Digest for 14 June, 2025
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.