Julian Assange, 52, founder of Wikileaks and an Australian citizen, has been freed from the UK’s Belmarsh prison after nearly five years. A deal with US authorities allows him to plead guilty to one charge under the Espionage Act but serve no further time. Assange, who had faced potential extradition to the US over leaked military documents, boarded a flight to Australia. His release follows years of legal battles and international controversies over his disclosures. His wife, Stella, expressed relief and highlighted their focus on family and recovery. The formal court approval of the deal is expected on June 26 in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Gareth Jenkins, former chief IT architect for Fujitsu, is testifying at the Post Office inquiry. He designed the flawed Horizon system, which led to hundreds of wrongful prosecutions for theft. Jenkins confirmed he worked on Horizon from 2008-2015, starting with a team of 20-30 people that dwindled to six by his retirement. He was one of 100 employees dubbed "distinguished engineers," but claimed this title didn't impact his pay. Jenkins' testimony is crucial in understanding the development of the faulty system that caused widespread injustice. The inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind the Post Office scandal.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a growing betting scandal. Five individuals linked to him and the Conservative party are under investigation for allegedly placing bets on the July election date. The list includes Sunak's former aide Craig Williams, Tory candidate Laura Saunders, and party officials Nick Mason and Tony Lee. A police officer has also been arrested. Labour is urging the Gambling Commission to name those under investigation, citing public interest. The scandal has sparked calls for suspensions and transparency, putting pressure on Sunak to act.

After a years-long legal battle, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been released from a UK prison and has left the country. Assange, 52, reached a deal with US authorities to plead guilty to criminal charges related to disclosing national defense information. He will spend no time in US custody and receive credit for his time served in the UK. Assange was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose classified information related to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He will return to Australia, according to a justice department letter. Assange spent 1,901 days in a small cell at Belmarsh prison before his release.

Russia has accused the US of orchestrating a Ukrainian missile strike on Sevastopol, Crimea, which killed four, including two children, and injured 150. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the strike "barbaric," claiming the missiles were US-supplied ATACMS, programmed by American specialists. Moscow warned of "consequences" for the US's alleged involvement. The Ukrainian attack targeted military positions, but Russia claims civilian casualties from intercepted missile debris. The US denies direct involvement, stating Ukraine controls its own military operations.

The CBI has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the alleged paper leaks of NEET and NET exams, deploying teams to Bihar and Gujarat. The probe will span four phases, scrutinizing the entire process from paper creation to distribution across exam centers. Amidst controversy over leaked papers and subsequent high scores, student protests and political uproar have escalated, prompting the cancellation of the UGC-NET June 2024 exam. The investigation aims to identify culprits involved in compromising exam integrity, leveraging a database of 1,000 phone numbers linked to previous exam leak cases.

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, was hospitalized on June 23, 2024, following an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate. Buckingham Palace reported she sustained minor head injuries and a concussion, possibly from an impact with a horse. Currently under observation at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, the 73-year-old is expected to recover fully. The King and the Royal Family have extended their well-wishes. Princess Anne, known for her equestrian prowess, has been kept comfortable as a precaution. The incident occurred while she was walking on the grounds of her home estate.

Russia accused the U.S. of supplying Ukraine with missiles used in a strike on Crimea's Sevastopol, which killed four and injured over 150. The Russian defense ministry claimed U.S.-provided Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles were responsible, with four intercepted and one detonating mid-air. This comes after the Biden administration approved Ukraine's use of longer-range missiles. Concurrently, the UN nuclear watchdog urged a halt to attacks on a Ukrainian town near the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, following recent drone strikes on electricity substations in the area.

Gunmen launched coordinated attacks on synagogues, churches, and a police post in Russia's Dagestan region, specifically targeting Derbent and Makhachkala. The attacks, occurring during Pentecost celebrations, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including police officers, civilians, and an Orthodox priest. Several others were injured as the assailants set fire to religious buildings. Authorities have eliminated the attackers, with investigations ongoing to identify their affiliations. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the region, which has a history of instability despite efforts to maintain peace and order.

Air Force General C.Q. Brown, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, raised concerns over Russia's new defense agreement with North Korea potentially escalating tensions with China, Pyongyang's historic ally. The pact, signed recently, allows for mutual military aid, impacting Beijing's influence over both nations. General Brown highlighted US apprehensions about North Korea acquiring advanced weapons from Russia, mirroring Western support for Ukraine. While noting the deal's broad terms, he doubted Moscow would fully meet Pyongyang's military wish list. The agreement, aimed at deterring Western intervention, could complicate regional stability and challenge China's global strategic goals.