NewzIntel.com

Category: Government of India

  • Delhi: Rain brings relief from heatwave; IMD forecasts thunderstorm, strong winds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After a prolonged spell of scorching temperatures for several days, people in the national capital received a gradual respite from heatwave conditions on Sunday, as several parts of the city experienced light rainfall, thunderstorm and strong winds.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a severe thunderstorm and strong winds for the city, advising residents in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to stay indoors.

    According to the IMD, “Moderate to intense spell of rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning, and squally winds reaching speeds of 80-100 kmph” swept through the capital during the early Sunday hours.

    Two thunder squalls along with hailstorm activity were recorded at Safdarjung between 0348 to 0350 hrs IST and 0358 to 0400 hrs IST.

    The first squall saw gusty winds reaching 82 kmph, while the second saw a peak wind speed of 104 kmph, said the IMD.

    The weather department urged residents to take precautions.

    “Stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary,” the IMD advisory said, as flying debris and low visibility posed risks on the roads.

    The Safdarjung observatory, Delhi’s official weather station, recorded a maximum temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius on Friday – a dip of 2.7 degrees from Thursday, but still 1.3 degrees Celsius above normal. The minimum temperature remained high at 31.0 degrees Celsius, marking a departure of 3 degrees Celsius from the seasonal average. Humidity levels oscillated between 51 per cent and 69 per cent, making conditions hot and uncomfortable throughout the day.

    According to IMD officials, the national capital is set to witness generally cloudy skies with very light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, dust storms, and lightning till June 19. Gusty winds are also expected during thunderstorms.

    This comes after a red alert – a severe warning – was issued for Delhi, as the capital experienced extreme heatwave conditions. Daytime temperatures climbed to between 41°C and 45°C, while the minimum temperature reached 31°C, marking a rise of four degrees above the seasonal average.

    The weather department has predicted partly cloudy skies with a chance of a thunderstorm and rain early Sunday morning, potentially bringing some relief from the intense heat.

    The IMD, in its extended range forecast, has said that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over the remaining parts of central and eastern India, along with some areas in northwest India, between June 12 and 18. It is further expected to reach most parts of northwest India, including Delhi, between June 19 and 25.

    The normal date for the monsoon to arrive in Delhi is around June 30.

    This year, it arrived in Kerala on May 24 – well ahead of the usual onset date of 1 June – and reached Mumbai by May 26, which is 16 days earlier than normal.

    According to IMD data, the monsoon reached Delhi on June 28 last year, and on June 26 in 2023.

    In previous years, it arrived on June 30 (2022), July 13 (2021), and June 25 (2020).

    After a nearly 10-day pause, the monsoon has picked up pace again, especially over southern India.

    Since Wednesday, several parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Konkan, and Maharashtra have been receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall. This renewed activity marks a strong push northwards, indicating rapid progress of the monsoon across the country.

    The IMD has also said the second phase of the monsoon is expected to spread across eastern India, bringing rainfall to West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh within the next week.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • South Africa shed ‘chokers’ tag, clinch historic World Test Championship title

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    South Africa won the World Test Championship on Saturday, completing a remarkable turnaround to beat Australia by five wickets as they successfully chased down an imposing 282-run target.

    But it was an edgy finish as they took 27.4 overs to slowly score the 69 runs needed to secure success on the fourth day at Lord’s after resuming at 213-2 overnight.

    In so doing, South Africa completed a successful pursuit of the joint second-highest winning fourth-innings total in test history at the London venue.

    It was a first major cricket triumph for South Africa, who had earned an unwanted reputation for failure when on the cusp of victory over the last decades in limited overs competitions.

    This was their first appearance in the WTC final, with opener Aiden Markram delivering a heroic innings of 136 to ensure success.

    Markram, who reached his century late in the third day, added 34 more runs on Saturday, accumulating carefully before falling to a sharp catch by Travis Head with six runs needed to win.

    Kyle Verreynne hit the winning run and was four not out at the end along with David Bedingham, who scored an unbeaten 21.

    NERVES

    “It was the most nervous I’ve ever been. I didn’t want to come out and bat but when Aiden went out I had to,” said Verreynne.

    South Africa started the fourth day favourites to win but nervy, given a litany of past disasters, and would have been further on edge when captain Temba Bavuma was out in the third over of the morning.

    A rising delivery from Australia skipper Pat Cummins took an edge and saw Bavuma depart, having added only one run to his overnight total of 65.

    Australia made two unsuccessful reviews of not out decisions as they sought a further breakthrough before Mitchell Starc clean bowled Tristan Stubbs for eight with 41 runs still needed.

    Markram and Bedingham then diligently put together a 35-run partnership to see them to the brink of success, before the win was secured in the last over before lunch.

    South Africa, who came into the contest as underdogs, won the toss on the opening day and gambled by putting Australia into bat. But with Kagiso Rabada returning figures of 5-51, they were vindicated as the defending champions were dismissed for 212.

    South Africa, who came into the contest as underdogs, won the toss on the opening day and gambled by putting Australia into bat. But with Kagiso Rabada returning figures of 5-51, they were vindicated as the defending champions were dismissed for 212.

    South Africa’s reply of 138 meant Australia had a 74-run lead, significantly increased after scoring 207 in their second innings, with their tail order recovering after they had slumped to 73-7.

    But South Africa profited from a dramatic change in the pitch conditions – after 24 wickets fell on the first two days – to patiently bat themselves to a landmark victory.

    -REUTERS

  • Structural reforms in last 11 years reshaped India’s macroeconomic fundamentals: FM Sitharaman

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Structural reforms implemented over the last 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership have reshaped India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday. 

    India’s emergence as the fastest-growing major economy is anchored in several favourable factors and is closely linked to the strengthening of balance sheets across key sectors — banks, corporates, households, the government, and the external sector — the Finance Minister wrote in a media article.

    “The transformation of the Indian economy over the last 11 years — from a twin-deficit problem to a five-balance-sheet advantage — is the result of concerted policy efforts under PM Modi’s leadership,” Sitharaman posted on social media platform X.

    She further stated, “When we came to power in 2014, the foremost priority was growth revival, as India was then considered part of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies.”

    “Structural reforms were introduced, including the GST, IBC, RERA, and during the pandemic years, the PLI Scheme and ECLGS to help credit-worthy MSMEs survive the Covid shock. Likewise, infrastructure and asset creation — neglected for decades — were revived,” the Finance Minister emphasised.

