Month: June 2025

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that Axiom Mission 04, which will send Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), is now tentatively scheduled for launch its on June 22, 2025.

The revised timeline comes after a thorough evaluation of critical mission parameters by Axiom Space, the private aerospace company leading the mission.

In a post on X, the Minister said that Axiom Space has suggested June 22, 2025, as the next likely launch date after assessing key parameters.

“Axiom Mission 04 to International Space Station (ISS) ….. After assessing the key parameters, including Module Fitness, Crew Health, Weather, etc, @Axiom_Space has indicated that 22 June 2025 may be the next likely launch date of Axiom-04 Mission carrying, among others, the Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station,” his post read on X.

He added, “Further updates, of any, shall be shared accordingly.”

Earlier in the day, Axiom Space had confirmed that the launch window for Ax-4 has been rescheduled to no earlier than Sunday, June 22. This revision allows NASA additional time to evaluate recent repairs made to the aft section of the Zvezda service module on the ISS.

In a post on X, Axiom Space informed that the Ax-4 crew, comprising Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, as commander, ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot, and mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, remains under quarantine in Florida to ensure compliance with all medical and safety protocols.

“The #Ax4 crew remains in quarantine in Florida to maintain all medical and safety protocols. The crew is in good health and high spirits and looks forward to launch!” Axiom posted.

The Ax-4 mission will lift off aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on Falcon 9 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Despite the delay, the Axiom-4 mission remains significant. The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years, according to Axiom Space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be India’s second national astronaut to go to space since 1984.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission (Ax-4), marking a historic moment for India’s space collaboration with NASA.

According to Axiom Space, the Ax-4 mission will “realise the return” to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first government-sponsored flight in more than 40 years. (ANI)

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday warned Israel and said that Tehran will harshly retaliate against Israel’s attacks as aerial attacks between the two nations continued overnight, marking the sixth day of the war.

“We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wrote in English on X.

Meanwhile, Iranian armed forces chief warned of imminent “punitive operations” against Israel.

“Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces: The operations carried out so far have been a warning for deterrence, and punitive operations will be forthcoming,” IRNA News Agency posted on X.

The Israel Defense Forces issued an “urgent warning” for people to evacuate District 18 of Tehran, Iran.

“In the coming hours, the IDF will operate in the area–just as it has over the past few days throughout Tehran–to strike military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime,” the IDF said in the statement.

“To all civilians, for your safety and well-being, we urge you to evacuate immediately from the marked area in District 18,” the statement continued.

The Israel Defense Forces said it has identified more missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday morning local time.

This comes after several projectile impacts were recently reported in the Coastal, Southern and Central districts of the country.

“The public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice,” the IDF said.

Iran’s air defenses are repelling projectiles over the capital Tehran, the semi-official Iranian outlet Mehr News Agency reported.

A video posted on the agency’s X page showed flashes in the sky as explosions were heard throughout the city.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel plans on striking key targets in Tehran. Israel’s air force is also targeting ballistic launching sites in Isfahan, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said.

Meantime, Iran’s Cyber Security Command said that Israel launched “a widespread cyber war” against Iranian digital infrastructure. Additionally, The IDF said it has identified a new wave of incoming missiles fired from Iran and explosions were heard over Tel Aviv.

At least 2,725 people in Israel have been evacuated from their homes since the conflict began, according to the country’s Government Press Office (GPO).

As of Tuesday, the death toll in Israel remains at 24, but more than 647 people are injured, the government said. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran since hostilities began on Friday.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) demanded for an “unconditional surrender” from Iran amid escalating tensions with Israel.

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said “we” now have “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and “we know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding”. He warned “our patience is wearing thin”, and then posted, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

“We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” Trump wrote on his social media ‘Truth Social’.”Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA,” he said in a post.

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” he added.

His remarks have come amid six days since Israel began attacking Iran, both sides continue to fire at each other. Iran warned people in Tel Aviv and Haifa to evacuate – while in Tehran, there are reports of more explosions. Many Iranians are trying to flee Tehran.

Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Trump has been vocal in his support for Israel, emphasising that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. (ANI)

Actor and producer Tom Cruise, choreographer and actor Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas will receive Academy Honorary Awards, announced the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on Tuesday.

