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| | India now holds more nuclear warheads than Pakistan, with 180 compared to Pakistan’s 170, according to the 2025 SIPRI yearbook. However, China’s arsenal has grown significantly to 600 warheads, far outpacing both. | THE BIG STORY India Surpasses Pakistan in Nukes, Eyes China: SIPRI 2025 The report highlights a shift in India’s strategic focus from Pakistan to China, as reflected in its development of longer-range missiles and sea-based deterrence. India’s expanding nuclear triad includes land-based missiles, aircraft, and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines like the newly commissioned INS Arighaat. The SIPRI report also notes India’s progress toward integrating warheads with launchers and strengthening its sea-based deterrence. With MIRV-capable Agni-5 missiles and more SSBNs under construction, India is building robust second-strike capabilities. Despite these developments, India maintains its "no first use" nuclear doctrine, requiring civilian leadership to authorize any retaliatory nuclear strike. Read more. | | | THE BIG QUESTION What is happening to Indians stuck in Iran? Indian authorities are relocating some students in Iran to safer areas amid ongoing Israeli strikes, while exploring additional options to ensure their safety. The Indian embassy in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation, staying in touch with students and community leaders, and providing updates. Around 4,000 Indians, including many students from Jammu and Kashmir, reside in Iran, particularly in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom. Following protests by concerned parents in Srinagar, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed he spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who assured that India is in close contact with Iran and will take all necessary steps to safeguard its nationals. Evacuation decisions will be based on ground realities, prioritizing student safety. Read more. | STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED | FROM THE EDIT PAGE SC Backs Moms, Sparks Call for Paternity Leave In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India ruled that maternity leave is a constitutional right under Article 21, regardless of the number of children a woman has. The case involved a Tamil Nadu teacher who was denied full maternity leave for her third child, despite not having availed leave for her first two children. The court emphasized that dignity, health, and privacy are integral to the right to life. While only 6% of Indian women work in the formal sector and are eligible for maternity benefits, the ruling highlights persistent gender disparities, including the “motherhood penalty.” Experts suggest that introducing equal paternity leave could promote gender parity, support women’s careers, and improve family well-being. Read more. | | | PHOTO OF THE DAY Throwing out the bathwater  Kochi: A woman at her house inundated with floodwater after heavy rainfall, near Kochi, Kerala, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (PTI Photo) | Were you forwarded this email? Did you stumble upon it online? Sign up here. | | | | | | | | | Get the Hindustan Times app and read premium stories | | | | | | View in Browser | Privacy Policy | Contact us You received this email because you signed up for HT Newsletters or because it is included in your subscription. Copyright © HT Digital Streams. All Rights Reserved | | | | | 
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