    From the digital payment revolution driven by UPI (which recorded over 185 billion transactions in FY25) to the entrepreneurial enthusiasm seen in the uptake of MUDRA loans (cumulative disbursements of over Rs 33 lakh crore to 53 crore+ loan accounts), “the last 11 years have shown the heights our economy can reach when we combine trust-based governance with systematic regulatory easing and the expansion of public goods,” she stressed.

    Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated earlier this month that India’s FDI inflows now originate from 112 countries, compared to 89 in 2013–14 — underscoring the country’s rising global appeal.

    India’s FDI success story is not only about impressive numbers but also reflects visionary reforms, policy clarity, and the global community’s trust in the country’s economic future, he noted.

    IANS

  • Centre announces extended scrutiny of Boeing Dreamliner 787 series aircraft present in Indian fleet

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an order to extend the scrutiny of Boeing Dreamliner 787 series aircraft in the Indian fleet, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Saturday.

    Naidu further stated that around eight Boeing 787 aircraft have already been scrutinised and inspected with immediate urgency.

    Addressing a press conference, the Union Minister said, “We have very strict safety standards in the country. When the incident happened, we felt there was a need to conduct extended surveillance of the Boeing 787 series. The DGCA has issued an order for extended surveillance of these planes. There are 34 Boeing 787 aircraft in the Indian fleet today. I believe eight have already been inspected, and the rest will be done with immediate urgency.”

    “Furthermore, as the investigation progresses and the report comes in, we will take all necessary steps. Without any hesitation, we are committed to implementing every measure required to enhance safety,” he added.

    The Minister also informed that Air India has been instructed to assist the families of the passengers in every possible way. He said the bodies are being handed over to the respective families after DNA confirmation and expressed hope that the process would be completed soon.

    “It is very heart-wrenching to hear the stories of those who lost their lives. We have instructed Air India to assist the families in every way possible. DNA testing is underway to identify the bodies, which are being handed over to the families upon confirmation. The government of Gujarat is coordinating this process. While we aim to complete it as soon as possible, we must follow all necessary documentation and procedural protocols. We are ensuring there are no lapses in the process,” he said.

    On June 12, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived.

    Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the crash, which left 241 people dead, has shaken the entire nation.

    “The last two days have been very difficult, especially for the ministry and everyone involved. The incident in Ahmedabad has shaken the entire nation. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I personally lost my father in a road accident, so to some extent, I understand the pain and anguish the families are going through,” he said.

    “It was a moment of shock when we first heard the news. Despite the disbelief, I personally rushed to the site to oversee the response and determine what support was needed. By the time we arrived, the Gujarat government was already on the ground conducting rescue operations,” he added.

    The Minister highlighted that the recovery of the black box from the crash site was crucial to the investigation.

    “The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which was established specifically to investigate aircraft incidents and accidents, was immediately mobilised. A key development from the ongoing technical investigation is the recovery of the black box from the site around 5 p.m. yesterday. The AAIB team believes decoding the black box will provide in-depth insight into what occurred during the crash or just moments before. We are eagerly awaiting the results of the AAIB’s full investigation,” he said.

    The Central government has already constituted a high-level multidisciplinary committee to examine the causes leading to the crash of Flight AI-171.

    Earlier in the day, officials from the AAIB arrived in Ahmedabad, where the London-bound Air India flight had crashed. The AAIB, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is responsible for investigating aircraft accidents in India and has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

    ANI

  • Axiom Space to fly Shubhanshu Shukla to space station on June 19: ISRO

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    US-based Axiom Space is now set to send Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 19, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday.

    Shukla’s flight, originally scheduled for June 11, was postponed multiple times due to technical observations related to the ISS’s Zvezda module. A leak had been detected in the propulsion bay during a pre-launch test.

    ISRO noted that Axiom Space is working closely with NASA to assess the pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module onboard the ISS.

    “During a follow-on coordination meeting between ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, it was confirmed that the liquid oxygen leak observed in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle has been successfully resolved,” ISRO said in a statement.

    “Axiom Space is now targeting June 19, 2025, for the launch of the Ax-04 mission,” it added.

    ISRO has reiterated its commitment to mission safety and continued coordination with international partners.

    The mission holds historic significance for India. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.

    Shukla will serve as the pilot of the mission, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States. The other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, both serving as mission specialists.

    Once aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition. These experiments, developed in collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA, aim to advance understanding of sustainable life-support systems—crucial for future long-duration space missions.

    The research will also examine the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae—nutrient-rich, high-potential food sources for space missions.

    The experiments will evaluate key growth parameters and analyze transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in various algal species in space, compared to their behavior on Earth.

    IANS

  • Air India, IndiGo issue alerts as Iran airspace closure disrupts flight operations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, India’s leading airlines, Air India and IndiGo, have issued public advisories alerting passengers to flight delays and rerouting caused by the closure of Iranian airspace.

    Air India on Saturday said that it has rerouted several flights because of the airspace closures. The airline announced that some flights are now operating on longer, alternative routes to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

    Air India, the national carrier, shared an official update on social media platform X, stating:

    “Due to the emerging situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the subsequent closure of airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, some of our flights are operating on alternative extended routes. We are doing our best to minimise any inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains a top priority.”

    The advisory comes as airspace over Iran and nearby regions remains closed, following a series of regional escalations.

    The situation has significantly impacted several international air routes that usually traverse Iranian skies — particularly those operating between India and Europe or India and North America.

    IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, also issued a statement via X, warning passengers of potential disruptions.

    “Airspace over Iran and surrounding areas continues to be unavailable. Certain flight paths may need adjustments, leading to extended travel durations or delays,” the airline said in its advisory.

    IndiGo has advised all passengers to check their flight status via its website or mobile application before heading to the airport to avoid last-minute surprises. The airline assured that its customer service teams are actively assisting travellers affected by the delays.

    Both airlines are working to reroute affected flights via alternative air corridors, which may result in longer flying times. As a result, several services to and from Europe, the Gulf, and Central Asia are experiencing delays ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.

    Passengers have been urged to stay updated on real-time flight schedules and remain in contact with the respective airline helplines.

    The current geopolitical uncertainty follows Iran’s response to recent Israeli airstrikes, which has triggered broader concerns over regional security and airspace safety. Aviation authorities in multiple countries have already issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), advising airlines to avoid the region until further notice.

    While airlines assure that passenger safety remains their utmost priority, industry experts say the airspace disruption could continue for several days or even weeks, depending on how the situation evolves diplomatically.

    For now, travellers flying to the West or through the Middle East are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for transit, and remain patient as airlines navigate the complex airspace restrictions.

    IANS

  • NEET UG 2025 results: Rajasthan’s Mahesh Kumar tops exam with 686 marks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially declared the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 for undergraduate medical courses. In a proud moment for Rajasthan, Mahesh Kumar, a resident of Hanumangarh, has emerged as the All India Topper, scoring 686 out of 720 marks.

