Indian Airlines Suspend Key International Flights Amid Middle East Crisis
Major Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights to the Middle East, parts of Europe, and North America due to escalating regional tensions and airspace closures. This precautionary measure impacts thousands of passengers and creates significant financial and operational disruptions for the carriers, who are rerouting or holding flights until the situation stabilizes.
India Achieves 99th Rank in Global Sustainable Development Goals, Enters Top 100
India has significantly improved its global standing in sustainable development, breaking into the top 100 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) rankings for the first time. Securing the 99th position among 167 nations in the 2025 report, up from 109th in 2024, highlights India's progress on various UN-mandated development parameters.
S&P Global Ratings Upgrades India's FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5%
S&P Global Ratings has upwardly revised India's GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2026 to 6.5%. This positive outlook is attributed to an anticipated normal monsoon, lower crude oil prices, income-tax concessions, and monetary easing. The agency highlighted India's domestic demand resilience while noting potential risks from Middle East turbulence affecting global oil markets and trade.
Israel Temporarily Closes National Airspace Amid Iranian Missile Barrages
Israel's Airports Authority temporarily closed the nation's airspace to all flights on Tuesday following intense Iranian missile barrages. This safety measure, affecting even emergency flights, was a response to the escalating conflict which had already severely restricted air travel. The closure aimed to protect civil aviation as defense systems worked to intercept threats, causing diversions for some inbound aircraft.
Navi Mumbai International Airport to Levy User Development Fee Up to ₹1,225
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) approved an ad-hoc User Development Fee (UDF) for the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Outbound domestic passengers will pay ₹620 and international passengers ₹1,225. This interim fee, effective for the 2025-26 financial year or until regular tariffs are finalized, will contribute to the airport's revenue as it prepares for operations.
Israeli Air Force Reports Destruction of Iranian Missile Launchers
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that its Air Force successfully struck and destroyed missile launchers in western Iran. These launchers were reportedly armed and ready to fire towards Israeli territory as part of the ongoing 12-day conflict. This military action was aimed at neutralizing immediate threats amidst heightened missile exchanges between the two nations prior to a ceasefire agreement.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic ISS Mission Scheduled for June 25
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled for a historic flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 25, 2025. Serving as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4, he will be the second Indian to travel to space. Aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments on food sustainability and space nutrition, advancing research for long-duration missions.
US Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites, Sparking Global Alarm and Market Turmoil
The United States conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz—escalating regional tensions. The action, part of a wider conflict involving Israel, triggered immediate global concern, with the UN warning against further retaliation. Oil prices surged and stock markets fell. The US issued a worldwide travel caution for its citizens, and anti-war protests erupted in American cities. Pakistan announced a national security meeting to discuss the situation.
Odisha Government Moves to Dilute Environmental Safeguards for Tourism
Odisha's government plans to amend Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notifications and seek central approval to use forest land for hospitality infrastructure, aiming to boost tourism. This includes re-evaluating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) classifications. Environmental law and conservation experts warn these changes could undermine forest, wildlife, and biodiversity laws, tribal rights, and India's ecological commitments, potentially allowing economic interests to override crucial environmental protections in sensitive regions.
Israeli Strikes on Iran Reportedly Result in Over 950 Fatalities
Amidst escalating regional conflict, Israeli strikes across Iran have reportedly killed at least 950 people and injured 3,450, according to a Washington-based human rights group. The figures, which cover the entirety of Iran, indicate casualties include civilians and security personnel. Iran's Health Ministry had earlier reported around 400 deaths from these strikes. These numbers highlight the severe humanitarian toll of the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Pakistani Figures Call for Review of Trump's Nobel Nomination After Iran Strikes
Following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities ordered by President Donald Trump, prominent Pakistani figures are urging their government to reconsider nominating him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Critics argue the military action contradicts the peacemaking image cited for the nomination, which was linked to his perceived role in past regional de-escalation. This highlights diplomatic fallout from the US intervention, questioning the nomination's basis amid new conflict.
Vote Counting Underway for Key Assembly Bypolls Across Four Indian States
Vote counting is in progress for by-elections to five Assembly seats: Visavadar and Kadi in Gujarat, Ludhiana West in Punjab, Nilambur in Kerala, and Kaliganj in West Bengal, following polling on June 19. These bypolls, necessitated by MLA deaths or resignations, are keenly watched. The outcomes, especially in Kerala where the LDF faces a test, are seen as indicators of regional political sentiment and could influence party strategies for future elections.
US Immigration Detains Marine Veteran's Breastfeeding Wife, Highlighting Policy Impact
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Paola Clouatre, the Mexican-national wife of a US Marine veteran and mother to their two young children, including a breastfeeding infant. Brought to the US illegally as a child, her detention occurred despite her marriage and pending green card application. The case highlights the human impact of stricter US immigration policies, even on military families, and raises concerns about discretionary enforcement.
Delhi Under Yellow Alert for Rain and Thunderstorms
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for New Delhi, forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds for Monday. These conditions are expected to provide some relief from recent muggy weather in the national capital, where the minimum temperature was 28.4°C with high humidity. Residents are advised to exercise caution during outdoor activities. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in the 'satisfactory' category.
Ten-Man Real Madrid Triumphs Over Pachuca in Club World Cup
Despite an early red card reducing them to ten players, Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory against Pachuca in their FIFA Club World Cup group stage match in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raul Asencio was sent off in the 7th minute, but goals from midfielders Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Federico Valverde showcased Real Madrid's resilience and clinical finishing. The win places the Spanish giants at the top of Group H in the tournament.