Violent storms swept across France on Wednesday, killing 2 people and injuring 17 others, while also flooding streets and disrupting a parliamentary session. A 12-year-old child was killed by a falling tree in the southwest, and a man died in the northwest after crashing his quad bike into another fallen tree. The National Assembly's ceiling leaked during a session, prompting Vice President Roland Lescure to briefly suspend proceedings. Prime Minister François Bayrou remarked on the rain mid-speech. The French civil defence agency said one person remains critical, and around 110,000 homes lost power amid the post-heatwave chaos.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed a 10.19% drop in Amarnath Yatra registrations after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Before the attack, 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered. Sinha noted that over 85,000 pilgrims have since reconfirmed their participation. Helicopter services have been suspended due to safety concerns, but only 8% used them. The yatra, starting July 3, will proceed with three-layered security, widened tracks, and reinforced vulnerable spots. Sinha said the administration has taken “every precaution” and stressed coordination for private vehicles from Bhagwati Nagar base camp to ensure safety. (PC: PTI)

A Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist was killed on Thursday during an ongoing encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district. Three others remain trapped in the dense Bihali forest of Basantgarh. The joint operation by the Indian Army and J&K Police began early morning based on year-long surveillance and intelligence inputs. Despite foggy weather, para commandos are continuing the search near Karoor nullah. The operation comes days before the Amarnath Yatra, raising security concerns. IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed the contact with four terrorists around 8:30 am. A separate search in Samba’s Purmandal ended without incident. (PC: HT)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, described his maiden space experience as “wonderful,” though admitted his head felt “a little heavy.” Shukla, who earned the ISS astronaut pin as number 634, said it was a privilege to view Earth from orbit. He promised 14 days of exciting science, including experiments in cancer research, DNA repair, and advanced manufacturing. Carrying the Indian tricolour, Shukla said he was “carrying all of India” with him. His humorous note on adapting to microgravity — including “sleeping a lot” — showed his upbeat spirit aboard Axiom-4’s historic mission. 

At least 5 people died and several are missing after cloudbursts triggered devastating flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu and Kangra districts. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed extensive damage to homes, roads, and power infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with power project staff among the missing. Despite warnings, tourists were seen in dangerous river zones, prompting fresh alerts. Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi expressed grief and urged caution. The IMD forecasts more rain across Himachal and neighboring states till July 1. The state remains on high alert as officials intensify emergency response measures. (PC: PTI)

North Korea will open the long-delayed Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone to domestic tourists on July 1, six years after its scheduled completion. The 4km beachfront resort features hotels, malls, and a waterpark, though foreign access remains uncertain. Kim Jong Un, who has personal ties to Wonsan, attended the opening with his wife and daughter. Tour operators say the resort may attract Russian visitors but is unlikely to appeal widely to Western tourists. The launch follows North Korea’s renewed ties with Russia, including troop support in Ukraine and a newly restored train link between Pyongyang and Moscow after five years. (PC:  BBC)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared victory over the US and Israel following the 12-day conflict, calling Iran’s strike on the US Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar a “heavy slap.” In a televised address, Khamenei said US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites caused minimal damage and were a failed show of force by President Trump. He warned that Iran’s 90 million people would unite against any future aggression. Despite initial denials, Tehran later admitted to severe damage at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Netanyahu responded by vowing continued US-Israel cooperation to defeat “common enemies.” (PC: India Today)

Myanmar officials burned nearly $300 million worth of seized narcotics—including heroin, meth, and opium—across Yangon, Mandalay, and Taunggyi on International Day Against Drug Abuse. The destruction follows a UN warning of record meth production in the Golden Triangle, intensified by Myanmar’s post-coup civil war. Yangon alone incinerated over $117 million in drugs. Myanmar remains Southeast Asia’s top opium producer, with drug trafficking increasing across Laos, Cambodia, and into South Asia. The UN blames ethnic militias and weak state control for the boom. Officials destroyed 66 types of narcotics, marking a symbolic but limited blow to the regional drug trade. (PC: Instagram)

In a major breakthrough, investigators have successfully extracted and are analysing black box data from the June 12 Air India AI 171 crash that killed 275 people. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), recovered from the Ahmedabad crash site, were damaged but yielded critical data after reaching the AAIB lab in Delhi. The CVR is expected to clarify the final moments, including Captain Sabharwal’s distress call, while FDR data may confirm engine failure. The likely cause appears to be dual engine malfunction or hydraulic failure. A parliamentary panel will meet next week to examine aviation safety. (PC: NDTV)

After successfully entering the International Space Station, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared his excitement and awe at the experience. Calling the journey aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “a wonderful ride,” he expressed how the view of Earth from space was beyond imagination. He thanked the crew aboard the ISS for a warm and cheerful welcome, saying it immediately made him feel at home. Shukla, who was awarded ISS pin number 634, said he is looking forward to the next 14 days, calling them “amazing” and full of opportunities to learn, contribute, and inspire.