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)

Israel has warned residents in Tehran's District 3 to evacuate “immediately” as the IDF continues airstrikes on alleged military infrastructure in Iran’s capital. Loud explosions were reported in western Tehran, where Israeli forces reportedly targeted a military base. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, “We control the skies of Tehran,” and reiterated goals to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile threats. Iran’s health ministry says 224 people have been killed since Israeli strikes began four days ago. Meanwhile, 24 Israelis have died from Iranian missiles. The conflict continues to escalate rapidly, with Israel asserting operational air control over Tehran. (PC: BBC )

Over 1,500 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, are being evacuated from Tehran to Qom, 148 km away, as Israel and Iran continue exchanging missile strikes. The Indian government requested Iran to facilitate safe relocation amid bombing in key cities. Though Iranian airspace remains shut, land borders are open for evacuations. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has asked India for passport and vehicle details to coordinate exits. Students, including over 350 at Shahid Beheshti University, report sleepless nights amid explosions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in touch with J&K officials. Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" has severely escalated regional tensions. (PC: NDTV)

India's first population census since 2011 will be conducted in two phases on October 1, 2026, and March 1, 2027, the Centre announced. The digital survey will include caste data for the first time since Independence. The first phase will collect data on income, assets, and housing, while the second will focus on demographic and socio-economic details. The announcement paves the way for implementing the Women's Reservation Bill and the long-delayed delimitation exercise, both pending a new census. The Rs 4,000 crore exercise will also update the National Population Register, with the Cabinet approving digital self-enumeration for citizens. (PC: India Today)

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, stating such acts “could not occur without money and means to move funds” among terror supporters. Without naming Pakistan, FATF vowed stronger frameworks to counter terror financing. India has linked Pakistan-based groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and TRF, to the attack, and is now seeking Pakistan’s return to the FATF grey list. Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, with Indian authorities highlighting cross-border financial support for terrorism. FATF is currently monitoring 24 countries for terror and money laundering risks.  

Police have recovered the machete used in the brutal murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya. Raja, 29, was killed on May 23, just days after arriving with wife Sonam. Investigations reveal Sonam plotted the murder with her lover, Raj Kushwaha, and three accomplices, who bought the weapon near Guwahati station. Raja’s body was found on June 2 in Sohra. Sonam was arrested in Uttar Pradesh and confessed. All five accused are in Meghalaya Police custody, with an SIT probing the case. Raja’s brother has now demanded a narco test on Sonam’s parents, alleging wider conspiracy. (PC: India Today)

Blaise Metreweli has been named the first female chief of the UK's MI6 in its 116-year history. She will replace Sir Richard Moore this autumn. Metreweli, 47, is currently Director General “Q”, leading technology and innovation efforts against threats like China’s surveillance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called her appointment “historic”, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy said she was the “ideal” choice. A veteran of both MI6 and MI5, she has worked extensively in the Middle East and Europe. Her leadership comes as MI6 faces growing challenges from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and advancing cyber warfare. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Modi’s June visit to Cyprus his first in 23 years follows India‑Pakistan clashes and comes after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan. Analysts interpret the trip as a strategic signal to Ankara and Islamabad, aiming to weaken the China–Pakistan–Turkey axis . Cyprus, embroiled in a territorial dispute with Turkey, is viewed as a geo-strategic gateway into the Mediterranean and Europe and a vital node in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Modi’s engagement seeks deeper defense, maritime, cyber cooperation, enhanced trade and energy ties, EU connectivity, and infrastructure collaboration during Cyprus’s upcoming EU presidency. The visit underscores India’s ambition to bolster Mediterranean influence and counter adversarial alliances. (PC: X)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized the BJP and several BJP-led states for branding Bengali-speaking Indians as “Bangladeshis,” despite their valid documentation. She highlighted the recent case of 36‑year‑old Mehbub Sheikh, a Bengal-born mason arrested in Maharashtra’s Mira Road, whose voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN, ration card, and panchayat-certified family tree were ignored. Taken by BSF at 3:30 am on June 14, he was forcibly pushed into Bangladesh even after state authorities and migrants’ board intervened. Mamata urged pride in speaking Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, or Hindi, while condemning what she called discrimination and livelihood denial. The episode underscores escalating regional tension over migrant identity. (PC: PTI)