    Mahesh, who had been preparing for the past three years at a renowned career institute in Sikar, secured the top rank in the highly competitive medical entrance examination.

    His consistent dedication, along with the guidance provided by his institute, helped him rise to the top among over 20 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam across India on May 4 this year.

    Coming from a humble background, Mahesh’s parents are both government employees. His academic journey has been marked by perseverance and discipline.

    His success has not only made his family and hometown proud but has also added another feather to the cap of Sikar, which has become a rising hub for medical and engineering exam preparations.

    The NEET UG 2025 result, along with the final answer key, has been made available on the official websites — [neet.nta.nic.in](https://neet.nta.nic.in) and [nta.ac.in](https://nta.ac.in).

    Candidates can check their subject-wise scores, total marks, percentile rank, and qualifying status using their login credentials.

    In addition to the results, the NTA is also expected to release the cut-off scores required for MBBS and BDS admissions.

    Last year, the cut-off percentile was 50 for the general category and 40 for OBC, SC, and ST candidates. The 2025 percentile will be based on the highest marks secured in the all-India merit list.

    Students who qualify in NEET UG 2025 will be eligible to participate in centralised counselling for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical programmes. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct All India Quota (AIQ) counselling, while states will carry out their own counselling for state-quota seats.

    All qualified candidates are advised to download and preserve their scorecards, as these will be required during the admission and counselling process. They should also regularly check the official NEET websites for updates on counselling schedules and cut-off announcements.

    —IANS

  • PM Modi to visit Cyprus, Canada and Croatia in key multinational tour

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-nation tour from June 15 to 19, covering Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. The high-profile visit aims to deepen India’s bilateral ties and broaden strategic engagement with the European Union, the Mediterranean region, and G-7 partners.

    In the first leg of his tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit Cyprus from June 15 to 16 at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides. This marks the first visit by the Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. 

    During his stay in Nicosia, PM Modi will hold official talks with President Christodoulides and later address a gathering of business leaders in Limassol. The visit is expected to reaffirm the shared commitment between India and Cyprus to bolster bilateral cooperation and expand India’s presence in the Mediterranean region.

    Following his engagements in Cyprus, the PM will travel to Canada on June 16–17 to attend the G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, this will be PM Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in the summit. 

    At the G-7, he is scheduled to engage in discussions with leaders from G-7 nations, invited outreach partners, and heads of key international organisations. Topics on the agenda include energy security, emerging technologies, and global innovation challenges, with a particular focus on the AI-energy nexus and developments in quantum technology. Several bilateral meetings are also planned on the sidelines of the summit.

    The final leg of the Prime Minister’s tour will take him to Croatia on June 18, at the invitation of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia and is expected to be a milestone in bilateral relations. 

    PM Modi will hold talks with Prime Minister Plenković and meet Croatian President Zoran Milanović. The visit is aimed at enhancing India’s partnership with European Union nations and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Croatia.

    The three-nation visit highlights India’s growing global engagement and underscores the country’s strategic intent to strengthen cooperation across Europe and North America.

  • Iran vows to continue strikes against Israel, US bases, military officials say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s strikes against Israel will continue,with targets set to expand to include U.S. bases in the regionin the coming days, Iran’s Fars news agency reported on Saturday, citing senior Iranian military officials.

    “This confrontation will not end with last night’s limited actions and Iran’s strikes will continue, and this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors,” Fars reported, citing senior military officials.

    They were quoted saying that the war would “spread in the coming days to all areas occupied by this (Israeli) regime and American bases in the region”.

    The threat of a wider war comes as Iran and Israel continue targeting each other on Saturday after Israel launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

    (Reuters)

  • Multiple agencies inspect wreckage of crashed Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Investigative teams from various agencies, including the National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), reached the crash site of Air India Flight AI-171 on Saturday to examine the debris.

     

    Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) also inspected the wreckage of the ill-fated London-bound aircraft.

     

    Residents of the neighbourhood where the plane crashed recalled their harrowing experience, describing it as feeling like an earthquake or a bomb blast.

     

    Rekha Kshtriya, a local resident for over 13 years, said she was doing her regular chores when she heard a deafening noise. She immediately rushed outside toward the site. She recalled that around 1:30 PM, the sound was so intense it felt like her eardrums would burst. Her house and furniture began to shake violently, and the noise resembled a bomb explosion. Upon stepping outside, she saw wreckage scattered everywhere, the sky filled with black smoke, and tall flames rising from the crash site.

     

    Another resident, Priyanshu, said the entire area was engulfed in smoke and the fire quickly spread from one building to another. He too described it as feeling like an earthquake or a blast.

     

    Bahadur Kshtriya, who lives about 500 metres from the crash site, said he and a few friends, along with security personnel, helped rescue five individuals from the rubble. He noted that the survivors were in extremely critical condition. He added that when they arrived, smoke and fire were everywhere. Near a student mess, they found people shouting for help. With assistance from Army personnel, they managed to pull out five students alive. Later, they found a body buried in the debris in a severely damaged condition.

    The AI-171 Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday. According to the airline, only one of the 242 people on board survived the crash.

    ANI

  • Govt forms high-level committee to probe Air India plane crash, review SOPs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The government has constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to examine the causes that led to the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport (London) on June 12, which left 241 people dead.

    According to an order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the committee will examine the causes of the crash, review existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such incidents, and suggest comprehensive measures for the future. The order clarified that this panel will not serve as a substitute for other inquiries already underway by relevant organisations but will focus specifically on the formulation of preventive SOPs and post-crash protocols.

    The committee will have access to all relevant records, including flight data, cockpit voice recordings, aircraft maintenance logs, air traffic control logs, and witness testimonies. It is expected to submit its report within three months.

    The committee will be chaired by the Union Home Secretary and will include officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Air Force, the Gujarat Home Department, the State Disaster Response Authority, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, among others. Aviation experts, accident investigators, and legal advisors may also be brought in, as deemed necessary.

    As part of its mandate, the committee will assess the emergency response by all stakeholders, including rescue operations and inter-agency coordination at both the central and state levels. It will also examine existing guidelines, study past air crashes in India, and recommend policy changes, operational improvements, and training enhancements.

    The panel will develop a comprehensive SOP that incorporates international best practices, outlining clear roles for all relevant central and state government agencies in managing and responding to air crash incidents.

    The government confirmed that the committee will conduct site inspections and interviews with crew members, air traffic controllers, and other personnel. In case of foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers being involved, the committee will coordinate with international agencies as well.

    Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday. Out of the 242 people on board, only one survived.

