Month: June 2025

Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that special care should be taken as the disease remains more severe among the elderly and those with other diseases.

She added that the Omicron JN.1 variants LF.7 and XFG were the most common in Kerala. These variants are “not as severe” but have a high potential for spreading the disease.

“Masks should be worn in public places and during travel. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify the Covid-19 variant. The Omicron JN.1 variant LF.7 and XFG, which are spreading in Southeast Asian countries, are the most common in Kerala. Although these variants are not as severe, they have a high potential for spreading the disease,” the minister said.

There are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people undergoing treatment. Ernakulam district reported 431 Covid-19 cases, 426 cases in Kottayam, and 365 in Thiruvananthapuram.

“There are currently 2,223 active Covid cases in the state. 96 people are under treatment. Most of them have other diseases. 431 cases have been reported in Ernakulam district, 426 cases in Kottayam and 365 cases in Thiruvananthapuram,” the ministry said.

All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid tests for those with symptoms, including cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. The minister also stated that instructions have been given to ensure oxygen availability.

This comes after George chaired a meeting with the state unit of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to assess the situation in the state. The concerned officials have been directed not to refer patients to private hospitals unnecessarily due to Covid.

“Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath should wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned with soap or sanitiser from time to time,” the minister added.

As of Tuesday morning, India has reported 6,815 active Covid-19 cases. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of the new Covid-19 variant XFG have recently been detected across the country.

Earlier, Balram Bhargava, former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and former Secretary of the Department of Health Research, said that the emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s natural evolution. He added that India is well-positioned to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly due to the widespread deployment of rapid molecular diagnostic platforms such as Truenat. (ANI)

Sonam Raghuvanshi, the accused in the murder case of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi, on early Wednesday morning, was brought to Ganesh Das hospital for medical examination in Shillong.

Sonam is in a three-day transit remand with Meghalaya Police.

This comes after Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday informed that the four accused involved in the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi were being transported to Shillong.

“We have got the transit remand, most likely if not tonight, then all of them will be in Shillong tomorrow. The moment they land, we will produce them in the CJM (Chief Judicial Magistrate) court,” the Deputy CM told ANI.

Sonam Raghuvanshi, the wife of the victim, along with three others, including Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Raj Singh Kushwaha, are accused of murdering Raja Raghuvanshi, who recently got married and went on a honeymoon to Meghalaya.

Raja’s body was found on June 2 in a gorge at Sohra near Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. Sonam Raghuvanshi was later found near a dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road.

Meghalaya’s Deputy CM said that some of the accused have already confessed to the crime and that Sonam, the wife, is also “fully involved.”

“All the accused have been arrested from different places – one in Madhya Pradesh, the other in UP. An SIT of Meghalaya Police went down to these two places. Some of them have also confessed to the crime they committed. The moment we were able to pick Sonam, being the prime suspect in the killing, we all came to know that she is fully involved in this operation during their stay here in Meghalaya,” the deputy CM said.

Earlier, a bystander identified as Sushil Lakwani attempted to attack one of the accused in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case while the accused was being escorted by Shillong Police inside Indore airport.

The incident occurred as the police were transferring the accused, prompting a brief commotion at the scene.

Expressing his outrage, Lakwani told reporters, “I hit him because I am angry that a resident of Indore was killed. They should be hanged till death. The woman killed the man with full planning.”

The Shillong Police quickly intervened, ensuring the accused was safely moved inside the airport. (ANI)

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Tuesday slammed the Congress government in Karnataka for making the police a “scapegoat” in the Bengaluru stampede that left 11 people dead and several injured. He accused the Congress government of looting the people of Karnataka and making false promises to them.

“Congress party has only one thing to do with Karnataka, which is to take money from Karnataka and give inflation in return. In any other incident, including the death of 11 people, Congress does not have to do anything with it,” Poonawalla told ANI.

