Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a European tour from June 15–17, making historic stops in both Cyprus and Croatia en route to and from the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. The Cyprus visit—only the third by an Indian premier—aims to deepen ties amid Turkey–Pakistan solidarity and Cyprus’s upcoming EU Council presidency . Following the summit, his journey continues to Croatia, marking the first-ever Indian prime ministerial visit, reinforcing bilateral defence and economic cooperation . Modi’s attendance at the G7 also offers an opportunity to reset strained Canada ties, highlighted by diplomatic tensions over Sikh separatist issues. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, during which he was briefed on Israel’s military strikes on Iran. Modi expressed India’s deep concern and stressed the need for early restoration of peace and regional stability. Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility and missile sites, killing 78 in Tehran, according to Iranian media. Netanyahu also contacted other global leaders including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and France’s Emmanuel Macron. The U.S. warned Iran to make a deal, with Trump asserting, “We make the most lethal weapons.” India continues to monitor the situation closely. (PC: India Today)

Indian billionaire Sunjay Kapur, 53, chairman of Sona Comstar and known polo partner of Prince William, died in the UK after reportedly swallowing a bee mid-match. Kapur collapsed suddenly on the polo field, with early reports suggesting a fatal allergic reaction caused cardiac arrest. He had recently posted condolences for victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash. Kapur, a fixture in royal polo circles, was also known for his high-profile marriage to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor. His death has shocked both India’s elite and the British aristocratic sports community. Medical experts say internal bee stings can be deadly. A probe is underway.

Arjun Patolia, a UK resident, died in the Air India Flight 171 crash while returning to London after fulfilling his late wife’s last wish in Gujarat. Patolia had come to Vadia, Amreli, to immerse Bharati’s ashes, leaving behind their two daughters in London. The tragedy claimed 241 lives, leaving their daughters orphaned within a month. The crash occurred seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, killing passengers and locals at BJ Medical College. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran called it “one of the darkest days in Tata Group’s history,” mourning the incomprehensible loss. Only one passenger survived the crash. (PC: NDTV)

Following Israel’s unprecedented June 13 airstrike campaign—targeting over 100 Iranian sites—the phone call between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu focused on the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East . The strikes, aimed at nuclear and military infrastructure, resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian figures and sparked Iran’s “declaration of war,” including retaliatory drone launches . This diplomatic outreach highlights India’s strategic vigilance and potential role in regional de-escalation. Modi’s engagement underlines New Delhi’s active monitoring amid global calls for restraint. (PC: Reuters)  

India has expressed deep concern over recent Israeli air strikes on Iran and urged both nations to avoid escalating tensions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the need for restraint and diplomacy, stating that escalation could destabilize the region further. India also highlighted the importance of peace and security in West Asia, a region critical to its strategic and economic interests. The statement came following reports of Israeli retaliation after Iran’s attack on Israel. India continues to monitor the situation closely and reiterated its consistent support for peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and international cooperation, urging both sides to prioritize de-escalation amid rising regional tensions. (PC: India Today & AP)

London-based father of two, Arjun Manubhai Patolia (36), flew from Gujarat to London on Air India Flight AI171 after performing his late wife Bharatiben’s final wish scattering her ashes in the River Narmada. Tragically, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 aboard and several on the ground. Patolia, returning to his daughters (aged 4 and 8) in the UK, perished in the crash. Only one passenger, British‑Indian Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived. The Indian government, led by PM Modi, deployed forensic and medical teams to identify victims. DNA testing is underway; the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has formally launched an inquiry. (PC: India Today)

An Air India flight (AI 379) from Phuket to New Delhi made an emergency landing in Phuket on June 13 after receiving a bomb threat mid‑air, according to Phuket International Airport and Airports of Thailand officials. The Airbus A320‑series aircraft, with 156 passengers onboard, departed at 09:30 AM local time, circled around the Andaman Sea, then returned safely. Upon landing, emergency procedures were activated, and all passengers were evacuated and escorted off the plane. Authorities haven’t disclosed details of the threat. The aircraft underwent a thorough security inspection. No injuries have been reported and no explosive device has been found. (PC: My Holidays & India Today)

Air India Flight AIC129, scheduled Mumbai–London, took off early on June 13, 2025, but made a mid‑air U‑turn and returned to Mumbai after about three hours in the air, according to Flightradar24. Officials haven’t confirmed why it returned. However, heightened Middle East tensions, particularly an Israeli strike on Iranian sites and Iran’s subsequent airspace closure, are likely factors . This incident followed the tragic crash of Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 241 lives with only one survivor. Air India reported that several flights have been diverted or returned due to airspace restrictions, and is offering passengers rescheduling or refunds. (PC: Mint & Republic World)

An Air India Boeing aircraft, operating flight AI 129 from Mumbai to London, returned to Mumbai after nearly three hours in the air on June 13. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 confirmed the mid-air reversal shortly after departure at 5:39 AM IST . Air India attributed the decision to the closure of Iranian airspace, following rising regional tensions related to “Operation Rising Lion.” Several other flights—including AI 130, AI 119, and AI 102—were either diverted or returned to their origin amid safety precautions. Airlines and aviation authorities are monitoring the situation closely as investigations continue. (PC: NDTV)