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.
Israel Strikes Iran: Top Commanders Killed, Nuclear Sites Hit
Israel launched significant airstrikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and missile sites in Tehran and other locations. The attacks reportedly killed top Iranian military officials, including Revolutionary Guards Chief Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Gen Mohammad Bagheri. Iran retaliated by launching drones towards Israel, escalating regional tensions. The US denied involvement in the Israeli strikes. The IAEA confirmed a strike on the Natanz uranium enrichment facility.
Ahmedabad Air India Crash: 241 Dead, Sole Survivor; Investigation Underway
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI-171) bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. The aircraft struck a medical college complex, causing additional fatalities on the ground. A British national of Indian origin was the sole survivor from the flight. An investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been launched into the cause of India's worst aviation disaster in recent history.
Air India Flights Disrupted Globally Amid Iran-Israel Airspace Closure
Air India announced significant disruptions to its international flight schedule due to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel and subsequent Iranian airspace closures. Numerous flights to the US, UK, and Canada were diverted to alternative airports or returned to their points of origin. The airline is offering refunds, rescheduling options, and making alternative arrangements for affected passengers, advising them to check their flight statuses for updates.
India Advises Nationals in Israel to Stay Vigilant Amid Conflict
Amid heightened tensions following Israeli airstrikes on Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv issued an urgent advisory for its nationals in Israel. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, stay close to safety shelters, and adhere to safety protocols issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. The advisory stresses caution and preparedness as the regional security situation remains fluid and potentially dangerous.
UN Chief Guterres Offers Condolences for Ahmedabad Crash Victims
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound sadness over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed over 200 lives. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people and Government of India, and all affected nations. Guterres acknowledged the loss of life both on the aircraft and on the ground at the BJ Medical College hostel, wishing a swift recovery to those injured in the tragedy.
Sensex Plunges Over 1.5% on Israel-Iran Escalation Jitters
Indian financial markets reacted sharply to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with the Sensex plummeting over 1.5% in early trade on Friday. The significant downturn, described as a "Black Friday" for markets, was attributed to investor concerns following reports of Israeli strikes on Iran. This highlights the immediate economic repercussions of the regional conflict on both global and Indian economies, fueling market volatility and uncertainty among investors.
Industrialist Sunjay Kapur, Karisma Kapoor's Ex-Husband, Dies at 53
Sunjay Kapur, prominent industrialist and chairman of auto components firm Sona Comstar, passed away at 53 from a heart attack in London on June 12, 2025. Kapur, also known as the ex-husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor with whom he had two children, was a respected figure in the business world. Sona Comstar praised him as a visionary leader. His death has been widely mourned.
Phuket-Delhi Air India Flight Returns Mid-Air After Security Alert
An Air India flight, AI 379, en route from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, made an emergency return to Phuket International Airport on Friday following a security alert received mid-flight. The Airbus A320neo aircraft, carrying 156 passengers, landed safely. All passengers and their baggage were deplaned for mandatory security checks by Thai authorities. The specific nature of the security alert was not immediately disclosed by the airline or airport officials.
Air India London-Bound Flight Crashes Near Ahmedabad; Rescue Ops Underway
An Air India Boeing 787 (Flight AI171) en route to London Gatwick crashed near Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down in the Meghaninagar area. Casualties are feared, and emergency services are conducting intensive rescue operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured central assistance, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has ordered immediate relief efforts for the injured.
India Ranks 131st in Global Gender Gap Index 2025, Slips Two Places
India has slipped two places to 131 out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025, with a parity score of 64.1%. While India showed slight improvement in Economic Participation and Opportunity (40.7%) and Health and Survival, a decline in Political Empowerment, particularly women's representation in Parliament (13.8%) and ministerial roles (5.6%), contributed to the lower ranking. Full global gender parity is estimated to be 123 years away.