    In the aftermath of the crash, the Tata Group, which owns Air India, has set up a dedicated helpline number (1800 5691 444) for inquiries. International callers can reach the airline at +91 8062779200. The group has also announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger.

    (ANI)

  • North India to get relief from severe heat starting today, says IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    After weeks of extreme heatwave conditions, North India is finally expected to get some relief starting Saturday, according to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    A shift in weather patterns is set to bring cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and rainfall to several states, easing the impact of the scorching summer.

    From Saturday, temperatures are expected to drop notably. The maximum temperature is likely to decrease to around 41 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to settle near 29 degrees Celsius.

    The cooling trend will intensify further on Saturday, June 15, with the maximum temperature forecast to drop to 40 degrees Celsius, and the minimum to 28 degrees Celsius.

    Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are forecast over the coming days, contributing to relief from the oppressive heat.

    Delhi, currently grappling with temperatures hovering around 44 degrees Celsius, is also expected to experience a noticeable dip. By June 15 or 16, the national capital’s daytime temperature could fall to approximately 40 degrees Celsius, with light to very light rainfall and thunderstorm activity forecast in some areas.

    The IMD has predicted that on June 16 and 17, the sky will remain mostly cloudy across much of North India, with light to moderate rainfall likely in several regions, further improving weather conditions.

    However, despite the approaching relief, the IMD has issued a series of alerts. Punjab and Haryana remain under a Red Alert for the next two days due to persistent heat and possible thunderstorms.

    Rajasthan was under a Red Alert on Friday, shifting to an Orange Alert for the following two days. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are on Orange Alert through the weekend.

    Authorities are urging residents to continue taking precautions, stay indoors during peak heat hours, remain hydrated, and monitor official weather updates regularly.

    —IANS

  • ‘Yoga Connect’ global summit begins in Delhi with over 1,000 participants

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Ministry of Ayush is hosting the high-profile global summit ‘Yoga Connect’ at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. The event brings together wellness leaders and yoga experts from across the world to exchange ideas, research, and innovations in holistic health.

    Organised in a hybrid format, the event aims to bring together influential voices from the world of yoga and holistic wellness to share ideas, research, and innovations.

    The summit, coordinated by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), has attracted participation from internationally renowned yoga masters and wellness leaders.

    Prominent figures such as Dr H.R. Nagendra, Bikkhu Sanghasena, Bharath Bhushan, Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balakrishna are expected to share their insights during the sessions.

    According to the Ministry of Ayush, more than 1,000 participants are attending the event in person, while a large virtual audience is joining from across the globe.

    Delegates include yoga practitioners, researchers, health professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and wellness advocates from countries including the US, United Kingdom, South Korea, and Bahrain, among others.

    The summit is part of a series of build-up events leading to the International Day of Yoga on June 21, which will feature over one lakh coordinated yoga sessions across India and abroad. These events, based on a common yoga protocol, will take place simultaneously from 6:30 AM to 7:40 AM, highlighting the 2025 theme: ‘One Earth, One Health.’

    Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced that the main International Day of Yoga celebration this year will be hosted in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the event.

    Over 65,000 organisations across India have registered to participate in this nationwide wellness movement, now recognised as one of the largest global health initiatives.

    Representatives from around 40 countries are expected to attend the Visakhapatnam event, underlining the growing international stature of the Yoga Day celebrations.

    In the national capital, Delhi will mark the day with yoga events at 111 iconic locations, including the Red Fort, Kartavya Path, and Lodhi Garden.

    Since being officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a global celebration of India’s ancient tradition that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

    IANS

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefs PM Modi on Iran strikes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday evening, during which the two leaders discussed the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The conversation comes in the backdrop of “Operation Rising Lion” — Israel’s latest offensive targeting Iranian nuclear sites.

    According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu briefed PM Modi on the latest developments. The PM conveyed New Delhi’s deep concern over the unfolding situation and stressed the need for “early restoration of peace and stability in the region.” The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the statement said.

    Later, in a post on X, PM Modi said, “Received a phone call from PM Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India’s concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region.”

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also received a call from his Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. In a separate post on X, Jaishankar said: “Received a call this afternoon from FM Gideon Sa’ar of Israel regarding ongoing developments.”

    Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was “deeply concerned” about the rising tensions and reports of attacks on nuclear facilities. “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” the MEA said in a statement, calling on both countries to avoid any steps that could escalate the crisis.

    India also reiterated its readiness to support peace efforts, stating that “existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards de-escalation and resolving underlying issues.”

    “India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the MEA added.

    The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday said they had carried out a “precise, preemptive strike” in Iran, claiming the attacks were aimed at disrupting Tehran’s nuclear capabilities and came in response to continued “aggression” from the Iranian regime.

    ANI

  • Iran launches massive missile barrage against Israel following nuclear facility strikes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran launched a large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attack on Israel late Friday night, marking one of the most significant military confrontations between the two nations in recent history. Tehran named the assault “Operation Severe Punishment,” claiming it was a direct response to Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and top military leaders.

    The barrage triggered air raid sirens across Israel, sending millions of civilians rushing into bomb shelters. Explosions were reported in major cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with live footage capturing fireballs lighting up the night sky.

    Background of the Escalation

    The Iranian offensive came just hours after Israeli fighter jets conducted a surprise strike on Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear facility—widely believed to be at the core of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The attack, which Israeli officials framed as a preemptive measure to halt Iran’s nuclear weapons development, also resulted in the assassination of key Iranian military figures, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

    In response, Iran launched what officials described as “hundreds of missiles and drones,” targeting Israeli airbases, cities, and strategic infrastructure.

    Impact on Israel

    Israel’s Home Front Command declared a nationwide state of emergency, stating that “all of Israel is under attack.” The Iron Dome and other air defense systems were activated, but several projectiles still managed to breach Israeli defenses.

    Ben Gurion International Airport was shut down, and tens of thousands of Israeli troops were called into active service as part of a full-scale mobilization. In Tel Aviv, direct hits were reported in central areas. Paramedics treated at least five people for shrapnel wounds, and damage from missile debris was evident in several neighborhoods.

    This marks the first time Iranian missiles have successfully reached major Israeli population centers, heightening concerns of an extended and broader regional conflict.

    Iran’s Position

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Israel had “initiated war” and warned that the Islamic Republic’s retaliation would be “painful and unrelenting.” Iranian state media framed the missile attack as just the beginning of a prolonged military campaign.

    “The Zionist regime has crossed all red lines,” one senior Iranian official told IRNA, the state news agency. “This retaliation is only the first step.”

    The IRGC confirmed it was fully mobilized for continued operations and warned that more strikes could follow, depending on Israel’s next move.

