India’s Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirms that the investigation into the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI‑171—a Boeing 787‑8 departing from Ahmedabad with 242 on board—remains open to “all angles,” including possible sabotage. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is analysing black box data, cockpit voice recordings, CCTV, aircraft systems, and ground surveillance to determine whether dual-engine failure, fuel contamination, mechanical malfunction, or deliberate interference triggered the disaster. Mohol assured that the recovered FDR and CVR will be examined entirely within India. The DGCA has inspected India’s 33 Dreamliners, deeming them airworthy, and the final report is due within three months. (PC: The Hindu)

Indian Army troops thwarted a major infiltration attempt by heavily armed Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists along the LoC’s Gambhir area in Rajouri on June 29–30, capturing a Pakistani guide, Mohammad Arib Ahmed (22), a Detote (PoK) resident. Acting on specific intelligence, a coordinated operation by the Army and BSF intercepted a group of four to five infiltrators. One guide was apprehended, while the remaining terrorists reportedly sustained injuries and were forced to retreat into Pakistan under adverse terrain and weather. Hose-sensitive items Pakistani currency and a mobile phone were seized. Initial interrogation revealed the guide acted under Pakistan Army directions, supplying JeM with arms and ammunition. (PC: NDTV & Hindustan Times)

China’s duplicitous stance in South Asia is unraveling. New Delhi suspects Beijing of tilting towards Pakistan by supplying military kit used against Indian assets, while simultaneously offering India economic sweeteners such as trade deals and smartphone manufacturing. In the Galwan Valley stand-off and maritime disputes, China has flickered between aggression and appeasement—raising Indian doubts. Analysts warn India against becoming over‐reliant on China’s investment pledges, which may mask strategic dependency. India must diversify supply chains, fortify domestic technology, and strengthen ties with like‑minded democracies to avoid geopolitical entrapment. Transparency, resilience, and regional coordination are India’s best defence against China’s “dragon diplomacy.” (PC: The Diplomatist & India Today)

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has come to the defense of Shubman Gill following criticism of his leadership in the first Test against England. Responding to growing scrutiny after India’s five-wicket loss at Headingley, Azharuddin stressed that it's too early to judge Gill’s captaincy, noting it was only his first match as leader. He attributed the defeat to a collective batting collapse rather than poor leadership and urged selectors to focus on team balance, especially in the bowling attack. Azhar also called for reduced reliance on Jasprit Bumrah and suggested including spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming Edgbaston Test. (PC: AP)    

Israeli air raids across Gaza on June 29 have killed at least 72 Palestinians, including civilians gathering at food-distribution points, according to medical sources reporting to Al Jazeera . Strikes hit neighborhoods in Gaza City—Zeitoun, Sabra, Sabra, al‑Zawiya market—and southern areas like Khan Younis and al‑Mawasi, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties . Leaflets warned residents to evacuate north Gaza, but UN officials stress there are no safe zones . The UN warns of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe—medical services are collapsing, aid supplies are scarce, and famine looms. Trump urged renewed ceasefire efforts and safe release of hostages, but despite international pressure, violence continues unabated. (PC: Reuters)    

India and the US are set to finalise an interim trade deal by July 8, just ahead of Trump’s tariff deadline of July 9. All terms have been agreed, say sources, with Indian negotiators led by Rajesh Agrawal in Washington. The pact suspends the 26% additional tariffs on Indian imports (baseline 10% remains), while India seeks full exemption. The agreement covers multiple sectors agriculture, automobiles (including EVs), industrial goods, wine, and petrochemicals. India aims for tariff relief on textiles, gems, jewellery, shrimp and leather. Both sides target a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by October. Trump has hinted at eliminating trade barriers, calling the move “unthinkable”. (PC: Business Standard)

Maharashtra has cancelled two controversial government resolutions mandating Hindi as the third language from Classes 1 to 5, following strong backlash over alleged language imposition. Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, protested fiercely, accusing the state of sidelining Marathi and promoting Hindi at the cost of regional identity. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that Marathi remains the top priority and formed a committee led by Dr Narendra Jadhav to review the three-language policy. The panel will consult stakeholders to decide whether the policy should be implemented and from which class, ensuring broader consensus and cultural sensitivity going forward. (PC: NDTV)  

A horrifying case emerged early Sunday near Channammanakere Skating Ground in Bengaluru where a woman’s body, estimated to be 30–35 years old, was found in a sack inside a BBMP garbage truck. Her legs were tied around her neck, and her hands were bound; police suspect smothering and possible sexual assault, with final forensics and autopsy pending . CCTV footage shows an auto-rickshaw transporting the body between 12:20 AM and 1:45 AM . The deceased, identified as Pushpa (“Asha”), possibly killed amid domestic conflict, leads to her husband being the prime suspect who is currently absconding . A murder case is registered; police urge public assistance for leads. (PC: X)

Iran’s leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa labeling U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “enemies of God.” The decree urges Muslims worldwide to unite against these leaders, accusing them of threatening Iran’s leadership . Under Iranian Islamic law, those deemed “mohareb” (waging war against God) face severe punishments, including execution, crucifixion, amputation, or exile . This fatwa marks a sharp escalation in religious denunciation amid ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. No official response has yet been issued by either Jerusalem or Washington. (PC: NDTV)

During a Jakarta seminar, Indian Defence Attache Captain Shiv Kumar revealed that the Indian Air Force lost several jets in Operation Sindoor on May 7 due to political restrictions that prevented strikes on Pakistani military assets. His remarks sparked controversy, with critics alleging the government’s constraints gave Pakistan an upper hand. The Indian Embassy in Indonesia later clarified that his comments were taken out of context. The Congress party accused the Modi government of misleading the nation and demanded a special Parliament session to address the issue, calling for transparency about the losses and the decision-making behind the operation. (PC: India Today)