Morning news wrap: First rescue flight of Op Sindhu lands, Canada admits Khalistani terror; and more

With tensions flaring between Israel and Iran, India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens from Iran. In a discreet first step, 110 Indian students were flown out from Armenia’s capital, Yerevan.

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has officially acknowledged that pro-Khalistan extremists are using Canadian soil to organize, fund, and execute violent plots aimed at India.

A month after abruptly pausing new student visa interviews to introduce tighter social media vetting, the Trump administration has announced the process will now resume, reopening a critical gateway for thousands of international students.

Here are the top five stories of the morning:

India launches Operation Sindhu to evacuate citizens from Iran
India has launched Operation Sindhu in response to escalating Iran–Israel tensions, aiming to rescue thousands of stranded Indians. The first flight carried 110 students who journeyed overland to Yerevan, Armenia, before arriving in New Delhi early Thursday. The Ministry of External Affairs continues coordinating safe exits via Armenia, with further evacuation efforts underway. Read full story



Canadian spy agency confirms Khalistani networks targeting India
Canada’s top intelligence body, CSIS, has officially confirmed that Khalistani extremists are using Canadian soil to raise funds, plan operations, and promote violence primarily aimed at India, validating years of Indian concerns. This marks the first time CSIS has labeled these groups as violent extremists. The announcement comes amid efforts by both nations to ease diplomatic tensions, as Prime Ministers Modi and Canada’s Mark Carney recently agreed to restore high-commissioner exchanges. Read full story


Israel urges evacuation near Arak reactor amid ongoing strikes

As the Israel‑Iran clash enters its seventh day, Israel has issued fresh evacuation warnings near Iran’s Arak Heavy‑Water Reactor while continuing air raids on nuclear and military facilities. The death toll in Iran has climbed to 639. US officials signal a planned strike may be looming, increasing global tension.Russia expressed readiness to mediate, and Iran’s Supreme Leader vowed unwavering resistance. With major powers closely monitoring events, the region remains highly unstable. Read full story



US resumes student visa interviews with rigorous social-media screening
The Trump administration has resumed interviews for F, M, and J visas after pausing them. All foreign student applicants must now make their social-media accounts public for thorough review. Consular officers will assess online activity to flag potential hostility, terrorism links, or antisemitism, as part of a broader national-security vetting ramp-up. The enhanced checks aim to vet applicants’ intentions but may slow visa processing and raise privacy concerns, drawing criticism for possibly deterring international students. Read full story


Pant confirms Gill at no. 4, stakes India’s Test revival on bold top order

Vice-captain Rishabh Pant has confirmed India’s revamped batting order for the first Test in Leeds (June 20), slotting skipper Shubman Gill at No. 4 and himself at No. 5, filling the void left by retired stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma The crucial No. 3 role remains undecided, with Sai Sudarshan and Karun Nair vying for the position. Pant called it a “new start,” hoping to build a fresh team culture and support emerging talent in challenging English conditions. The series opener will set the tone for India’s bid to end a long England drought. Read full story