Fireworks warehouse blasts in US leave 7 missing, spark wildfire
Seven people are missing after a series of explosions at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, Yolo County, Northern California, United States. The blasts, which occurred Tuesday evening, ignited a wildfire that remains uncontained, according to Cal Fire.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered within a one-mile radius of the site, and residents have been urged to stay away. The incident also caused power outages affecting nearly 2,200 Pacific Gas and Electric customers. Emergency teams continue to search for the missing as investigations are underway, Xinhua reported.
Iran reimposes airspace restrictions amid security concerns
Iran has once again closed its central and western airspace to international transit flights, just five days after reopening it. The move, announced Wednesday, follows a new security and safety assessment approved by the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran, according to Xinhua.
Flights to and from the country’s northern, southern, and western airports remain suspended until at least 14:00 local time (1030 GMT) Thursday. However, Iran’s eastern airspace, reopened on June 29, remains operational.
Iran initially shut its airspace on June 13 after Israeli airstrikes, later reaching a ceasefire with Israel on June 24 following 12 days of conflict, Xinhua reported.
Ferry sinks near Bali, 2 dead and 43 missing
At least two people have died and 43 others are missing after a ferry sank off the coast of Indonesia’s Bali island late Wednesday. The ferry, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya carrying 65 people, went down about 30 minutes after departing from Ketapang port in East Java en route to Bali’s Gilimanuk port, Xinhua reported.
According to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, the vessel was transporting 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles. So far, 20 people have been rescued, with many found unconscious after hours adrift in rough seas.
Rescue efforts involving nine boats continue amid waves up to two meters high, according to Xinhua.
Ukraine seeks clarity as US downplays weapons pause amid escalating war
Ukraine has demanded clarity after the US paused certain weapons shipments, raising concerns amid a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks. The White House said the decision followed a review of domestic defense needs but did not specify which systems were affected. Media reports suggest the delay includes Patriot missiles, precision artillery, and Hellfire missiles, Firstpost reported.
US officials downplayed the move, calling it a temporary measure rather than a halt in support. US President Trump has refrained from announcing new aid packages, pushing for peace talks instead.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry summoned John Ginkel, the US deputy chief of mission in Kyiv, in a rare diplomatic move, reflecting deep concern. Ukrainian President Zelensky stressed that continued US support remains vital as the war intensifies, according to Firstpost.
India’s PM Modi conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, on Thursday for his global leadership and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama presented the award during Modi’s official visit, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years, according to Firstpost.
Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India, describing it as a symbol of shared values and developing friendship between the two countries. Both presidents are committed to transform India-Ghana relations into a comprehensive partnership.
Bangladesh’s former PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to six months in contempt case
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday sentenced ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison for contempt of court, according to Firstpost.
The verdict, delivered by a three-member ICT-1 bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, marks the first conviction against the former Awami League leader since her removal from office and departure from the country 11 months ago.
In the same ruling, Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gaibandha’s Gobindaganj was sentenced to two months in jail, Firstpost reported.
School Education Bill will be introduced soon: Education Minister Pant
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant has said that the government has not stopped the School Education Bill and that it will be introduced soon.
In response to queries raised MPs on the topic related to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology regarding the ‘Appropriation Bill, 2082’ at the National Assembly meeting today, he said that the bill has been postponed for a few days as there is a need to reach an agreement on some issues.
He said that some issues have been addressed as per the nine-point agreement reached with the Teachers’ Federation and the School Education Bill has been moved forward as per the agreement reached with the Federation. As per the agreement reached with the Teachers’ Federation, the deadline to present the bill was June 29.
The education minister said realizing the importance of the education sector for the country's development and progress, a budget of Rs 211 billion has been allocated for the education sector for the upcoming fiscal year.
Similarly, the Ministry of Urban Development has allocated a budget of Rs 7.47 billion for the reconstruction of schools.
He said that the government has taken necessary initiatives to bring privately funded schools under the ambit of regulation.
10 killed, 34 missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh
At least 10 people were killed and 34 others reported missing after multiple cloudbursts and flash floods hit Himachal Pradesh within 24 hours, officials said Wednesday.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the state witnessed 16 cloudbursts and three flash floods in 24 hours as a result of incessant rains that wreaked havoc and caused widespread devastation. The worst-affected area was Mandi district, about 133 km north of Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, The Hindu reported.
Severe rains in Himachal Pradesh caused landslides, damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and rescued 370 people. Authorities are concerned that the death toll will grow and have initiated large-scale rescue attempts.
Since June 20, monsoon-related incidents have left 51 dead and caused an estimated $33m in damage. An orange alert remains in effect, with heavy rain expected to continue until July 7, according to The Hindu.