These awards are also known as the Governors’ Awards.

Music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton will be recognised with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. All four Oscar statuettes will be presented at the 16th annual Governors Awards, which is set to take place on November 16.

The ceremony will be held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood, as per the Oscars website.

“This year’s Governors Awards will celebrate four legendary individuals whose extraordinary careers and commitment to our filmmaking community continue to leave a lasting impact,” said Janet Yang, Academy President, as quoted on the AMPAS website.

“The Academy’s Board of Governors is honoured to recognise these brilliant artists. Debbie Allen is a trailblazing choreographer and actor whose work has captivated generations and crossed genres. Tom Cruise’s incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunt community has inspired us all. Beloved performer Dolly Parton exemplifies the spirit of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award through her unwavering dedication to charitable efforts. And production designer Wynn Thomas has brought some of the most enduring films to life through a visionary eye and mastery of his craft,” added Janet Yang.

Cruise, one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood history, has long been an advocate for theatrical exhibition. Known for performing his own stunts, Cruise’s accolades include three acting Oscar nominations for ‘Born on the Fourth of July,’ ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Magnolia.’

His credits also include ‘Risky Business,’ ‘A Few Good Men,’ ‘Interview With the Vampire,’ ‘Eyes Wide Shut,’ ‘Vanilla Sky,’ and the long-running ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise.

As for Debbie Allen, she has choreographed the Academy Awards ceremony seven times, as well as films including ‘Forget Paris’, ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’ and ‘The Six Triple Eight.’

Her production credits include ‘Amistad’ and ‘A Star for Rose.’ Allen made her mark as an actress with ‘Fame,’ ‘Ragtime’, and ‘Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling’

Parton, a globally revered musician and actor, will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her decades of philanthropic work, as per the AMPAS website.

With over 100 million records sold and 49 studio albums, Parton has also starred in classics such as ‘Nine to Five’ and ‘Steel Magnolias.’

She is a two-time Oscar nominee for best original song — for ‘Nine to Five’ and ‘Travelin’ Thru’ from ‘Transamerica.’

With this Governors Award, a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Parton will be recognised for her decades-long humanitarian efforts.

She has founded various charitable and philanthropic organisations, including the Dollywood Foundation, which was created in 1988 to inspire the children of East Tennessee – her home state – to achieve educational success, as per the Academy Awards.

Additionally, her literacy program, “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” launched in 1995 in honour of her father, has provided children with 285 million books.

As for the production designer Thomas, he began his career working on Spike Lee’s ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ which would be the first of several collaborations between the two.

Thomas’s film credits include Lee’s ‘Do the Right Thing,’ ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods.’

Other notable credits from his career include the Best Picture-winning ‘A Beautiful Mind,’ as well as ‘Cinderella Man’ and ‘Hidden Figures,’ to name a few.

The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honour extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.” (ANI)

G7 leaders have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to prevent and counter migrant smuggling, under the G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and the 2024 G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants.

“We are determined to enhance border management and enforcement and dismantle the transnational organised crime groups profiting from both migrant smuggling and human trafficking,” the statement read.

The G7 leaders highlighted that migrant smuggling is often connected to other serious criminal offences, including money laundering, corruption, and trafficking in persons and drugs, which pose significant threats to community safety.

“It can expose vulnerable smuggled persons to grave and life-threatening risks, including physical abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, extortion, labour exploitation, and forced labour and criminality,” the leaders noted.

The statement emphasised that the G7 Coalition has made concrete progress in strengthening the operational and investigative capacities of law enforcement agencies, as well as enhancing international cooperation between police, judicial, prosecution, and border services.

The G7 leaders tasked their Interior and Security Ministers to intensify work on the 2024 G7 Action Plan by focusing on four key areas.

These include adopting a “follow the money” approach by leveraging financial intelligence and information-sharing to identify and hold criminal actors accountable, seize assets, and strip profits.

They also plan to boost prevention with countries of origin and transit through stronger border management and raising awareness of risks.

The G7 committed to collaborating with social media companies on voluntary principles to prevent organised crime groups from using online platforms to coordinate migrant smuggling.

