UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi has warned that Iran could resume enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels within months, despite recent US-Israeli strikes on its nuclear sites. Grossi contradicted Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear facilities were “totally obliterated,” stating that Tehran retains the industrial capacity to restart enrichment. Iran’s refusal to cooperate with the IAEA, suspending inspections and access to bombed sites, has raised further concern. A Pentagon leak suggests the strikes only delayed Iran’s program by months. While Iran and Israel observe a ceasefire, Tehran doubts its permanence, and Trump has vowed further strikes if Iran crosses nuclear thresholds. (PC: EPA)

Ukrainian Air Force pilot Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko was killed during a massive overnight Russian air assault, the largest since the full-scale invasion began. Flying an F-16, he downed seven Russian aerial threats before his jet was hit. Steering it away from civilian areas, he died in the crash. Russia launched 537 projectiles, including 477 drones and 60 missiles, targeting multiple regions. Ukraine intercepted most, but infrastructure damage and civilian injuries occurred. President Zelenskiy praised the pilot’s heroism and urged the U.S. to provide more air-defense systems, stressing Ukraine’s urgent need amid escalating Russian attacks. (PC: Reuters)

On Elon Musk’s 54th birthday, his Indian-origin partner Shivon Zilis shared a nostalgic then-and-now collage featuring the Tesla CEO with clown-themed cakes. Zilis, Neuralink executive and mother of Musk’s four children—Strider, Azure, Arcadia, and Seldon Lycurgus—captioned it “Happy birthday rocket man.” While their children weren’t featured, they occasionally appear on her X account. Zilis, born to a Punjabi mother, reportedly holds a “special status” in Musk’s inner circle. Celebrations were contrasted by birthday protests across North America. Musk’s mother Maye also posted a birthday message, calling him her “genius boy.” Musk has children with multiple women and supports population growth. (PC: HT)

A 24-year-old first-year law student was gang-raped inside South Calcutta Law College on June 25, triggering outrage across West Bengal. Four have been arrested, including TMC student leader Monojit Mishra. CCTV footage confirms the survivor’s allegations. The National Commission for Women’s Archana Majumder accused police of non-cooperation and attempting a cover-up. She also revealed the survivor's family is under immense pressure. TMC’s Madan Mitra and Kalyan Banerjee faced backlash over survivor-shaming remarks. BJP has formed a fact-finding committee demanding Mamata Banerjee’s resignation. The case has revived memories of the 2024 RG Kar rape-murder incident and intensified scrutiny of campus security in Kolkata. (PC: India Today)

A sudden cloudburst early Sunday near Silai Bend in Uttarkashi district triggered a landslide at a construction campsite by the Yamunotri road. Nine labourers—mostly of Nepali origin—are missing, while ten others were rescued safely from the camp of 19 workers . Blocks caused by the debris washed away about 10 m of the national highway, disrupting traffic to Yamunotri & Badrinath . NDRF, SDRF, police, PWD, and revenue teams are leading rescue and relief operations . Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged caution amid a red alert, and authorities have suspended the Char Dham Yatra for 24 hours due to heavy rainfall. (PC: The Hindu)  

Monojit “Mango” Mishra, the prime accused in the alleged gang-rape of a 24‑year‑old law student at a Kolkata college, has a documented past of criminal behavior. Police say he faced at least five prior charges—harassment of women, assault, theft of valuables, property damage, and molestation—across multiple districts . College peers describe his repeated acts of filming private videos, body‑shaming, and intimidating female students, aided by political backing and institutional inaction . The incident triggered outrage over campus safety and systemic failures to check his behavior. A special police team is investigating the gang‑rape claim. (PC: Mint)  

 On June 29 at around 4 am, a stampede erupted near Puri’s Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra, caused by a sudden crowd surge and two trucks entering the narrow area. Three devotees—Premakanta Mohanty (80), Basanti Sahoo (36) and Pravati Das (42)—died of suffocation, and approximately 50 were injured, with six in critical condition . Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi termed the security lapse “unpardonable,” issued a public apology, and ordered an administrative probe . He suspended DCP Bishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi, and transferred District Collector Siddharth S. Swain and SP Vineet Agrawal . Each victim's family will receive ₹25 lakh in compensation. (PC: PTI)

Russia unleashed its largest aerial assault since early 2022, launching 477 drones and 60 missiles overnight. Ukraine’s air force intercepted 211 drones and 38 missiles, while electronic warfare disrupted another 225 unmanned systems. The barrage covered at least six regions Lviv, Poltava, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Ivano‑Frankivsk damaging homes, industrial facilities, schools, and injuring seven civilians. A Ukrainian F‑16 pilot, Lt. Col. Maksym Ustymenko, was killed after shooting down seven air targets; his jet was lost and he steered it away from populated areas before crashing. President Zelenskiy urged Western allies, especially the U.S., to supply advanced air‑defence systems like Patriots to strengthen Ukraine’s protection. (PC: Reuters)

India’s May 2, 2025 ban on direct or indirect handling of Pakistani-origin cargo at its ports prompted by the Pahalgam terror attack has forced Pakistani importers to rely on feeder vessels. The shift delays shipments by 30–50 days and hikes freight costs, according to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce’s Javed Bilwani. Pakistani exporters also are facing rising shipping and insurance costs, though export volumes remain largely unaffected. Pakistan’s export sector, which depends on imported inputs, may see broader economic strain. Bilateral trade has been dwindling since 2019, from US $2.41 billion in 2018 to US $1.2 billion in 2024, with exports to India shrinking from $547.5 million to just $480,000. (PC: istock)

US President Donald Trump has reignited calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel and Hamas to “make the deal in Gaza” and secure the release of hostages, predicting an agreement within a week. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have intensified across Gaza, killing dozens of civilians in Khan Younis, Jabalia and al‑Tuffah. The 20‑month war persists despite a recent ceasefire with Iran, which had already claimed over 600 lives in Iran and at least 71 at Tehran’s Evin prison. EU figures, including Josep Borrell, urge stronger action on Israel’s international‑law violations. Evacuation orders in northern Gaza precede threats of a wider offensive. Indirect ceasefire talks remain stalled over Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament. (PC: The Guardian)