The UK, France, and Germany will hold emergency talks with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva, aiming to de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said “a window now exists” over the next two weeks for diplomacy. This follows the White House announcement that Donald Trump will decide within a fortnight whether the US will take direct action against Iran. Meanwhile, Israel continues its strikes, hitting alleged missile sites in Tehran. An Iranian missile injured seven people in Beersheba, southern Israel. Casualty figures in Iran remain unknown due to restrictions on foreign media coverage within the country. (PC: EPA)

Nabam Bapu and Likha Nana, a couple from Arunachal Pradesh, are revolutionizing tribal fashion through their startup, Arunachal Ivory and Ornaments. Using 3D printing, they create eco-friendly replicas of tiger jaws, eagle claws, and hornbill beaks to replace real animal parts used in traditional tribal attire. This innovation allows cultural traditions to thrive without endangering wildlife. Co-founded with Anang Tadar, the initiative received government support and promotes biodegradable materials. Their efforts aim to curb poaching while preserving tribal identity. “Preserving culture shouldn’t come at the cost of nature,” says Bapu, as the startup gains growing acceptance across tribal communities. (PC: The better India)

Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to escalate strikes targeting Iran’s regime infrastructure. Katz said the IDF must "destabilise" Tehran by attacking all “symbols of the regime and mechanisms of oppression,” explicitly naming the Basij paramilitary force and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He added that the regime’s power base must be dismantled to prevent further Iranian aggression. Katz’s comments follow recent Iranian missile attacks on Israeli civilians and military targets. He warned that Tehran residents “will pay the price” if Iran continues its offensive, as tensions between the two nations intensify. (PC: News18)

The 2025-27 World Test Championship began with England winning the toss and choosing to bowl against India in the 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds. Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement, introduced a new era with debutant Sai Sudharsan and returning players Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur in the XI. England, led by Ben Stokes, are fielding a strong side with Joe Root, Harry Brook, and debutant wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The five-match series is part of the newly introduced Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, honoring cricket legends from both nations. (PC: BCCI)

Chef Vijay Kumar, originally from Tamil Nadu, has won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in New York, earning global praise for his emotional acceptance speech. Representing the Michelin-starred South Indian restaurant Semma, Kumar highlighted his heritage and journey, saying, “I never thought a dark-skinned boy from Tamil Nadu would make it to a room like this.” He celebrated the power of food to connect people, adding, “Tamil food stands tall.” Social media lauded the chef for putting Tamil Nadu’s culinary traditions on the world stage. The James Beard Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the US culinary world. (PC: Instagram)

Pro-Palestinian activists from Palestine Action breached security at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, vandalising two Airbus Voyager refuelling tankers with red paint. Video footage shows individuals on scooters spraying paint into the engines. The group claimed they put the planes "out of service" using crowbars and repurposed fire extinguishers. The Ministry of Defence condemned the act as "vandalism of Royal Air Force assets" and is cooperating with police. Cabinet minister Lisa Nandy called the incident "deeply concerning." Critics raised security concerns at the base, a hub for UK military flights including Gaza surveillance missions from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. (PC: BBC)

Players from India and England will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence before the start of the first Test match in Hyderabad on January 25 as a tribute to the victims of the recent Air India Express crash in Kerala. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the gesture, expressing deep condolences for those affected. The crash, which claimed lives and left several injured, has drawn widespread national mourning. The symbolic tribute will take place just before the match's commencement, uniting players and fans in a moment of remembrance. The incident has cast a solemn shadow over the start of the five-match Test series. (PC: NDTV Sports & PTI)

Iran fired at least one missile armed with cluster munitions over central Israel on June 20, the first such use in the week‑long war, according to the IDF. Around 20 submunitions spread across an 8 km radius, one striking a home in Azor and causing property damage. The military warned civilians about unexploded remnants. Israel responded with intensified strikes, targeting nuclear and military sites in Iran, including the heavy‑water reactor at Arak and facilities at Natanz. This marks a dangerous escalation, cluster munitions dramatically raise the risk to civilians, heightening international concern. (PC: NDTV & Al Jazeera)

Tigress Arrowhead (T‑84), granddaughter of legendary Machhli and daughter of Krishna, died at 14 from bone cancer in Ranthambore. Her passing occurred just hours after her daughter, Kankati (T‑2507), was relocated to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, a move prompted by the cub’s involvement in fatal human‑wildlife conflicts. Known as the “Queen of Ranthambore” and “Lady of the Lake,” Arrowhead was famed for her rare crocodile hunts most recently downing one near Padam Talab just days before her death. She leaves behind a significant legacy: four litters and ten cubs, with at least six surviving. Forest officials honored her cremation under NTCA protocol, and her last moments were memorialized by wildlife photographers, guides and the park community. (PC: BCCI & X)

Vijay Kumar, a chef from Tamil Nadu, has won the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef in New York State. Kumar, who runs Semma, a South Indian restaurant in Manhattan, received the honor during the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony in Chicago. His heartfelt acceptance speech, where he credited his mother and his humble roots in Natham, Dindigul has gone viral. Kumar began his culinary journey at Rasa in California, before joining Semma, which soon gained acclaim for serving authentic, fiery Tamil cuisine. The restaurant, under his leadership, has earned a Michelin star. Kumar dedicated the award to every mother who sacrifices her dreams for her children's future.