Another area of focus is engaging with transport operators to prevent facilitation of irregular migration and mitigate the use of migrants to destabilise or as part of hybrid warfare tactics.

The leaders added that, consistent with their legal systems, they will examine the use of sanctions against criminals involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking operations from countries where such activities are enabled.

They committed to fostering global and regional cooperation and reaffirmed their support for legal migration pathways that reflect national interests.

“We remain committed to countering all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants, ensuring protection of the most vulnerable, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons,” the statement added.

The G7 leaders concluded by underlining their united resolve to combat migrant smuggling and protect vulnerable populations through coordinated international efforts. (ANI)

Thirteen people lost their lives due to lightning strikes across various districts in Bihar in the last 24 hours, according to an official statement on Tuesday.

The deaths were reported from Buxar (4 deaths), West Champaran (3), Katihar (2), and one each from Kaimur, Lakhisarai, and Sitamarhi districts.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

“It is sad that in the last 24 hours, four persons have died in Buxar, 3 in West Champaran, 2 in Katihar, 1 in Kaimur, 1 in Lakhisarai and 1 in Sitamarhi due to lightning. Instructions have been given to immediately give Rs. 4 lakhs as ex-gratia to the families of the deceased,” said CM Nitish Kumar in a post on X.

The Chief Minister urged people to remain indoors during adverse weather conditions and to follow safety advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department.

“People are appealed to be fully cautious during bad weather. To protect yourself from lightning, follow the suggestions issued from time to time by the Disaster Management Department. Stay indoors during bad weather and stay safe,” he added.

Further investigation is still ongoing. (ANI)

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced on Tuesday that 177 DNA samples have been matched so far after the tragic London-bound Air India plane crash.

In a post on X, the minister wrote, “Air India crash update: As of now, 177 DNA have been matched.”

The testing was being done by teams from the FSL and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU).

Earlier in the day, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Rakesh Joshi reported that a total of 163 DNA samples have been matched.

During a press conference, Joshi provided a detailed account of the count, noting that out of the remaining 39 of the 163 matched victims, mortal remains of 21 deceased will be handed over to their families by Wednesday morning and remains of two deceased are in the process of being handed over.

He stated that more than 12 families were waiting for the results, and the handing over of four dead bodies is on hold due to some legal issues.”Till 5.45 pm today, 163 DNA samples have matched. Following which, the mortal remains of 124 deceased have been handed over to their families… Out of the remaining 39, the mortal remains of 21 deceased will be handed over to their families by morning. Mortal remains of two deceased are in the process of being handed over. 12 families are waiting for the results… Handing over of four dead bodies is on hold due to some legal issues,” Joshi stated.

He further stated that on the day of the crash, 71 injured individuals were admitted to the Civil Hospital, with 42 subsequently discharged and currently, nine patients remain admitted, while two succumbed to their injuries after admission.

“On the day of the crash, 71 injured people were admitted to the Civil Hospital. Out of them, 42 have been discharged. As of now, nine patients are admitted. Two people had passed away after they were admitted,” he added.

On June 12, the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed into a hostel complex of the BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat’s Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 passengers and crew out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. (ANI)

India and Canada agreed to resume full diplomatic services, ending the thaw between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada in 2023.

At the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both leaders agreed to designate new high commissioners, with a view to returning to regular services to citizens and businesses in both countries, according to a press release from the Prime Minister of Canada.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the importance of Canada-India ties, based upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They discussed strong and historic ties between their peoples, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, and significant commercial links between Canada and India — including partnerships in economic growth, supply chains, and the energy transformation, read the release.

Prime Minister Carney also raised priorities on the G7 agenda, including transnational crime and repression, security, and the rules-based order.

The discussions on deepening engagement in technology, digital transition, food security, and critical minerals came even as India-Canada ties remain strained due to ongoing political tensions.

India has repeatedly voiced concern over extremism and anti-India activities in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to act against such elements.

Tensions escalated further when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that his government had “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023.

India has strongly denied the allegations, terming them “absurd” and “motivated,” and has accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements.

In the aftermath, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared “persons of interest” by Canadian authorities investigating Nijjar’s killing. Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

The diplomatic rift between India and Canada has since widened, with Canada allegedly violating various international norms such as the Vienna Convention, and subjecting Indian diplomats to surveillance–against which the Ministry of External Affairs had lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir over lunch on Wednesday.

