Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Monday after Iran launched missile attacks targeting Israel’s Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes on a petrochemical plant in Mahshahr and other locations in Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj and Tabriz, while Israel said its air defence systems intercepted several incoming missiles. Iran also closed the airspace around Tehran’s main international airport following the attacks. The latest exchange comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts and growing concerns that renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel could undermine negotiations aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Leaders of 23 opposition parties gathered in New Delhi on Monday for a key INDIA bloc meeting aimed at strengthening unity and formulating a strategy against the BJP ahead of future elections. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee attended the meeting at the Constitution Club. The discussions come amid internal challenges within the alliance following recent electoral setbacks for the Trinamool Congress and DMK. While TMC chief Mamata Banerjee is expected to push for a united front against the BJP for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, the DMK and AAP stayed away from the meeting. (PC: HT)

Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir ‘Pushpa’ Khan was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force near the Nepal border while allegedly trying to flee India after weeks in hiding. Khan faces multiple FIRs, including allegations of EVM tampering and voter intimidation during the West Bengal Assembly elections in Falta. The Election Commission had cancelled polling in the constituency, citing severe electoral offences and ordered a repoll. Khan's arrest came after the Calcutta High Court withdrew his interim protection from arrest. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda later won the Falta seat by a margin exceeding one lakh votes. (PC: India Today)

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on June 8, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 200. The quake, centred near General Santos City, triggered tsunami warnings across the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia and several Pacific regions, prompting large-scale evacuations. Multiple aftershocks followed, including a magnitude 6.5 tremor. Buildings, including a shopping complex and a school, collapsed amid the shaking, while authorities reported structural damage across affected areas. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr suspended classes in parts of Mindanao and urged immediate evacuation from coastal zones. Airports, emergency services and disaster response teams remain on high alert as assessments continue.

Ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, authorities have implemented unprecedented security measures to safeguard the integrity of the test following the cancellation of the May exam amid controversy. According to reports, all experts involved in setting, moderating and translating the question papers have been relocated to a secure undisclosed facility and placed under strict lockdown until the examination concludes. The move is aimed at preventing any possibility of question paper leaks and restoring public confidence in the national medical entrance examination. The extraordinary security protocol underscores the government's determination to ensure a transparent, fair and credible re-test process for lakhs of aspiring medical students nationwide. (PC: India Today)

A powerful earthquake measuring between 7.0 and 7.8 magnitude struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on June 8, triggering tsunami warnings across the Philippines, Indonesia and by the US Tsunami Warning System. Authorities urged coastal residents to move to higher ground as aftershocks continued. Initial reports indicated no deaths or major structural collapses, though minor damage, injuries, power outages and telecommunications disruptions were reported in parts of Sarangani province. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the government was coordinating a rapid response. Indonesia detected small tsunami waves of 0.19 metres. Evacuations were underway in vulnerable coastal communities while officials continued damage assessments across affected regions.

US President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have “no choice” but to accept any US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, asserting that Washington controls the direction of negotiations. Speaking after Iran launched missiles at Israel, Trump maintained that the attacks would not derail ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran. Reports indicated Trump urged Netanyahu to avoid retaliatory action, arguing that a potential deal with Iran remained within reach. While expressing hope for a negotiated settlement, Trump also warned that failure could result in tougher measures, including continued blockades or possible military action. The comments highlighted growing US-Israeli policy tensions. (PC: US News)

Indian equity markets opened sharply lower on June 8 as escalating Iran-Israel tensions, surging crude oil prices and weak global cues triggered broad-based selling. The Sensex fell over 800 points while the Nifty slipped more than 1% in early trade. Investor sentiment weakened after Iran launched missiles at Israel following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, pushing Brent crude above $96 per barrel and raising concerns over inflation, economic growth and India’s import bill. Additional pressure came from a sharp selloff in US technology stocks and expectations of prolonged higher US interest rates. Realty, IT, metal and auto stocks led losses, while Sun Pharma emerged as a rare gainer amid market volatility. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after a heated exchange with journalist Kristen Welker over his claims that the 2020 presidential election and California’s gubernatorial race were “rigged.” Trump repeatedly alleged election fraud without presenting evidence and accused NBC and the media of being “crooked.” The confrontation intensified when Welker pressed him on election claims and questioned whether individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack could receive benefits from his proposed “anti-weaponization” fund. Trump defended some rioters, rejected the questioning, removed his microphone, and ended the interview before its scheduled conclusion.

A powerful solar eruption from the Sun’s Active Region 4461 is expected to strike Earth on June 8, prompting warnings of a strong G3-class geomagnetic storm. The event was triggered by an M1.8-class solar flare on June 6, which launched a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) and magnetic filament travelling at nearly 1,400 km per second. Scientists say the storm could generate vivid auroras across northern India’s mountainous regions, Europe and Australia. The impact will depend on the CME’s magnetic orientation, which could temporarily weaken Earth’s magnetosphere. While no direct threat to people is expected, satellite operations, GPS navigation, radio communications and power infrastructure could experience disruptions.