Morning Brief: Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Tehran Vows Retaliation; One Miracle Survivor In Air India Crash; India Tests New Armed Drones For Cross-Border Strikes; And More

Kick-start your morning with Swarajya’s Morning Brief – your news fix, curated for clarity and insight.

Israel Launches Strikes Against Iran

Israel has carried out what it called “preemptive strikes” on multiple military and nuclear targets inside Iran, in an escalation that marks a dangerous new phase in the regional conflict. Israeli officials described the operation as a “precise, combined offensive” involving dozens of targets, including facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program and long-range missile systems.

The strikes triggered explosions across Tehran, and Israel’s Defense Minister warned of an imminent retaliatory response from Iran. The US has clarified it was not involved in the attack. A state of emergency has been declared in Israel, with tensions expected to escalate dramatically in the coming hours as Iran has vowed to retaliate against the Israeli strikes with its own attack.

One Miracle Survivor In Air India Crash

In one of the worst air disasters in Indian aviation history, an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. The sole survivor, Vishanesh Kumar, a 34-year-old British national of Indian origin from Leicester, was seated in 11A, near an emergency exit. Bruised and bloodied, he miraculously walked away from the burning wreckage.

Kumar had been visiting family in Gujarat and had stayed back after his wife and young daughter flew home earlier. His survival has stunned doctors and those involved in the rescue efforts at the crash site, who called it nothing short of a miracle. The Dreamliner reportedly lost power seconds after take-off, failed to gain altitude, and crashed into a medical college hostel, reportedly killing five students on the ground.

India Tests New Armed Drones For Cross-Border Strikes

The Indian Army has successfully tested indigenous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones designed for cross-border precision strikes, The Economic Times has reported. Trials conducted at the Pokhran range showcased the drones’ ability to hit targets over 50 km away, with live video relay and automated return-to-launch features. The drones are equipped with precision-guided warheads for anti-personnel use and are intended to take down enemy artillery and firing positions deep inside enemy territory.

One of the key highlights was the trial of the RUDRASTRA UAV by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited, which demonstrated a range of 170 km and a flight endurance of 90 minutes. The airburst munition it deployed exploded at low altitude, damaging targets across a wide area — a requirement set by the Army.

Other Developments

Retail Inflation Lowest In Over Six Years

India’s retail inflation dropped to 2.82 per cent in May, the lowest in over six years, marking the fourth consecutive month it has remained below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4 per cent target. The decline was led by a sharp cooling in food inflation, which fell below 1 per cent for the first time in nearly four years, government data showed on 12 June.

Economists noted that while inflation remains on a benign path, rising vegetable and fruit prices may reverse the trend in the coming months. “The recent frontloaded policy actions and limited room for easing suggest a prolonged pause for now,” said Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank. Sequentially, prices rose by 0.2 per cent in May, slightly lower than April’s 0.3 per cent uptick.

Fire From 1.25L Litres Fuel Left No Chance Of Rescue

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the Air India crash in Ahmedabad left virtually no chance of rescue due to the intense blaze from over 1.25 lakh litres of burning fuel. “The temperature inside the aircraft was so high that it was impossible to save anyone,” Shah told reporters after visiting the site along with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and other top officials.

He confirmed that the process of collecting DNA samples from the deceased was complete, with tests to be conducted by forensic labs in Gujarat. As part of rescue efforts, 150 CRPF personnel and three NDRF teams have been deployed at the site.

China Affirms Trade Deal With US

China has confirmed its commitment to the recently announced trade truce with the US. The agreement, finalised after a call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed months of tensions and negotiations. It establishes a 90-day ceasefire in the escalating tariff war, with China agreeing to resume rare earth exports and the US easing certain export restrictions.

US President Trump has hailed the deal, saying China had agreed to supply “full magnets and any necessary rare earths,” while the US would fulfil its own obligations, including a 55 per cent average tariff on covered Chinese goods.

From The States

Karnataka To Complete New Caste Survey In 90 Days

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a new state-wide socio-economic caste survey, which it aims to complete within 90 days. The decision follows a directive from the Congress high command, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stating the survey is essential for delivering social justice and fulfilling poll promises. Unlike the Centre, which has not committed to a socio-economic census, the state intends to gather fresh data.

The 2015 survey faced criticism for "undercounting" Vokkaligas (over 10 per cent) and Lingayats (close to 11 per cent), and for recommending that Kurubas, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s community, be reclassified as "most backward," raising fears among non-Kuruba groups about OBC reservation benefits.

BJP, BJD Lock Horns On First Anniversary Of Majhi Government

With the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government hitting its one-year milestone in Odisha, a fierce narrative clash has erupted with the opposition BJD. The BJP has launched a PR blitz to highlight its achievements, even announcing PM Modi’s visit on 20 June to unveil a “Vision 2036” blueprint. In response, BJD leader and former CM Naveen Patnaik kicked off a “Janajagarana Abhiyan” aimed at spotlighting the government’s “failures”.

Patnaik accused the BJP of sidelining Odisha’s women and farmers, warning that rural women would “not forgive” the rollback of past benefits and farmers were now at their “mercy.” The BJD has confirmed plans for rallies in Jajpur (June 13) and Puri (June 18) to unearth what the party calls the government’s "lies".

Raj Thackeray Meets Fadnavis As Sena Patch-Up Talk Grows

In a surprise turn, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday (12 June) just as talk of a possible MNS-Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance had begun to gain traction. While the meeting was billed as a “courtesy call” by the BJP, its timing — and the presence of other MNS leaders at separate meetings with Shinde Sena ministers — has fueled speculation that Raj may be gravitating towards the BJP-led Mahayuti instead.

The hush-hush meeting lasted over an hour and wasn’t on either leader’s public schedule. Meanwhile, MNS figures were seen meeting Minister Uday Samant, further intensifying buzz of a realignment. The developments come even as Uddhav Thackeray’s camp had been openly advocating for a “Marathi manoos” unity and urging a reunion with Raj.

You’re all caught up—until next time.