A clerk at the Indian Navy Headquarters in Delhi, 27-year-old Vishal Yadav of Haryana, has been arrested by Rajasthan Police’s Intelligence Wing for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s ISI. Sources reveal he leaked classified naval and defence operation details—including during Operation Sindoor—to a Pakistani handler using an alias “Priya Sharma” via social media . Yadav reportedly suffered from online gaming losses and received payments through cryptocurrency and bank transfers. A forensic analysis of his mobile uncovered years of communications and document sharing . He is under joint interrogation by multiple intelligence agencies at Jaipur’s central interrogation center, facing charges under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. (PC:X)

Republican former President Donald Trump on Truth Social denounced New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a “100% Communist Lunatic” and mocking his intelligence and voice . Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old democratic socialist and state assemblyman endorsed by figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC, surged to lead in the Democratic primary on June 24 . His proposed agenda—rent freezes, free buses, universal childcare—resonates with progressive voters. Trump’s outburst underscores GOP efforts to cast Democratic nominees as radical ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Two people have died and around 20 are feared swept away after cloudbursts and flash floods hit Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Torrential rains triggered a surge in the Manuni Khad, washing away a labour colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project in Kangra. Three people are missing in Kullu following more cloudbursts, damaging houses, bridges, and roads. Rescue efforts by SDRF and local authorities are ongoing despite tough conditions. Heavy rains continue in several districts, with water levels rising in the Beas and Sutlej rivers. The MeT department has issued an orange alert for more rain and flash flood risk. (PC: NDTV)

Indian-American progressive Zohran Mamdani declared victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, calling it a "historic" moment. The 32-year-old State Assemblymember from Queens is the first South Asian to win a major-party NYC mayoral primary. A democratic socialist backed by grassroots movements, Mamdani now prepares for a high-stakes general election on 4 November against Republican Frank T. Donovan, a former police commissioner. Mamdani’s campaign pledged universal rent control, fare-free public transport, and NYPD budget reforms. While progressives cheer the primary win, analysts say the real challenge lies ahead—uniting moderate voters in a city long dominated by Democratic politics. 

Iran has officially acknowledged significant damage to its nuclear sites from recent US airstrikes for the first time. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.” The US used B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs to target Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While President Trump claimed the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s program, the Pentagon suggested only a temporary setback. Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA, calling the strikes an “act of aggression.” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned Iran retains the technical capacity to restart its nuclear efforts despite the damage. (PC: News18)

Sir Gareth Southgate has been knighted for his services to football, receiving the honour from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle. The 54-year-old former England manager led the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, and the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Describing the moment as an “amazing honour,” he said he was more emotional than expected. Southgate, who stepped down after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the 2024 Euro final, reflected on breaking "so many barriers to winning." He becomes the fourth England manager to receive a knighthood, following Ramsey, Winterbottom and Robson. (PC: Sky News )

US President Donald Trump announced that American and Iranian officials may hold talks next week as the ceasefire between Israel and Iran enters its second day. Speaking at a NATO summit, Trump claimed US strikes had "destroyed" Iran’s nuclear program. Iran, however, rejected the claim and moved to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iranian officials also questioned US credibility following recent attacks. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel confirmed 7 soldiers were killed in Khan Younis, a day after Israeli forces reportedly fired on Palestinian civilians awaiting aid, leaving 44 dead, according to hospital sources and eyewitnesses. (PC: AP)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking his historic maiden spaceflight. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, carrying four astronauts from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary, is chasing the International Space Station (ISS) for an autonomous docking scheduled at 10:00 pm IST. Shukla, a test pilot of MiG-21 and Sukhoi jets, serves as the mission pilot, monitoring systems and readying for manual intervention if needed. The 14-day mission will see the astronauts conduct scientific experiments aboard the ISS after docking with its Harmony module. The Dragon spacecraft is designed for precision and autonomy. (PC: India Today)

From a persistent teen begging Mira Nair to cast Kal Penn in The Namesake, to defeating political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo in the NYC mayoral primary, Zohran Mamdani's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. The Indian-American lawmaker, son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, secured the Democratic nomination with Bernie Sanders’ backing and a grassroots campaign promising rent freezes, universal childcare, and fare-free buses. Mamdani once helped shape South Asian cinema history; now, he's reshaping New York politics. Quoting Mandela on victory night, he said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The general election is November 4. (PC: Reuters)

India's young fast bowler Harshit Rana has been released from the Test squad after the humiliating defeat against England in Leeds. Added as cover, Rana failed to impress in the warm-up against England Lions, conceding 99 runs in 27 overs for just 1 wicket. A BCCI source confirmed he won't travel to Birmingham for the second Test starting July 4. Head coach Gautam Gambhir cited "niggles" but admitted Rana isn't ready for red-ball cricket. Kuldeep Yadav is now tipped to replace Shardul Thakur, with experts urging India to field two spinners due to expected dry conditions at Edgbaston. (PC: NDTV)