    International Concerns Mount

    The situation has drawn alarm from global powers, with calls for restraint amid fears that the tit-for-tat strikes could ignite a full-scale regional war. Both the United States and the United Nations have called for de-escalation, though neither side appears willing to back down at this stage.

  • Rajkot schools shut today to mourn ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    All government and private schools in Rajkot district will remain shut on Saturday as a mark of respect following the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in the Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday.

    The Rajkot district administration made the announcement late Friday evening and requested all educational institutions to observe a two-minute silence in Rupani’s memory.

    Rupani, 68, was among the 241 people on board the flight headed to London’s Gatwick Airport when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the Meghani Nagar area. The crash left several dead and many others injured.

    Rupani, who began his political career in Rajkot and represented the city as an MLA for multiple terms, served as Gujarat CM between 2016 and 2021. During his tenure, he was credited with initiating key infrastructure and administrative reforms.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the crash site on Friday, also met survivors undergoing treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Later, he visited Rupani’s family at the GujSail building and offered condolences.

    “Vijaybhai’s passing is unimaginable. We worked together for decades, including during very difficult times,” the PM said on X.

    Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel called the incident a “tragedy beyond words” and said the state had responded swiftly and with empathy, under the guidance of PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

    Soon after the crash, over 600 fire personnel and more than 100 ambulances were rushed to the site. Rescue efforts involved teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, RAF, police, and fire services. A green corridor was created to ensure the quick transfer of the injured to hospitals.

    Senior IAS officers, counsellors, forensic and DNA teams were also deployed to support victim identification and provide psychological support to affected families. Emergency control rooms at Civil Hospital and the SEOC remain operational round-the-clock.

    The incident has sparked widespread grief across the political spectrum, with tributes pouring in for Rupani, remembered by many as a grounded and affable leader who maintained strong ties with his constituency till the end.

    IANS

  • UN Security Council meets as Iran launches missiles at Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Friday as Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for attacks on its nuclear facilities, prompting the UN nuclear watchdog chief to warn of “grave consequences” from military strikes on atomic sites.

    IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated, “Any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.”

    He added that the IAEA’s General Conference had declared military attacks on nuclear facilities to be in violation of the UN Charter and international law.

    UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, addressing the emergency session requested by Iran, said, “We must at all costs avoid a growing conflagration which would have enormous global consequences.”

    She noted that Israel launched the attack on Iran at a time when “significant diplomatic developments” were underway, including scheduled talks between Washington and Tehran in Oman on Sunday. Iran has since withdrawn from those negotiations.

    “A peaceful resolution through negotiations remains the best means to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme,” she emphasised.

    A senior US State Department official, McCoy Pitt, told the Council that the United States remained open to diplomacy.

    “We seek a secure peace,” Pitt said. “As President Trump stated, the violence must come to an end, and Iran should make a deal so there is ‘no more death, no more destruction’. The United States will continue to seek a diplomatic resolution that ensures Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon or pose a threat to stability in the Middle East.”

    “Iran’s leadership would be wise to negotiate at this time,” he added.

    During his first term, President Trump withdrew from an international agreement that aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. However, in recent months, he had been pursuing a new agreement with Tehran—efforts that now appear to have been derailed by Israel’s strike.

    Iran’s Permanent Representative, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the Israeli attack was intended “to kill diplomacy, sabotage negotiations, and drag the region into a wider conflict.”

    He also accused Washington of complicity in the attack.

    Pitt denied that the US was involved, though he acknowledged that Washington had been informed in advance.

    Israel’s Permanent Representative, Danny Danon, defended the operation as “an act of national preservation.” He presented a photo of a countdown clock in Tehran, allegedly tied to a plan to annihilate Israel.

    Israel’s mission, he said, was to “neutralise the Iranian regime’s ability to follow through on its repeated public promise to destroy the State of Israel.”

    Danon claimed the strikes were precise and specifically targeted nuclear facilities.

    IANS

  • Govt bolsters Agri Stack with ₹6,000 crore allocation to empower farmers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) announced a significant financial commitment of ₹6,000 crore to strengthen the Agri Stack initiative under the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) during the National Conference on Agri Stack: Turning Data into Delivery, held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The funding, aimed at transforming India’s agricultural landscape through technology, will support States in building robust digital infrastructure for farmer-centric governance.

    The allocation includes ₹4,000 crore for developing Farmer Registries, including legal heir systems, and ₹2,000 crore for conducting Digital Crop Surveys. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come-first-served basis, incentivizing States to accelerate their adoption of digital tools. Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary (Agriculture), emphasized the importance of linking State Farmer Registries with updated Records of Rights (RoR) to ensure accurate farmer identification and seamless delivery of schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and KCC.

    A key highlight of the conference was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Maharashtra, Kerala, Bihar, and Odisha, alongside the PSB Alliance with the National Farmers’ Welfare Program Implementation Society (NFWPIS). These agreements aim to provide small and marginal farmers with digital access to credit services through Farmer Registry-linked authentication, reducing paperwork and enhancing financial inclusion.

    The conference also saw the launch of the Special Central Assistance (SCA) Guidelines, jointly unveiled by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Land Resources, alongside other dignitaries. Technical sessions addressed challenges such as outdated tribal land records and errors in crop survey data, proposing solutions like remote sensing, AI/ML tools, and automated data validation to improve efficiency.

    Shri Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary (Digital), MoA&FW, underscored the need for data quality assurance and compliance with Unified Farmer Service Interface (UFSI) standards. The initiative is poised to empower farmers with tools like Digitally Verifiable Certificates (DVCs) and farmer authorization systems, enabling secure sharing of land and crop information.

    The Ministry’s commitment to leveraging technology for transparent governance marks a significant step toward inclusive, data-driven agricultural development, promising better access to services for millions of farmers across India.

  • Agri Stack conference showcases AI innovations and state success stories

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Conference on Agri Stack: Turning Data into Delivery, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, highlighted groundbreaking AI-driven innovations and state-led achievements in transforming India’s agricultural ecosystem through the Agri Stack initiative.

    A standout feature was the unveiling of an AI-powered chatbot, built using Google Gemini and trained on Agri Stack data, capable of answering farmers’ queries in multiple languages. Additional AI tools are being piloted for crop identification, facial authentication of surveyors, and optimizing backend systems, showcasing the Ministry’s push toward cutting-edge technology. The Chief Knowledge Officer and Advisor (CKO&A) introduced the Digitally Verifiable Credential (DVC), or Kisan Pehchan Patra, which allows farmers to generate authenticated credentials for specific land parcels and crops, integrated with DigiLocker and dynamically updated upon land mutation.

