Amid escalating tensions in West Asia following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, six supertankers made a U-turn from the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over global oil supply. Two of the vessels—Coswisdom Lake and South Loyalty—briefly turned back before re-entering the strait. The strategic waterway handles 20% of the world’s oil shipments. Shipping firms remain cautious, with Japan reducing transits and Greece advising its fleet to avoid the region. The sudden movements reflect growing fear of Iranian retaliation, especially after Tehran vowed a response to the US strikes. Disruption in this vital route could spark global energy instability. (PC: News18)

Rishabh Pant created history on Day 4 of the 1st Test against England at Headingley by becoming the first Asian wicket-keeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match. Pant’s explosive knock, featuring boundaries like 4, 4, 6, 4, thrilled fans as he treated the format like T20. He is now only the second wicket-keeper globally to achieve this feat. India reached 297/4 in 74 overs, with a commanding 303-run lead. KL Rahul also scored a brilliant century, staying unbeaten. Their performance has put India in a dominant position heading into the final day of the match. (PC: NDTV)

A suspected Israeli drone strike has targeted Tehran’s infamous Evin prison, a symbol of Iran’s “hostage diplomacy” and political repression. The attack reportedly hit the guard towers, administrative section, and courtroom of the prison, which houses dual nationals and political detainees under the control of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Sources say the strike is both tactical and symbolic, aimed at undermining Iran’s narrative of control. Evin, sanctioned by the US and EU, is infamous for human rights abuses. The strike has exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s internal security and painted the regime as increasingly fragile before its own people and the world. (PC: News18)

On Day 4 of the 1st Test at Headingley, KL Rahul showcased his resilience with a superb ninth Test century, helping India reach 234/3 in 62 overs and extend their lead to 240. Rahul, who missed out in the first innings, delivered a patient and composed knock in the second. Rishabh Pant, batting aggressively at the other end, is nearing his second century of the match. Their partnership has solidified India’s position after early disappointment when captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for just 8. With both Rahul and Pant in form, India are pushing strongly for a dominant finish. (PC: BCCI)

The Uttarakhand High Court has stayed the state’s Panchayati Raj elections, citing ambiguity in the government’s reservation policy. The interim order came just a day after the State Election Commission announced polling across 12 districts on July 10. The court stated the government had failed to clarify its stance on seat reservations in panchayat bodies, prompting the halt. Nomination filings were set to begin June 25. With the schedule notified, the Model Code of Conduct had already come into effect. The stay disrupts the entire election timeline and demands urgent policy clarity from the state government before polls can proceed.

A 35-year-old trainee pilot from a Scheduled Caste has accused IndiGo officials of caste-based harassment, claiming he was told, “You are not fit to fly an aircraft, go back and stitch slippers.” The incident allegedly occurred during a meeting on April 28 at IndiGo’s Gurugram office. He filed an FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against three officials. The pilot also alleged salary cuts, forced retraining, and professional victimisation aimed at pushing him to resign. IndiGo denied the allegations as “baseless,” stating it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and will support the investigation. (PC: NDTV)

At least 8 people were killed and 33 injured in an intense Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv overnight, Ukrainian officials said. Six deaths occurred in a high-rise building, while another person died in Bila Tserkva after a hospital was hit. Russia launched 352 drones and 16 missiles targeting the Kyiv region. The Ukrainian air force struggled to intercept the barrage, as civilians took shelter during the pre-dawn assault. President Zelensky is en route to London for talks with UK PM Keir Starmer. Ukrainian commander Syrsky vowed to intensify strikes inside Russia in response to mounting casualties. (PC: BBC)

Seven U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers have returned to Whiteman Air Force Base after completing “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a 36-hour mission targeting Iran’s underground nuclear sites. The jets dropped 14 massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Fordow and Natanz facilities. U.S. officials claimed the strike “devastated” Iran’s nuclear programme, while Iran denied any significant damage. The mission also involved decoy aircraft and submarine-launched cruise missiles. The White House posted a video of the bombers landing in Missouri, praising the military’s precision. Iran has vowed retaliation, as regional tensions continue to escalate following the U.S. entry into the Israel-Iran war. 

Iran has publicly threatened to kill 50,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in the Middle East after recent strikes on its nuclear facilities. A broadcaster on state TV warned that U.S. troops “within Iran’s range” would be sent home “in coffins” — a stark escalation in Tehran’s rhetoric. The warning follows U.S. B-2 bomber raids on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, which Iran views as direct acts of aggression. Iranian officials have vowed a “harsh blow” and indicated all U.S. military bases in the region are now “legitimate targets”. The U.S. has responded with heightened troop and cyberdefenses across Gulf bases.

A crude bomb exploded in Barochandgar village, Nadia district, West Bengal, on June 23 during the Kaliganj bypoll vote count, tragically killing a 10‑year‑old girl identified as Tamanna Khatun. Amid a Trinamool Congress victory celebration, the crude bomb blast struck near the counting centre, raising alarms over electoral violence. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow, assured a thorough investigation, and vowed “strong and decisive legal action” by police. The Bharatiya Janata Party criticized the TMC, accusing its supporters of using violence during celebrations. The incident has cast a shadow on the otherwise peacefully conducted bypoll, highlighting persistent security concerns during political events. (PC: CNBC & Mathrubhumi)