Construction of Bangladesh’s proposed 81-foot Lord Ram statue, set to be the country’s tallest, has been suspended after threats from radical Islamist groups. The project, located in Palashbari, Gaibandha district, was reportedly 80% complete when work was halted to maintain law and order. The decision followed online campaigns and public calls by Islamist preachers demanding the statue’s demolition. The move has triggered protests by Hindu groups and students, who say it raises concerns about religious freedom and minority rights. The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the government’s commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s religious minorities. (PC: India Today)

India's temporary ban on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination has sparked debate after many users reported that the messaging platform continued to function hours after the order was issued. The government imposed the restriction to curb exam-related fraud and misinformation, but Telegram's continued accessibility has raised doubts about India's ability to effectively enforce app-level blocks. Experts point to Telegram's built-in anti-censorship mechanisms and the complexity of internet infrastructure as reasons for the partial effectiveness. The episode has reignited discussions on digital governance, censorship, and the technical challenges of restricting online platforms. (PC: India Today)

A Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel on Tuesday. The incident happened between the Isle of Wight and Normandy. The yacht, carrying a couple in their 60s, reportedly drifted close to the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich in foggy weather. Russia said its crew fired shots into the water after failed attempts to contact the yacht. No one was injured and the yacht was not damaged. A British patrol vessel later checked on the crew. The UK Defence Ministry is investigating the incident, which comes amid rising tensions with Russia. (PC: Ministry of Defence)

The Supreme Court has stepped in to help an 80-year-old woman and her visually impaired son living in poverty in Odisha’s Subarnapur district. Acting on media reports, the court directed the Odisha government to provide all social security benefits and basic facilities. The court said the pair must be able to live with dignity. Officials informed the court that pensions, free rice and a house had been provided. However, the court ordered an independent verification of these claims. It also asked local authorities to check on their health and welfare. The matter will be reviewed again on July 13.

Delhi Police have dismantled an alleged terror and espionage network backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting seven people in coordinated operations. Investigators said the suspects were involved in recruiting operatives, collecting sensitive information and maintaining links with handlers across the border. Authorities recovered electronic devices and documents during raids and are examining whether the network had connections to other extremist groups. Officials described the operation as a major counterterrorism success aimed at preventing potential threats to national security. Further investigations are underway to identify additional associates and uncover the full extent of the alleged network.

Navi Mumbai International Airport and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati have been recognised among the world’s most beautiful airports for 2026 by the prestigious Prix Versailles architecture and design awards. The recognition highlights the airports’ innovative design, sustainability features and passenger-focused infrastructure. Both airports are operated by Adani Airport Holdings and were selected alongside leading aviation hubs from around the world. The achievement marks a significant milestone for India’s aviation sector, showcasing the country’s growing emphasis on world-class airport infrastructure and architectural excellence as air travel demand continues to expand.  

India’s first eight-lane tunnel built beneath a tiger reserve is set to open on June 20, marking a major milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. The tunnel, constructed under the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, is designed to improve road connectivity while protecting wildlife movement above ground. Officials say the project will significantly reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion on a key highway corridor. Equipped with modern safety features, surveillance systems and emergency facilities, the tunnel balances development with conservation. The project is expected to boost tourism, trade and regional connectivity while safeguarding the reserve’s ecosystem. (PC: X)

Tensions flared in Manipur after a large crowd gathered outside a hospital in Imphal to protest the treatment of three Kuki men injured during an armed attack in Kangpokpi district. The protesters opposed admitting the victims to the valley-based medical facility, prompting authorities to deploy security forces and tighten arrangements around the hospital. The incident highlighted the continuing ethnic divide between Meitei and Kuki communities amid the prolonged conflict in the State. Officials appealed for calm and ensured medical care for the injured, while efforts were made to prevent the situation from escalating further. 

2 people died and 6 others were injured after a fire broke out at a restopub in Karnataka’s Mysuru on Monday. The victims were identified as Sahin, 26, from Darjeeling, and Prakash, 24, from Nepal. Firefighters used ladders to rescue around 15 people trapped inside the building. Officials said the injured, including customers and the pub owner, are receiving treatment and are out of danger. According to fire officials, a short circuit may have caused the blaze. Wooden decorative items inside the pub may have helped the fire spread quickly. Police and fire officials are investigating the incident.

Television actress Sanchita Ugale, known for her roles in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, has died at the age of 22. Police said the incident took place at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. Based on a complaint filed by her father, Achole Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and an investigation is underway. Ugale had also appeared in the films Chhaava and Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout. The exact circumstances are yet to be determined. (PC: NDTV)