“Congress has only made fake promises there and looted their money. And now, the scapegoat is being sought in this matter. Police were made a scapegoat here. The police mentioned that they are not able to organise this. If police denied it, then who overruled their decision? But now, the political leadership is just trying to find the scapegoat,” she added.

On Monday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, citing their “irresponsible and insensitive” handling of the crowd.

According to Joshi, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) had warned that large-scale celebrations within 24 hours of the victory would be risky. Despite this, Shivakumar ignored the letter and participated in the celebrations. The Police Commissioner had also requested to postpone the event due to insufficient manpower, but his appeal was disregarded.

“They (Karnataka government) have no moral authority to continue because they have suspended the Police Commissioner and other senior officials. The DCP had written a letter stating that it was risky to have such large-scale celebrations within just 24 hours of victory. The Police Commissioner meets the Home Minister on a daily basis, but on that day, he sent a message stating his inability to meet, citing his overnight duty following RCB’s win. At 8:30 am, he received information that a huge celebration is being planned in the city. He immediately requested to postpone the celebrations since it is very difficult to arrange and deploy manpower at such short notice. The DCM ignored the letter of the DCP and personally went on to take part in the celebrations. I demand the resignation of CM and DCM,” Joshi said.

Following the Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives and left many injured, the Karnataka Government on June 5 suspended top police officials at the Cubbon Park Police Station and formed a one-man commission under a retired High Court Judge to probe the incident. (ANI)

The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulates India’s World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni after his he was inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame during a ceremony at London on Monday, becoming the 11th Indian cricketer to join the illustrious company.

2⃣0⃣0⃣7⃣ ICC World T20 winning captain
2⃣0⃣1⃣1⃣ ICC Cricket World Cup winning captain
2⃣0⃣1⃣3⃣ ICC Champions Trophy winning captain

1️⃣ Led India to the top spot in ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2009 🙌

Congratulations to the legendary former #TeamIndia Captain MS… pic.twitter.com/vVI3U7kQKv

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 9, 2025

The ICC Hall of Fame celebrates the extraordinary achievements of cricketing legends who have shaped the sport’s rich and vibrant history. Players are eligible for induction only five years after their final international appearance, as per a release from BCCI.

From lifting India’s first T20 World Cup in 2007 with a young, untested squad, to guiding the Men in Blue to a historic 2011 ODI World Cup win at home, and adding the Champions Trophy in 2013, Dhoni remains the only captain in cricket history to win all three ICC white-ball trophies. His leadership brought calm to chaos, turning pressure into opportunity and dreams into triumphs.

Beyond captaincy, Dhoni redefined the role of a finisher in ODIs. His unbeaten 183* against Sri Lanka in 2005 remains the highest score by a wicketkeeper in the format.

With over 10,000 ODI runs at an astonishing average of 50.57, his legacy with the bat is as impactful as it is enduring.

Behind the stumps, Dhoni was a phenomenon. His lightning-fast stumpings and razor-sharp anticipation revolutionized wicketkeeping in limited-overs cricket.

Much like his captaincy, his unorthodox methods defied convention–but delivered unmatched results.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said: “Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen–individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket’s legacy and inspired generations.”

“This year, we are privileged to induct seven truly outstanding individuals into this prestigious group. On behalf of the ICC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them and hope they cherish this well-deserved recognition as a defining moment in their cricketing journey.”

Reflecting on the honour, MS Dhoni said, “It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognizes the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling–something I will cherish forever.”

The ICC Hall of Fame was launched in January 2009 as part of the ICC’s centenary celebrations and has since celebrated the greatest players to have graced the game.

Alongside Dhoni, Hashim Amla, Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith, and Daniel Vettori were inducted as part of the ICC Hall of Fame Class of 2025 among male cricketers. (ANI)

SpaceX on Wednesday announced the postponement of the Falcon 9 launch of the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), citing the need for additional time to repair a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak.

“Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date,” the company said in a post on X.

