Former U.S. President Donald Trump kept military action against Iran ambiguous, stating he “may do it” or “may not,” while demanding Iran’s complete surrender amid escalating Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. His remarks follow rising tensions in the Middle East and warnings from Tehran against U.S. involvement. The situation underscores uncertainty over potential U.S. intervention and increasing global concern over a wider regional war. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing options to join Israel’s strikes on Iran, including potential attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. His comments, urging residents to evacuate Tehran, come amid mounting Israeli airstrikes targeting missile sites and nuclear infrastructure. Thousands of Tehranis are fleeing the capital as panic spreads across highway routes out of the city. In response, Iran has begun rationing fuel and reinforcing internal security. Tehran's government warns any U.S. entry into the conflict would cause “irreparable damage.” The U.S. has so far provided indirect support—deploying fighter jets and assisting air defence—but has not engaged directly. (PC: Reuters)

A special flight carrying 110 Indian students evacuated from war-hit Iran, including 90 from Jammu and Kashmir, is expected to land in New Delhi around 10:15 PM tonight. The students, mostly from Urmia Medical University, were first moved to Armenia and later flew to Doha before boarding a flight to India. The evacuation comes amid escalating Israel-Iran hostilities. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian Embassy is working closely with the community to ensure safety. Over 4,000 Indian nationals live in Iran, half of them students. The J&K Students’ Association confirmed all evacuated students are safe. (PC: HT)

Amid escalating hostilities, Iran has launched over 400 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel, targeting cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and military sites. Though Israel’s multi-tier defense—Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-2/3 systems—has intercepted the majority (80–90%) of threats, several missiles have slipped through, causing 24 fatalities and over 300 injuries. The Arrow missile stockpile, key for intercepting long-range ballistic threats, is critically low, with only 10–12 days of intercept capability left, costing $285 million per night to maintain. The U.S. has dispatched THAAD and Patriot reinforcements, but concerns over sustainability and effectiveness persist. 

A recent The Hindu podcast highlights India’s ascent to the fourth-largest global economy in nominal GDP terms, overtaking Japan—projected at around US $4.19 trillion for 2025 . IMF data shows sustained GDP growth (~6.2%), with rapid expansion from 10th in 2014 to 4th today . However, per‑capita income remains modest (~US $2,900), underlining persistent socioeconomic gaps . The podcast cautions against over‑reliance on nominal GDP, proposing purchasing power parity (PPP) and living standard metrics for richer insight. It urges deeper structural reforms—labour, agricultural, and education—to ensure inclusive, sustainable progress as India eyes third‑largest status. (PC: AP7AM)

The Axiom-4 space mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed again, with launch now targeted for June 22. Initially scheduled for May 29, the mission faced multiple postponements due to technical issues, including a Falcon-9 rocket oxygen leak and repairs on the ISS’s Zvezda module. Shukla will be the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma. The crew, led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary. They will conduct 60 scientific experiments during their 14-day stay. Axiom Space confirmed the crew is in good health and quarantine. (PC: News18)

The eagerly awaited five-match Test series between India and England begins June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, marking the start of the ICC World Test Championship cycle . Matches will also take place in Birmingham, London (Lord’s and The Oval), and Manchester, all starting at 3:30 PM IST . India, captained by Shubman Gill (vice-captain Rishabh Pant), begins a new leadership era following Kohli and Sharma’s retirement . Fans in India can enjoy live streaming on JioHotstar, while TV telecasts are available on Sony Sports Network. (PC: NDTV)9    

Following Israel’s massive airstrikes on Iran, over 25 international airlines have suspended or diverted flights across the Middle East. Routes to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Amman, Baghdad, and Beirut have been severely affected. Airlines like Air India, Emirates, Delta, Lufthansa, Ryanair, El Al, and Air France have either halted operations or issued advisories, with suspensions extending into August and September for some carriers. The escalation has prompted mass flight disruptions and widespread passenger cancellations. Thousands are fleeing regional conflict zones amid rising fears of a full-scale war. Airlines cite "security concerns" and "unpredictable airspace" as key reasons behind the flight suspensions. (PC: HT)

Israel’s air force launched strikes on military targets in the Tehran area, escalating the ongoing conflict. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed several projectiles hit northern and eastern suburbs of Tehran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Donald Trump of “irreparable harm” if the US military joins Israeli operations. Trump is reportedly considering targeting Iranian nuclear sites, according to CBS News. The UN’s nuclear watchdog confirmed Israel hit two Iranian centrifuge production sites overnight. Iran responded by firing a hypersonic missile toward Israel. The region is on edge as the next moves by Washington could drastically shift the conflict’s trajectory. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan’s Jaffar Express derailed in Jacobabad, Sindh, on Wednesday after explosions hit the railway track, derailing six carriages. The train, en route from Quetta to Peshawar, was targeted in a region long affected by separatist insurgency. Though no group has officially claimed responsibility, suspicion falls on the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which hijacked the same train in March, killing over two dozen Pakistani security personnel. Social media videos show passengers deboarding with belongings. No casualties were confirmed at the time of reporting. Pakistan Railways has begun an investigation as fears of renewed militant aggression grow.