US Resumes Student Visa Interviews, Mandates Public Social Media Profiles for Vetting
The United States announced the resumption of student visa interviews, paused since May 27. A new policy requires applicants to set their social media profiles to "public" for comprehensive vetting. The State Department emphasized national security, aiming to identify applicants with hostile attitudes or violent activism history. This change significantly impacts prospective international students, including many from India, by adding a new layer of scrutiny to the visa process.
ED Raids Multiple States in Bihar Constable Recruitment Scam; Links to NEET Paper Leak Masterminds Alleged
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted multi-state raids on June 19, 2025, in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, investigating a money laundering case linked to the 2023 Bihar constable recruitment scam. Official sources indicated that the masterminds behind this alleged scam are purportedly the same individuals involved in the 2024 NEET UG paper leak. The raids target corruption in public recruitment processes.
Supreme Court Questions Tamil Nadu ADGP's Suspension, Considers Probe Transfer in Kidnapping Case
The Supreme Court on June 19, 2025, questioned the suspension of Tamil Nadu ADGP H.M. Jayaram, linked to an alleged kidnapping case. The court asked the state government about transferring the investigation to the Special Branch or CID, terming the officer's treatment "shocking" and "demoralising." The case involves allegations that the ADGP's official car was used in an abduction related to a love marriage.
Actor Dino Morea Questioned by ED in Mumbai's Mithi River Desilting Scam Probe
Actor Dino Morea appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai on June 19, 2025, for questioning in a money laundering probe connected to an alleged Rs 65 crore Mithi river desilting scam. The ED is investigating financial transactions linked to Morea and other accused in the BMC contract irregularities spanning 2017-2023. This follows earlier searches and questioning of the actor and his brother.
Assam Arrests Over Alleged Pro-Pakistan Social Media Posts Reach 94
Assam authorities have arrested another individual for allegedly making "pro-Pakistan and communal" social media posts, bringing the total to 94 such arrests since the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the latest arrest in Nalbari, reiterating the state's crackdown on "anti-national elements." Some arrested individuals may face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).
Remains of Co-Pilot from Ahmedabad Air India Crash Brought to Mumbai
The mortal remains of First Officer Clive Kunder, co-pilot of the Air India flight AI-171 that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, were brought to his Mumbai residence on June 19, 2025. The crash resulted in the deaths of all but one on board and 29 on the ground. Kunder's last rites are scheduled at Sewri Christian Cemetery. This follows the recent last rites of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal.
Leh-Bound IndiGo Flight Returns to Delhi Due to Technical Issue
An IndiGo flight (6E2006) en route from Delhi to Leh returned to the national capital on June 19, 2025, after being airborne for over two hours. The A320 aircraft turned back due to a technical issue that caused operational restrictions for landing in Leh. IndiGo stated the aircraft is undergoing maintenance and an alternative flight was arranged for passengers, regretting the inconvenience.
SpiceJet Flight Returns to Hyderabad Mid-Air Due to Baggage Door Warning
A SpiceJet Q400 aircraft (SG 2696) flying from Hyderabad to Tirupati on June 19, 2025, returned to Hyderabad shortly after takeoff. Pilots made the precautionary decision after an intermittent cockpit warning light indicated a potential issue with the aft baggage door's security. The flight landed safely, and passengers were deplaned normally; an alternative aircraft was arranged for their onward journey.
SpaceX Starship Prototype Explodes During Ground Test in Texas; No Injuries Reported
A SpaceX Starship prototype exploded during a static fire test at its Texas Starbase facility on June 18, 2025, an event termed a 'major anomaly.' This occurred during preparations for its tenth flight test. SpaceX confirmed all personnel were safe and safety protocols were active. The company is investigating the incident, part of its iterative development for the advanced launch system. No injuries were reported.
Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates with Hypersonic Missile, Rising Casualties
The conflict between Israel and Iran intensified, entering its sixth day, after Iran reportedly launched a hypersonic missile at Israel, with Supreme Leader Khamenei declaring "the battle has begun." A human rights group reported Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 585 people in Iran. The escalation, which prompted the US President to shorten his G7 attendance, heightens regional instability as diplomatic efforts to revive Iran's nuclear deal talks remain fragile.
Ahmedabad Air India Crash: 190 Victims Identified Through DNA; Investigation Continues
Following the Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, authorities have identified 190 of the approximately 270 victims (241 on board, 29 on ground) using DNA matching, with 159 bodies handed to families. The crash of the London-bound flight resulted in almost total fatalities. Investigations by DGCA, Air India, and a high-level committee are underway. Former minister Praful Patel questioned Singapore Airlines' (an Air India stakeholder) silence on the tragedy.
India and Canada Agree to Restore High Commissioners, Revive Trade Talks
India and Canada agreed to designate new high commissioners and restore diplomatic stability during a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G7 Summit. This marks a significant step to mend ties strained since Canada's allegations regarding Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. Both nations will also restart negotiations on the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) and enhance cooperation in various sectors, aiming for regular services for citizens and businesses.
India Will Never Accept Mediation on Pakistan Issues, PM Modi Tells US President Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a phone call with US President Donald Trump, firmly stated that India has never accepted, does not accept, and will never accept third-party mediation on issues with Pakistan. Modi detailed India's "measured" military actions during Operation Sindoor post-Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing that the subsequent ceasefire was agreed upon directly with Pakistan at their request, without any US involvement or discussion of trade deals as leverage.
US Intelligence Assesses Iran Not Building Nuclear Weapon, Trump Expresses Disagreement
US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard testified that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon, though its enriched uranium stockpile is at unprecedented levels for a non-nuclear state. However, President Donald Trump publicly dismissed this assessment, stating "I don't care what she said" and believing Iran is "very close" to a bomb. This divergence highlights internal US administration differences on a critical global security issue amidst escalating Israel-Iran tensions.
At G7, PM Modi Urges Global Counter-Terrorism Action, Focuses on Global South and AI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the G7 Outreach Session in Canada, called for unified global action against terrorism, emphasizing accountability for nations supporting it. He highlighted India's human-centric approach to technology, concerns over AI deep-fakes, and the need for sustainable energy solutions. Modi also voiced the priorities of the Global South and held numerous bilateral meetings with world leaders to strengthen ties in trade, technology, and other strategic areas.