Iran has warned of an “all-out war” if the United States intervenes in its conflict with Israel, following deadly Israeli strikes under Operation Rising Lion. Iranian ambassador Ali Bahreini and the foreign ministry stated they would “respond strongly” to further Israeli or American aggression. The conflict began after Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, claiming Tehran was nearing nuclear weapon capability. US President Donald Trump said Washington now has “complete and total control of the skies” over Iran. So far, 224 people in Iran and 24 in Israel have died in the escalating war. (PC: X)

India and Canada have agreed to restore high commissioners to each other’s capitals following a "constructive" meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G7 Summit in Canada. The diplomatic breakthrough comes after a year of tensions over the 2023 killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Carney, when asked if the issue was raised, replied cautiously, emphasizing judicial processes and cooperation on transnational repression. India has repeatedly denied involvement and criticised the lack of evidence from Canada. Officials say more steps will follow to normalize bilateral relations based on shared democratic values. (PC: X)

Israel's air defence systems are nearing exhaustion, with interceptors possibly lasting only 10–12 more days, according to US intelligence cited by The Wall Street Journal. The Arrow missiles, costing $3 million each, are part of Israel's multi-layered defence now strained by Iran's continued missile attacks. Since launching Operation Rising Lion, Israel claims air superiority and destruction of a third of Iran's launchers, yet over half remain. Defence costs are estimated at $285 million nightly. Recent Iranian strikes have bypassed Israeli defences, causing damage in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Without urgent US resupply, Israel's missile defence may soon collapse. (PC: AFP)

Air India flight AI2145, scheduled from Delhi to Bali on 18 June 2025, was advised to return to Delhi mid‑air due to a volcanic eruption near Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, as confirmed by the airline and authorities. The aircraft diverted safely, passengers disembarked in Delhi, and were offered hotel accommodation, full refunds, or complimentary rescheduling. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki erupted on Flores Island, spewing ash up to around 10 km high. The eruption prompted evacuations, forced cancellation of dozens of flights including to and from Bali and raised the disaster alert to its highest level. No casualties were reported. (PC: Getty Images)

The Supreme Court on June 17, 2025, sharply rebuked Karnataka’s ban on Kamal Haasan’s film Thug Life, citing that CBFC certification entitles a movie to be shown, and that “mob and vigilante rule” cannot obstruct legal screening. It reprimanded both the state government and Karnataka High Court for demanding an apology from Haasan over his remark that “Kannada was born from Tamil,” deeming such demands beyond the court’s remit. The bench granted Karnataka one day to report on implementation and transferred the case to the Supreme Court, scheduling the next hearing for Thursday. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Virat Kohli, though freshly retired from Test cricket, welcomed India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill, vice‑captain Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and others to his London home on June 16. With India beginning a five‑match Test series in England on June 20 at Headingley, Kohli hosted them on an off‑day following Kent’s intra‑squad match. The two‑hour meeting, captured via RevSportz, appears to be a morale‑boosting session ahead of the series. Gill, succeeding Rohit Sharma, embarks on his first Test captaincy in red‑ball cricket. Meanwhile, English great James Anderson praised Kohli’s competitiveness, noting his improved technique since their early battles. (PC: BCCI)

Indian PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney met on June 17 at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, their first bilateral since 2023’s fallout over the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Carney described Nijjar’s death as a “sensitive legal matter” and stressed the need for careful law‑enforcement dialogue and cooperation amid ongoing judicial proceedings. The leaders agreed to reappoint high commissioners, restore diplomatic services, and deepen cooperation on trade, labor, and global supply‑chains. Modi emphasized shared democratic values; Carney praised India’s strategic role. Despite symbolic protests from Canada’s Sikh community, the meeting marks a pragmatic reset in Canada‑India relations. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Pakistan voices deep concern as Israel‑Iran hostilities escalate into a sixth day of airstrikes and missile exchanges. Islamabad condemned Israeli attacks on Iranian soil including nuclear sites, military infrastructure and state TV as blatant provocations, urging global action to uphold international law. With over 220 killed in Iran and hundreds injured, Tehran retaliated by firing missiles toward Israel, causing casualties and property damage. Pakistan has shut five Balochistan border crossings and repatriated students and pilgrims amid fears that Iran’s aerial reach could destabilise its own Balochistan province. Islamabad is exploring diplomatic channels to de‑escalate, emphasising the need for UN intervention and renewed diplomacy. (PC: Siasat & Bloomberg)

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran’s top nuclear scientist and key architect of the covert “Project Amad,” was killed on November 27, 2020, in a remote-controlled assassination that mirrored Israel’s 2025 strike on Fereidoun Abbasi. Fakhrizadeh, often dubbed Iran’s “Oppenheimer,” had remained unseen publicly until 2018, when Israeli PM Netanyahu revealed his identity. While traveling east of Tehran with his wife and guards, a machine‑gun rigged with AI, satellite links and explosives reportedly assembled in Iran, ambushed him with 15 precise shots; the vehicle detonated afterward but failed to destroy the weapon. The operation bore Mossad’s signature; intelligence suggests months of surveillance, covert smuggling, and remote execution. Fakhrizadeh’s death derailed nuclear diplomacy, accelerated Iran’s enrichment, and empowered domestic hardliners. (PC: Al Jazeera & The Times Of Israel)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke for 35 minutes by phone on June 18, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Modi firmly told Trump that the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan resulted solely from direct military‑to‑military discussions without any third‑party, particularly U.S., mediation refuting Trump’s claim. He outlined that India now regards terrorism as “actual war” and briefed Trump on Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump also conveyed condolences over Pahalgam. Modi declined an invitation to visit the U.S. on his return from Canada due to prior commitments. (PC: Times Now & Hindustan Times)