Gaza’s civil defence agency claimed 20 people were killed and over 200 injured after Israeli troops opened fire near an aid site in Rafah. Victims were reportedly waiting near the Al-Alam roundabout for food from a US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation centre. The Red Cross said it received 200 casualties in one incident—the highest yet. Israel’s military said it's reviewing the report. Aid has been limited since March, prompting widespread hunger. Medical officials said people are being killed while seeking basic food. The Gaza Health Ministry claims over 55,000 deaths in the conflict, now in its 21st month. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his continued support amid Israel’s escalating conflict with Iran. In an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu said, “Today it’s Tel Aviv, tomorrow it’s New York. I understand America First, but I don’t understand America dead.” He accused Iran of being a global threat and praised Trump for backing Israel, calling it a “battle of good against evil.” Netanyahu warned that Iran’s ambitions extend beyond Israel, and said Israel’s campaign would continue until the “evil” regime is defeated. He reiterated appreciation for America’s alignment with Israel’s defense efforts. (PC: HT)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News that eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would “end the conflict” between the two nations. Defending Israel’s military actions, he said they are aimed at stopping Iran’s regional aggression and nuclear ambitions, which he called a global threat. Netanyahu warned that Tehran’s missile and nuclear programs endanger not just Israel, but also the US, Europe, and Arab countries. Referring to Iran’s threats of “Death to America,” he emphasized urgent action. He praised Donald Trump’s stance on Iran, despite reports that Trump had earlier blocked such an Israeli plan to prevent escalation. (PC: India Today)

G7 leaders have reportedly drafted a statement affirming Israel’s right to self‑defence while asserting that Iran must “never” acquire nuclear weapons, according to Reuters sources. The proposed text also calls for de‑escalation amid the fourth day of escalating hostilities following Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” on June. Leaders emphasized the need to protect energy-market stability. However, U.S. President Trump has not yet approved the draft, and no joint communique is expected, indicating the position remains a work in progress. Formal adoption could occur later in the summit. (PC: Reuters)

The Louvre Museum in Paris shut down on June 16 as workers staged a spontaneous strike, protesting against overwhelming crowds, understaffing, and deteriorating working conditions. Thousands of tourists were left stranded outside the museum, which welcomes over 8.7 million visitors annually—double its design capacity. The strike coincided with internal meetings, as unions condemned President Emmanuel Macron’s decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” renovation plan as insufficient. Workers demanded urgent action, stating, “We can’t wait six years for help.” Despite Macron’s promises of new entrances and dedicated spaces, staff say daily conditions are unsafe, citing leaks, extreme temperatures, and crumbling infrastructure as ongoing threats. (PC: AP)

An Israeli airstrike hit Iran’s state TV building in Tehran during a live broadcast, forcing anchor Sahar Emami to flee mid-telecast as the studio filled with dust and debris. The explosion occurred shortly after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to 330,000 residents in central Tehran, including the state TV area. The Islamic Republic of Iran News Network resumed transmission from another studio, confirming the presence of journalists’ bodies at the original site. Israel's defense minister Israel Katz said the strike targeted Iran’s “propaganda and incitement” outlet. Smoke and fire were later seen rising from the damaged broadcast building.

A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe into the Kedarnath Dham chopper crash that occurred in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The helicopter went down in treacherous weather conditions, according to a preliminary analysis. The crash site, located near the pilgrimage route to Kedarnath, is known for unpredictable and challenging flying conditions. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigators gather evidence and interview witnesses. The crash raises fresh concerns over aviation safety in high-altitude regions frequently used for religious tourism. A detailed report will follow after technical and weather-related data is fully assessed. (PC: HT)

Israel has warned residents in Tehran's District 3 to evacuate “immediately” as the IDF continues airstrikes on alleged military infrastructure in Iran’s capital. Loud explosions were reported in western Tehran, where Israeli forces reportedly targeted a military base. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, “We control the skies of Tehran,” and reiterated goals to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile threats. Iran’s health ministry says 224 people have been killed since Israeli strikes began four days ago. Meanwhile, 24 Israelis have died from Iranian missiles. The conflict continues to escalate rapidly, with Israel asserting operational air control over Tehran. (PC: BBC )

Over 1,500 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, are being evacuated from Tehran to Qom, 148 km away, as Israel and Iran continue exchanging missile strikes. The Indian government requested Iran to facilitate safe relocation amid bombing in key cities. Though Iranian airspace remains shut, land borders are open for evacuations. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has asked India for passport and vehicle details to coordinate exits. Students, including over 350 at Shahid Beheshti University, report sleepless nights amid explosions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in touch with J&K officials. Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" has severely escalated regional tensions. (PC: NDTV)

India's first population census since 2011 will be conducted in two phases on October 1, 2026, and March 1, 2027, the Centre announced. The digital survey will include caste data for the first time since Independence. The first phase will collect data on income, assets, and housing, while the second will focus on demographic and socio-economic details. The announcement paves the way for implementing the Women's Reservation Bill and the long-delayed delimitation exercise, both pending a new census. The Rs 4,000 crore exercise will also update the National Population Register, with the Cabinet approving digital self-enumeration for citizens. (PC: India Today)