The Maharashtra government has cancelled its decision to make Hindi the third language in primary schools. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a new committee will review the three-language policy. The move came after strong protests from opposition parties and civil groups. Many said the government was trying to impose Hindi and ignore Marathi. Earlier, a rule said Hindi would be taught from Classes 1 to 5. After backlash, the rule was changed to say students could choose another language if 20 in a class agreed. Still, criticism continued. Now, both orders have been cancelled and a fresh plan will be made. (PC: India Today)

Rishabh Pant’s jubilant somersault celebration after scoring a century against England at Headingley has stirred concern among medical professionals, particularly his orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. While fans admired the athletic move—reminiscent of his IPL stunts—Dr. Pardiwala called it “technically perfect but unnecessary,” especially considering Pant’s near-fatal car accident in December 2022. The crash left Pant with severe knee injuries, requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation. His return to Test cricket was hailed as a medical and sporting triumph. However, his surgeon emphasized caution, highlighting that while Pant’s recovery is inspiring, he must prioritize long-term health. (PC: NDTV)  

The U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, deploying bunker-buster bombs against Iran’s underground facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. While President Trump hailed the campaign as obliterating Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and independent intelligence report that Iran retains enough enriched uranium—potentially over 400 kg—and could resume enrichment within months . Satellite imagery hinted at possible evacuation of materials beforehand, but U.S. officials deny any such movements . Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA, hindering inspectors' access and raising fears of undisclosed stockpiles. Analysts warn these strikes may weaken the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty and intensify the global nuclear arms dilemma. (PC: Reuters)

At least 13 Pakistani soldiers were killed on Saturday in a car bomb attack on a military convoy in North Waziristan, near the Afghan border. A suicide bomber from the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of the Pakistani Taliban drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy. Pakistan’s army alleged the attackers were backed by India—a claim swiftly denied by Delhi as “contemptible.” The blast also injured civilians, including two children and a woman. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack. The incident comes amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions following deadly cross-border strikes and a fragile ceasefire announced in May by the US. (PC: AFP)

In the 123rd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on June 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated key national milestones, emphasizing India’s growing global influence in health and social welfare. He praised the overwhelming participation in International Yoga Day, especially the record-breaking gathering of over three lakh people in Visakhapatnam. Modi also proudly announced that India has been declared trachoma-free by the World Health Organization, attributing the success to initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission. Highlighting social security advancements, he cited an ILO report revealing that nearly 95 crore Indians now benefit from social protection schemes—an impressive rise from just 24 crore in 2015. (PC: PTI)  

Air India flight AI357, en route from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Delhi, was diverted to Kolkata on June 29 due to persistent cabin heat. Passengers and crew reported unusually high temperatures during the flight, prompting the precautionary diversion. The aircraft landed safely at Kolkata Airport and is currently undergoing technical checks. An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the airline’s ground staff are assisting passengers and arranging alternate travel to Delhi. “We regret the inconvenience caused,” the airline stated. All passengers are safe, and Air India has assured that steps are being taken to avoid similar incidents in the future. (PC: India Today)

Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old Assembly member of Indian‑Ugandan descent and Democratic Socialist, stunned New York politics by defeating ex‑Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary held on June 24. Representing a generational shift, Mamdani secured 43.5 % of first‑choice votes, signalling strong appetite for bold policies like free public transit, rent freezes, city‑run grocery stores, and universal childcare . Despite criticism over his limited governing experience and controversial pauses on Israel, he garnered endorsements from progressives including Bernie Sanders and AOC . His rise mirrors a broader realignment in urban Democratic politics toward grassroots socialism and demographic representation. (PC: The Print)

Iran’s military leadership has warned that it harbors “serious doubts” about Israel's commitment to uphold the ceasefire agreed on June 24, cautioning that any further violations will trigger a strong response. The alert comes despite relative calm following a 12-day conflict including Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s missile barrages, notably at Evin prison in Tehran, which killed at least 71 people . Iran reiterated its readiness to counter any renewed aggression, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and Qatar. With mistrust high on both sides, even minor breaches could reignite hostilities across the region. (PC: AFP)  

Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine overnight, firing 477 drones and 60 missiles across the country, Ukraine’s air force said. At least 6 were injured, including a child, and one person died. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said critical infrastructure and homes were targeted and confirmed the loss of F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who downed 7 threats before dying. Explosions and fires were reported in Lviv, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Ukraine is demanding urgent air defense support from the US and EU. Poland scrambled jets to defend its airspace. Ukraine called it the “most massive” strike since the war began. (PC: NDTV)

At least 81 Palestinians were killed and over 400 injured in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza in 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Strikes hit tents sheltering displaced families near Gaza City’s Palestine Stadium and the Tuffah neighborhood, killing children and entire families. Israeli forces said they targeted a “suspicious individual” and were unaware of civilian injuries. Eyewitnesses described digging with bare hands for bodies under sand. US President Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire soon, while Qatari mediators push for renewed negotiations. Protests in Tel Aviv demand a hostage deal and an end to the war. (PC: Reuters)