Visual Tapestry of International Yoga Day: India Unites in Asanas
The 11th International Yoga Day was vividly captured across India, showcasing diverse participation. From serene sessions by the Taj Mahal and on the Yamuna River to large gatherings in Visakhapatnam and disciplined formations by BSF personnel at the Wagah border, images highlighted the unifying spirit of yoga. These moments painted a picture of collective well-being and cultural pride embraced by people from all walks of life.
US President to Decide Within Two Weeks on Military Intervention in Iran-Israel Conflict
US President Donald Trump announced he will decide within two weeks whether the US military will directly intervene in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The decision hinges on the potential for renewed negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. This comes as hostilities enter their seventh day, with diplomatic efforts, including talks involving US, UK, and EU officials, underway to find a peaceful resolution and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran-Israel Hostilities Intensify: Hospital Hit, Civilian Casualties Rise
The conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated, with ongoing attacks for the seventh consecutive day. Iranian missiles reportedly struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel, wounding at least 80 people. Israeli airstrikes continued to target Iran's nuclear facilities. Casualty figures are rising, with reports indicating over 650 killed in Iran and at least 24 in Israel, prompting growing international concern over the widening conflict and its humanitarian impact.
Election Commission Mandates Destruction of Poll-Related Audiovisual Records After 45 Days
The Election Commission of India has directed state poll officers to destroy CCTV, webcasting, and video footage of election processes after 45 days if no election petition challenges the verdict within that period. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of such content for spreading "malicious narratives" on social media, citing recent instances of selective, out-of-context use of footage. This follows a December rule change restricting public inspection of certain electronic poll documents.
Maharashtra Reconstitutes High-Powered Committee on Border Dispute with Karnataka
The Maharashtra government has reconstituted its high-powered committee to address the long-standing border dispute with Karnataka. Headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the 18-member committee includes deputy CMs and former CMs. The move aims to facilitate consensus-based decisions on the issue, which dates back to the 1957 linguistic reorganization of states, concerning Belagavi and over 800 Marathi-speaking villages currently part of Karnataka.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Criticized for 'Personal Cost' Remarks Amid Iran War
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing public and political criticism for comments regarding the "personal price" his family is paying due to the Iran war, citing the second postponement of his son's wedding. Critics, including families of hostages and opposition figures, termed his remarks self-centered and out of touch with the nation's suffering, accusing him of narcissism during a time of national crisis and widespread hardship.
Rs 5 Crore Drugs Seized from Nigerian Woman on Delhi-Mumbai Bus
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized methamphetamine and ecstasy tablets, valued at nearly Rs 5 crore, from a Nigerian woman traveling on a bus from Delhi to Mumbai. The narcotics were concealed in food packets (oats) and juice tetra packs. The intended receiver of the drugs was also apprehended in a follow-up operation. The woman has been arrested under the NDPS Act, and further investigations are underway.
Air India Cancels Eight Flights Citing Maintenance and Operational Issues
Air India announced the cancellation of eight flights on Friday, comprising four international and four domestic services, due to enhanced maintenance and operational reasons. Affected international routes include services between Dubai-Chennai and Delhi-Melbourne. The airline stated it is making alternative arrangements for passengers and offering full refunds or complimentary rescheduling. Domestic cancellations impacted routes including Pune-Delhi and Chennai-Mumbai.
Nine Killed in Car-Truck Collision in West Bengal's Purulia
Nine people died in a head-on collision between an SUV and a truck in West Bengal's Purulia district on Friday morning. The accident occurred around 6:30 am on NH-18 at Namshol village within the Balarampur police station limits. All nine occupants of the SUV were killed instantly in the crash. Police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
Madurai-Bound Flight Returns to Chennai Mid-Air After Technical Snag
A private carrier flight bound for Madurai returned to Chennai shortly after takeoff on Friday due to a mid-air technical snag. The pilot detected the issue about half an hour into the flight and requested permission to land back in Chennai. The aircraft, carrying approximately 68 passengers, landed safely, and all passengers were deplaned without incident. The exact nature of the snag is under investigation.
Indian Embassy in US Marks International Yoga Day with Session at Lincoln Memorial
Ahead of International Day of Yoga on June 21, the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., organized a vibrant yoga session at the iconic Lincoln Memorial. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora and local residents. Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra highlighted yoga as India's ancient civilizational heritage. The session aimed to promote yoga's holistic benefits for physical well-being, mental peace, and universal harmony, aligning with the 2025 theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."
Israel Strikes Iran's Arak Nuclear Reactor; India Evacuates 110 Students
Amid escalating conflict, Israel reportedly struck Iran's Arak heavy water nuclear reactor on June 19, 2025, after warning of the attack. Iranian state TV claimed no radiation danger. Concurrently, India successfully evacuated 110 of its students from Iran via Armenia under 'Operation Sindhu'. The first flight landed in Delhi, bringing relief to students, primarily from Urmia University, who faced critical situations. Further evacuations are planned from the region.
US Resumes Student Visa Interviews, Mandates Public Social Media Profiles for Vetting
The United States announced the resumption of student visa interviews, paused since May 27. A new policy requires applicants to set their social media profiles to "public" for comprehensive vetting. The State Department emphasized national security, aiming to identify applicants with hostile attitudes or violent activism history. This change significantly impacts prospective international students, including many from India, by adding a new layer of scrutiny to the visa process.
ED Raids Multiple States in Bihar Constable Recruitment Scam; Links to NEET Paper Leak Masterminds Alleged
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted multi-state raids on June 19, 2025, in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, investigating a money laundering case linked to the 2023 Bihar constable recruitment scam. Official sources indicated that the masterminds behind this alleged scam are purportedly the same individuals involved in the 2024 NEET UG paper leak. The raids target corruption in public recruitment processes.
Supreme Court Questions Tamil Nadu ADGP's Suspension, Considers Probe Transfer in Kidnapping Case
The Supreme Court on June 19, 2025, questioned the suspension of Tamil Nadu ADGP H.M. Jayaram, linked to an alleged kidnapping case. The court asked the state government about transferring the investigation to the Special Branch or CID, terming the officer's treatment "shocking" and "demoralising." The case involves allegations that the ADGP's official car was used in an abduction related to a love marriage.