Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News that eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would “end the conflict” between the two nations. Defending Israel’s military actions, he said they are aimed at stopping Iran’s regional aggression and nuclear ambitions, which he called a global threat. Netanyahu warned that Tehran’s missile and nuclear programs endanger not just Israel, but also the US, Europe, and Arab countries. Referring to Iran’s threats of “Death to America,” he emphasized urgent action. He praised Donald Trump’s stance on Iran, despite reports that Trump had earlier blocked such an Israeli plan to prevent escalation. (PC: India Today)

A British Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight from London Heathrow to Chennai turned back mid-air on Sunday due to a technical issue. Flight BA35 dumped fuel over the Strait of Dover and landed safely at 1:50 PM. Hours later, an Air India Dreamliner from Hong Kong to Delhi also returned as a precaution. Both planes are the same model involved in the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people. BA confirmed the Heathrow return was “a standard precaution” and not an emergency. Investigations are underway. Boeing and Air India have not issued statements on the incidents. (PC: The Standard)

India’s next population Census will be conducted in 2027, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced. For the first time, caste enumeration will be part of the exercise. The Census will be held in two phases—House Listing and Population Enumeration—with digital tools and self-enumeration options. The reference date is March 1, 2027, except for Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where it is October 1, 2026. Administrative boundaries are now frozen. The pre-test phase will assess mobile app usage. Over 34 lakh personnel will participate. The NPR update has not been confirmed. Amit Shah recently reviewed preparations. (PC: The Hindu)

G7 leaders have reportedly drafted a statement affirming Israel’s right to self‑defence while asserting that Iran must “never” acquire nuclear weapons, according to Reuters sources. The proposed text also calls for de‑escalation amid the fourth day of escalating hostilities following Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” on June. Leaders emphasized the need to protect energy-market stability. However, U.S. President Trump has not yet approved the draft, and no joint communique is expected, indicating the position remains a work in progress. Formal adoption could occur later in the summit. (PC: Reuters)

The Louvre Museum in Paris shut down on June 16 as workers staged a spontaneous strike, protesting against overwhelming crowds, understaffing, and deteriorating working conditions. Thousands of tourists were left stranded outside the museum, which welcomes over 8.7 million visitors annually—double its design capacity. The strike coincided with internal meetings, as unions condemned President Emmanuel Macron’s decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” renovation plan as insufficient. Workers demanded urgent action, stating, “We can’t wait six years for help.” Despite Macron’s promises of new entrances and dedicated spaces, staff say daily conditions are unsafe, citing leaks, extreme temperatures, and crumbling infrastructure as ongoing threats. (PC: AP)

An Air India flight (AI 9695) from Delhi to Ranchi returned mid-air due to a suspected technical issue on June 16. The aircraft took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 4:25 pm and was scheduled to land at Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport at 6:20 pm. Air India Express confirmed the aircraft was cleared after inspection and resumed operations. This marks the second such incident in a day, following a similar glitch on AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi. These incidents come amid intensified scrutiny after the fatal crash of AI-171, which killed over 270 passengers earlier this month. (PC: News18)

An Israeli airstrike hit Iran’s state TV building in Tehran during a live broadcast, forcing anchor Sahar Emami to flee mid-telecast as the studio filled with dust and debris. The explosion occurred shortly after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to 330,000 residents in central Tehran, including the state TV area. The Islamic Republic of Iran News Network resumed transmission from another studio, confirming the presence of journalists’ bodies at the original site. Israel's defense minister Israel Katz said the strike targeted Iran’s “propaganda and incitement” outlet. Smoke and fire were later seen rising from the damaged broadcast building.

India has started evacuating its students from Iran through Armenia amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities and universities, including Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson Effie Deffrin assured full cooperation in India's evacuation efforts. At least 224 people have died in Israeli strikes on Iran, while Iran's fresh missile attack on Israel killed 8. Iran has advised residents of Tehran to evacuate. Meanwhile, Iranian civilians are seeking refuge in Turkey as fears of a prolonged conflict grow in the region. (PC: AFP)

A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe into the Kedarnath Dham chopper crash that occurred in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The helicopter went down in treacherous weather conditions, according to a preliminary analysis. The crash site, located near the pilgrimage route to Kedarnath, is known for unpredictable and challenging flying conditions. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigators gather evidence and interview witnesses. The crash raises fresh concerns over aviation safety in high-altitude regions frequently used for religious tourism. A detailed report will follow after technical and weather-related data is fully assessed. (PC: HT)

India could be on the verge of a massive offshore oil discovery in the Andaman Sea, potentially holding 184,440 crore litres of crude, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said. He compared the possibility to Guyana’s transformative ExxonMobil-led find, which reshaped that nation’s economy. Puri revealed exploratory activity is intensifying, with ONGC drilling 541 wells in FY24 — a 37-year high. The discovery could boost India’s $3.7 trillion economy and reduce its 85% oil import dependency. India’s push includes policy reforms, enhanced drilling, and strategic reserves. “We may find our own Guyana,” said Puri in The New Indian interview. (PC: MSN)