Trump Declares Brokered Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran
Former US President Donald Trump announced today that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire after 12 days of intense military clashes.
Trump made the declaration via Truth Social, stating a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” would commence within six hours, with both sides pausing for 12 hours before a formal end to hostilities around mid‑day Tuesday. He added: “PLEASE DON’T VIOLATE IT.”
According to Reuters, senior Iranian officials reportedly agreed to the ceasefire, with discussions mediated by Qatar and prompted by US‑brokered talks involving Trump and Vice‑President J.D. Vance. Gulf states were also engaged, urging Trump to press Israel for an immediate halt, in exchange for Iran’s flexibility on nuclear diplomacy.
The conflict, which began on 13 June, saw Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites and retaliatory missile launches from Iran. Both nations are now reported to have paused offensive operations under the terms of the agreement.
Iran’s Missing Uranium Sparks International Concern
Iran’s vice‑president has acknowledged uncertainty over the location of approximately 400 kg of near‑weapons‑grade uranium, enough to produce around ten nuclear devices.
US Vice‑President J.D. Vance stated on ABC’s This Week that Iran still controls its enriched uranium stockpile, which remains a key issue in upcoming negotiations. The material reportedly disappeared following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting fears it may have been illicitly relocated.
This development follows a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which, as of 17 May, confirmed Iran held roughly 408.6 kg of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, marking a nearly 50 per cent increase since February . Iran denies any intent to build nuclear weapons and attributes the missing uranium to prior relocation, possibly “buried”, according to US officials .
Diplomatic efforts continue as international partners press Tehran for clarity on the stockpile and assurances it cannot further enrich material to weapons grade.
Defence Ministry Clears ₹2,000 Crore for Urgent Equipment Boost
India’s Defence Ministry has approved nearly ₹2,000 crore under emergency procurement to enhance counter‑terror capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence finalised 13 contracts, totalling ₹1,981.9 crore, via fast‑track procedures. These procurements aim to strengthen situational awareness, troop mobility, protection and firepower for counter‑terror operations.
Key acquisitions include integrated drone detection systems, low‑level lightweight radars, very short‑range air defence systems (VSHORADS), loitering munitions, vertical take‑off and landing drones, bullet‑proof jackets, ballistic helmets, quick‑reaction fighting vehicles, and night sights for rifles . In parallel, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) offered 28 indigenous weapon systems, ranging from rockets, missiles and bombs to torpedoes, for rapid procurement following their deployment in Operation Sindoor .
The purchases are aimed at filling urgent operational gaps exposed in recent counter‑terror missions. All orders were executed under emergency powers to ensure speed and readiness, with a clear focus on self‑reliance and indigenously developed systems.
Doval Urges “Counter‑Terrorism in All Forms” During Call with Wang Yi
India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, held talks via phone with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today, underlining the importance of counter‑terrorism cooperation.
According to India’s External Affairs Ministry, the two reviewed developments in bilateral relations and regional security. Doval emphasised the need to “counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations” to maintain peace and stability in South Asia . The heads discussed including a reference to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were killed by Lashkar‑e‑Taiba’s affiliate, within the official statement ahead of the SCO summit.
Wang Yi expressed China’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed opposition to terrorism, while urging both India and Pakistan to remain calm and pursue dialogue. He also indicated willingness to support a comprehensive anti‑terror stance at the summit. Doval proposed scheduling the 24th round of Special Representative talks in India at a mutually convenient date.
AAIB to Decide Location for Black Box Decoding After Ahmedabad Crash
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is assessing where to decode the two black boxes retrieved from the Air India Flight AI‑171 that crashed in Ahmedabad on 12 June.
Two units, a Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—were recovered on 13 and 16 June, and are now in AAIB custody. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that decoding is underway, pending evaluation of technical, safety and security factors. Authorities are considering whether India’s new Udaan Bhawan lab in Delhi can manage the task or if specialised processing abroad, possibly in the US, is required.
The AAIB is leading a multi‑agency investigation involving the US NTSB, UK CAA and Boeing . A preliminary crash report is expected within 30 days, with a full investigation to conclude within a year following ICAO protocols.
Andhra Woman Jahnavi Dangeti Set for Space Trip in 2029
Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old electronics engineering graduate from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh, has been selected as an astronaut candidate for Titans Space’s inaugural orbital flight in 2029.
She is one of three people chosen for the mission, which promises approximately five hours in orbit, including three hours of zero-gravity and two Earth orbits featuring two sunrises and sunsets. Selected following her distinction as the first Indian to complete NASA’s International Air and Space Program in 2022, Jahnavi will undergo a three-year ASCAN training programme beginning in 2026.
The mission will be led by retired NASA astronaut Colonel William McArthur Jr., and aims to provide a platform for scientific research in micro‑gravity . Jahnavi has also trained in zero-gravity, high-altitude simulations, spacesuit operations and pilot training, reinforcing her readiness for the 2029 flight.
Techie Held Over Bomb-Hoax Emails to Manipulate Ex-Lover
A senior consultant has been arrested in Chennai for allegedly sending multiple bomb-hoax emails to schools and major venues, including Narendra Modi Stadium, in a bid to implicate a man who had rejected her marriage proposal.
Ahmedabad cyber-police identified the accused as Rene Joshilda, working with an MNC, after tracing 21 threatening emails she sent across India. Reports indicate she used VPNs and dark web tools to conceal her identity but made a technical error that enabled investigators to track her.
Police allege the emails were part of a stalking scheme aimed at framing the man she loved. The arrest was made ahead of the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival, when heightened security was in effect. Authorities are now analysing digital devices seized during the raid.
Efforts continue to determine the full extent of her actions, and charges related to cyber stalking, false threat generation and misuse of communication networks are expected.
Iran Provides Early Warning Before Missile Strike on US Base in Qatar
Iran reportedly gave advance notice to the United States and Qatar before launching missile strikes on Al‑Udeid Air Base in Doha, in response to recent US attacks on its nuclear facilities.
Diplomatic sources reveal that Tehran conveyed the impending strike over the weekend. This allowed Qatar and US officials to prepare, resulting in the interception of 13 of 14 incoming missiles on Monday. US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for the early warning, noting no American casualties.
The attack occurred shortly after US airstrikes targeted Iranian sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on 22 June. Iran likened its response to its 2020 strike following the killing of General Soleimani, but emphasised a desire to limit escalation. Qatar briefly closed its airspace and issued shelter‑in‑place advisories during the strike.
Flights have since resumed as Gulf states begin reopening airspace, with airlines rerouting around the region during the crisis.
