From reappointment of Om Birla as Lok Sabha speaker to Julian Assange's freedom after 14 years: Today's top 10 morning news headlines

1. NDA's Om Birla reappointed as Lok Sabha speaker; Defeats Congress candidate K Suresh

BJP nominee Om Birla has been re-elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker. The NDA candidate was favoured to retain the position with a majority of verbal votes. Birla served as Speaker in the previous Lok Sabha, and after his victory, he is the first person to hold the post for a second term in 25 years. 

2. I hope you will allow us to speak: Rahul Gandhi on re-election of Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker | VIDEO

Rahul Gandhi, who is now the Leader of Opposition, congratulated BJP MP Om Birla for being selected as Speaker of the Lok Sabha for the second time. While speaking in the Parliament, Gandhi said, “I am confident that you will allow us to speak."

3. Hero for some, enemy for many: Julian Assange is back home after 14 years

After fourteen long years of battling with the administrations across nations, major geopolitical lobbyists, envious take from world leaders, Julian Assange's flight finally touched down  Australia's capital Canberra. His family and hordes of supporters were eagerly waiting for him to finally come back home.

4. Liquor Policy Case: Arvind Kejriwal sent to CBI custody

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on Wednesday in connection with the liquor policy case. This followed the Rouse Avenue Court’s permission to the agency to examine the AAP leader in court. Kejriwal has been remanded in CBI custody for three days and is scheduled to appear before the court on June 29 at 7 pm.

5. Three terrorists killed in fierce encounter with security forces in J&K's Doda

 In a gunfight, three terrorists met their end in a forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district during a fierce encounter with security forces on Wednesday. The operation, which commenced at around 9:50 AM in Bajaad village, Gandoh area, marked an escalated phase in the ongoing efforts to curb terrorist activities in the region.

6. Bengaluru court rejects Prajwal Revanna's bail plea in sexual assault case

A Bengaluru court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of suspended JDS leader Prajwal Revanna, who faces serious charges of rape and sexual assault in multiple cases across Karnataka. Revanna, the former MP for Hassan, is currently in the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the allegations against him.

7. Pakistan deputy PM's positive message to India: Calls for good neighbourly relations

Addressing the strained history between Pakistan and India, Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan's openness to constructive engagement but firmly rejected unilateral approaches or hegemonic actions from India. He referenced the downgrading of diplomatic ties following India’s revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

8. Black magic? Why did President Muizzu arrested his own minister?

Mohammad Muizzu, the President of Maldives, has recently stirred controversy with his policies and actions, particularly concerning relations with India. Since assuming office, Muizzu has faced criticism for allegedly favoring China over India, a shift that has strained diplomatic ties between Maldives and its neighboring giant.

9. European woman kisses shoes of immigrants: Macron says civil war, Musk says World War Z | Disgraceful videos surface

President Emmanuel Macron said that the far-right and far-left parties in France's upcoming legislative elections are causing division among the people on Monday evening. He warned that these "extreme" parties could even lead to a "civil war," during an interview on the Generation Do It Yourself podcast.

10. Rain threatens IND vs ENG T20 World Cup semi-final: What's at stake?

Team India is gearing up for an intense clash against England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for Thursday, June 27 at Providence Stadium, Guyana. This match is anticipated to be a thrilling showdown between two formidable white-ball teams.