fund will not be revived.

Iran has denied U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of an Iranian drone attack on Indian ships, labeling them "baseless" and accusing the U.S. of attacking Indian seafarers. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar protested "unjustified" U.S. Navy attacks off the coast of Oman that reportedly killed three Indian mariners, summoning the U.S. embassy's charge d'affaires twice. However, the General Secretary of the Forward Seamen's Union of India, Manoj Yadav, denied reports of any Indian sailors being killed on the MT Liaki Freedom vessel, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming the crew is safe.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is prioritizing hyper-local issues and public control of utilities as central to his agenda. Ahead of the Makerfield by-election, Burnham is focusing on specific constituency concerns through targeted online advertising to counter Reform UK's challenge. Nationally, he plans to bring water and energy utilities under public control to improve services and lower bills, and has also indicated potential compensation for WASPI women.

Turkey and Saudi Arabia are developing a new land trade corridor that will pass through Syria and Jordan, bypassing Israel. This initiative is seen by Israeli officials as a direct challenge to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a project they support. Meanwhile, the White House and U.S. Central Command have refuted claims that the U.S. is building a $500 million military base near Gaza's border, asserting that no U.S. troops will be deployed into Gaza.

El Niño conditions have officially developed, raising concerns for India regarding a potentially weaker monsoon and hotter temperatures. Historically, these conditions have led to drought, lower crop yields, and increased food prices. India's microfinance sector also faces potential credit risks from a weak monsoon and the Middle East conflict, which could impact rural livelihoods despite recent sector improvements.

West Bengal Police raided the Kolkata residence of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee for over four hours in connection with a financial fraud case in Paschim Medinipur. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched eight locations, including two residences of TMC MLA Madan Mitra, as part of a probe into an alleged multi-crore cash-for-municipalities job scam linked to recruitment irregularities in Kamarhati Municipality. These actions have heightened political tensions in the state.

The U.S. stock market faces uncertainty with new Federal Reserve leadership under Chair Kevin Warsh. Investors are concerned about potential interest rate hikes impacting equities, especially amid rising inflation. Warsh's first policy meeting will be closely watched for signals on future monetary policy. This comes as the Bank of Japan is also expected to raise rates, and G7 leaders convene in France.

European Union ambassadors have agreed to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, marking a significant step toward potential membership. The first phase of negotiations is scheduled to commence on Monday, following Hungary's decision to lift its veto after securing an agreement on minority rights. In a separate development, EU countries have also agreed to maintain current passenger compensation rules for flight delays, keeping the €250 payout for three-hour delays unchanged, while requiring airlines to provide claim documents within 96 hours.

Ukraine has conducted drone strikes in Russia's Bryansk region and at a port in Temryuk, resulting in at least one fatality and injuries. Regional authorities confirmed the incident in Bryansk, where one person was killed and others were wounded. In Temryuk, a drone attack ignited a fire at a sea terminal. Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting numerous Ukrainian drones overnight across several regions as part of ongoing hostilities.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate history and science exhibits in national parks that were previously removed, warning against censorship. The Interior Department has 21 days to comply with the order. Separately, the Trump administration missed a court-mandated deadline to remove President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, citing thunderstorms as the reason for the delay. An appeals court had previously rejected the administration's attempt to postpone the name removal.

China has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the U.S. Pentagon's updated list of Chinese companies accused of aiding Beijing's military, warning of potential retaliation if its firms are not treated fairly. Meanwhile, North Korea has condemned the U.S. approval of advanced missile sales to South Korea, asserting the move will escalate tensions and vowing to bolster its self-defensive deterrent to preserve regional power balance.