Hollywood A‑lister Brad Pitt has been spotted during behind‑the‑scenes filming of F1 wearing a vibrant Tangaliya shirt by Indian label 11.11/Eleven Eleven—paying homage to the intricate 700‑year‑old weaving tradition from Gujarat . Originating in Surendranagar and Kachchh, Tangaliya uses knotted daanas (beads) for embossed motifs, visible on both sides of the fabric. Traditionally crafted with organic kala cotton via peti charkha, it now incorporates silks and merino wool . The actor’s sartorial nod, shared by costume designer Julian Day, highlights his fondness for India and its rich artisanal heritage. The shirt retails at ₹39,000 and the movie premieres June 27 in India. (PC: Instagram)

A wedding celebration in Portugal turned viral when the groom delivered an energetic surprise performance to Dhoom Again from Dhoom 2, emulating Hrithik Roshan’s iconic choreography . Joined by his groomsmen, he wowed guests—and his South-Asian bride—with his smooth Bollywood-style moves . The video, shared on Instagram by @letteringbysav, quickly amassed millions of views and hundreds of thousands of likes . Even Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan himself responded with a delighted “Love it” . The heartwarming cross-cultural display highlights Bollywood’s global influence and the power of festive celebration.

Players from India and England wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence at the 1st Test in Leeds to honor the victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The crash on June 12 claimed over 270 lives, including medical students and airline crew. The symbolic gesture was led by captains Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes at Headingley. The England Cricket Board said, "Our thoughts are with all those affected." India handed a debut to Sai Sudharsan, while Karun Nair made his Test return. The match also marked the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. 

The new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, nicknamed "Nimbus" or "razor blade throat," is raising concern due to reports of extremely painful sore throats. It now accounts for 37% of U.S. cases, making it the second most dominant strain, per CDC data. Originating from Omicron's XVD lineage, it shows higher transmissibility but no signs of increased severity or hospitalization risk. Experts urge high-risk individuals to stay updated on vaccines and maintain precautions such as masking, testing when symptomatic, and avoiding crowded areas. While symptoms remain consistent with earlier variants, scientists stress continued monitoring as the virus evolves. (PC: abc News)

Authorities in Ahmedabad have identified 220 victims of the June 12 Air India Flight AI‑171 crash via DNA testing as of Friday, June 20. The remains of 202 individuals—149 Indian, 7 Portuguese, 34 British, and 1 Canadian—have been returned to grieving families . Meanwhile, the Gandhinagar Forensic Science Lab continues its around‑the‑clock DNA profiling amid harrowing challenges, including severely damaged remains . International cooperation is in full swing: India’s AAIB leads the investigation with expert support from the US and UK agencies . Efforts persist to complete matching for the remaining victims and offer closure to families. (PC: AP)

  England won the toss and chose to bowl on Day 1 of the first Test at Headingley. India, captained by Shubman Gill, opted for a young XI featuring debutant Sai Sudharsan and the much‑anticipated comeback of Karun Nair at No. 6—his first Test since March 2017, marking a stunning return after a 3,006‑day absence . Nair’s recall was fueled by consistent domestic and County performances, including a double century for India A . His family shared the pride, with wife Sanaya posting an emotional tribute . India reached lunch at 92/2, with KL Rahul (42) and Yashasvi Jaiswal providing a solid start. (PC: Getty Images)

India is evacuating approximately 1,000 citizens from Iran as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its eighth day. Three special Iranian aircraft will fly the nationals, including many students, from Mashhad to India, with the first flight arriving Friday night and the next two on Saturday. This follows Iran’s decision to ease airspace restrictions for humanitarian coordination. Earlier this week, 110 Indian students were evacuated via Armenia under Operation Sindhu. The Indian government also announced evacuation plans for citizens in Israel, who will be taken via land routes and then flown home due to airspace closures over the region. (PC: HT)

Phone records reveal Sonam Raghuvanshi (24), arrested for her husband’s murder during their Meghalaya honeymoon, placed 112 calls between March 1–25 to a contact saved as “Sanjay Verma” who was actually her lover, police officer Raj Kushwaha using a fake identity . Long conversations spanned over a month, raising doubts about motive beyond a love triangle. The couple married on May 11 and vanished by May 23; Raja’s body was found June 2. Sonam, Kushwaha and three hitmen are in custody. Authorities probe whether financial or other motives were involved. (PC: HT PRINT)

Iran’s Supreme Leader says Israel “is being punished right now” amid ongoing reciprocal strikes, as Israel targets Iranian nuclear and military sites . Over the past week, Israel conducted aerial waves against Iran, prompting missile and drone counterattacks that damaged a hospital in Beersheba and wounded hundreds . U.S. President Trump has positioned military assets in the region but announced he will delay authorization for a direct strike on Iran for two weeks, hoping diplomatic talks in Geneva might succeed . Meanwhile, European powers and U.S. envoys are pushing for negotiation amid fears of full‑scale regional war. (PC: PBS)

Russia has warned that any use of tactical nuclear weapons by the US in Iran would be “catastrophic,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by TASS. His statement follows reports that US officials discussed the challenge of destroying Iran’s underground Fordow uranium enrichment site with conventional bombs. Though The Guardian noted the possibility of a nuclear option, it clarified President Trump is not currently considering it. Trump has said a final decision on US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict will come within two weeks. Russia, a close ally of Iran, has strongly opposed US military intervention. (PC: Reuters)