    The conference also launched a unified grievance redressal portal with OTP-based login, multilingual support, and audio upload features, enabling farmers to resolve land-related disputes efficiently. Farmers can now authorize representatives to access services or lodge grievances, enhancing accessibility.

    A dedicated session, “Insights from States on Agri Stack Usage,” featured presentations from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. Maharashtra highlighted its progress in enrolling farmers in the Farmer Registry and sought central support for a Data Provisioning Engine (DPE) and an AI-driven advisory sandbox, Mahavistaar AI. Uttar Pradesh shared its success in integrating Agri Stack with MSP e-procurement for 2024, while addressing challenges in Digital Crop Survey (DCS) implementation. Karnataka showcased multi-layered innovations, including linking its FRUITS platform with banking systems, using Agri Stack for disaster relief, and integrating soil health cards for personalized advisories.

  • Google sues LATAM Airlines in US over Brazilian YouTube video dispute

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Google sued Chile-based LATAM Airlines in U.S. federal court on Thursday, seeking a declaration that Brazilian courts cannot force the tech giant to take down a YouTube video in the U.S. that accused a LATAM employee of sexually abusing a child.

    Alphabet’s Google, which owns YouTube, said in the lawsuit that LATAM was attempting to “make an end-run” around protections for free speech under the U.S. Constitution by suing in Brazil to force the video’s removal worldwide.

    “LATAM has not received any official communication about the court case,” the company told Reuters.

    Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement that the company has “long supported the legal principle that courts in a country have jurisdiction over content available in that country, but not over what content should be available in other countries.”

    Right-wing social media companies Trump Media and Rumble filed a similar lawsuit in Florida in February against a Brazilian judge who had ordered them to remove the U.S.-based accounts of a leading supporter of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. A federal judge decided in the case that the companies were not required to comply with the order in the United States.

    According to Google’s lawsuit filed in San Jose, California, U.S. citizen and Florida resident Raymond Moreira posted two YouTube videos in 2018 of his 6-year-old son outlining allegations of sexual abuse that the child said he experienced from a LATAM employee while traveling as an unaccompanied minor.

    Moreira sued LATAM in Florida in 2020 over the alleged abuse, which led to a confidential settlement.

    LATAM sued Google in Brazil in 2018 seeking an order to remove the video from YouTube. A Brazilian appeals court is set to consider next week whether it has the authority to order Google to take down the video worldwide.

    Google asked the court in California on Thursday to declare that LATAM cannot force the tech giant to remove the video in the United States.

    Canada’s Supreme Court upheld an order for Google to remove some search results worldwide in a separate case in 2018. A California judge halted that order’s U.S. enforcement in 2017.

    (Reuters)

  • Hamas says Iran ‘paying the price’ for supporting Gaza militants

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas said Iran, its strategic ally, was “paying the price” for supporting militant groups in Gaza in their decades-long struggle against Israel, after Israel launched large-scale attacks on Friday against Iran.

    Hamas leaders have repeatedly thanked Iran for its military and financial support to the group in its fight against Israel, including during the ongoing war that erupted in October 2023.

    “Iran is today paying the price for its steadfast positions in support of Palestine and its resistance, and its adherence to its independent national decision,” Hamas said in a statement.

    Tehran has vowed retaliation for Israel’s early morning attack on Iranian military and nuclear facilities that killed several top commanders. Israel said it was working to intercept 100 drones that were launched by Iran, but had not reached Israel.

    Hamas armed wing spokesperson Abu Ubaida said in a post on Telegram later on Friday that the group would stand by Iran in its conflict against Israel.

    “The Zionist enemy is completely deluded if it thinks that these treacherous strikes can undermine the fronts of resistance or stabilize the pillars of this fragile entity in the region,” he said.

    “On the contrary, it continues to make successive strategic mistakes that will bring it closer to its inevitable demise, God willing.”

    (Reuters)

  •  Delhiites to get relief from scorching heat as IMD predicts thunderstorm

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Residents of the national capital may finally get some relief from the relentless heat, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall later on Friday, which are expected to ease the sweltering conditions that have gripped Delhi and surrounding regions for the past several days.

    Speaking to IANS, IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava said: “The maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR remains high, and the night temperature is also above normal. Due to these conditions, we had issued a red alert on Thursday. For June 13, we are expecting hot and humid conditions during the day, with a possibility of a heatwave in some parts of the region. Accordingly, we have issued an orange to red alert for today.”

    Srivastava added that thunderstorm activity is anticipated by Friday night, with wind speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h.

    “This weather pattern may persist for the next two to three days, which is likely to bring down the maximum temperature,” he said.

    “Currently, Delhi is recording temperatures around 44 degrees Celsius. We expect this to fall to around 40 degrees Celsius by June 15 or 16.”

    Srivastava also said that northwestern India is also expected to remain hot, with no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48–72 hours.

    “We estimate a potential drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in the coming days. However, western Rajasthan will continue to face severe heat conditions, for which a red alert has been issued. Warm night conditions are being observed across the region, with night temperatures also staying above average, increasing the overall impact.”

    The IMD has issued red alerts for Punjab and Haryana for the next two days due to expected extreme conditions. Rajasthan is also under a red alert for Friday, which will be followed by an orange alert for the next two days. In Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, orange alerts have been issued as cooler weather is expected over the weekend.

    Srivastava also noted a likelihood of light to very light rainfall in parts of Delhi, associated with the thunderstorm activity.

    “While the intensity of the rainfall may be low, it will contribute to a temporary cooling effect and offer some respite from the oppressive heat.”

    Responding to whether this summer has been hotter than usual, Srivastava said: “Heatwaves are not new to Delhi or North India. We witnessed similar extreme temperatures last year as well. It would not be accurate to say this year is significantly worse; rather, such patterns are becoming increasingly frequent.”

    (IANS)

  • Delhi scorched, but not for long: IMD predicts dip in temperature after thunderstorm

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Residents of the national capital may finally get some relief from the relentless heat, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall later on Friday, which are expected to ease the sweltering conditions that have gripped Delhi and surrounding regions for the past several days.

    Speaking to IANS, IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava said: “The maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR remains high, and the night temperature is also above normal. Due to these conditions, we had issued a red alert on Thursday. For June 13, we are expecting hot and humid conditions during the day, with a possibility of a heatwave in some parts of the region. Accordingly, we have issued an orange to red alert for today.”

    Srivastava added that thunderstorm activity is anticipated by Friday night, with wind speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h.

    “This weather pattern may persist for the next two to three days, which is likely to bring down the maximum temperature,” he said.

