King Charles III has conferred a knighthood on David Beckham, elevating him to Sir David Beckham—with his wife, Victoria, now Lady Beckham—as part of the 2025 Birthday Honours . The honour recognizes Beckham’s exceptional football career—including six Premier League titles with Manchester United, over 100 England caps (59 as captain), and pioneering roles in Spain, the U.S., and France—alongside his extensive charitable work as a UNICEF ambassador and involvement with The King’s Foundation . After receiving an OBE in 2003, Beckham’s knighthood marks the culmination of years of public service and sporting legacy. An investiture ceremony date will be announced. (PC: Getty Images)

On June 14, Iran launched Operation True Promise III, firing over 150 ballistic missiles and 100+ drones at Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites—including Natanz and Tehran—which killed senior IRGC leaders . Sirens blared as explosions lit up Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, causing building damage and civilian casualties: at least three killed, dozens wounded across Israeli cities . U.S. and Israeli defenses intercepted many threats; U.S. systems assisted . Supreme Leader Khamenei vowed continued strikes until justice for Iran’s “martyrs” is achieved . The crisis raises fears of full-scale regional war. (PC: Reuters)

On June 13, Israel initiated “Operation Rising Lion,” striking over 100 Iranian nuclear and military targets—including Natanz and Tehran installations—and killing top IRGC commanders such as Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, and key nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with a massive barrage—over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones—in “Operation True Promise III,” hitting Israeli cities, injuring civilians, and triggering widespread air‑raid alerts. The U.S. acknowledged being informed, deployed defense assets, and distanced itself from direct involvement. The surge in hostilities has drawn global concern amid fears of broader escalation. (PC: Reuters)

India has instructed IREL, the state-run miner, to pause a 13-year rare-earth export agreement with Japan, reallocating materials like neodymium for domestic industries to reduce dependence on China . In 2024, IREL supplied over 1,000 MT out of its 2,900 MT output to Japan—nearly one-third of its production . With China imposing export curbs since April, India plans to boost domestic mining and processing, targeting 450 MT of neodymium by fiscal 2026 and doubling output by 2030 . The government is also considering incentives for local rare-earth magnet facilities and negotiating diplomatically to amend the bilateral deal with Japan. (PC: Reuters)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reacting to recent Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear and military installations on June 13, affirmed that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to retaliate decisively. In a televised address and on X, he accused Israel of committing a "grave error" and vowed that the “Zionist regime” would face ruin, promising Iran would show “no mercy” and ensure blood of martyrs is avenged . Khamenei emphasized that all Iranian officials and the public stand united behind the military, pledging “heavy blows” in response . The pledge escalates fears amid ongoing missile exchanges with Israel and intensifying regional tensions. (PC: ANI)

A London-bound Air India Boeing 787‑8 (Flight AI 171) crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad approximately 30 seconds post-takeoff on June 12, claiming 274 lives—including 241 onboard and 33 on the ground—making it India’s deadliest single-aircraft disaster . The sole survivor, British-Indian passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, recounted a loud noise and brief time in air before impact . Emergency crews retrieved the black boxes and 29 additional bodies on June 14, and recovery efforts continue . Investigators from India, U.K., U.S., Boeing and GE Aerospace are probing mechanical failure, flap or landing-gear faults, engine problems or potential bird-strike. (PC: NDTV)

A London‑bound Air India Boeing 787‑8 (Flight AI‑171) crashed into the doctors’ hostel at B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, on June 12, 2025—just 33 seconds after takeoff—with 242 aboard. A lone survivor, Brit‑Indian passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh seated in 11A, escaped with injuries; 241 passengers and crew, plus at least 33 on the ground, died . Earlier that day, a different passenger, Akash Vatsa, had flown on the same aircraft from Delhi to Ahmedabad and noticed erratic flap movements, dysfunctional AC and entertainment systems . Investigators recovered the black boxes, and probes by India’s AAIB with U.S. and U.K. experts are examining flap, landing‑gear, engine, and bird‑strike possibilities. (PC: X)

The United States is assisting Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles launched in response to Israeli attacks on nuclear and military targets. A senior US official confirmed the support but did not disclose whether jets or warships were involved. Israel’s Operation Rising Lion had struck Iranian command structures earlier, prompting Iran to launch hundreds of missiles. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with civilians rushing to shelters. Israeli medics confirmed 5 injuries. Trump held a White House Situation Room meeting and later spoke with Israeli PM Netanyahu. Tensions escalate as both nations brace for further confrontation in the region. (PC: India Today)

Following the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 265 people, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an immediate inspection of Air India's entire Boeing fleet. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, striking a hostel at BJ Medical College and killing passengers and civilians. The black box was recovered from the hostel roof and will aid investigations. PM Modi visited the site and met survivor Vishwash Ramesh. British and American teams are assisting India’s probe. DNA testing is underway to identify victims. The NIA has ruled out foul play so far. (PC: News18)

Iran launched “Operation True Promise,” firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel late Friday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites that killed IRGC chief Hossein Salami and top nuclear scientists. Explosions were heard across Tehran, Isfahan, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted many projectiles, but damage and casualties are feared. US President Trump warned Iran that “hardliners are dead” and urged a nuclear deal. The UN Security Council will meet urgently, as fears grow of a regional war. Netanyahu called the offensive necessary to defeat an “existential threat.”