Israel and Iran Exchange Heavy Fire; Regional Tensions Soar
Hostilities between Israel and Iran surged as Israel launched extensive assaults on Iranian military targets, including its Defence Ministry HQ and nuclear research facility SPND. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israeli energy infrastructure, reportedly causing fatalities in Galilee. Air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities. The escalating conflict, following Israel's "Operation Rising Lion," has heightened fears of a wider war in the Middle East, with planned US-Iran nuclear talks now cancelled.
Ahmedabad Crash: 31 Victims Identified by DNA; Ex-Gujarat CM Rupani Confirmed Dead
Authorities have identified 31 victims of the Air India Boeing 787-8 (AI171) crash in Ahmedabad using DNA testing, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing 241 of 242 on board and 29 on the ground when it hit a medical college campus. As of Sunday, 12 families had claimed mortal remains, with identification processes ongoing for other victims.
Seven Dead as Helicopter Crashes Near Kedarnath Shrine in Uttarakhand
A helicopter carrying pilgrims crashed near the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district amidst poor visibility, killing all seven onboard: five pilgrims, the pilot, and a temple committee employee. The Bell 407 chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi. This incident marks another tragedy in a series of recent air accidents in the state, prompting urgent calls for enhanced aviation safety measures.
UK Royal Air Force F-35 Stealth Fighter Makes Emergency Landing in Kerala
A British Royal Air Force F-35 fighter jet executed an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kerala, after running low on fuel. The stealth aircraft was operating from a UK aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean. Unable to land back on the carrier due to rough seas and turbulent winds, the pilot sought permission to land at the nearest civilian airfield. Indian airport authorities facilitated a safe landing, coordinating refuelling and security.
Trump Warns Iran of "Full Force" US Response If Attacked, Denies Role in Current Strikes
US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran amidst escalating Iran-Israel hostilities, stating that any Iranian attack on US interests would be met with "the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces." Trump clarified on Truth Social that the US had no involvement in the recent Israeli strikes on Iran. He also suggested he could broker a peace deal between Iran and Israel to end the "bloody conflict."
Uttarakhand to Revamp Helicopter Safety Protocols After Kedarnath Crash
Following the fatal helicopter crash near Kedarnath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a high-level review to establish a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all heli-services in the state. The new SOP will mandate thorough technical checks of helicopters and weather assessments before operations. A committee of technical experts will be formed to ensure heli-services are safe, transparent, and adhere to prescribed standards, investigating past accidents as well.
Decorated Ex-Army Pilot Captain Rajbir Chauhan Among Kedarnath Crash Victims
Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan, the pilot of the Bell 407 helicopter that crashed near Kedarnath, was a seasoned aviator with over 15 years of service in the Indian Army. Chauhan, a Jaipur resident working with Aryan Aviation, had extensive experience flying various helicopter types across challenging terrains. His demise in the tragic accident, which claimed seven lives, has been mourned by officials, highlighting the loss of a skilled pilot.
Uttarakhand Air Safety Questioned After Fifth Helicopter Mishap in 40 Days
The recent helicopter crash near Kedarnath is reportedly the fifth such accident in Uttarakhand in approximately 40 days, raising serious concerns about aviation safety. This series of incidents underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of operational standards, aircraft maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols for helicopter services operating in Uttarakhand's challenging mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, particularly for pilgrim and tourist transport.
100-Foot Mobile Tower Collapses in Delhi
A 100-foot tall mobile tower reportedly collapsed in Delhi on Sunday. Initial reports indicate the structural failure, but further details regarding the exact location, cause of the collapse, and information on any potential casualties or damage were not immediately available. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident. (Content based on headline due to access restrictions to the full article).
Delhi Breathes Easy: Rains and Thunderstorms Bring Relief from Scorching Heatwave
Delhi residents received much-needed respite from a prolonged heatwave as rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and winds, graced the city on Sunday. The change in weather brought down temperatures, offering a pleasant break from the recent spell of intense heat. This weather development is a welcome relief for the capital, improving air quality and overall comfort for its inhabitants. (Content based on headline due to access restrictions to the full article).
Iran Retaliates with Missile Strikes on Israel; India Issues Advisory
Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against Israel following Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites, causing casualties and escalating regional tensions. Iran deemed further nuclear talks with the US 'meaningless.' In response to the heightened conflict, India issued a safety advisory for its nationals in Israel, urging vigilance and caution, while Prime Minister Modi discussed the situation with Israeli PM Netanyahu, emphasizing peace.
Govt Forms High-Level Panel to Probe Ahmedabad Air India Crash; UK Royals to Pay Tribute
Following the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 people, the Indian government has established a high-level committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary, to investigate the causes and recommend future safety protocols. The report is expected in three months. Meanwhile, the British Royal Family announced they would wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence during Trooping the Colour as a mark of respect.
NEET-UG 2025 Results: Rajasthan's Mahesh Kumar Tops; Over 12.36 Lakh Qualify
The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the NEET-UG 2025 results, with Mahesh Kumar from Rajasthan securing the All India Rank 1. Utkarsh Awadhiya of Madhya Pradesh bagged the second rank. Over 12.36 lakh candidates qualified out of 22.09 lakh test takers. Delhi's Avika Aggarwal was the female topper, ranking fifth nationally. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of qualifying candidates, followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
NIA Chargesheets ULFA (I) Chief Paresh Baruah for 2023 Assam IED Blast Conspiracy
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted Myanmar-based ULFA (I) chief Paresh Baruah and two associates, Abhijit Gogoi and Jahnu Boruah, for their involvement in a conspiracy to carry out multiple IED blasts in Assam. The blasts were planned to disrupt Independence Day celebrations in 2023, aiming to cause casualties, destroy property, and threaten India's sovereignty. The charges include sections under BNS, UAPA, and Explosive Substances Act.
Axiom-4 Mission with Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Targets June 19 Launch
The Axiom-4 commercial space mission to the International Space Station, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is now scheduled for a June 19 lift-off. The mission, commanded by Peggy Whitson, faced delays due to a resolved liquid oxygen leak in SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket and an ongoing assessment of a pressure anomaly in the ISS's Zvezda Service Module. This 14-day mission marks India's return to human spaceflight.