Digest for 17 June, 2025
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.
Ahmedabad Air India Crash: Pilot Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's Last Rites Held in Mumbai
The mortal remains of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot of the Air India flight AI-171 that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, were brought to Mumbai on Tuesday for his last rites. The crash of the London-bound flight resulted in the deaths of all but one of the 242 passengers and crew, along with 29 people on the ground when it struck a medical complex. Captain Sabharwal was remembered by family and friends.