Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday underscored the importance of global peace and urged all nations to avoid interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign, democratic countries. Highlighting India’s historical relationship with Iran, Kharge pointed out that Iran has consistently supported India during critical times, including on global platforms like the United Nations, particularly regarding the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Speaking to the media in Kalaburagi, Kharge stated, "We advocate for peace around the world. Iran is our neighbor and has always stood by us in challenging times. We share strong trade relations, including oil imports. When the J-K issue was raised at the UN, Iran supported us. We do not want Iran to suffer. No country should interfere with or attack any sovereign and democratic nation—whether it’s Israel, Iran, or the US. What is happening today in one place could happen elsewhere tomorrow. India has always supported those who seek peace."

Earlier in the day, Congress MP Imran Masood also emphasized India’s need to stand by Iran during its conflict with Israel, describing Iran as a long-standing ally with whom India shares cultural and trade ties. "We must stand with Iran. It has always supported us in every possible way, and now it's our turn to support them during these difficult times," Masood said.

Tensions between Iran and Israel intensified on June 13 when Israel launched Operation "Rising Lion," targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran responded with counterattacks. The conflict escalated further after the United States joined the fray, launching “Operation Midnight Hammer” and striking Iran’s key nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

In retaliation, Iran fired several missiles at U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. installation in the region, according to CNN. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the former Crown Prince of Iran, called for regime change in Tehran, asserting that the current regime is on the brink of collapse and that the time has come to usher in a new era for Iran.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI

RJD president Lalu Prasad filed his nomination on Monday to contest for another term as the party's chief — a position he has held since founding the party nearly 30 years ago. The 78-year-old leader, who now appears physically weakened due to age and health issues, arrived at the party headquarters with his younger son and political heir Tejashwi Yadav, as well as his wife Rabri Devi, who had previously served as Bihar’s chief minister after him.

A large crowd of RJD supporters gathered at the venue to catch a glimpse of the veteran leader, once celebrated for his charismatic and earthy appeal. Speaking to the media, Tejashwi Yadav remarked, “Party workers are filled with joy as Lalu ji completes another term and prepares to lead once again. We are confident his guidance will pave the way for future victories.”

Last week, during a state council meeting, Lalu Prasad had urged party members to contest the upcoming assembly elections with the aim of making Tejashwi the next Chief Minister of Bihar. RJD spokesperson and assistant returning officer for the party’s internal elections, Chittaranjan Gagan, said that a formal announcement regarding Prasad’s re-election will be made soon. The Rashtriya Janata Dal was established in 1997 following Lalu Prasad’s split from the Janata Dal.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander has expressed concern that public support for international aid spending has significantly declined. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, Alexander, who previously served as international development secretary under Gordon Brown, acknowledged that even in times of financial stability, there would still be a need to actively justify aid investment to the public.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer redirected a portion of the international aid budget to boost defence spending, a decision that was met with strong opposition from charitable organizations. Critics argued that the cut would have severe consequences for vulnerable communities globally and could also weaken the UK’s strategic interests abroad.

Alexander reaffirmed his belief that investing in foreign aid is both ethically justified and strategically beneficial. However, he admitted that the public no longer supports such spending as it once did. “We’ve lost the argument at various points,” he said, adding that promoting international stability, equality, and security is crucial for future generations.

He emphasized that the issue goes beyond just financial constraints, stating that support for aid has become "culturally challenged" in addition to being fiscally questioned. Even if funding weren’t an issue, he suggested, gaining public approval would still be necessary.

Alexander also noted a broader global trend, observing that nations once seen as leaders in international development—such as the U.S., France, Germany, and Norway—have also scaled back their aid commitments.

Reflecting on the past, he recalled participating in the Make Poverty History march in Edinburgh two decades ago, where he carried his young son on his shoulders and pushed his daughter in a pram. The march, which coincided with the G8 summit in Gleneagles, drew hundreds of thousands of people calling for debt relief and increased aid for poorer nations. The event was part of a larger global campaign that included the high-profile Live 8 concerts. For Alexander, it was a powerful reminder that political decisions and public movements can make a meaningful difference.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Getty Images.

NEW DELHI — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 17) that the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, following a brief conflict in May, resulted from direct military discussions between the two nations—without any involvement from the U.S., according to India's top diplomat.

President Trump previously claimed that the U.S. had mediated the ceasefire and persuaded the South Asian rivals to shift their focus to trade. However, India has consistently denied the role of any third-party in the peace process. The conversation between Modi and Trump, held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, was their first since the clashes from May 7 to 10. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “Prime Minister Modi clearly told President Trump that at no point was there discussion about a U.S.-India trade deal or any U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan.”

He emphasized that the ceasefire talks were conducted directly via existing military communication channels and were initiated by Pakistan. Modi reaffirmed India’s long-standing position against external mediation in its disputes with Pakistan. Although a meeting between the two leaders was scheduled during the summit, it didn’t occur as Trump left early due to developments in the Middle East. The White House did not comment immediately on the conversation.

Pakistan previously noted that the ceasefire was finalized after its military responded to an Indian call on May 7.

The conflict—the worst in years—was triggered by a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India accused Pakistan-based militants, an allegation Pakistan denied. India retaliated with airstrikes on what it described as terrorist infrastructure across the border, leading to a four-day escalation involving heavy weaponry, including fighter jets and drones. Misri added that Trump voiced support for India’s anti-terrorism efforts, and Modi confirmed that India’s cross-border military operation, Operation Sindoor, is ongoing. Trump had invited Modi to visit the U.S. following the summit, but Modi declined due to prior commitments. Instead, he invited Trump to India for the upcoming Quad leaders' summit, which Trump accepted. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey examine how Keir Starmer’s administration is handling the US president’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. They explore possible future developments and consider the implications for both the UK and the global community.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey explore Rachel Reeves’s reversal on winter fuel payments and whether it can repair the harm caused by the policy. They also preview this week’s spending review as ministerial negotiations approach a critical deadline. Additionally, they examine the recent turmoil in Reform UK following its chair’s dramatic resignation and subsequent return just 48 hours later.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman provide a roundup of Japan’s key business news, covering topics from the Japan-US tariff negotiations to updates on the Nippon Steel deal and the concept of a US-Japan sovereign wealth fund. To discuss these developments, they speak with Vishnu Varathan, Managing Director and Chief Economist for Asia ex-Japan at Mizuho Bank.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Nigel Farage appears to have outperformed the Labour government by promising to abolish the contentious two-child benefit cap and restore the cuts to the winter fuel allowance. So, why hasn’t the government, after nearly a year in office, done more to tackle child poverty? Gaby Hinsliff, standing in for John Harris, interviews Labour MP Stella Creasy and columnist Polly Toynbee.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.