    “Currently, Delhi is recording temperatures around 44 degrees Celsius. We expect this to fall to around 40 degrees Celsius by June 15 or 16.”

    Srivastava also said that northwestern India is also expected to remain hot, with no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48–72 hours.

    “We estimate a potential drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in the coming days. However, western Rajasthan will continue to face severe heat conditions, for which a red alert has been issued. Warm night conditions are being observed across the region, with night temperatures also staying above average, increasing the overall impact.”

    The IMD has issued red alerts for Punjab and Haryana for the next two days due to expected extreme conditions. Rajasthan is also under a red alert for Friday, which will be followed by an orange alert for the next two days. In Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, orange alerts have been issued as cooler weather is expected over the weekend.

    Srivastava also noted a likelihood of light to very light rainfall in parts of Delhi, associated with the thunderstorm activity.

    “While the intensity of the rainfall may be low, it will contribute to a temporary cooling effect and offer some respite from the oppressive heat.”

    Responding to whether this summer has been hotter than usual, Srivastava said: “Heatwaves are not new to Delhi or North India. We witnessed similar extreme temperatures last year as well. It would not be accurate to say this year is significantly worse; rather, such patterns are becoming increasingly frequent.”

    (IANS)

  • Ahmedabad plane crash: Black box recovered from Air India AI-171 wreckage

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The black box of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed minutes after takeoff from Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, has been recovered from the wreckage of the aircraft.

    The black box, technically known as the flight data recorder, is expected to play a vital role in uncovering the cause of the disaster. It contains crucial information such as flight speed, altitude, engine performance, and cockpit audio, including communications between the pilots and air traffic control.

    These specialised devices are built to withstand extreme temperatures, water, and severe impact, ensuring the survival of key data even under catastrophic conditions.

    Contrary to its name, the black box is typically painted bright orange to make it easier to locate amid the wreckage.

    Constructed from highly durable materials like steel and titanium, the device houses two main components: the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The DFDR logs technical flight parameters, while the CVR captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot discussions and radio exchanges with air traffic control.

    In a parallel development, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has also recovered a digital video recorder (DVR) from the wreckage.

    Investigators believe this could serve as additional evidence, offering visual insights into the final moments of the crash.

    Authorities are now preparing to analyse both the flight recorders and the DVR to piece together a comprehensive timeline of events leading up to the crash.

    IANS

  • Yoga Connect 2025: Global Summit on ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ to be held tomorrow in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant lead-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Ministry of Ayush is set to host ‘Yoga Connect 2025’, a hybrid global summit, on June 14, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Centered around the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the summit will bring together an esteemed gathering of yoga practitioners, policymakers, health experts, business leaders, and researchers from India and around the world.

    Organized by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), the event will feature over 1,000 participants attending in person, with many more joining virtually from leading international yoga institutions and wellness communities. Delegates from countries such as Bahrain, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea will be participating, reflecting the growing global influence of India’s yoga movement.

    A major highlight of the summit will be the release of the ‘Yoga Prabhava’ report, a comprehensive nationwide study conducted by CCRYN. This report evaluates the impact of the International Day of Yoga over the past decade, offering valuable insights into the reach, effectiveness, and transformative potential of yoga initiatives across the country. It is expected to be a key resource for academicians, public health professionals, and policy researchers.

    Alongside this report, the summit will also unveil three important publications. The first is an e-book titled “Decadal Impact of Yoga,” capturing the evolution and influence of yoga in India and abroad over the last ten years. The second is a detailed report on the scientometric analysis of yoga research, providing a data-driven perspective on global yoga scholarship. The third, “Bhartiya Vriksha Vaibhavam,” is an illustrative booklet highlighting the significance of native Indian trees and their ecological and cultural relevance.

    The summit will feature a range of thematic sessions addressing yoga’s role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, research on the Common Yoga Protocol, the impact of IDY, and emerging innovations under the Yoga-Tech domain. Other discussions will explore the applications of yoga in women’s health across life stages, yoga’s growing integration into commerce and industry, and the broader vision of making yoga accessible for all.

    Several renowned figures from the yoga world are expected to attend and share their perspectives, including Swami Baba Ramdevji, Acharya Balkrishna, HR Nagendraji, His Holiness Bikkhu Sanghasena, and Sri Bharath Bhushanji. Their participation will add depth to discussions on yoga’s role in enhancing personal wellness and advancing public health.

    ‘Yoga Connect 2025’ is not just a celebration of yoga’s achievements over the past decade; it is also a forward-looking platform for global collaboration, innovation, and inclusive wellness. The summit marks ten years since the United Nations officially designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, a move that catalyzed India’s global yoga movement. It also commemorates yoga’s recognition by UNESCO as a symbol of India’s intangible cultural heritage.

  • Trump urges Iran to make deal after Israel blasts nuclear and military targets

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel launched large-scale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it had attacked nuclear facilities and missile factories and killed a swathe of military commanders in what could be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran building an atomic weapon.

    U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Iran had brought the attack on itself by resisting U.S. demands in talks to restrict its nuclear programme, and urged it to make a deal, “with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal”.

    Washington said it had no part in the operation, however.

    Iran promised a harsh response to a barrage that killed the heads of both its armed forces and the powerful Revolutionary Guards, and Israel said it was trying to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation.

    But around 0800 GMT, Israeli media said an order to citizens to remain near protected areas had been lifted, suggesting that most or all of the drones had been neutralised.

    The price of crude leapt around 9% on fears of wider retaliatory attacks across a major oil-producing region. 

    An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside the Islamic Republic before the attack and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran’s strategic missile array.

    Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had carried out a large-scale strike against Iran’s air defences, destroying “dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers”.

    Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions, including some at the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation said Natanz had sustained damage but no casualties had been reported.

    Iran said several top commanders and six nuclear scientists had been killed, including the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Two sources in the region said at least 20 senior commanders were dead, including the head of the Revolutionary Guards aerospace force.

    An Israeli military official said the strikes had achieved a great deal but assessments were continuing and Israel was prepared to keep the operation going for days. Among the targets were ballistic missiles pointed towards Israel, they added.

    “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.

    Just before 6 a.m. Washington time, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

    “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” he said.

    “There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left…”

    ISRAEL’S ENEMIES IN LEBANON AND GAZA WEAKENED

    At one time, Israel might have expected a wave of retaliation from Iranian-backed militias around the region.

    Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody” hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive “a bitter fate for itself”.

    But since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, Israel has severely weakened Iran’s allies, notably by assassinating the top leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah and attacking the Houthis who control much of Yemen.

    Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Iran’s Fars news agency reported a strike near the northwestern city of Tabriz.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels at the Natanz nuclear site, citing information provided by Iranian authorities.

