India is building a new version of its Agni-5 missile that can carry a huge 7,500-kg bunker-buster warhead. The missile is being developed by the DRDO and will target underground enemy bunkers. It can go 80 to 100 metres deep before exploding. The new missile will not carry nuclear weapons but will still be very powerful. Two types are being made—one for airburst and one for deep strikes. It will travel at hypersonic speed and have a range of 2,500 km. This move follows the US using similar weapons in Iran and shows India’s growing strength in defence technology. (PC: X/@Kunal_Biswas707)

Reports suggest that Pakistan and China are in advanced talks—boosted by a June 19 trilateral meeting in Kunming with Bangladesh—to launch a new South Asian bloc, potentially supplanting the dormant SAARC . The objective is to enhance regional trade, connectivity, and infrastructure cooperation among “willing” members, possibly including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Bangladesh . Although India might be invited, its participation appears unlikely . The move reflects frustration over SAARC’s inactivity—last summit held in 2014—and signals Beijing and Islamabad's desire to reshape South Asian diplomacy. (The Hindu)  

4 people died in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday after armed men attacked a vehicle at K. Mongjang village. Police said three people inside the car died on the spot, and a woman passerby later died from her injuries. One of the dead was Thangboi Haokip, a top commander of the Kuki National Army. Police found 5.56 mm bullet shells at the site, showing the use of heavy weapons. No group has claimed the attack, but police suspect a rival group, the United Kuki National Army. Security has been increased in the area as fears of more violence grow. (PC: Hindustan Times, PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6–7, during a five‑nation tour (July 2–9) through Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. At BRICS, where Brazil holds the rotating presidency, India will champion Global South priorities financial inclusion, climate action, AI governance, health access, combating terrorism and reforming global governance. Modi is also set for bilateral talks with Brazilian President Lula, aiming to expand cooperation in trade, defence, energy, space, agriculture and health. His visit follows a recent BRICS expansion that now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE and Indonesia. (PC: Manorama Yearbook & PTI)

Spain is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach 42°C in parts of the country on Monday and remain dangerously high until Thursday. The national meteorological agency Aemet and the health ministry have issued warnings urging citizens to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure, and check on vulnerable people, including children under 4, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Experts say this extreme heat is a clear impact of climate change, with summer now arriving earlier by 20–40 days. Spain's all-time heat record remains 47.4°C, set in 2021. (PC: BBC)  

Police in Kolkata have confirmed the gang-rape of a 24-year-old law student in her college premises was pre-planed and targeted from her very first day at admission. Three of the four arrested suspects—Monojit Mishra (a former student leader), Pratim Mukherjee, and Zaid Ahmed—had an alleged history of sexually harassing female students and recording these acts, intending to blackmail them . CCTV footage supports the victim’s claim that the assault was deliberately orchestrated . A fourth accused, the college’s security guard, has also been arrested . Authorities are investigating potential sharing of the footage, collecting digital evidence, and preparing witness testimonies; additionally, three PILs have been filed seeking stricter oversight and college safety measures. (PC: PTI)

India’s newest stealth guided-missile frigate, INS Tamal, is set to be commissioned on July 1 at Kaliningrad, Russia, marking the final foreign-built warship inductee into the Navy . At 3,900 tonnes and 125 m long, Tamal integrates over 26 % indigenous systems, including the powerful BrahMos supersonic cruise missile . Armed with Shtil surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm naval gun, torpedoes, a CIWS, and advanced EO/IR sensors, it achieves speeds above 30 knots and offers extended range . Assigned to the Western Naval Command, it will enhance India’s presence in the Arabian Sea and western Indian Ocean. (PC: X)  

A devastating explosion at Sigachi Industries' chemical plant in Patancheru’s Pashamylaram industrial area near Hyderabad on Monday resulted in at least 12 deaths and over 34 injuries. The blast, caused by a reactor failure, triggered a massive fire, hurling some workers nearly 100 meters away. Multiple individuals were trapped under debris as the structure partially collapsed. Eleven fire tenders and robot units were deployed to control the blaze. Rescue operations by police, NDRF, and SDRF are ongoing. Authorities have launched an investigation, while relief and medical support are being provided to the injured.  

Britain’s High Court has ruled that the UK's export of F‑35 jet components to a global parts pool accessible by Israel was lawful, despite concerns they may contribute to violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The legal challenge, led by West Bank‑based Al‑Haq (backed by Amnesty International, Oxfam and others), targeted the government’s exemption of F‑35 parts from a broader suspension of arms licences following Israel’s October 2023 offensive . The UK admitted Israel had “shortcomings” in humanitarian access and detainee treatment, yet defended the carve‑out, citing national and NATO security and the need to uphold U.S. confidence. The court held that such decisions are political and fall under executive not judicial authority. Al‑Haq may appeal.(PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump warned he’d cut federal funding to New York City if democratic socialist mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani “doesn’t behave himself” after winning the Democratic primary. Trump labelled Mamdani a “pure communist,” calling his candidacy “very bad” for the city, which receives over $100 billion in federal aid. Mamdani firmly denied being a communist, affirmed his sanctuary‑city stance, and pledged tax hikes on wealthy New Yorkers to reduce inequality. He invoked Martin Luther King Jr.’s words on democratic socialism and promised shifting the tax burden off working‑class homeowners in outer boroughs. Despite moderate concerns, progressive leaders continue supporting him as he positions himself as a democratic alternative to Trump. (PC: News on Air)