A White House itinerary of President Trump for Wedensday shows his lunch meeting with the Pakistani General.

Asim Munir is currently in the United States. While on his visit, Muneer on Monday faced protests from overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf activists.

People shouted slogans “Pakistanio ke Qatil” and “Islamabad ke Qatil” while Munir was being welcomed at an event in Washington DC. Videos of the protest against Munir have surfaced on social media.

Nazia Imtiaz Hussain, a X user who identifies herself as Executive Director of The Alliance Organisation, said that they are protesting against “criminal dictator of Pakistan” and criticised those who “showed up in support of fascism.”

While sharing the video on X, Hussain wrote, “We’re here to protest the criminal dictator of Pakistan. Shame on every bootlicker who showed up in support of fascism–you didn’t just betray democracy; you spit on the suffering of millions.”

PTI USA also re-shared the videos where the people were holding a protest against General Munir. Pakistani-Americans held a protest against Munir outside the Four Seasons Hotel.

While sharing the video of the protest on X, PTI stated, “Pakistani-Americans in Washington, DC are protesting outside the Four Seasons hotel, reminding General Asim Munir of the crimes he’s committed against the people of Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, the US President has his hands full with the current crisis in West Asia. On Tuesday he posted on Truth Social demanding an “unconditional surrender” by Iran. He also met with his national security team.

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said “we” now have “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and “we know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding”. He warned “our patience is wearing thin”, and then posted, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

Ironically, General Asim Munir and Pakistan have emerged as one of the strongest supporters of Iran. In a speech in Washington DC Munir said his country stood with Iran while hoping for the conflict to end soon.

Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Trump has been vocal in his support for Israel, emphasising that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said “we” now have “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and “we know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding”.

“We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” Trump wrote on his social media ‘Truth Social’.

“Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA,” he said in a post.

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” he added.

His remarks have come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Trump has been vocal in his support for Israel, emphasising that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

Earlier, speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasised the need for a “real end” to the conflict, arguing it’s better than a ceasefire while also suggesting that giving up entirely on negotiating is a possibility.

Trump said, “an end, a real end, not a ceasefire. An end. Or giving entirely. That’s OK, too.”

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple — you don’t have to go to too deep into it. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he added.

Trump said that he expects the next 48 hours will reveal more about whether Israel plans to slow down or accelerate its attacks on Iran, as per CNN.

“You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far,” Trump said.

According to CNN, Trump will meet his national security team in the Situation Room on Tuesday (local time).

“I hope their programme is going to be wiped out long before that. They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters.

Trump left the summit in Kananaskis, Canada, after Monday night’s dinner, citing the need to attend to pressing matters in the Middle East.

“I have to be back,” Trump said during a ceremonial photo-op with the other world leaders present at the G7 summit on Monday. “You probably see what I see. And I have to be back as soon as I can.” (ANI)

In what would be a big success for indigenous weapon systems, the Indian Air Force is looking to acquire an advanced version of the Indigenous Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, which would be fitted on almost the entire fighter jet fleet of the force, including the Su-30 MKI.

A proposal from the Indian Air Force to get the satellite-guided version of the SAAW air launched glide bomb is expected to be discussed by the Defence Ministry soon. This would be able to hit targets with accuracy at 100 Km strike range, defence sources told ANI.

SAAW, an indigenously designed and developed 120 kg class smart weapon developed by DRDO, is capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up to a range of 100 kms. The lightweight high precision guided bomb is one of the world-class weapons systems.

SAAW is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad has been developed with an aim of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways etc.

The stand off weapon is similar to the stand off weapons used in the Balakot air strikes on targets in Pakistan.

The proposal is coming up for discussion at a time when the Indian forces are looking for long range stand off weapon systems and have tasted success in a big way during Operation Sindoor against Pakistani terror and military targets.

The SAAW is one of the successful projects carried out by the DRDO.

The DRDO has also offered the SAAW missiles to the defence forces under the emergency procurement process to equip the forces rapidly for future conflicts.

The Indian Air Force is looking to equip itself with multiple long-range weapon systems, including missiles and other systems. (ANI)