    Airlines quit the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan after the Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers diverting or cancelling flights.

    Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia said they were moving their planes out of Israel and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was shut.

    Dubai-based Emirates cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran as Iran closed its airspace.

    The global crude oil benchmark Brent blend was up almost 9% at $75.37 at 1000.

    The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said oil refining and storage facilities had not been damaged and continued to operate.

    Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and “prepared across all borders”.

    Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi joined global calls for de-escalation and accused Israel of violating international law.

    “At an extremely critical time when the U.S. was negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran that would save the whole region and the world, a new vicious escalation,” he said on X.

    U.S. officials have repeatedly said any new deal – to replace a 2015 accord between Tehran and six world powers from which Trump withdrew – must include a commitment to scrap uranium enrichment, a prerequisite for developing nuclear bombs.

    NUCLEAR TALKS WITH IRAN DUE ON SUNDAY

    The Islamic Republic insists it wants nuclear energy only for civilian purposes.

    But the IAEA’s Board of Governors on Thursday declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years.

    Iran is a signatory to the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel is not, and is believed to have the Middle East’s sole nuclear arsenal.

    Iran said in a statement that Israel’s “cowardly” attack showed why Iran had to insist on enrichment, nuclear technology and missile power.

    Iranian citizens reacted to the strikes with anger and fear.

    Some opponents of the ruling clerics expressed hope that Israel’s attack might lead to their downfall, though one Tehran resident who was not a supporter of clerical rule said Iran must retaliate.

    “We can’t afford not to respond. Either we surrender and they take our missiles, or we fire them. There’s no other option — and if we don’t, we’ll end up surrendering them anyway.”

    The Israeli military said it had been forced to act by new intelligence information showing that Iran was “approaching the point of no return” in the development of a nuclear weapon.

    But a source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there had been no recent change in the U.S. assessment that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei had not authorised a resumption of the nuclear weapons programme that was shut in 2003.

    Trump was convening the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said. He had said on Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen” but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.

    Iran’s armed forces spokesperson accused Washington of providing support for the operation.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. had not been involved in the strikes and Israel had acted unilaterally in self-defence.

    U.S. and Iranian officials are scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday.

    (Reuters)

  • Air India crash survivor says he escaped through broken emergency exit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash that killed more than 240 people said he walked out of a broken emergency exit after the aircraft hit a medical college hostel in the city of Ahmedabad.

    Ramesh Viswashkumar, who police said was on seat 11A near the emergency exit and managed to escape through the broken hatch, was filmed after Thursday’s crash limping on the street in a blood-stained T-shirt with bruises on his face.

    “I don’t believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die,” 40-year-old Viswashkumar told DD News from his hospital bed on Friday.

    “But when I opened my eyes, I realised I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape from where I could. It was in front of my eyes that the air hostess and others (died)”, he added.

    Police said some people at the hostel and others on the ground were also killed in the crash. Rescue workers were searching for missing people and aircraft parts in the charred buildings of the hostel on Friday.

    Viswashkumar said the plane appeared to come to a standstill in midair for a few seconds shortly after take-off and the green and white cabin lights were turned on.

    He said he could feel the engine thrust increasing but then the plane “crashed with speed into the hostel.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site in Ahmedabad and also met Viswashkumar at the hospital on Friday.

    Doctors said that he did not sustain any major injuries.

    “The side of the plane I was in landed on the ground, and I could see that there was space outside the aircraft, so when my door broke I tried to escape through it and I did,” Viswashkumar said.

    “The opposite side of the aircraft was blocked by the building wall so nobody could have come out of there.”

    Viswashkumar said he walked out of the crash site with only burn injuries on his left arm.

    -Reuters

  • Israel takes name of Iran operation from Bible verse

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel has called its military operation against Iran “Rising Lion”, taking the name from a biblical verse that promises a victorious future for a powerful Israel.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was photographed on Thursday putting a handwritten note into a crack of Jerusalem’s Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest prayer site, which in retrospect pointed to the looming strikes on Iran.

    His office on Friday released a photo of the note, which said “the people shall rise up as a lion”.

    The expression comes from verse 23:24 of the Book of Numbers in the Bible: “Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.”

    This verse is part of the first oracle of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet and diviner, where he foretells the strength and power of Israel, comparing it to a lion that will not rest until it has satisfied its hunger.

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel’s strikes “satanic”.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi condoles demise of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani in Ahmedabad air crash

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep grief over the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was among the victims of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad a day earlier.

    Rupani, 68, was travelling on board flight AI-171 to London when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of 241 passengers.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the late leader, describing his passing as “unimaginable” and recalling a long association with him that spanned decades.

    “I’ve known him for decades. We worked together, shoulder to shoulder, including during some of the most challenging times. Vijaybhai was humble and hardworking, firmly committed to the Party’s ideology,” PM Modi said in his post.

    He went on to highlight Rupani’s journey in public life, mentioning his early work in the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, his tenure as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, and his leadership as President of the Gujarat BJP.

    “In every role assigned, he distinguished himself… as Gujarat BJP President and as Cabinet Minister in the State Government,” the Prime Minister said, adding that Rupani had made lasting contributions during his time as Chief Minister, particularly in initiatives aimed at improving ease of living for citizens.

    The Prime Minister also visited the late leader’s family to offer condolences in person. “Will always cherish the interactions we had. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” he said.

    Rupani served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021.

  • Gautam Gambhir flies back home from England due to family emergency

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A week before India begins their five-match Test series against England in Leeds, head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown back home due to a family emergency. Gambhir had been with the Indian team at Beckenham ahead of their intra-squad practice match starting on Friday.

    “Yes it came to the light yesterday that Gambhir would be flying back home due to an important family emergency related to his mother. As of now, we believe that Gambhir has already linked up with his family in New Delhi. Keeping in mind the current situation, it’s not known yet about when he would join the India team ahead of the Test series’ commencement,” said sources aware of development to IANS on Friday.

    In Gambhir’s absence, alongside batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip will help the Indian team prepare for the upcoming Test series against Ben Stokes-led England, which starts at Headingley.

    The Test tour of England will also be right-handed batter Shubman Gill’s first assignment as the captain of the Indian team, following the retirement of Rohit Sharma last month. At 25 years and 258 days, Gill will also become the fifth-youngest cricketer to captain India in Tests.

    Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be India’s vice-captain on the all-important Test series, which runs from June 20 to August 4. India and England will also play matches at Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord’s in London, Old Trafford in Manchester and The Oval in London.

    India are aiming to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. The Test series in England will also be India’s first assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.

    (IANS)