News Menu, June 21: PM's Yoga Day celebrations, Indian students return from Iran
Good morning. June 21, is the northern solstice—the longest day of the year above the equator. In 2014, the United Nations envisioned it as International Yoga Day, inspired by India's ancient practice, setting the stage for global wellness celebrations.India Today celebrates wellness with a news menu blending global conflicts, domestic resilience, and cultural milestones.Geopolitical Raita: Israel-Iran Conflict IntensifiesIran's latest missile salvo wounded 17 in Israel, three seriously, with explosions reported across multiple sites. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, condemned Israel's attacks as a 'betrayal' of diplomatic efforts, noting a stalled US-Iran nuclear agreement. Araghchi is also meeting European officials to discuss Iran's nuclear program and de-escalation.advertisement
Trump suggests there's little he can do to stop Israel. 'They are doing well,' he said. The US president dismissed Europe's diplomatic efforts. 'Not going to be able to help,' he said, implying that a cease-fire can be brokered only by him.Quick Take: Trump has set a 14-day deadline for US intervention. The New York Times notes negotiating with Tehran is time-consuming and difficult, and Trump is likely buying time for military preparations.The tit-for-tat strikes risk spiraling into a broader regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts by the UN and EU face challenges due to entrenched positions. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage underscore the urgent need for de-escalation.Operation Sindhu: Indian Students' EvacuationTwo Mahan Air flights carrying 1,000 Indian students, including 500 Kashmiris, from Mashhad, Iran, land in Delhi. A third flight is scheduled for Saturday.advertisementYoga Day Delight: 11th International Yoga Day CelebrationsIndia marks the 11th International Yoga Day with nationwide events:1. Visakhapatnam: PM Narendra Modi will join a massive 26-km yoga corridor from RK Beach to Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, aiming for a Guinness World Record with over 3 lakh participants from 6:30 AM to 8 AM.2. Jammu & Kashmir: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend celebrations in Udhampur, interacting with armed forces personnel.3. Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will participate at Adalaj Vav stepwell, with ASI hosting yoga at 81 monumental sites.Bitter Bite: Football FiascoBhaichung Bhutia slams AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, calling Indian football a 'circus' due to poor leadership. Chaubey urges Bhutia to raise concerns at the Executive Committee meeting.English Breakfast: Run Feast At LeedsIndia's next-gen stars headlined a dominating day on Day 1 of the first Test against England as Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) and Shubman Gill (127*) emerged as top scorers. A revamped Indian team finished Day 1 on 359/3 at Headingley, Leeds. A day highlighted by scintillating centuries from Jaiswal and Gill sent the message across to the entire world that even without the seniors, the new-look Indian team cannot be taken lightly.Southern Mess: Kerala Moral Policing ArrestsadvertisementThree men were arrested by Kerala police over the death of a young woman, Raseena, who was allegedly subjected to public harassment in a suspected case of moral policing.The incident occurred on the evening of June 15 near Achankara Mosque, where Raseena was seen sitting inside a parked car with her male friend. The accused allegedly dragged the man out of the car, assaulted him in a nearby ground and seized his mobile phone and tablet.The following day, Raseena was found dead by suicide at her home. She had hanged herself in her bedroom. In her suicide note, she reportedly named the three accused, one of whom is believed to be a relative.Seasonal Mix: Weather WoesSrinagar: Heatwave persists with 35.5C on Friday, 6.3C above normal. Met office predicts continued heat on Saturday.Jharkhand: IMD issues heavy rainfall warning for northwestern districts.Himachal Pradesh: Southwest Monsoon arrives, with further advancement expected in two days.Parting Bite:On June 21, 2015, the first International Yoga Day was celebrated, uniting millions in wellness. As India leads global yoga celebrations, the contrast with Middle East tensions reminds us of yoga's call for peace and balance.
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