Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has openly endorsed the nation’s “civil‑military hybrid model,” acknowledging it isn’t an ideal democracy but credits it for economic stability and governance improvements. In an Arab News interview, he framed civil–military co‑ownership as “doing wonders” and a practical necessity until Pakistan overcomes economic challenges. Asif called compromise with the military “the only realistic option” for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s PML‑N. He also linked improved Pakistan–US ties highlighting Army Chief Asim Munir’s White House meeting with Donald Trump as evidence of the hybrid system’s success. (PC: Mint)

The 2025 King's Birthday Honours celebrate 1,200 individuals, spotlighting community service, arts, sports, and activism. Oscar-winner Gary Oldman and football icon David Beckham are knighted, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman become MBEs for broadcasting. Elaine Paige and novelist Pat Barker are now dames. Honours extend to young achievers like 18-year-old darts champ Luke Littler, activist and Love Island star Georgia Harrison, and 11-year-old MBE Carmela Chillery-Watson. Music legends Roger Daltrey, Steve Winwood, and others were honoured alongside activists, scientists, and veterans like 106-year-old WWII hero Norman Irwin. The list reflects diversity in age, service, and impact—48% are women, recognising unsung heroes across the UK. (PC: BBC)

Israel has readied its military for a prolonged campaign against Iran after overnight strikes hit Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility, killing three senior commanders and causing deafening explosions in central and southwestern Iran. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin confirmed Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir urged troops to prepare for “a prolonged campaign.” Iran reported damage at Isfahan’s nuclear research site with no immediate casualties. In response, Tehran launched missiles and drones toward northern Israel; most were intercepted, though a drone struck a two‑storey building. Iran’s health ministry reported over 400 killed and 3,056 injured; a US watchdog estimated at least 657 fatalities. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that US military involvement “would be very, very dangerous”. (PC: The New York Times & Reuters)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have issued a stern warning: if the United States intervenes alongside Israel against Iran in the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, they will target U.S. ships in the Red Sea. This caution comes despite a ceasefire agreement from May, under which neither side should attack the other. The warning follows over a week of escalating Israeli–Iranian hostilities, including strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, Iranian missile barrages on Israel, and the killing of Quds Force commander Saeed Izadi. U.S. President Trump said he might take up to two weeks to decide on backing Israel, while Iran cautioned that U.S. entry would be “very dangerous for everyone”

The escalating Iran-Israel conflict has resulted in over 400 deaths, prompting global alarm. Israel reportedly launched a missile attack targeting Iran’s key nuclear facility in Isfahan, which houses centrifuge production. Though Iran claimed the facility remained unharmed, the strike marks a dangerous escalation. Israel cited preemptive defense amid Iran-backed Hezbollah’s intensifying attacks. The UN has warned of a looming refugee crisis as violence surges, particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border. Tehran has vowed retaliation, increasing fears of a wider Middle East conflict. With regional instability growing, global leaders urge de-escalation to avoid further humanitarian fallout and nuclear confrontation. (PC: AFP)

  Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, delighted royal fans by posting a heartwarming portrait of Prince William surrounded by their four new cocker‑spaniel puppies, born in May to their family’s black spaniel, Orla. Shared on social media to mark William's 43rd birthday, the image—with its casual denim-and-green-shirt ensemble—instantly drew praise, with one fan commenting, "This is the absolute cutest!" . The affectionate snapshot underscores the couple’s love for their growing brood and resonated deeply with followers celebrating the joyful milestone. (PC: The Mirror)

Israel's military conducted a precision strike on southern Lebanon on June 21, eliminating Hezbollah commander Mohammad Khadr al-Husseini—accused of orchestrating attacks on Nahariya and Haifa and rebuilding Hezbollah’s artillery units—to “neutralise imminent threats to its northern border” . Two additional Hezbollah commanders were also killed in a separate strike in Nabatieh, heightening regional tensions . The strikes are part of a broader campaign tied to Israel’s wider confrontation with Iran, striking at proxy forces seen as extensions of Tehran’s strategic sphere . (PC: NDTV)        

On June 20–21, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump sharply contradicted the U.S. intelligence community, asserting it was wrong to claim that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon . Responding to Senator-director Tulsi Gabbard's March testimony that no evidence exists of Iran actively pursuing a bomb, Trump retorted: “She’s wrong,” and warned Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months unless halted . He refused to pressure Israel for a ceasefire, citing Israel’s military advantage, while stressing U.S. readiness to engage diplomatically or militarily within two weeks. (PC: Al Jazeera)

An Iranian missile struck the historic city of Haifa, Israel, on June 20, 2025, damaging two significant Islamic landmarks—Al Jarina Grand Mosque (built in 1775) and Masjid Al-Saghir (established in 1761). The attack shattered stained-glass windows, damaged the dome and interiors, and injured one civilian nearby. Israeli officials condemned the targeting of religious sites as a “war crime,” with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accusing Iran of deliberate civilian provocation. President Herzog emphasized Haifa’s legacy of religious harmony and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting all faiths despite the growing regional hostilities. (PC: Reuters)    

In a controversial move, Pakistan nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the India–Pakistan conflict. Speaking at a public event, Trump reacted sharply, saying, “They won’t give me a Nobel Peace Prize because they only give it to liberals.” He also claimed, “I stopped the war” and argued he deserved the honor “four or five times” for brokering peace in global hotspots, including South Asia, Congo, and the Balkans. His remarks stirred renewed debate over political bias in global recognitions. (PC: Hindustan Times)