Rajnath Singh Urges China to Avoid New Tensions at SCO Summit
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao on 27 June 2025. Singh emphasised maintaining positive momentum in India-China bilateral ties and avoiding new complexities. The talks focused on strengthening relations post the 2020 Galwan clash, with Singh expressing satisfaction over the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after six years. He also presented Dong with a Madhubani painting from Bihar. At the summit, Singh refused to sign a joint SCO statement, objecting to its omission of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, and its failure to address India’s concerns over Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism. The SCO, comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and others, aims to promote regional security cooperation.
Puri’s Grand Rath Yatra 2025 Begins with Devotion and Splendour
Puri, Odisha: The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 commenced on 27 June in Puri, Odisha, drawing millions of devotees to witness the annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The festival, held on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Ashadha, began with the ceremonial Chhera Panhara, where the King of Puri sweeps the chariots. The deities, placed on three elaborately decorated wooden chariots , Nandighosha (Jagannath, 16 wheels), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra, 14 wheels), and Darpadalana (Subhadra, 12 wheels)—are pulled 3 km from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple, symbolising their visit to their aunt’s abode. The nine-day festival, concluding with the Bahuda Yatra on 5 July, includes rituals like Snana Purnima and Hera Panchami. Enhanced security with AI surveillance and 365 special trains ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Reaches ISS on Historic Ax-4 Mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, made history as the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, which launched on 25 June 2025 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named ‘Grace’, docked with the ISS’s Harmony module at 4:30 pm IST on 26 June after a 28-hour journey. Shukla, the mission pilot, joined commander Peggy Whitson (US), and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The crew will spend 14 days conducting over 60 experiments, including seven by ISRO, focusing on space food, nutrition, and microgravity research. Shukla, designated astronaut number 634, described the launch as “magical” and expressed gratitude for the collective effort. His mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 journey.
Himachal Pradesh Intensifies Rescue Efforts Amid Deadly Flash Floods
Himachal Pradesh is reeling from devastating flash floods and cloudbursts that struck Kangra and Kullu districts on 25 June 2025, claiming five lives and leaving several missing. The disasters, triggered by heavy rainfall, swept away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, with the Beas and Sutlej rivers swelling dangerously. In Kangra’s Manuni Khad, two bodies were recovered near a hydroelectric project, while three more were found in Kullu’s Sainj Valley, where cloudbursts hit Jeeva Nallah, Rehla Bihal, and Shilagarh. Over 250 people have been rescued by the NDRF, SDRF, and local police, with search operations ongoing for six missing individuals, including a 14-year-old girl. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu urged residents to avoid rivers, as the IMD issued an orange alert for 29 June, forecasting more heavy rain and potential landslides across multiple districts.
Thackeray Cousins Unite Against Hindi Imposition in Maharashtra Schools
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray have joined forces to protest the Maharashtra government’s decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language in primary schools. The cousins, estranged since Raj’s exit from Shiv Sena in 2006, will lead a united march on 5 July 2025 at Girgaon Chowpatty to oppose what they call a “language emergency” threatening Marathi identity. The decision, part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has sparked outrage, with Uddhav accusing the BJP-led government of undermining Maharashtra’s linguistic harmony. Raj rejected the policy, citing Gujarat’s exemption from similar mandates. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced the joint protest on X, emphasising Marathi unity. NCP leader Sharad Pawar also backed the agitation, urging a rethink of the three-language formula.
Israel Admits Attempt to Assassinate Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei During Conflict
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed on 26 June 2025 that Israel sought to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, which ended with a ceasefire on 24 June. Katz, speaking to Israel’s Channel 13, stated that the military failed to locate Khamenei, who went into hiding and severed contact with commanders, making the operation “unrealistic.” The conflict, sparked by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, saw Iran retaliate with missile strikes on a US base in Qatar and Israel’s Soroka Hospital. Khamenei, in his first public statement post-ceasefire on 26 June, claimed victory, dismissing US and Israeli strikes as ineffective. He vowed Iran would “never surrender.” Israeli intelligence also reportedly warned Iranian officials to abandon Khamenei’s regime, escalating tensions further.
Sitharaman Urges GIFT IFSC to Attract Global Capital and Enhance Competitiveness
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, on 26 June 2025 to review its progress. She chaired meetings with regulators and 21 market participants, including banking, insurance, and fintech leaders. Sitharaman urged faster reforms to align with the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, emphasising GIFT IFSC’s role as a gateway for global capital flows into India’s high-growth sectors. She highlighted India’s technological edge and domestic market potential to boost competitiveness. The minister stressed scaling up the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) to establish GIFT IFSC as a global bullion hub by enhancing stakeholder participation and price discovery. Sitharaman also called for making GIFT IFSC cost-effective to attract high-net-worth individuals, sovereign, and pension funds, and developing GIFT City into a smart city with modern infrastructure to draw global talent.
Squid Game Season 3 Premieres on Netflix, Ending Deadly Saga
Seoul: The third and final season of Netflix’s Squid Game premiered today, 27 June 2025, at 12:30 pm IST, with all six episodes available for streaming. The South Korean survival thriller, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, follows Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after Season 2’s cliffhanger, where his rebellion against the game’s creators failed, marked by the betrayal of the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and the death of his friend Jung-bae. The season introduces new deadly games, including a maze battle and a high-stakes jump rope challenge, testing players’ resolve. The returning cast includes Wi Ha-joon, Park Gyu-young, and Im Si-wan, with new actors joining. Netflix released a six-minute sneak peek showing Gi-hun’s return to the dormitory in a coffin-like box. Season 2 achieved 192.6 million views, ranking as Netflix’s third-biggest TV season.
Rekha Shines at Star-Studded Premiere of Restored Umrao Jaan
The restored 4K version of the 1981 classic Umrao Jaan premiered at PVR Maison, Jio World Drive, Mumbai, on 26 June 2025, hosted by veteran actress Rekha. Directed by Muzaffar Ali, the film, featuring Rekha’s National Award-winning performance as a 19th-century Lucknow courtesan, saw a glittering red carpet attended by Bollywood luminaries including Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Hema Malini, Tabu, Janhvi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and AR Rahman. Rekha, dressed in an ivory and gold ensemble echoing her iconic role, shared a warm hug with Tabu and danced briefly with Anil Kapoor. Hema Malini, in a plum silk sari, and Alia Bhatt, recreating Rekha’s Silsila look, added glamour. Asha Bhosle, whose songs defined the film, was cheered by Rekha despite struggling to sing. The restored film, backed by NFDC-NFAI, releases nationwide on 27 June.
Australia Edge Ahead in Thrilling Barbados Test Against West Indies
The first Test of the 2025-27 World Test Championship at Kensington Oval, Barbados, saw Australia take an 82-run lead with six wickets in hand by the close of day two on 26 June 2025. After being bowled out for 180, with Jayden Seales (5-60) and Shamar Joseph (4-46) starring for West Indies, Australia fought back, dismissing the hosts for 190. Shai Hope top-scored with 48, while Mitchell Starc (3-65), Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood shared wickets. Australia’s second innings reached 92-4, with Travis Head (19*) and Beau Webster (19*) unbeaten after early losses, including Sam Konstas (3) and Cameron Green (15). The pitch, offering seam and swing, saw 23 of 24 wickets fall to pacers. Controversial umpire decisions, including tight lbw calls, added drama. Rain is forecast for day three, potentially affecting play.
