West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized the BJP and several BJP-led states for branding Bengali-speaking Indians as “Bangladeshis,” despite their valid documentation. She highlighted the recent case of 36‑year‑old Mehbub Sheikh, a Bengal-born mason arrested in Maharashtra’s Mira Road, whose voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN, ration card, and panchayat-certified family tree were ignored. Taken by BSF at 3:30 am on June 14, he was forcibly pushed into Bangladesh even after state authorities and migrants’ board intervened. Mamata urged pride in speaking Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, or Hindi, while condemning what she called discrimination and livelihood denial. The episode underscores escalating regional tension over migrant identity. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, during an official ceremony in Nicosia on June 16, 2025. Awarded by President Nikos Christodoulides, the accolade recognizes Modi’s instrumental role in strengthening India‑Cyprus relations and global peace, security, sovereignty, and prosperity. Modi dedicated the award to “the friendship between our nations,” 1.4 billion Indians, and shared values of peace and mutual understanding. This marks Modi’s 23rd international honour, reinforcing his growing stature as a global statesman committed to regional stability and inclusive development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a rare visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian PM in over two decades reaffirmed that “this is not an era of war” amid escalating Israel‑Iran tensions. At a business roundtable with President Nikos Christodoulides, he praised Cyprus as a stable partner and gateway to Europe, highlighting digital progress like UPI and infrastructure investment. Modi emphasized ongoing India‑EU free‑trade negotiations set to conclude this year. He also referenced the India‑Middle‑East‑Europe Corridor’s potential and Cyprus’s strategic EU role especially ahead of its 2026 EU Council presidency.

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Flight AI315) returned to Hong Kong mid-air on Monday due to a suspected technical glitch. The Delhi-bound aircraft turned back 90 minutes after take-off and landed safely. No injuries were reported, but the incident comes days after a fatal crash involving the same aircraft model killed 279 people in Ahmedabad. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered mandatory inspections for all Boeing 787s with GE GenX engines. Air India, India’s largest Dreamliner operator with 33 jets, has yet to comment on the latest snag or rescheduling of the affected flight. (PC: India Today)

India secured Iran’s agreement to evacuate over 10,000 Indians mostly students via its open land borders with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, after its airspace was closed amid escalating Iran–Israel hostilities. Tehran responded to India’s request on June 16, 2025, offering safe crossing provided that New Delhi shares names, passport details, vehicle info, and intended border points. India’s embassy in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation, relocating around 1,500 students to safer zones and considering broader evacuation measures. Students, especially in cities like Tehran and Kerman, report sleep‑deprived nights in basements amid nearby missile strikes. The government has urged stranded nationals to stay indoors and remain in close contact through embassy channels. (PC: India Today & NDTV)

A Saudia Airlines Airbus A330 (flight SV 3112) carrying 250 Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah landed at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport early on June 15. Moments after touchdown at about 6:30 am IST, sparks and smoke erupted from the left landing gear due to a suspected hydraulic leak. The pilot immediately halted, alerted ATC, and fire & rescue teams swiftly contained the situation with foam and water within 20 minutes. All passengers and crew deboarded safely with no injuries. The aircraft was towed, operations resumed unhindered, and a mechanical investigation is underway. (PC: Lokmat Times)

Iran has opened all land borders for the evacuation of Indian nationals as airspace remains shut amid escalating strikes with Israel. Over 1,500 Indian students, many from Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iranian cities. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has requested names, passports, vehicle details, and exit points from India for safe passage. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is relocating students to safer areas and examining evacuation options. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement and register via Google Form and Telegram. Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” continues, prompting fears of further escalation. Iran warns it will “open the gates of hell.” (PC: NDTV)

Ukraine’s foreign minister has appealed to India to uphold international law and the UN Charter by clearly supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s aggression. He emphasized that India’s stance rooted in respect for sovereignty and global norms carries weight, urging New Delhi to leverage its global influence responsibly. The appeal highlights that adherence to universal principles isn’t just symbolic, but a practical imperative in conflicts like Ukraine, where the rules‑based order is under strain. It signifies a call for India to align its diplomatic posture with foundational global treaties reflecting both moral conviction and strategic interest. (PC: NDTV)

A Lufthansa flight en route from Frankfurt to Hyderabad was forced to return to its origin following a bomb threat. The flight, LH 752, took off from Frankfurt on June 14 but turned back mid-air after German authorities received a threat, prompting immediate security measures. On its return, the aircraft was isolated and thoroughly inspected. Lufthansa stated that all passengers were safe and were rebooked on alternative flights. Indian authorities, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), have been informed and are coordinating with their German counterparts. The investigation into the source of the threat is ongoing, as security protocols were stringently followed to ensure passenger safety. (PC: AP & Thrilllist)

Tehran confirms its airspace remains closed amid Israeli bombing but has opened all land borders to facilitate evacuation of Indian students stranded in multiple Iranian cities following intensified military exchanges. In response to India’s request, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued emergency helpline numbers, formed a Telegram group, and urged students to register with travel documents so authorities can coordinate safe passage. Thousands of Indian nationals, many from Jammu & Kashmir, are demanding a temporary cessation of hostilities by both Tehran and Jerusalem to allow airport evacuations. The government is monitoring the situation and assisting relocations to safer areas. (PC: Deccan Herald & NPR)