On June 20–21, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump sharply contradicted the U.S. intelligence community, asserting it was wrong to claim that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon . Responding to Senator-director Tulsi Gabbard's March testimony that no evidence exists of Iran actively pursuing a bomb, Trump retorted: “She’s wrong,” and warned Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months unless halted . He refused to pressure Israel for a ceasefire, citing Israel’s military advantage, while stressing U.S. readiness to engage diplomatically or militarily within two weeks. (PC: Al Jazeera)

An Iranian missile struck the historic city of Haifa, Israel, on June 20, 2025, damaging two significant Islamic landmarks—Al Jarina Grand Mosque (built in 1775) and Masjid Al-Saghir (established in 1761). The attack shattered stained-glass windows, damaged the dome and interiors, and injured one civilian nearby. Israeli officials condemned the targeting of religious sites as a “war crime,” with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accusing Iran of deliberate civilian provocation. President Herzog emphasized Haifa’s legacy of religious harmony and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting all faiths despite the growing regional hostilities. (PC: Reuters)    

King Charles III delivered a heartfelt message at London's Strand on June 21, 2025, praising yoga as a force that “promotes the global principles of unity, compassion and wellbeing” . His message emphasized the 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighting its role in securing a healthier future for all generations . The event, hosted by India’s High Commission in partnership with King’s College London, featured asanas, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga across the UK . Hundreds participated, celebrating yoga’s power to heal and unite. (PC: AP)

In a controversial move, Pakistan nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the India–Pakistan conflict. Speaking at a public event, Trump reacted sharply, saying, “They won’t give me a Nobel Peace Prize because they only give it to liberals.” He also claimed, “I stopped the war” and argued he deserved the honor “four or five times” for brokering peace in global hotspots, including South Asia, Congo, and the Balkans. His remarks stirred renewed debate over political bias in global recognitions. (PC: Hindustan Times)

A special charter flight carrying 290 Indian students—mostly from Jammu & Kashmir—landed in New Delhi late on June 20, 2025, under Operation Sindhu. Iran granted a temporary airspace exception, permitting three evacuation flights in response to the escalating Israel–Iran conflict . The students were first relocated to Mashhad from Tehran and flown on an Iranian airline arranged by Indian authorities . This mission forms part of a broader evacuation effort involving over 500 Indian nationals to date . Grateful yet shaken, many evacuees reported hearing missile strikes in Tehran before departing . India’s MEA affirmed ongoing evacuations via Turkmenistan and Armenia as the situation unfolds. (PC: X)        

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam on June 21, 2025, along a 26 km coastal corridor from RK Beach to Bheemili. Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” over 3 lakh participants practiced the Common Yoga Protocol alongside Modi, connecting with more than 10 lakh locations nationwide via the ‘Yoga Sangam’ portal—part of the month-long “Yogandhra” campaign that trained millions. Modi emphasized yoga as “a pause button humanity needs” and called it the start of “Yoga for Humanity 2.0,” envisioning inner peace shaping global policy. Stringent security and logistical preparations ensured smooth execution. (PC: Rediff)      

Pakistan’s government has formally recommended former U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, praising his “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the heightened India–Pakistan crisis this spring . Islamabad credited Trump—alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and VP J.D. Vance—with helping broker a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, amid fears of a nuclear escalation . The nomination follows Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir’s visit to the White House, where he reportedly pitched the idea in person . India, however, has rejected external mediation claims, maintaining the ceasefire resulted from its own military efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Indian javelin ace Neeraj Chopra secured his first Diamond League crown since 2023 at the Paris leg on June 20, 2025. He led the field from the outset with a massive 88.16 m opener—his only legal mark—then fouled thrice before ending with an 82.89 m sixth attempt . Germany’s Julian Weber claimed silver with 87.88 m, while Brazil’s Luiz Mauricio da Silva took bronze at 86.62 m . Chopra, 27, had returned to the Paris meet for the first time since 2017, when he finished eighth—this time rising to the top of a star‑studded field featuring five 90 m club throwers. (PC: X)

Fresh explosions rocked Tehran on Friday as the Israel-Iran war entered its second week. Iran activated air defences after Israeli missile strikes reportedly hit central Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba. Two Israelis were injured by shrapnel, including a 16-year-old boy in serious condition. As tensions escalate, European leaders urged diplomatic dialogue, with Germany, France, and the UK pushing for continued nuclear talks. Turkish President Erdogan warned the conflict was nearing a “point of no return,” saying, “This madness must end,” as fears of broader regional destabilisation grow. (PC: News18)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Friday that he declined US President Donald Trump’s dinner invitation, choosing instead to visit Odisha. Speaking in Bhubaneswar, Modi said Trump had personally called him during the G7 Summit in Canada, urging him to stop in Washington. “Thank you for the invitation, but it is very important for me to go to the land of Mahaprabhu,” Modi responded, referring to the Jagannath Temple. The visit also marked the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha. Modi praised the state’s progress and accused the Congress of neglecting tribal regions during its rule. (PC: HT)