Home Minister Meets Troops at Maoist Encounter Site
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited New Raipur and the Mād region of Chhattisgarh on 23 June, marking his first entry into this Maoist‑affected area. He met security personnel at the site where a top Maoist commander was killed in a May 21 encounter.
Shah listened to troops’ field experiences and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to end Naxalism by March 2026, praising intelligence‑led operations in remote terrain. He highlighted recent successes, including the elimination of Basavaraju, the CPI (Maoist) general secretary, and the dismantling of hideouts in Abujmarh.
The minister also laid the foundation for a new forensic centre and chaired security strategy meetings amid monsoon‑related challenges. His tour aimed to boost morale and underscore sustained governmental efforts to restore stability in Left‑Wing Extremism‑hit areas.
Traffic congestion spikes in Bengaluru post bike‑taxi ban
Bengaluru roads have seen severe traffic gridlock since the bike‑taxi ban came into effect on 16 June. Commuters report journeys now taking up to five times longer.
One Reddit user shared that a 4 km journey took 30 minutes and booking an auto added another hour to the trip. Social media posts on X reflect widespread dismay, with users complaining of inflated fares, dug‑up roads, narrow lanes and sparse public transport. Traffic experts warn that losing bike taxis has pushed more people into cars and autorickshaws, vehicles that occupy more space worsening congestion.
The Karnataka High Court upheld the ban under the Motor Vehicles Act, stating bike‑taxis lack a regulatory framework. Commuters and experts are calling for swift alternatives and policy interventions.
Mutual Airspace Closures Extended Till Late July
India and Pakistan have both extended bans on each other’s airspace, effective from late June until 24 July, following escalating tensions after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.
The respective aviation authorities issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) detailing the extension. India’s ban restricts Pakistani‑registered, -operated, -owned or -leased aircraft—including military from Indian airspace until 23 July, while Pakistan’s closure applies to Indian carriers through 24 July.
Both closures represent tit-for-tat measures, initially imposed in April and first extended in May, after India suspended overflight rights post the Pahalgam attack. The action disrupted approximately 800 weekly Indian flights, leading to longer flight paths, increased fuel consumption, and added logistical costs.
This marks the third consecutive month of mutual airspace denial between the two countries, underscoring ongoing regional tensions since April.
Surat Records Record-Breaking Rain Amid IMD Orange Alert
Heavy monsoon rains have hit Surat, breaking a 40‑year record as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for 13 districts of Gujarat, including Surat, following continuous downpours.
On Sunday, Surat received over 75 mm of rainfall across zones, marking the highest single‑day accumulation in decades. Rivers and drains are overflowing, while low‑lying areas are waterlogged. The Surat Municipal Corporation reported Ukai Dam’s reservoir rose to 315.34 ft by 20:00 hrs on 23 June, with inflow peaking at 22,578 cusecs.
The orange weather alert warns of very heavy rain until Tuesday across 13 districts, including Surat, Bharuch, Tapi, and Navsari. Flood‑control teams are on alert. Schools in Surat have been closed pre‑emptively as precautionary measures . The NDRF is being readied for potential rescue efforts due to escalating flood risk.
Trump claims role in Israel‑Iran ceasefire
Former US President Donald Trump has said he played a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. On Monday evening, Trump stated that both nations had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire”, to be implemented over a 24‑hour period.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, later confirmed on X that Iranian forces would halt hostilities if Israel ended its bombardment by 4 am local time today, a condition Iran claims was met. However, Israel has not officially responded to the claims, and intermittent missile alerts continued across the country into Tuesday morning.
Trump also said he directly communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the truce. He credited mediation efforts by Qatar as instrumental in finalising the deal.
Apple explores acquiring Perplexity AI to bolster search capabilities
Apple is reportedly exploring the acquisition of AI‑powered search startup Perplexity AI, in a move that could mark its largest deal ever, Bloomberg and Reuters sources reveal.
Internal discussions are currently at an early stage, with no formal offer made, according to people familiar with the matter. Apple’s mergers chief, Adrian Perica, along with services head Eddy Cue and AI team leads, have evaluated the proposal internally. The Silicon Valley firm is reported to be considering the integration of Perplexity’s real‑time conversational search engine into Safari and Siri, aiming to lessen reliance on Google amid mounting U.S. antitrust scrutiny over the existing default search arrangement.
Perplexity AI, valued at approximately $14 billion in its latest funding round, offers AI summarised answers and live search responses, presenting a ready‑made solution for Apple’s ambition to enter the generative AI search space. Both companies have declined to comment.
Pant crafts historic twin centuries at Headingley
Rishabh Pant has made cricket history by becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, guiding India to a commanding position in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds.
In the first innings, Pant scored a rapid 134, his seventh Test century and fourth against England, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes, reaching the milestone in 146 balls before celebrating with his trademark backflip. He went on to notch 118 in the second innings, backing up KL Rahul’s unbeaten 120 as India amassed 298 for four by tea on day four, securing a lead of 304 runs.
Pant joins an elite group, becoming only the second wicketkeeper after Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower to achieve twin Test centuries. His performance sets India up to defend a substantial target on the final day, in a Test that has drawn comparisons with the great Headingley contests of the past.
Inter Miami and Palmeiras draw 2–2 in thrilling Club World Cup clash
Inter Miami and Palmeiras played out a 2–2 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, securing both sides’ progression to the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup. The match unfolded on Monday evening, 23 June.
Palmeiras struck first with a double in the second half to take a 2–0 lead. Inter Miami responded through Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi, both finding the net to level the contest. The draw ensured both Group A leaders advanced.
This result saw Inter Miami become the only MLS side to progress beyond the group stage in this tournament. They will face Paris Saint‑Germain in the round of 16, marking a reunion for Messi with his former club.
Palmeiras, fresh from topping their group, also advance, while Porto and Al Ahly exit the competition.
