A Spring Japan flight from Shanghai to Tokyo made an emergency landing in Osaka on Monday (June 30) after a cabin depressurization warning. Photos and videos shared on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform, showed oxygen masks hanging from the cabin ceiling of flight JL8696/IJ004. One passenger reported hearing a loud "boom" just before the masks were released, followed by a flight attendant urging everyone to put them on.
Passengers were told to fasten their seat belts, and the captain announced an emergency landing. Another traveller mentioned that the cabin lights dimmed and the air grew warmer during the incident. Around 15 minutes later, the captain reportedly informed passengers they could remove their masks, and the plane landed safely in Osaka about 30 minutes after the situation began.
According to Kyodo News, the aircraft touched down at Kansai Airport at approximately 8:50 p.m. with 191 people on board. No injuries or illnesses were reported. The outlet also noted that the incident was due to a loss of cabin pressure. Spring Japan later issued cancellation certificates to passengers, citing a mechanical issue as the reason for the diversion. An investigation is currently underway.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Xiaohongshu.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her duties as it considers a case seeking her removal from office. The move intensifies pressure on her administration, which is already facing challenges on multiple fronts. In a statement, the court confirmed it had accepted a petition filed by 36 senators. The complaint accuses Paetongtarn of misconduct and ethical violations under the constitution, following the leak of a sensitive phone conversation with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen.
While the court deliberates, a deputy prime minister is expected to step in as caretaker leader. Paetongtarn, however, will stay in the cabinet in her new role as culture minister, appointed in a recent reshuffle. The government has not yet issued a response to her suspension. The leaked June 15 phone call—intended to ease rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border—sparked public outrage. In it, Paetongtarn was heard bowing to Hun Sen and criticizing a Thai army commander, a sensitive move in a country where the military holds significant sway. She later apologized, explaining her comments were part of a negotiation strategy.
The incident has weakened her coalition, which now clings to a fragile majority after a key partner withdrew and signaled plans to pursue a no-confidence vote. Protesters are also calling for her resignation. Only 10 months into her tenure, Paetongtarn’s leadership is being tested severely. Her struggles reflect the waning influence of the Pheu Thai Party—long dominated by the Shinawatra family—which has endured numerous military coups and legal setbacks since 2001.
Paetongtarn, 38, entered politics as a newcomer, stepping in after the dismissal of her predecessor Srettha Thavisin, who was removed by the court for appointing a minister with a criminal history. Her administration has also faced difficulties reviving Thailand’s sluggish economy. Public support has dropped dramatically, with a recent poll showing her approval rating plummeting to just 9.2% in June, down from 30.9% in March. Compounding her challenges, her father and political mentor, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is dealing with his own legal troubles. On Tuesday, he appeared in court on charges of insulting the monarchy—an offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Thaksin has denied the charges and reaffirmed his loyalty to the royal family.
The case arises from a 2015 interview he gave while living in self-imposed exile. After returning to Thailand in 2023 to serve a sentence for corruption, Thaksin, 75, avoided jail by staying in hospital detention for six months. He was released on parole in February. The Supreme Court is now reviewing the circumstances of that hospital stay and may decide to return him to prison.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with his counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan on Tuesday (July 1) to strengthen efforts to counter China's influence, even as tensions over trade and other bilateral disputes strain the relationships. The four nations, known collectively as the Quad, share concerns about China’s rising power. However, President Donald Trump’s aggressive global tariff policies have impacted all Quad members, adding stress to their ties. Other issues are also contributing to the strain.
Japan, a key US ally, recently postponed an annual security meeting with US officials, reportedly due to US pressure for increased Japanese defense spending. Australia has shown concern over a Pentagon review of the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact. India, meanwhile, has pushed back on Trump’s claims about defusing tensions with Pakistan following a deadly incident in Kashmir. Rubio held his first Quad meeting on January 21, highlighting the importance of the Indo-Pacific region. With Trump currently focused on the Israel-Iran conflict, the upcoming meeting is seen as a chance to renew attention on Asia.