Following the announcement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also confirmed the delay of the Axiom-4 mission, which was scheduled for launch on June 11, 2025, and was set to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS.

In a statement, ISRO said: “Postponement of Axiom 04 mission slated for launch on 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS. As part of launch vehicle preparation to validate the performance of booster stage of Falcon 9 launch vehicle, seven second of hot test was carried out on the launch pad. It is understood that LOX leakage was detected in the propulsion bay during the test. Based on the discussion on this topic by ISRO team with the experts of Axiom and SpaceX it has been decided to correct the leak and carry out necessary validation test before clearing for the launch. Hence the launch of Axiom 04 slated for 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS is postponed. With regards, V. Narayanan, Secretary DOS/ Chairman ISRO and Chairman Space Commission.”

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.

Slawosz Uznanski, European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut, will be the second Polish astronaut since 1978.

Tibor Kapu will be the second national Hungarian astronaut since 1980.

Peggy Whitson will command her second commercial human spaceflight mission, adding to her standing record for the longest cumulative time in space by an American astronaut.

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.

While this is the second human spaceflight mission in history for these countries, it will be the first time all three will execute a mission aboard the International Space Station. This historic mission highlights how Axiom Space is redefining access to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally.

Ax-4 will be the second commercial spaceflight mission made up of government and ESA-sponsored national astronauts. The Ax-4 mission stands as a beacon of opportunity for India, Poland, and Hungary, each poised to leverage this mission to advance their national space programs.

The Ax-4 research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.

This will be the most research and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station to date, underscoring the mission’s global significance and collaborative nature to advance microgravity research in low-Earth orbit (LEO), per Axiom Space.

The mission emphasises scientific portfolios led by the US, India, Poland (in partnership with ESA), and Hungary. It aims to boost participation in these countries by involving diverse stakeholders, showcasing the value of microgravity research, and fostering international collaboration.

The studies will enhance global knowledge in human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and material sciences, demonstrating the space research capabilities of the crew’s home nations.

Describing the team with whom he is going on the mission, Group Captain Shukla said, “The team that I’m flying with on this mission, it is fantastic. I do feel that I have exceptional crewmates. I will have these crew members for this one flight. But post this mission, these are going to be my friends for life. It has been an amazing journey. These are moments that really tell you that you are getting to be a part of something that is much larger than yourself. I can only say how extremely fortunate I am to be a part of this. It is my sincere endeavor through my mission to inspire an entire generation back home in the country. I want to use this opportunity to ignite curiosity among kids. Even if this story, my story, is able to change one life, it would be a huge success for me. I’m Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla. and I am the mission pilot for Axiom 4 mission.” (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted members of seven all-party delegations who went to several countries under Operation Sindoor outreach on Tuesday at his residence in New Delhi.

Delegation members briefed the Prime Minister about their meetings in different nations.

The delegations, consisting of MPs from across party lines, former MPs and distinguished diplomats, highlighted India’s stand against terror and commitment to world peace during their visits to various nations.

Seven groups of all party delegations, including Opposition MPs such as Supriya Sule of NCP-SCP, Shashi Tharoor of Congress party, AIMIM chief Asaddudin Owaisi, and former ambassadors, completed their diplomatic efforts to visit various world capitals and promote India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.

The delegation was launched post Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 tourists were killed.

Over 50 people, including members of Parliament from multiple political parties, former ambassadors, and former government officials, visited over 30 countries as part of India’s diplomatic outreach post Operation Sindoor.

Seven MPs led their respective groups, with Group 1 being led by the BJP’s Baijayant Panda, which went to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria.

Group 2, led by BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, visited the UK, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark.

JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha led Group 3, which visited Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Singapore.

Group 4, led by Shrikant Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena, visited UAW, Liberia, Congo, and Sierra Leone.

Group 5, led by Shashi Tharoor of the Congress party, visited the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia.

