India has started evacuating its students from Iran through Armenia amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities and universities, including Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson Effie Deffrin assured full cooperation in India's evacuation efforts. At least 224 people have died in Israeli strikes on Iran, while Iran's fresh missile attack on Israel killed 8. Iran has advised residents of Tehran to evacuate. Meanwhile, Iranian civilians are seeking refuge in Turkey as fears of a prolonged conflict grow in the region. (PC: AFP)

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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, during an official ceremony in Nicosia on June 16, 2025. Awarded by President Nikos Christodoulides, the accolade recognizes Modi’s instrumental role in strengthening India‑Cyprus relations and global peace, security, sovereignty, and prosperity. Modi dedicated the award to “the friendship between our nations,” 1.4 billion Indians, and shared values of peace and mutual understanding. This marks Modi’s 23rd international honour, reinforcing his growing stature as a global statesman committed to regional stability and inclusive development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a rare visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian PM in over two decades reaffirmed that “this is not an era of war” amid escalating Israel‑Iran tensions. At a business roundtable with President Nikos Christodoulides, he praised Cyprus as a stable partner and gateway to Europe, highlighting digital progress like UPI and infrastructure investment. Modi emphasized ongoing India‑EU free‑trade negotiations set to conclude this year. He also referenced the India‑Middle‑East‑Europe Corridor’s potential and Cyprus’s strategic EU role especially ahead of its 2026 EU Council presidency.

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Flight AI315) returned to Hong Kong mid-air on Monday due to a suspected technical glitch. The Delhi-bound aircraft turned back 90 minutes after take-off and landed safely. No injuries were reported, but the incident comes days after a fatal crash involving the same aircraft model killed 279 people in Ahmedabad. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered mandatory inspections for all Boeing 787s with GE GenX engines. Air India, India’s largest Dreamliner operator with 33 jets, has yet to comment on the latest snag or rescheduling of the affected flight. (PC: India Today)

India secured Iran’s agreement to evacuate over 10,000 Indians mostly students via its open land borders with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, after its airspace was closed amid escalating Iran–Israel hostilities. Tehran responded to India’s request on June 16, 2025, offering safe crossing provided that New Delhi shares names, passport details, vehicle info, and intended border points. India’s embassy in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation, relocating around 1,500 students to safer zones and considering broader evacuation measures. Students, especially in cities like Tehran and Kerman, report sleep‑deprived nights in basements amid nearby missile strikes. The government has urged stranded nationals to stay indoors and remain in close contact through embassy channels. (PC: India Today & NDTV)

A Saudia Airlines Airbus A330 (flight SV 3112) carrying 250 Hajj pilgrims from Jeddah landed at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport early on June 15. Moments after touchdown at about 6:30 am IST, sparks and smoke erupted from the left landing gear due to a suspected hydraulic leak. The pilot immediately halted, alerted ATC, and fire & rescue teams swiftly contained the situation with foam and water within 20 minutes. All passengers and crew deboarded safely with no injuries. The aircraft was towed, operations resumed unhindered, and a mechanical investigation is underway. (PC: Lokmat Times)

Iran has opened all land borders for the evacuation of Indian nationals as airspace remains shut amid escalating strikes with Israel. Over 1,500 Indian students, many from Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iranian cities. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has requested names, passports, vehicle details, and exit points from India for safe passage. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is relocating students to safer areas and examining evacuation options. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement and register via Google Form and Telegram. Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” continues, prompting fears of further escalation. Iran warns it will “open the gates of hell.” (PC: NDTV)

Ukraine’s foreign minister has appealed to India to uphold international law and the UN Charter by clearly supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s aggression. He emphasized that India’s stance rooted in respect for sovereignty and global norms carries weight, urging New Delhi to leverage its global influence responsibly. The appeal highlights that adherence to universal principles isn’t just symbolic, but a practical imperative in conflicts like Ukraine, where the rules‑based order is under strain. It signifies a call for India to align its diplomatic posture with foundational global treaties reflecting both moral conviction and strategic interest. (PC: NDTV)