Following the joint session, Rubio is scheduled to meet separately with Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya, India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Australia’s Penny Wong. The US State Department emphasized the meeting will reaffirm commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and focus on sovereignty, maritime security, and supply chain resilience. Jaishankar acknowledged challenges in US-India ties but stressed the importance of managing differences constructively. He added that the Quad is expected to cover topics like maritime security, tech cooperation, pandemic response, and education.
Regular Quad meetings are planned in the lead-up to a leaders’ summit in India later this year. However, experts suggest that individual bilateral issues—such as trade disputes, AUKUS concerns, and US-Japan defense talks—could overshadow the broader goals. Still, analysts believe that despite current friction, long-term strategic cooperation among Quad members remains intact.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Amid the ongoing Operation Sindoor, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is preparing to approve a massive defence modernisation plan worth over ₹1 lakh crore. This will be the first major meeting of the DAC since the launch of Operation Sindoor — India’s strategic counter-terror and surveillance initiative — and highlights the government's urgency to enhance national security in response to growing threats.
The proposals under consideration span all three branches of the armed forces. For the Army, a ₹30,000 crore project aims to deploy DRDO-developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems. These are designed to quickly intercept and destroy aerial threats like aircraft, drones, and missiles within a 30-kilometre range, significantly boosting India’s air defence capabilities.
The Indian Air Force is seeking approval for the purchase of three I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance) aircraft. These planes, to be acquired from global manufacturers and upgraded locally by DRDO and private partners, are expected to enhance real-time intelligence gathering and precision strike abilities, giving the Air Force a stronger tactical advantage.
In the maritime domain, the Indian Navy has proposed the induction of pressure-based moored sea mines developed by DRDO. These mines will serve as a deterrent against enemy submarines and surface vessels, adding a layer of protection to India’s coastal and strategic waters. Additionally, the Navy is also pushing for the procurement of unmanned underwater vessels. These autonomous drones will be used for surveillance and intelligence missions beneath the surface, helping India maintain a secure and well-monitored maritime environment.
Another major proposal includes the long-awaited upgrade of 84 Su-30MKI fighter jets. This modernisation plan will focus on fitting the aircraft with advanced avionics, enhanced weapons systems, and improved electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring that these frontline fighters remain effective in future combat scenarios.
Altogether, these high-value proposals represent a major step toward strengthening India’s defence infrastructure through a mix of indigenisation and cutting-edge technology. The DAC’s decisions are expected to not only meet immediate operational needs but also build long-term resilience in the face of shifting regional and global security dynamics, especially under the ongoing pressure of Operation Sindoor.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
A bright explosion lit up the night sky over Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 29 during a Russian drone strike, part of the continued assault by Russia in its war against Ukraine. The attack caused panic across the city as air raid sirens sounded and defense systems activated.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
A town in Alsace, France, banned tap water after high levels of PFAs, or "forever chemicals," were found. These toxic substances, used in many everyday products, don’t break down easily and are now present in water, soil, and even human blood — raising concerns about what might be in your own tap water.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
U.S. President Donald Trump is anticipated to announce his choice soon for Jerome Powell’s successor as Federal Reserve Chair, even though Powell’s current term runs until May 2026. Hairianto Diman talks about potential candidates with Chris Weston, Head of Research at Pepperstone.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
He’s spent a full day submerged in slime, stayed underground for 48 hours, and given away huge sums of money to fortunate contestants. But are MrBeast’s videos just clever clickbait – or bold experiments in creative innovation?
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian
How did Zohran Mamdani, a political unknown, manage to defeat Andrew Cuomo, one of New York’s most prominent establishment figures? Rachel Leingang discusses the historic outcome of the New York City mayoral primary with Moira Donegan, exploring how Democratic Party leaders are interpreting the result. Is it time for the party to rethink its approach to better align with voters’ priorities?
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
