Israel initiated a major preemptive strike—dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”—early June 13, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities (including Natanz enrichment) and key military sites, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz . Explosions were reported across Tehran; Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami, top military officials, and two nuclear scientists are believed dead . Air-raid sirens rang nationwide, with both Israeli and Iranian airspace closed amid declared national emergencies . Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the strike as essential to neutralize imminent nuclear threats. The US, led by Secretary Rubio, denied involvement while urging Iran against targeting American interests.

The U.S. State Department has ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil, Iraq, due to growing security threats across the region. Non-emergency government employees have been directed to leave as a precautionary measure. While no specific threat was mentioned, the department cited regional tensions and heightened security risks. The advisory also warned U.S. citizens against travel to Iraq. These developments follow a series of attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria amid ongoing regional unrest. Despite the drawdown, the U.S. embassy will continue to operate with essential staff to maintain diplomatic functions and services. (PC: NBC News & The Indian Express)

Pak Army Chief General Asim Munir, recently promoted to Field Marshal, will attend the US Army’s 250th‑year parade in Washington on June 14, the same day as former President Trump’s 80th birthday as per Pakistani sources. At the event, he’s expected to meet the State Department and Pentagon officials. His U‑turn follows glowing praise by US CENTCOM head Gen Michael Kurilla, who lauded Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counter‑ISIS‑K operations. In India, Congress’s Jairam Ramesh called the invite “a huge diplomatic setback,” citing Munir’s inflammatory remarks ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack. Meanwhile, the Pakistani diaspora plans protests in DC. (PC: India Today)

On June 11, 2025, five Palestinian aid workers were reportedly killed in an attack attributed to Hamas fighters, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israeli-backed aid organization operating in the Gaza Strip. The GHF stated that a clearly marked bus carrying over two dozen workers to a food distribution center near Khan Younis came under fire. Several others were injured or remain missing. GHF condemned the attack, calling it a targeted assault on humanitarian workers. Hamas has not commented on the allegation. The incident raises fresh concerns over aid safety in conflict zones. (PC: Reuters)

Praveen Swami’s essay in ThePrint traces 175 years of racially charged unrest in Los Angeles—from Mexican uprisings in 1856 and anti-Chinese massacres in 1871, to the Zoot Suit riots of the 1940s, the Watts revolt in 1965, and the 1992 upheaval after the Rodney King verdict. Each eruption reflects entrenched inequality, police brutality, and exclusion, with marginalized communities—Mexican, Black, Asian—pushed to violent protest. Swami argues that these flashpoints reveal ongoing struggles over who truly belongs in America, underscoring immigration and hate‑speech rhetoric as modern catalysts. Yet he cautions that America’s future lies in embracing multicultural integration, not in succumbing to white‑chauvinist divisiveness.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey to the International Space Station was halted hours before liftoff after a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak was discovered in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The Axiom-4 mission, already delayed once due to weather, was scheduled for June 11 but now awaits urgent repairs. ISRO confirmed the leak was detected during post-static fire tests, and SpaceX will conduct validation tests before rescheduling. Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, was to become the first Indian to reach the ISS on a commercial spaceflight. A new launch date will be declared after safety clearance.

General Michael Kurilla, head of US Central Command, praised Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counterterrorism during his testimony to the US House Armed Services Committee. He credited Islamabad with capturing key ISIS-K operatives, including those linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. Kurilla urged the US to maintain strategic relations with both India and Pakistan, warning against a zero-sum policy. His comments come after India launched airstrikes following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, blaming Pakistan-based groups. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has warned of direct retaliation if attacks persist and reaffirmed India’s global campaign to expose Pakistan’s extremism links.

Meghalaya Police confirmed Sonam Raghuvanshi’s active involvement in the murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Sohra. She and four others, including her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha and three hired killers, have been remanded in police custody for 8 days by a Shillong court. Raja was killed on May 23, just two days after arriving in Meghalaya. Investigators will now interrogate the accused and recreate the crime scene. Police say they have “enough evidence” but need more questioning to uncover the full extent of Sonam’s role. All five were brought from UP and MP to Shillong this week. (PC: HT)

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was allegedly abused by Israeli authorities after her humanitarian aid boat to Gaza was intercepted. French doctor Baptiste André, also onboard, claimed passengers were mocked, deprived of sleep, and denied basic needs. “There were acts of mistreatment,” he said. The boat, Madleen, part of the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, had 12 passengers and was stopped 200 km from Gaza. Thunberg and three others signed deportation papers; eight remain in custody. Upon return to France, Thunberg said, “Israel kidnapped us in international waters.” Israel dismissed the protest as a “publicity stunt” and called the vessel a “selfie yacht.” (PC: NDTV)

Rough sleeping will no longer be a criminal offence in England and Wales as the government moves to scrap the 1824 Vagrancy Act. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner called the law "cruel and outdated" and pledged to end nearly two centuries of injustice. New legislation will focus on crimes like organised begging and criminal trespass, ensuring police can still protect communities. Homeless charities, including Crisis, hailed the move as a “landmark moment” for vulnerable individuals. The act had seen prosecutions decline from 1,050 in 2011 to 79 in 2023. Amendments will be made through the Crime and Policing Bill in 2026. (PC: X)