Government Announces ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass for Private Vehicles from August 2025
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a new FASTag-based Annual Pass priced at ₹3,000 for private, non-commercial vehicles like cars and jeeps, effective August 15, 2025. The pass will be valid for one year or up to 200 trips, whichever comes first. This initiative aims to streamline toll payments on National Highways, reduce congestion, minimize disputes, and particularly benefit those frequently affected by toll plazas within 60 km stretches.
Supreme Court Criticizes Tamil Nadu Government for Suspending Senior Police Officer
The Supreme Court questioned the Tamil Nadu government's decision to suspend ADGP HM Jayaram shortly after he was taken into custody and released in a kidnapping case under a High Court directive. Terming such suspension orders for a senior officer "shocking and demoralising," the bench asked the state counsel to seek instructions on revoking the suspension. Jayaram had approached the apex court challenging the HC's arrest order.
No Helicopter Service for Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims This Year Amid Security Concerns
The Amarnath Shrine Board announced the cancellation of helicopter services for this year's pilgrimage as the Jammu and Kashmir government declared pilgrimage routes a ‘no-fly zone’ from July 1 to August 10. This unprecedented security measure, prohibiting UAVs, drones, and balloons, follows the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Pilgrims must now undertake the yatra on foot or use traditional pony and palki services, impacting travel for many devotees.
Axiom-4 Space Mission Featuring Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Faces Further Delay
The Axiom-4 private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with Indian Air Force fighter pilot Shubhanshu Shukla serving as mission pilot, has been postponed again, now targeted for no earlier than June 22. Axiom Space announced the delay allows NASA to further evaluate ISS operations following recent repair work on the Russian Zvezda service module. The crew, also including astronauts from Hungary and Poland, remains in quarantine in Florida.
Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict Prompts Global Concern and Indian Advisory
The Israel-Iran conflict has intensified with both nations exchanging strikes, leading to US President Trump warning Tehran residents to evacuate and departing the G7 summit early. G7 leaders called for de-escalation while affirming Israel's right to self-defense. India has urged its citizens in Tehran to contact the embassy immediately and established a 24/7 control room, advising those who can to move to safer locations amid the heightened tensions and US warnings.
PM Modi Attends G7 Summit in Canada to Discuss Global Issues, Tech, and Global South Priorities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canada for the G7 Summit, his sixth consecutive participation, to discuss crucial global issues including energy security, technology, AI, and quantum computing. He emphasized sharing thoughts on vital global matters and highlighting the priorities of the Global South. The visit, Modi's first to Canada in a decade, also aims to strengthen bilateral ties with the new Canadian government, signaling an intent to repair relations.
WhatsApp to Begin Displaying Ads in "Updates" Tab, Shifting Monetization Strategy
WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, announced it will start showing advertisements in its "Updates" tab, a space frequented by 1.5 billion daily users. Personal messages, calls, and statuses will remain end-to-end encrypted and ad-free. Ads will be targeted based on user information like location and followed channels, excluding personal chat content. This move, along with paid channel subscriptions and promotion options, marks a significant shift in WhatsApp's revenue generation strategy.
Chennai-Born Professor Anantha Chandrakasan Appointed MIT's First Indian-American Provost
Professor Anantha Chandrakasan, currently MIT's chief innovation and strategy officer and Dean of Engineering, has been appointed as the new Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, effective July 1. The Chennai-born academic will be the first Indian-American to hold this key leadership position, overseeing the institute's academic and budget affairs, faculty, educational enterprise, and strategic planning. His appointment is seen as crucial during a challenging period for higher education and global talent.
Ahmedabad Air India Crash: Pilot Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's Last Rites Held in Mumbai
The mortal remains of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot of the Air India flight AI-171 that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, were brought to Mumbai on Tuesday for his last rites. The crash of the London-bound flight resulted in the deaths of all but one of the 242 passengers and crew, along with 29 people on the ground when it struck a medical complex. Captain Sabharwal was remembered by family and friends.
Air India San Francisco-Mumbai Flight Deplanes Passengers in Kolkata Due to Engine Snag
Passengers on Air India flight AI180 from San Francisco to Mumbai were deplaned in Kolkata during a scheduled halt early Tuesday due to a technical snag in its left engine. The issue was detected after the flight's timely arrival, leading to a takeoff delay. The captain announced the decision to deplane all passengers, citing flight safety as the primary concern, highlighting the airline's precautionary measures in response to the technical issue.
Army Veteran Pilot Killed in Kedarnath Helicopter Crash Cremated in Jaipur
The last rites of retired Lieutenant Colonel Rajveer Singh Chauhan, the 37-year-old pilot who died in the recent Kedarnath helicopter crash, were performed in Jaipur on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Chauhan, an Army veteran with over 15 years of service, was captaining the Bell 407 helicopter for Aryan Aviation when it crashed on June 15 near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand, killing him and six others. His wife, also an Army Lieutenant Colonel, led the funeral.
Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Accused, Including Wife, to Recreate Crime Scene
Meghalaya Police will take all accused, including Sonam, the wife of murdered Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, and her alleged boyfriend Raj, to Sohra to recreate the crime scene. Raghuvanshi was hacked to death on May 23 while on honeymoon; his decomposed body was found on June 2. Sonam later surrendered in Uttar Pradesh. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the case, investigating various angles and the unusual animosity so soon after marriage.
Andhra Woman Tied to Tree, Humiliated Over Husband's Loan; Five Arrested
A woman in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district was allegedly tied to a tree and publicly humiliated by villagers over unpaid loans of around Rs 80,000 taken by her husband. The incident occurred when Sirisha (29) returned to collect her children's school certificates. Police have arrested five people. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu condemned the atrocity, ordered strict action, and emphasized the need for legal awareness to prevent vigilante justice.
Cricket History: Netherlands Edge Nepal in Thrilling Triple Super Over T20I
In an unprecedented T20 International match in Glasgow, the Netherlands defeated Nepal after the game went to a historic third Super Over – a first for T20 or List A cricket. After both teams scored 152, the first Super Over ended in a tie with 19 runs each. The second Super Over also saw scores level at 17. Finally, the Netherlands secured victory in the third one-over shootout, with Michael Levitt hitting a six.
Ahmedabad Air India Crash: Second Black Box Recovered, 87 Victims Identified
Investigators recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), the second black box, from the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 270 people (241 onboard, 29 on ground). Analysis of the CVR and Flight Data Recorder is crucial to determine the cause. So far, 87 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified via DNA matching, with 47 bodies released to families. The state has declared a day of mourning.