A devastating explosion at Sigachi Industries' chemical plant in Patancheru’s Pashamylaram industrial area near Hyderabad on Monday resulted in at least 12 deaths and over 34 injuries. The blast, caused by a reactor failure, triggered a massive fire, hurling some workers nearly 100 meters away. Multiple individuals were trapped under debris as the structure partially collapsed. Eleven fire tenders and robot units were deployed to control the blaze. Rescue operations by police, NDRF, and SDRF are ongoing. Authorities have launched an investigation, while relief and medical support are being provided to the injured.  

India’s Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirms that the investigation into the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI‑171—a Boeing 787‑8 departing from Ahmedabad with 242 on board—remains open to “all angles,” including possible sabotage. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is analysing black box data, cockpit voice recordings, CCTV, aircraft systems, and ground surveillance to determine whether dual-engine failure, fuel contamination, mechanical malfunction, or deliberate interference triggered the disaster. Mohol assured that the recovered FDR and CVR will be examined entirely within India. The DGCA has inspected India’s 33 Dreamliners, deeming them airworthy, and the final report is due within three months. (PC: The Hindu)

Maharashtra has cancelled two controversial government resolutions mandating Hindi as the third language from Classes 1 to 5, following strong backlash over alleged language imposition. Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, protested fiercely, accusing the state of sidelining Marathi and promoting Hindi at the cost of regional identity. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that Marathi remains the top priority and formed a committee led by Dr Narendra Jadhav to review the three-language policy. The panel will consult stakeholders to decide whether the policy should be implemented and from which class, ensuring broader consensus and cultural sensitivity going forward. (PC: NDTV)  

A horrifying case emerged early Sunday near Channammanakere Skating Ground in Bengaluru where a woman’s body, estimated to be 30–35 years old, was found in a sack inside a BBMP garbage truck. Her legs were tied around her neck, and her hands were bound; police suspect smothering and possible sexual assault, with final forensics and autopsy pending . CCTV footage shows an auto-rickshaw transporting the body between 12:20 AM and 1:45 AM . The deceased, identified as Pushpa (“Asha”), possibly killed amid domestic conflict, leads to her husband being the prime suspect who is currently absconding . A murder case is registered; police urge public assistance for leads. (PC: X)

CCTV footage shows a 24-year-old law student being dragged inside South Calcutta Law College by two men. The survivor was later gang-raped in the guard’s room on June 25. Police say the crime may have happened after she rejected a marriage proposal from the main accused, Manojit Mishra. Mishra, two students, and a security guard have been arrested. Mishra allegedly raped her while the others filmed it to blackmail her. The footage supports her complaint. A special police team is probing the case. Public anger is growing, and political leaders are under fire for making insensitive remarks about the survivor. (PC: The Indian Express, PTI)

Manojit Mishra, a TMC student leader, has been arrested for gang-raping a 24-year-old law student in Kolkata. Two other students were also held. The victim said Mishra forced her to stay back at college, proposed to her, and later raped her after she refused. She said he beat her, locked the gates, and threatened her boyfriend. Mishra was known for harassing girls and abusing power on campus. Many students had complained earlier, but no action was taken. Kolkata Police have formed a special team to investigate. Mishra is in police custody until July 1. The case has shocked the city. (PC: Facebook)

A senior Indian Navy officer said India lost some fighter jets early in Operation Sindoor because the government had ordered strikes only on terror camps, not military targets. “We were told not to hit military bases. That caused early losses,” said Captain Shiv Kumar at a seminar in Jakarta. India later changed tactics and gained full control over the skies. The government has not confirmed these losses. The Congress party has asked why there’s no special Parliament session on the issue. The operation followed a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Pakistan and India fought for four days. (PC: AP)

3 people died and over 50 were hurt in a stampede during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. The stampede happened near Shri Gundicha Temple as the chariot of Lord Jagannath arrived. A man who lost his wife said, “No one responded, not fire officials, rescue teams, or hospital staff. It was pathetic.” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi apologised and promised strict action. He announced ₹25 lakh for each victim’s family. The Puri District Collector and SP were removed. Two senior officers were also suspended for poor crowd control and safety lapses. Devotees and locals are demanding justice and better planning. (PC: PTI)

The Maharashtra government has cancelled its decision to make Hindi the third language in primary schools. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a new committee will review the three-language policy. The move came after strong protests from opposition parties and civil groups. Many said the government was trying to impose Hindi and ignore Marathi. Earlier, a rule said Hindi would be taught from Classes 1 to 5. After backlash, the rule was changed to say students could choose another language if 20 in a class agreed. Still, criticism continued. Now, both orders have been cancelled and a fresh plan will be made. (PC: India Today)

Air India flight AI357, en route from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Delhi, was diverted to Kolkata on June 29 due to persistent cabin heat. Passengers and crew reported unusually high temperatures during the flight, prompting the precautionary diversion. The aircraft landed safely at Kolkata Airport and is currently undergoing technical checks. An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the airline’s ground staff are assisting passengers and arranging alternate travel to Delhi. “We regret the inconvenience caused,” the airline stated. All passengers are safe, and Air India has assured that steps are being taken to avoid similar incidents in the future. (PC: India Today)