A US federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s order barring foreign students from attending Harvard University, granting the Ivy League school temporary relief. Judge Allison Burroughs stated the proclamation lacked "legitimate grounding" and appeared driven by "animus," threatening constitutional rights like free speech and expression. The injunction arrived just before a prior restraining order was due to expire. Trump’s policy targeted Harvard’s F and J visa holders and prompted legal backlash over academic freedom and democracy. While Trump accused Harvard of antisemitism and CCP ties, the university has sued to protect $2.5 billion in funding and student access. (PC: The Financial Express)

The Indian rupee surged 65 paise to 86.13 against the US dollar on Tuesday, driven by falling crude oil prices and hopes of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Brent crude dropped 2.73% to $69.53 per barrel after US President Trump announced a ceasefire deal, though Iran has yet to confirm it. A weaker dollar and strong domestic equity market further supported the rupee. Sensex rose 930.7 points to 82,827.49 and Nifty gained 278.95 points to 25,250.85. Forex experts also await Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony, which could signal upcoming interest rate cuts in the US. (PC: X)

Four people were killed and several injured after an Iranian ballistic missile struck an apartment building in Israel’s Be’er Sheva, even as ceasefire talks were underway. This marks the third Iranian missile attack on Israel within an hour, with sirens sounding across central and southern Israel. The strike occurred hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran, claiming hostilities would end within six hours. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any ceasefire agreement, saying “there is NO agreement.” The war began on June 13 with Israel’s Operation Rising Lion against Iranian nuclear sites. 

Qatar’s Prime Minister brokered a ceasefire between Iran and Israel following a US proposal, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The move came after US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance requested Qatar's Emir to mediate after Iranian missile strikes on US bases in Qatar. Trump declared a “complete and total ceasefire” on Truth Social, calling it the end of the “12-Day War.” He praised Qatar’s efforts and thanked its Emir. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal ceasefire agreement, contradicting Trump’s announcement and casting doubt over the ceasefire’s implementation and future stability in the region. (PC: India Today)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as part of the multinational Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, now scheduled to launch on June 25 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre. The mission marks a significant moment for India, Hungary, and Poland as all three countries send astronauts to the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Shukla will join veteran US astronaut Peggy Whitson and mission specialists from Poland and Hungary. Originally planned for May, the launch faced repeated delays due to fuel system leaks and aging infrastructure on the ISS. Docking is expected on June 26. (PC: AP)

Flights resumed in Qatar after the Gulf state reopened its airspace, hours before US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Qatar Airways confirmed operations had restarted at Hamad International Airport following a temporary suspension due to Iranian missile strikes targeting US forces at Al Udeid Air Base. Iran claimed the strike was retaliation for US attacks on its nuclear facilities. No casualties were reported in Qatar. Airlines had earlier diverted flights as tensions escalated. Trump stated both nations agreed to cease hostilities, 12 days after Israel’s offensive began, which reportedly killed 950 Iranians and injured 3,450. (PC: mint)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran “won’t accept any harassment” after its missile strike on the US Al-Udeid base in Qatar. He said, “We didn’t harm anyone. And we will not submit to anyone’s harassment.” The attack was a response to US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Iran’s army said it used powerful missiles in “Operation Besharat Fatah.” The US confirmed the attack but said there were no American casualties. Iran had warned Qatar ahead of the strike. The Al-Udeid base is the largest US military site in the Middle East and is key to operations in the region. (PC: AP)

A new US sanctions bill may hit India for buying oil from Russia. Senator Lindsey Graham said, “If you continue to prop up Putin’s war machine, you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself.” The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 targets countries trading in Russian oil, gas, and other fuels. India was the second-largest buyer in May, spending €4.2 billion. The bill proposes steep tariffs and expanded sanctions. Experts warn this could lead to a global price shock. “Taking Russian oil out of the market would create a challenging situation for India,” said Prashant Vashisht of ICRA. The bill is still pending approval. (PC: Reuters)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has hinted at a possible ceasefire with Israel after days of fighting. “Military operations continued until the very last minute, at 4 am,” he said, thanking Iran’s armed forces for their efforts. He added that Iran would stop attacks if Israel halted its airstrikes by 4 am Tehran time. Earlier, he said, “As of now, there is NO agreement on any ceasefire.” US President Donald Trump announced a 24-hour phased ceasefire, calling it a “complete and total” truce. He said Iran would stop first, followed by Israel. Israel has not yet confirmed the agreement. (PC: AP)

Iran has signalled a possible truce with Israel after 12 days of war. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will stop attacks if Israel ends its airstrikes by 4 am Tehran time. US President Donald Trump earlier announced a “complete and total ceasefire,” calling it a 24-hour phased plan. Iran would stop first, and Israel would follow 12 hours later. The US praised the move, calling it a “historic ceasefire.” Iran had also launched a missile strike on a US base in Qatar in response to US attacks on its nuclear sites. Trump said no Americans were hurt in the attack. (PC: Reuters)