SpaceX Starship Prototype Explodes During Ground Test in Texas; No Injuries Reported
A SpaceX Starship prototype exploded during a static fire test at its Texas Starbase facility on June 18, 2025, an event termed a 'major anomaly.' This occurred during preparations for its tenth flight test. SpaceX confirmed all personnel were safe and safety protocols were active. The company is investigating the incident, part of its iterative development for the advanced launch system. No injuries were reported.
Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates with Hypersonic Missile, Rising Casualties
The conflict between Israel and Iran intensified, entering its sixth day, after Iran reportedly launched a hypersonic missile at Israel, with Supreme Leader Khamenei declaring "the battle has begun." A human rights group reported Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 585 people in Iran. The escalation, which prompted the US President to shorten his G7 attendance, heightens regional instability as diplomatic efforts to revive Iran's nuclear deal talks remain fragile.
Ahmedabad Air India Crash: 190 Victims Identified Through DNA; Investigation Continues
Following the Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, authorities have identified 190 of the approximately 270 victims (241 on board, 29 on ground) using DNA matching, with 159 bodies handed to families. The crash of the London-bound flight resulted in almost total fatalities. Investigations by DGCA, Air India, and a high-level committee are underway. Former minister Praful Patel questioned Singapore Airlines' (an Air India stakeholder) silence on the tragedy.
India and Canada Agree to Restore High Commissioners, Revive Trade Talks
India and Canada agreed to designate new high commissioners and restore diplomatic stability during a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G7 Summit. This marks a significant step to mend ties strained since Canada's allegations regarding Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. Both nations will also restart negotiations on the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) and enhance cooperation in various sectors, aiming for regular services for citizens and businesses.
India Will Never Accept Mediation on Pakistan Issues, PM Modi Tells US President Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a phone call with US President Donald Trump, firmly stated that India has never accepted, does not accept, and will never accept third-party mediation on issues with Pakistan. Modi detailed India's "measured" military actions during Operation Sindoor post-Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing that the subsequent ceasefire was agreed upon directly with Pakistan at their request, without any US involvement or discussion of trade deals as leverage.
US Intelligence Assesses Iran Not Building Nuclear Weapon, Trump Expresses Disagreement
US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard testified that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon, though its enriched uranium stockpile is at unprecedented levels for a non-nuclear state. However, President Donald Trump publicly dismissed this assessment, stating "I don't care what she said" and believing Iran is "very close" to a bomb. This divergence highlights internal US administration differences on a critical global security issue amidst escalating Israel-Iran tensions.
At G7, PM Modi Urges Global Counter-Terrorism Action, Focuses on Global South and AI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the G7 Outreach Session in Canada, called for unified global action against terrorism, emphasizing accountability for nations supporting it. He highlighted India's human-centric approach to technology, concerns over AI deep-fakes, and the need for sustainable energy solutions. Modi also voiced the priorities of the Global South and held numerous bilateral meetings with world leaders to strengthen ties in trade, technology, and other strategic areas.
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.