Group 6, led by DMK’s Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, went to Spain, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, and Russia.

Group 7, led by NCP-SCP’s Supriya Sule, went to Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, and South Africa.

The delegations, apart from putting forward India’s position against terror, highlighted how Pakistan has been sponsoring terror and using it against India, and called for Pakistan to be put in the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)

If you are a fan of Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias and want to see him perform live, then there’s great news for you.

Enrique is coming to India this October for a grand show in Mumbai.

As per an official statement, the ‘Hero’ hitmaker will perform in Mumbai on October 30, at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC.

Deepak Chaudhary, Founder and Managing Director, EVA Live, the company who hosted Bryan Adams in India last year stated, “Bringing Enrique Iglesias back to India after 13 years is a truly historic moment. The anticipation among fans has been palpable, and we are overjoyed to facilitate this reunion. With a resurgence of interest in iconic international acts, Iglesias epitomizes a timeless allure that bridges generations, and this tour reaffirms our dedication to delivering world-class entertainment while elevating India’s stature on the global touring stage.”

Enrique will deliver a career-spanning setlist encompassing both iconic standards and contemporary chart-toppers from his three-decade-plus career.

Enrique, who first exploded onto the scene in 1995, has sold over 180 million albums and amassed over 40 billion streams. He holds the record for 154 No. 1 singles across Billboard charts, including 27 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart, surpassing Michael Jackson for the most number ones in that chart’s history. He is a recipient of multiple Grammys, Billboard Awards, American Music Awards and ASCAP Awards.

He last toured the country in 2012 with his “Euphoria World Tour,” performing in Pune, Gurugram, and Bengaluru. ‘Hero’, ‘Baby I Like It’, ‘Bailamos’ and ‘Beautiful’ are some of his memorable tracks that audience still listen on loop.

This announcement follows a wave of successful international concerts in India, featuring luminaries such as Guns N’ Roses, Coldplay, Bryan Adams, Maroon 5, Akon, Alan Walker, Glass Animals and Dua Lipa. (ANI)

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday urged the government to help owners, shopkeepers, taxi owners, and horse owners struggling to repay bank loans after the Pahalgam terror attack has led to a decline in the number of tourists to the state.

Local businesses, including hotel owners, shopkeepers, taxi owners, and horse owners, struggle to repay bank loans due to the lack of tourists.

“The recent standstill in tourism has severely impacted local businesses in Pahalgam, with hotel owners, shopkeepers, taxi owners, and horse owners struggling to repay bank loans. To address this, local leaders are urging the government and Shrine Board to support the Amarnath Yatra, which could help revive tourism in the area,” said People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti.

She urged the government to allow local tourists to visit closed parks like Chandanwadi, Ado, Betaab Valley to generate income for local businesses.

“I urge the government to open closed parks like Chandanwadi, Betaab Valley to enable local tourists to visit and generate income for local businesses and provide full support to Amarnath Yatris and ensure their safety during the journey”, said the PDP Chief.

She highlighted the importance of welcoming Amarnath Yatris with warmth and hospitality, highlighting the region’s tradition of extending goodwill to visitors. She stressed the role of local stakeholders in securing the Amarnath Yatra and promoting a sense of responsibility and cooperation.

“Allow horse owners to bring as many horses as possible for the Amarnath Yatra. We want to welcome Amarnath Yatris with the same warmth and hospitality that Kashmiris have extended for hundreds of years. Insha Allah, they will be given full support and ensured a safe journey,” the PDP Chief added to the statement.

Shri Amarnathji Yatra is scheduled from July 3 to August 9. The 38-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has been secured with a massive deployment of 581 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, jammers, and drones.

Earlier on June 8, the Indian Army, with support from an NGO, M3M Foundation, organised the Gujjar-Bakerwal Mela at Aishmuqam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, aimed at supporting the nomadic community ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, AF Hamid, inspected the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps on Thursday to review the progress of ongoing developmental works and preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025.

