Commercial operations officially began at Noida International Airport in Jewar on Monday with IndiGo flight 6E-2278 arriving from Lucknow, marking a major milestone for Uttar Pradesh's aviation sector. The aircraft landed at 7:55 a.m. and received a ceremonial water cannon salute, while passengers applauded the historic moment. The return flight to Lucknow was scheduled for the evening. IndiGo, the launch carrier, plans to connect the new airport with more than 16 domestic destinations. The opening of the airport is expected to boost regional connectivity, economic growth and logistics infrastructure in western Uttar Pradesh. (PC: HT)

A series of maritime emergencies has made it a difficult week for Indian seafarers operating near the Gulf coast and the Strait of Hormuz. An Indian-flagged vessel, *Virat 1*, suffered an engine failure and sank off the coast of Oman, triggering a rescue operation for its 14 Indian crew members.   The incident came days after three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on a commercial tanker in the region amid rising tensions linked to the Iran conflict. Another Indian-crewed vessel was also hit earlier this week.   Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged an end to attacks that threaten the safety of merchant sailors in the strategic waterway. (PC: HT)

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the government's response after three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on the commercial vessel MT Settebello.   Questioning the Prime Minister's silence, Gandhi said, "A free country would never tolerate such language," referring to the US statement that commercial vessels must "comply immediately with the orders of the US military" and that violations "will not be tolerated."   He also said there was "no remorse, no apology" from the US after the deaths and urged the government to bring back the sailors' mortal remains. Gandhi alleged that the government was failing to defend the country's honour. (PC: The Indian Express)

A deadly fire that killed three people in Delhi's Tughlakabad Extension was a planned act of arson and not an accident, according to Delhi Police.   Police have arrested three people and detained a 17-year-old girl for allegedly conspiring to set the fire. Investigators said the accused used the minor to ignite the blaze over a personal and financial dispute. The fire broke out in the early hours of June 12 in a five-storey residential building.   Three people — Pankaj, Sushila Devi and Sonia Kumari — died, while several others were injured. Police said CCTV footage and the investigation helped uncover the alleged conspiracy, and further probe is underway.  

The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Seth will assume charge from the afternoon of June 30, 2026. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who is scheduled to retire from service on the same day. The appointment marks a key leadership transition in the Indian Army at a time of evolving security and strategic challenges. An official announcement confirmed that Lt. Gen. Seth will take over as the Army’s highest-ranking officer following General Dwivedi’s retirement after completing his tenure as Chief. (PC: X)

The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam, killing five personnel. The co-pilot survived the crash and is undergoing treatment. The aircraft reportedly caught fire after the accident, triggering rescue and firefighting operations inside the airbase. According to the IAF, the aircraft was on a routine sortie when it crashed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. The Air Force has expressed condolences to the families of those killed and said it stands with them during this difficult time. (PC: India Today, X)

Comedian Pranit More has apologised over his viral "Rs 370 ki biryani" video, saying he "got carried away" while making the remarks that sparked criticism on social media.   In a statement, More said he never intended to hurt anyone's sentiments and regretted that the video had caused offence. The clip drew backlash online, with many users accusing the comedian of being insensitive.   As the controversy grew, More issued a public apology and appealed to people not to misunderstand his intentions. The incident has once again highlighted the scrutiny faced by stand-up comedians over jokes and online content.  

The government has appointed Lt General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Indian Army. He will take over from General Upendra Dwivedi after the latter completes his tenure.   Lt General Seth is a senior officer with extensive operational and command experience, having served in several key positions during his military career. His appointment comes at a time when the Army is focused on modernisation, border security and strengthening combat readiness.   The change of command marks an important transition for the force, with Lt General Seth set to lead the Army through evolving security challenges and strategic priorities. (PC: The Indian Express)

An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while landing at the Jorhat airbase in Assam on Saturday. According to the IAF, the aircraft was involved in an accident, with initial reports suggesting that a fire broke out after touchdown inside the base premises. Firefighting teams were immediately deployed, and senior Air Force officials rushed to the site. Authorities said the incident occurred at the Rowriah airbase area, but the condition of the crew members and any possible casualties have not yet been confirmed. The cause of the accident is under investigation, with more details awaited from the IAF. 

An IndiGo flight scheduled to operate between Lucknow and Delhi was delayed after a bomb threat message was discovered on a tissue paper inside the aircraft's toilet shortly before takeoff. Security agencies immediately activated emergency protocols, evacuating passengers and conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft. Bomb disposal squads, CISF personnel, and airport security teams searched the plane and surrounding areas. No explosives or suspicious items were found, and authorities later treated the threat as a hoax. An investigation has been launched to identify the person responsible for the message, while officials reiterated that passenger safety remains the highest priority. (PC: HT)