Monsoon Intensifies in Kerala; Orange Alert Issued for Seven Districts Amid Heavy Rains
Monsoon rains have strengthened across Kerala, leading to flooding in parts of Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, signifying very heavy rainfall (11 cm to 20 cm), for seven districts: Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur. Continuous rains in Wayanad caused the Chooralmala River to swell, eroding its banks near a Bailey bridge.
Cooper Flagg Selected as No. 1 Pick by Dallas Mavericks in 2025 NBA Draft
Former Duke University superstar Cooper Flagg was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg, the consensus top prospect for the draft class, attended the event with his family and expressed his excitement, calling it a "dream come true." The selection fulfilled widespread expectations, marking a significant moment for the young basketball talent and the Mavericks franchise.
Indian Air Force Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes Second Indian in Space
IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully launched to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He is the second Indian citizen in space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma, and the first to visit the ISS. The 14-day mission, a collaboration including NASA and ISRO, will involve microgravity research. Celebrations erupted in his hometown Lucknow as the mission lifted off from Florida.
Russia Deploys Advanced Iranian Drone Technology in Ukraine Conflict
Debris from a recent Russian drone attack in Ukraine indicates the use of new Iranian-made drone technology, including an advanced camera, AI computing, and anti-jamming capabilities. The drone, distinct in appearance and labeling from previous models, suggests ongoing military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. This development could enhance Russia's drone effectiveness and highlights Iran's role in supplying advanced weaponry.
India Marks 50th Anniversary of Emergency with Calls to Uphold Democracy
India commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, a period described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the "darkest chapters" in India's democratic history. The BJP observed it as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day). Political leaders emphasized the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights and democratic principles, recalling the suspension of fundamental rights and suppression of dissent during that time.
Seven Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza Combat Operations
The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that seven of its soldiers, including a platoon commander, were killed in combat operations in the southern Gaza Strip. This brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in the ongoing war with Hamas to over 430. The conflict, nearing nine months, continues with high casualties on both sides and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Iran Executes Three Men Convicted of Spying for Israel
Iran has reportedly executed three men accused of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. While details are scarce due to access limitations on some reports, such executions are part of Iran's ongoing shadow war with Israel. These events typically escalate regional tensions and draw condemnation from human rights organizations concerned about fair trial standards in Iran.
India on Track for $5 Trillion Economy by 2027, Says Commerce Minister
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India is on course to achieve a $5 trillion economy by the year 2027. This projection underscores the government's confidence in the nation's economic trajectory, driven by ongoing reforms and growth initiatives. Achieving this milestone would solidify India's position as a major global economic power.
Indian-Origin Zohran Mamdani Leads in New York City Mayoral Democratic Primary
Indian-American Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old progressive state assemblyman, is poised to win the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, his main opponent, conceded defeat. If ultimately elected in November, Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim and South Asian-origin mayor. His campaign focused on issues like rent freezes, free public transport, and taxing the wealthy.
Telangana High Court Mandates Local Body Elections Within Three Months
The Telangana High Court has directed the state government and the State Election Commission (SEC) to conduct elections for local bodies, including village panchayats, within three months. The court ordered voter list and reservation finalization within one month, followed by polls within two months. The ruling came in response to petitions from former sarpanches whose terms expired in late 2024.
Supreme Court Grants 3-Month Furlough to Convict in Nitish Katara Murder Case
The Supreme Court granted a three-month furlough to Sukhdev Yadav alias Pehalwan, a convict in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case. The decision was based on Yadav having undergone 20 years of uninterrupted incarceration without remission. The trial court will impose conditions for his temporary release. Yadav is serving a 20-year sentence for his role in the kidnapping and murder.
Football Star Neymar Extends Contract with Boyhood Club Santos
Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. has extended his contract with his boyhood club Santos until December 2025. The 33-year-old forward, who returned to Santos in January 2025 after his stint with Al-Hilal, expressed his emotional connection to the club, calling it his "home" and "roots." The extension is seen as a significant moment for Santos and Brazilian football.
Israel and Iran Accept US-Brokered Ceasefire After 12-Day War Marked by Intense Strikes
Israel and Iran agreed to a US-proposed ceasefire on Tuesday, ending a 12-day war. The deal followed intense final hostilities, including Iranian missiles killing four in Beersheba and Israeli airstrikes in Iran. US President Trump announced the ceasefire, aimed at de-escalating a major Middle East crisis which involved US military action and caused hundreds of casualties, significantly impacting regional stability.
India Successfully Evacuates Over 2,400 Citizens from Iran and Israel Amid Conflict
India's "Operation Sindhu" is actively evacuating citizens from conflict-ridden Iran and Israel. Over 2,295 Indians have been brought back from Iran, with an initial 161 repatriated from Israel via Jordan. The External Affairs Ministry is coordinating special flights to ensure the safety of Indian nationals amidst escalating hostilities in the Middle East, with Union Ministers receiving evacuees.
India and Pakistan Extend Mutual Airspace Closure Until July 24
India and Pakistan have extended the mutual closure of their respective airspaces for each other’s airlines until July 24, 2025. This decision, communicated via a Notice to Airmen, continues restrictions first imposed in April following heightened tensions and military actions after the Pahalgam terror attack. The ban significantly impacts flight routes, increasing travel time and operational costs for carriers.