According to an official press release, the DC reviewed critical infrastructure projects executed by various departments, including Jal Shakti, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Roads and Buildings (R&B), and other allied agencies.

He also inspected ongoing track clearance operations along the yatra route. Special focus was placed on the readiness of essential facilities such as drinking water, sanitation, power supply, accommodation, and health care services.

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, said the tourism sector has been badly affected and the administration is now focusing on ensuring a safe and incident-free Amarnath Yatra. (ANI)

Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed his side’s playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship clash against South Africa starting from June 11 at Lord’s on Tuesday, according to the ICC website.

Former No. 1-ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne will be pushed up in the order to open alongside Usman Khawaja, while Josh Hazlewood won the race against Scott Boland to partner left-armer Mitchell Starc and Cummins in the pace attack.

All-rounder Cameron Green will play his first Test since back surgery, while Beau Webster retains his spot in the XI and will provide the bowlers some support with his medium pace and spin options.

Pat Cummins-led Australia will be looking to retain the mace that they claimed after defeating India in the previous edition of the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in June 2023.

Australia hasn’t lost a Test series in the past two years, winning away in New Zealand and Sri Lanka while retaining the Ashes in England in 2023.

They also defeated Pakistan and India at home, along with a draw against the West Indies, to secure a spot in the WTC decider against the Proteas.

With Australia entering their second consecutive WTC final and South Africa making their first appearance, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, come in with the experience of having won the title in 2023, while the Proteas are looking to script a new chapter in their red-ball history.

Australia playing 11: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.

Australia Full squad for WTC final: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett. (ANI)

A severe heat wave has engulfed western Rajasthan, with temperatures soaring above 47°C in Ganganagar for two consecutive days. The heat wave is expected to persist for the next few days.

“Western Rajasthan, particularly Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Bikaner, is experiencing a severe heat wave with temperatures above 47°C. The heat wave is expected to continue for 3-4 days”, said Radheshyam Sharma (Director, Meteorological Department).

“Strong south-west winds, carrying dust, will prevail in the region for 2-3 days. Eastern Rajasthan may experience thunderstorm activities from June 15-16, bringing possible relief from the heat. A drop in temperature is expected in eastern Rajasthan around June 18-20 due to thunderstorm activities”, added further the IMD chief today.

Light rain with thunderstorms is expected in parts of the Kota and Bharatpur divisions on June 15-16, particularly after noon.

Several districts of Rajasthan witnessed an intense heatwave on Sunday, with the highest temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius recorded in Sri Ganganagar.

According to the India Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, the temperatures recorded across different districts were 47.4°C in Sri Ganganagar, 46°C in Bikaner, 45.9°C in Barmer, 45.6°C in Churu, 45.4°C in Phalodi, 45.2°C in Jaisalmer, and 45°C in Kota.

The IMD issued a June 8 yellow alert for a heatwave and dust winds in Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner.

The IMD also issued an orange alert for Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh on June 9. A yellow warning has been issued for Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Jaipur, Alwar, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, and Bharatpur.

On June 10, Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh issued orange alerts. Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, and Dholpur issued yellow warnings.

Earlier on Saturday, an IMD official said Rajasthan will likely experience a severe heatwave in the next few days, with temperatures predicted to rise significantly.

As per the IMD official, a new round of heat waves will begin in the western parts of Rajasthan.

“The weather will remain dry in most parts of the state next week, while the temperature will increase by two to four degrees Celsius in most places. Especially in the border divisions, some parts of the Bikaner division will record maximum temperatures between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius on 8-9 and 10 June,” said the IMD chief.

“Bikaner is expected to experience strong winds and rising temperatures. Jaipur is expecting partly cloudy skies with highs around 38-40 °C. However, no rain is expected in Rajasthan for the next 7 days. Strong winds will prevail, potentially leading to thunderstorms. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions,” he added. (ANI)