In badminton, India’s PV Sindhu stormed into the women’s singles semi-finals of the Australian Open tournament in Sydney today. The third-seeded Indian outclassed Chinese Taipei’s Chen Su Yu 21–6, 21–9 in a one-sided quarter-final clash. Sindhu will next face top seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the semi-finals. Earlier, Yamaguchi defeated India’s Tanvi Sharma 21–14, 21–14 in the quarter-final today.

After days of hot and dry weather, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness a spell of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds today, with the Meteorological Department warning that isolated intense showers could trigger flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas.

The local Meteorological Department said light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds is expected at many places across the Union Territory today. The MeT department said wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph during the period, adding that isolated areas could also witness hailstorms.

The weather department said partly to generally cloudy conditions with one or two spells of light to moderate rain, brief intense showers, thunder, and lightning are likely at many places today.

According to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy from June 13 to 17, with scattered spells of light rain, brief showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds at several places.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez have condemned the attack on a Palau-flagged tanker off the coast of Oman, in which three Indian seafarers were killed.

Spokesperson for the UN Chief, Stéphane Dujarric, said Mr Guterres is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the IMO underscored the need to protect seafarers, civilian shipping, and the freedom of navigation at all times.

The IMO said it is monitoring the situation closely and has called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

On the situation in West Asia, Mr Guterres urged the parties to return to full implementation of the ceasefire and to avoid any further deterioration. The Secretary-General underscored that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms, in accordance with international law, must be respected.

On Wednesday, the United States struck a Palau-flagged tanker, MT Settebello, killing three out of the 24 Indian sailors on board.

In the UK, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has resigned from the Starmer government following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey, amid a dispute with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over funding for the military.

Al Carns resigned yesterday, writing to Sir Keir that the government’s defence investment plan was neither transformative enough nor sufficiently funded.

This came after Healey resigned in a scathing letter, stating that the level of military spending proposed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer falls well short of what is needed to protect the country.

Dan Jarvis, the Security Minister and a former British Army officer, has been appointed to replace Healey in the cabinet role.

The government has restricted institutional, industrial, and commercial customers from buying Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel from retail outlets and has asked them to source their requirements from their own consumer pumps.

The decision has been taken to prevent local shortages amid disruptions in global supply chains caused by the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel are essential commodities, and uninterrupted availability at fair prices is critical for transportation of goods and passengers, agricultural operations, emergency services, and national security.

In a notification, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said the restrictions will be in place for up to 90 days. Retail outlets have been directed to sell up to 200 litres of High-Speed Diesel to a customer per day to prevent bulk purchase.

The government said the restrictions were necessary to prevent hoarding and maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies at fair prices. The Ministry added that many states have sought prevention of such practices, as they are causing inconvenience to retail customers and farmers.

It said the order is a temporary measure to curb practices that unscrupulous elements are resorting to during the crisis. It has asked Oil Marketing Companies and retail outlet dealers to ensure compliance with the order.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will visit Shillong on June 15 to participate in key events focused on infrastructure development and connectivity in the North Eastern Region.

The Minister will attend the CEOs Round Table during the North East India Infrastructure (NEIINFRA) Summit and Exhibition at the Lariti Performing Arts Centre, Shillong. The summit serves as a premier platform for discussions on infrastructure development, investment opportunities, and regional growth, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and other stakeholders from across the country.

Later in the day, the Union Minister will preside over the dedication to the nation and foundation stone laying ceremony of National Highway projects at Polo Ground, Shillong.

The projects are expected to provide a major boost to road connectivity, facilitate faster movement of goods and people, improve access to remote areas, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Meghalaya and the wider North Eastern Region.

In a social media post, PM Modi said that the growing participation of women in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming the development landscape across the nation.

He noted that over the last 12 years, the NDA government has worked to further women-led development, and this is visible across sectors. He added that the government is actively supporting Self Help Groups, which are helping women become financially independent.

The Prime Minister further underlined that the government’s efforts are rooted in dignity, opportunity, and empowerment, which have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute more strongly to nation-building. PM Modi expressed happiness at witnessing India’s Nari Shakti making a mark in sectors like science, space, and innovation.

Sharing a Sanskrit quote, the Prime Minister said that the country’s Nari Shakti is the cornerstone of nation-building. He added that the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the nation are enhancing the glory of Mother India with their extraordinary talent and skills in every field.