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.
IAF Chief Lauds 'Operation Sindoor', Emphasizes Aerospace Power at Graduation Parade
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, hailed "Operation Sindoor" as proof of IAF's professionalism and precision. He stressed the increasing relevance of aerospace power in evolving warfare and the IAF's role as a first responder in national crises. 254 flight cadets were commissioned, urged to uphold IAF's core values and prepare for future challenges, including space ventures.
Israeli Defence Forces Apologize for Incorrect Map Showing J&K in Pakistan
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a public apology after posting a map on social media platform X that erroneously depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The IDF acknowledged the map, intended as a "regional illustration," did not "precisely depict borders." This rare apology came after significant backlash from Indian users, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue despite traditionally close India-Israel ties.
CRPF Jawan Killed in IED Blast During Anti-Naxal Operation in Odisha
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, ASI Satyaban Kumar Singh (34), was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during an anti-Naxal operation in Odisha's Sundargarh district. The incident occurred near K Balang village when a joint team of CRPF's 134th battalion and Odisha Police's Special Operations Group was conducting a combing operation. Singh sustained injuries to his left leg and succumbed at a Rourkela hospital.
Kerala: IMD Issues Red Alert for Extremely Heavy Rainfall in Five Northern Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in five northern Kerala districts: Kannur, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, effective until June 16. An orange alert for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is in place for six other districts until Tuesday. This follows an early monsoon onset on May 24, with heavy rain forecast across the state until Wednesday.
Imtiaz Ali and Diljit Dosanjh Reunite for New Film, Release Set for April 2026
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is set to collaborate again with actor-musician Diljit Dosanjh for an untitled film scheduled for theatrical release in April 2026, coinciding with Baisakhi. Following their acclaimed 2024 film "Amar Singh Chamkila," this new project is described as a "charming story of love and longing." The film will also feature Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari, with music by A.R. Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil.