News Menu, June 23: Iran threatens Strait of Hormuz closure, rain alert for Delhi

Good morning. On June 23, 1980, Sanjay Gandhi died in a plane crash in New Delhi. A trained pilot and instructor, he was piloting a new aircraft, a Pitts S-2A, when it lost control and crashed shortly after takeoff from the Safdarjung Airport. The accident occurred around 8 AM, and Sanjay, who was 33 years old, was killed instantly. The crash was a significant event, given Sanjay's prominent role as a political figure and son of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.advertisementIndia Today presents a news menu dominated by fighter planes, bloodshed and fears of global geopolitical and oil crises amid escalating tension in the Middle East.Geopolitical Raita: Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz ClosureIran's parliament approved closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point handling 20% of global oil consumption, following US strikes codenamed 'Operation Midnight Hammer' on its nuclear sites. The closure awaits final approval from Iran's top security authority.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, heading to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, called the US and Israel's actions a 'big red line.' The US, through Pentagon chief Hegseth, described the strikes as 'intentionally limited' and not aimed at regime change, involving over 125 aircraft and 75 munitions. UN Secretary General Antnio Guterres warned, 'Humanity has opened gates to hell.' EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the crisis on Monday, while the US has asked China to intervene.advertisementQuick Take: Iran's defiance and US aggression mark a pivotal moment in the conflict. If Iran goes ahead with its plan to block the Strait of Hormuz, it will force the US to initiate steps to open up the choke point.India, dependent on imported oil, faces potential supply risks, though it placed bigger orders with Russia in June. The Nifty and Sensex will be under scrutiny for reactions to escalating tensions, while global indices like S&P 500 and Nasdaq brace for impact.Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern over US airstrikes and urging immediate de-escalation through dialogue. Modi reiterated India's commitment to regional peace, stating, 'India is on the side of peace and humanity.'Political Spice: Bihar's Election Battle Heats UpThe BJP declared Nitish Kumar as its Chief Minister face for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, aiming to quell speculation over leadership. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav called Nitish 'tired' and a 'burden,' ruling out his return to the Mahagathbandhan.Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad Yadav is poised to become the party's national president for another term on Monday.In other political news, by-election results for Kadi, Visavadar, Kaliganj, and Ludhiana West are due Monday.Southern Sizzler: Karnataka's Corruption AllegationsadvertisementCongress MLA BR Patil's leaked audio sparked a storm, alleging corruption in Karnataka's house allotments. He stood by his claims, while Minister HK Patil criticised the government over illegal mining, citing a Rs 1.5 lakh crore loss due to 'systematic loot.'Celebrity Soup: Vijay Deverakonda's Legal TroubleActor Vijay Deverakonda faces a case under the SC/ST Act at Rayadurgam Police Station, following complaints from tribal associations over his remarks on tribals.Meanwhile, the CBFC demanded a title change for the film JSK - Janaki Vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi.Seasonal Mix: Weather AlertsDelhi: IMD issues a 'yellow' warning for rain and thunderstorms on Monday, with monsoons expected in Delhi and Chandigarh within two days.Eight States: Orange alert for heavy rainfall and widespread thunderstorms, per IMD.Parting Bite: The June TragediesA cruel quirk of fate turned June into a tragic month for former PM Indira Gandhi. On June 25, 1975, she declared a nationwide emergency, leading to her downfall. Five years later, she lost Sanjay, her son and political heir, in the same month. And on June 5, 1984, she ordered Operation Bluestar in Amritsar's Golden Temple. The decision to send the Indian army into the shrine ultimately led to her assassination the same year.Tune InMust Watch

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