Short of commanders, deprived of key tunnels, and uncertain of Iranian support, Hamas is struggling to maintain control in Gaza amid Israel’s intense military campaign . Growing tribal defiance, encouraged by Israeli backing, has led Hamas to dispatch top fighters to eliminate rebel clan leader Yasser Abu Shabab in Rafah—without success . A humanitarian-driven ceasefire is urgently needed, both to alleviate domestic pressure and to allow Hamas to reassert order over clans and looters . Israel claims it has killed 20,000+ Hamas fighters and dismantled much of its tunnel infrastructure, further weakening the group . Increasingly young, undertrained recruits are being drawn from impoverished youth. (PC: Reuters)

A UK Royal Air Force F-35B fighter jet was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India on 14 June due to an engineering issue. According to the British High Commission, the aircraft will undergo repairs at the airport's Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. UK engineering teams are expected to arrive soon with specialist equipment. Once repairs and safety checks are completed, the jet will return to active service. British authorities thanked Indian officials and the airport for their support and confirmed close cooperation on safety and security. No further details have been shared pending ongoing technical evaluations. (PC: X)

A 24‑year‑old South Calcutta Law College student reports being gang‑raped on June 25 in a ground‑floor guard room by three men: a 31‑year‑old former student and two seniors. She alleges the assault was recorded on mobile, with threats to release the videos if she spoke up . The main accused reportedly pressured her to marry him, threatened her family and boyfriend, and even hit her with a hockey stick . All three have been arrested, their phones seized for forensic analysis, and remanded until July 1 . The incident has sparked protests and political backlash. (PC: HT File)

Tehran firmly rejects any nuclear negotiations with the U.S. while Israel’s military operation persists. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Iran will not engage in discussions until "Israeli aggression stops," dismissing U.S. claims of imminent talks . Though present in Geneva for European-led diplomacy, Tehran remains steadfast, citing no agreements or promises to engage . The U.N. has urged all sides to de-escalate amid mounting tensions. With no timeline or concessions granted, Iran’s stance places future nuclear diplomacy at an impasse until Israel halts military actions. (PC: AFP)

On June 26, the ICC announced a series of significant updates to its Men’s international playing conditions. Test cricket will now feature a stop clock, giving fielders 60 seconds between overs—with two warnings allowed before a five‑run penalty, resetting every 80 overs . The saliva ban remains, but umpires are no longer required to change the ball unless its condition is significantly altered . Other changes include refined DRS rules for dual-mode dismissals and chronological reviews, mandatory catch fairness checks on no-balls, stricter handling of deliberate short runs, and trials of full-time injury replacements in first-class matches. (PC: The Hindu)

Tehran is cautiously returning to normal after a 12-day Israeli offensive left 627 dead and nearly 5,000 injured across Iran. The capital’s cafes and bazaars have reopened, but fear lingers. “We don’t trust this war has ended,” said head nurse Ashraf Barghi. The state TV complex, heavily damaged in a strike, symbolises the trauma. Israel claims it targeted military sites, but injured civilians, like prison staffer Morteza, dispute this. Citizens, from baristas to students, express a yearning for peace, freedom, and a future beyond sanctions and war. Patriotic concerts offer some solace, but Tehran remains deeply shaken. (PC: BBC)

In the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, Meghalaya Police recovered a gun, ammunition, and ₹50,000 from the accused's vehicle, confirmed SP Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor on June 27. The accused revealed the weapon’s location during interrogation. Police are now investigating the whereabouts of laptops allegedly used in the crime, which the accused claim were discarded. Meanwhile, eighth accused Lokendra Singh Tomar was produced in Gwalior court and granted a three-day transit remand. He is accused of destroying evidence, including disposing of the pistol and cash. Tomar will be transported to Meghalaya via Indore, Delhi, Guwahati, and Shillong for further questioning. (PC: ANI)

A 24-year-old female law student was allegedly gang-raped inside a south Kolkata law college. The shocking incident occurred within the campus premises. Police arrested three individuals — two students and a staffer affiliated with the Trinamool Congress student wing. The accused allegedly lured the victim to a room where the assault took place. One of the accused reportedly recorded the crime while others watched. The incident has sparked outrage, with student groups demanding strict action. Authorities confirmed a detailed probe is underway. The college administration has remained silent so far, while opposition parties have condemned the involvement of political affiliates. (PC: India Today)

At the June 26 SCO defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun to advocate a “permanent solution” to the long‑standing, undemarcated 3,800 km border. He pressed for a structured, time‑bound roadmap involving disengagement, de‑escalation, formal border‑management mechanisms, and eventual demarcation. Singh also emphasized bridging the post‑2020 confrontation trust deficit and maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control. Both nations agreed to continue consultations. This marks a shift from India’s earlier stance of seeking early resolution toward pushing a definitive and lasting settlement. (PC: X)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has admitted that Israel planned to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei during the recent conflict. Speaking to Israeli media, Katz said Khamenei “went underground” and cut communications, making the strike “unrealistic.” He compared Khamenei to Hezbollah’s Nasrallah, who was killed in 2024. Former US President Donald Trump had also warned Khamenei publicly. Katz clarified Israel aimed to “pressure, not topple” Iran’s regime. Following a ceasefire, he said no strike was currently planned. Khamenei dismissed reports of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and claimed Iran had “slapped America” with its missile retaliation. (PC: NDTV)