Nivedita

An Indian Army soldier and his accomplice have been arrested by Amritsar Rural Police for allegedly spying for Pakistan’s ISI. Identified as Gurpreet Singh and Sahil Masih, the duo is accused of leaking sensitive military information using USB drives and mobile phones. Gurpreet, posted in Jammu, reportedly had direct links with ISI handler Rana Javed. Authorities are investigating the extent of the espionage network and any possible connection to recent terror attacks, including the one in Pahalgam.

Oil prices surged to a five-month high and Asian markets tumbled after the US joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude rose to $81.40 a barrel, while key Asian indices, including Japan’s Nikkei and India’s Sensex, posted losses. Iran warned of “everlasting consequences” and threatened to shut the vital Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of global oil supply disruption and further market volatility.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites mark a “perilous turn” in the Middle East, urging the international community to act swiftly to prevent further escalation. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session, Guterres called for restraint and a return to diplomacy. The IAEA confirmed damage to nuclear safety infrastructure but no radiological leak yet. The US defended the strikes, citing Iran’s threats to Israel and pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday dubbed RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav as the "Gabbar of Bihar," blaming him for the state's industrial decline and accusing his family of deep-rooted corruption. Defending CM Nitish Kumar, Choudhary dismissed opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav’s criticism and highlighted NDA's efforts toward development, including pension reforms and new industries. The RJD hit back, calling Lalu a symbol of social justice and accusing Choudhary of political opportunism.

India has sharply increased its crude oil imports from Russia and the United States in June 2025, overtaking volumes from traditional Middle Eastern suppliers amid rising tensions from the Israel-Iran conflict. Russian oil imports hit a two-year high at up to 2.2 million barrels per day, while US imports surged by over 55%. With fears of potential disruption at the Strait of Hormuz, India is pivoting towards alternative suppliers to safeguard energy security.