Good morning. On June 19, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor as a gift from France, symbolising freedom and resilience. In its spirit, India Today presents a news menu blending global conflicts, diplomatic efforts, and domestic milestones, reflecting a nation’s resolve amid challenges.

Iran-Israel War: Conflict Enters Seventh Day

Iran launched hypersonic “Sajil” missiles (2,000 km range) at Israel, marking their first use in this conflict, as per Iranian state TV. Israel reports striking 40 Iranian sites, including centrifuge production and weapons facilities, while Iran deployed drones in retaliation.

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Over 585 killed in Israel’s attacks on Iran; 24 deaths reported in Israel from Iranian strikes.

Iran denies Trump’s claim of seeking White House talks. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected an “imposed war” or peace, warning that US strikes on Iran would bring “serious irreparable consequences.”

Quick Take: Khamenei’s defiance signals Iran’s intent to escalate despite heavy losses. Will Trump’s pressure force a diplomatic pause, or deepen the regional crisis?

Operation Sindhu: Indian Students Evacuated from Iran

Under Operation Sindhu, 110 Indian students stranded in northern Iran amid the conflict landed in Delhi early Thursday. The Ministry of External Affairs coordinated their evacuation, with more expected to follow. Students’ reactions reflect relief and anxiety over the escalating war.

PM Modi’s Historic Croatia Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first Indian PM to visit Croatia, concludes his three-nation tour on Thursday. Bilateral talks focused on trade, technology, and counter-terrorism, strengthening India’s Balkan outreach. PM Modi returns to India today.

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Bypolls in Five Assembly Seats Today

Bypolls for Kadi (SC) and Visavadar (Gujarat), Nilambur (Kerala), Ludhiana West (Punjab), and Kaliganj (West Bengal) are set for June 20, with vote counting on June 23.

Gujarat : Kadi’s poll follows BJP MLA Karsanbhai Solanki’s death; Visavadar’s due to AAP MLA’s resignation. BJP fields Rajendra Chavda (Kadi) and Kirit Patel (Visavadar); Congress nominates Ramesh Chavda (Kadi) and Nitin Ranpariya (Visavadar); AAP fields Jagdish Chavda (Kadi) and Gopal Italia (Visavadar).

: Kadi’s poll follows BJP MLA Karsanbhai Solanki’s death; Visavadar’s due to AAP MLA’s resignation. BJP fields Rajendra Chavda (Kadi) and Kirit Patel (Visavadar); Congress nominates Ramesh Chavda (Kadi) and Nitin Ranpariya (Visavadar); AAP fields Jagdish Chavda (Kadi) and Gopal Italia (Visavadar). Kerala : Nilambur’s bypoll stems from PV Anvar’s resignation. Congress fields Aryadan Shoukath; LDF nominates M Swaraj.

: Nilambur’s bypoll stems from PV Anvar’s resignation. Congress fields Aryadan Shoukath; LDF nominates M Swaraj. Punjab : Ludhiana West’s poll follows AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi’s death. AAP fields Sanjeev Arora, facing Congress’ Bharat Bhushan Ashu, BJP’s Jiwan Gupta, and SAD’s Parupkar Singh Ghumman.

: Ludhiana West’s poll follows AAP MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi’s death. AAP fields Sanjeev Arora, facing Congress’ Bharat Bhushan Ashu, BJP’s Jiwan Gupta, and SAD’s Parupkar Singh Ghumman. West Bengal: Kaliganj’s bypoll was triggered by Trinamool MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed’s death. Trinamool fields Alifa Ahmed; BJP nominates Ashish Ghosh; Congress-Left fields Kabil Uddin Shaikh.

These bypolls test regional political dynamics ahead of 2026-27 state elections.

Sonia Gandhi Health Update

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, hospitalised for medical evaluation, is likely to be discharged on June 20. Her condition is stable.

Upcoming Census: A Deep Dive

As India prepares for its next Census, key questions arise about data collection, methodology evolution, and socio-political implications. India Today presents an in-depth story on the Census’s scope and impact.

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Delhi Water Crisis and Rain Aftermath

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta meets Water Minister Pravesh Verma to address the water crisis and post-rain waterlogging. Heavy rain under a cyclonic circulation disrupts normalcy, with IMD alerts till June 23.

Mumbai: Yellow Alert for Heavy Rain

Mumbai faces another round of heavy rain on Thursday, under a yellow alert, after recent waterlogging chaos. IMD forecasts disruptions till June 23.

South Stories: Kerala and Tamil Nadu Tensions

Kerala : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticises Governor Arif Mohammed Khan for displaying RSS leaders’ portraits at Raj Bhavan, accusing him of pushing an RSS agenda.

: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticises Governor Arif Mohammed Khan for displaying RSS leaders’ portraits at Raj Bhavan, accusing him of pushing an RSS agenda. Tamil Nadu: Actor-politician Vijay and DMK escalate rhetoric against the Centre over Keeladi excavation, alleging suppression of Tamil identity. Vijay warns, “Tamil civilisation is a volcano.”

Bengaluru: Human Skeleton Found

A human skeleton was discovered in an apartment pit in Begur, Bengaluru, prompting a police investigation.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: DNA Testing in Progress

DNA matching for Air India Flight AI-171 victims continues, with 206 samples matched and 169 bodies released by Wednesday. The crash claimed 274 lives. Ramesh Vishwaskumar, 38, is the lone survivor, having jumped from the plane. CCTV footage shows the pilot’s failed attempt to regain thrust after takeoff.

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A new bride from Balotra, headed to London, and five family members from Banswara were among the victims. Arjun Patolia from Amreli, who came to perform his wife’s last rites, also perished. Two Manipur cabin crew are feared dead. Tata Group pledges Rs 1 crore per victim’s family.

Parting Bite

As the Indian cricket team prepares for the first Test against England, every fan is debating the legacy of Virat Kohli vis a vis the top three–Gavaskar, Tendulkar and Dravid. Where do you think he stands?