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)

The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4), a private crewed flight to the International Space Station via SpaceX, has been delayed yet again. Originally set for June 19, then June 22, NASA, Axiom Space and SpaceX now target “no earlier than” Sunday, June 22, 2025, pending further inspection. The hold‑up stems from recent repair work on the ISS’s aging Russian Zvezda module and earlier liquid‑oxygen leakage in Falcon 9’s first stage. Crew includes Peggy Whitson (commander), India’s Shubhanshu Shukla (pilot), plus mission specialists from Poland and Hungary. The mission’s 14‑day scientific agenda spans 60+ experiments, marking the first ISS expedition for these nations. Safety and station integrity continue to guide schedule adjustments. (PC: NASA)

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced that 177 DNA samples have now been matched in the aftermath of the June 12 Air India Flight AI‑171 disaster near Ahmedabad—of these, 124 bodies have been handed over, with more transfers in progress . Initially, 71 injured were admitted to Civil Hospital; 42 were later discharged, nine remain hospitalized, and two succumbed post-admission . A single survivor, a British passenger, remains in recovery. DNA identifications continue as families await closure. Authorities also plan expedited bereavement counselling and are coordinating funeral rites, focusing on dignified procedures amid the trauma. (PC: ANI)

Sixth consecutive day of Israeli–Iran air conflict: Iran launched two missile barrages, including its first use of the Fattah‑1 hypersonic missile, targeting Israel. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv, and Israel conducted strikes near Tehran, hitting IRGC-linked sites. Civilians in Tehran’s District 18 were urged to evacuate ahead of the air raids. Former US President Trump called for “unconditional surrender” from Iran, warning that US patience is “wearing thin,” and hinted the U.S. knows Ayatollah Khamenei’s location but “won’t kill him…for now.” The US is deploying additional fighter jets. Iranian leadership, including Reza Pahlavi, responded defiantly, while speculation grows that Trump may join Israeli strikes. (PC: Reuters)

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared, “The battle begins,” as Iran launched a hypersonic missile targeting Israel. The missile, capable of traveling at over Mach 5 with high maneuverability, marks a major turning point in the confrontation. Initial reports indicate it was aimed at a strategic military site near Tel Aviv, though damage assessments are ongoing. Israel's defense systems were activated immediately, raising concerns of a full-scale war. Global powers have urged restraint, fearing further destabilization across the Middle East. (PC: NDTV)

On June 12, 64‑year‑old Abhiman Girdhar Tayde was brought in an auto‑rickshaw to Shivneri Hospital in Ulhasnagar after collapsing at home. Inside the rickshaw, Dr Prabhu Ahuja pronounced him dead and issued a death certificate . The family began preparing his final rites, only to discover faint breathing—Tayde was alive and rushed to Criticare Hospital, where he regained consciousness within 30 minutes . Dr Ahuja attributed the error to loud construction noise that obscured pulse detection . The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation issued a suo moto show‑cause notice and launched an inquiry; further action, including possible license cancellation, is under review. (PC: X)

A forceful, early‑morning Israeli air campaign struck Tehran and nearby military and nuclear sites, just hours after former U.S. President Trump ordered Iranians to evacuate and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” . Explosions rattled the capital, sending 330,000 residents fleeing under evacuation orders . Israeli jets, backed by stealth aircraft and Mossad‑facilitated drone strikes, have dismantled air defenses, command centers, missile launchers, and nuclear enrichment facilities . Iran responded with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israel, triggering air raids and interceptions, with casualties rising on both sides—hundreds dead in Iran and dozens in Israel . U.S. military presence in the region has intensified amid global concern over possible escalation. (PC: AFP)

In the midst of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the assessment of U.S. intelligence agencies that Iran is not actively building a nuclear weapon. According to top U.S. officials and spies, there is currently no confirmed evidence that Tehran is pursuing a nuclear bomb. However, Trump, during remarks at the G7 and subsequent press appearances, claimed that Iran poses an immediate nuclear threat and used that narrative to justify heightened military pressure. The contradiction has sparked concerns over misinformation and the risk of deepening regional instability. (PC: Reuters)