A massive explosion followed by a fire at Sigachi Industries’ pharmaceutical plant in Pashamylaram, Telangana, has claimed 39 lives and injured 34 workers. The incident occurred on June 30 in the plant’s spray-dryer unit while over 140 employees were present. The blast caused the entire building to collapse, trapping many inside. Among the dead, 25 remain unidentified, prompting DNA testing. The state government has ordered a high-level probe, and the plant has been shut down for 90 days. This tragedy has reignited urgent calls for stricter industrial safety regulations across India. (PC: Reuters)

Spain and England recorded their hottest June ever, with Spain averaging 23.6°C and England 16.9°C. Portugal hit a record 46.6°C, while UK saw its hottest day at 34.7°C in London. Wildfires in Turkey forced 50,000 evacuations, and France issued red alerts across 16 regions. Italy, Germany, and Greece also faced soaring temperatures, hospital surges, and outdoor work bans. Climate experts and the UN blame human-driven climate change, warning of intensified future heatwaves. Rising sea temperatures are increasing invasive species threats, while shrinking glaciers highlight environmental stress. The crisis underscores urgent global need for climate adaptation and fossil fuel reduction. (PC: X )

Over 20 bullets were fired at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, in a suspected hate crime. The attack, which took place during nighttime hours with devotees inside, caused extensive damage to the building and its carved arches. India’s Consulate in San Francisco condemned the act and urged prompt investigation. The incident follows a March desecration of a BAPS temple in California ahead of a Khalistan-linked referendum. Hindu groups, including CoHNA, have raised alarms over rising anti-Hindu hate. The Utah temple is renowned for its annual Holi Festival and holds global cultural significance. (PC: NDTV)

TMCP leader Monojit Mishra, 31, was arrested on June 28 for allegedly raping a first-year student inside South Calcutta Law College. A medical report confirmed signs of forced penetration and injuries. Mishra’s arrest has exposed a decade-long history of violence, including assault, molestation, and threats, with FIRs filed across Kolkata. Despite warnings, college authorities failed to act. A Special Investigation Team has been formed as political pressure mounts. The BJP accused police of shielding Mishra due to political ties, which the Trinamool Congress denies. Students say Mishra ruled the campus through fear, with repeated complaints ignored for years. (PC: India Today)

A security scare disrupted India’s preparations for the second Test against England at Edgbaston as players were told to stay indoors after a suspicious package was found at Centenary Square, Birmingham. Birmingham City Centre Police cordoned off the area and evacuated buildings as a precaution. The incident occurred just before 3 PM on Tuesday. Only 8 Indian players, including captain Shubman Gill, turned up for training while the rest stayed back. “Bumrah is available but the final decision will depend on the pitch,” Gill told reporters at the pre-match press conference. India trail 0-1 in the five-match series. (PC: BCCI)

The UK recorded its hottest day of 2025 so far as temperatures reached 34.7°C in St James’s Park, London, just after 2pm. This follows confirmation from the Met Office that June was England’s warmest on record, with a mean temperature of 16.9°C. The UK overall experienced its second warmest June since 1884. East Anglia saw mean temperatures 3°C above average. June’s heat included two significant heatwaves, capping off a record-breaking spring that was the UK’s sunniest and warmest. Heat health alerts have been extended as temperatures continue to climb, with forecasts showing little relief across the southeast and London. (PC: Reuters)

India and the US have hit a deadlock in trade talks just days before a July 9 deadline. India refuses to give in to US demands on the dairy sector, calling it a "red line." The dairy industry supports over 80 million small farmers. The US wants lower duties on farm and industrial goods, while India is seeking tariff cuts on exports like textiles and shrimp. Talks have stretched into a sixth day, with India’s top negotiator staying back in Washington. The deal is key to stopping 26% US tariffs from returning on Indian goods. (PC: AFP)

Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacted sharply after US President Donald Trump said he might consider deporting him. Trump made the comment amid a growing feud over spending policies. Musk, a US citizen since 2002, posted on X, “So tempting to escalate this. But I will refrain for now.” Trump also hinted at using DOGE, a government cost-cutting unit Musk once led, to investigate him. The clash began after Musk criticised Trump’s tax and spending bill. Trump accused Musk of anger over losing EV subsidies and warned he “could lose a lot more.” (PC: AP)

A Kolkata court sent three men to police custody till July 8 for gang-raping a 24-year-old law student on June 25. The accused—Monojit Mishra, Zaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukherjee—were arrested last week. The college fired Mishra and rusticated the two students. Police said the survivor had a panic attack during the assault but was given an inhaler instead of medical help. Mishra allegedly blackmailed her with videos. The police are checking call records and digital proof. The college now bans students from staying after hours. The survivor says she begged for help but was ignored by the accused. (PC: Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)

Turkey is battling hundreds of wildfires fueled by an intense heatwave sweeping across Europe. Over 50,000 people, mostly from Izmir province, have been evacuated as flames engulf western coastal areas. Wildfires have also been reported in Bilecik, Hatay, Sakarya, and Manisa. Firefighters and volunteers continue their efforts despite soaring temperatures and strong winds. The crisis comes as Europe faces record-breaking heat: the UK saw 33.6°C in Kent, France issued red alerts in 16 regions including Paris, and Spain and Portugal recorded historic June highs. Italy reported two heat-related deaths, highlighting the widespread impact of the extreme weather conditions. (PC: Getty Images)