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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the onset of the southwest monsoon in Delhi on June 24, three days ahead of the usual date of June 27. Similarly, IMD has predicted the monsoon in Kerala on May 27, but it has arrived early on Saturday, May 24, eight days ahead of its usual onset date of June 1. Last time, India witnessed the early arrival of monsoon in 2009.The early monsoon has not only been witnessed in Kerala, but it has also advanced to the Lakshadweep area, the south Arabian Sea, parts of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, and some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. It has also covered the remaining areas of the Maldives and Comorin, several parts of Tamil Nadu, and the southwest and east-central Bay of Bengal, along with parts of Mizoram and the north Bay of Bengal.So, did you wonder why most parts of India are experiencing the early onset of the South-West monsoon in 2025? In addition, Delhi NCR also remained free of heatwaves due to frequent pre-monsoon showers in May and June.<h3>Why early South West monsoon in India this year?</h3>Basically, the early onset of monsoon in India this year is driven by favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions, as a low-pressure area developed along the Arabian Sea with a trough line extending across Vidarbha. This low pressure prompted the inflow of moisture and atmospheric convection, which accelerated the advancement of the monsoon over the Indian subcontinent.A key indicator of the monsoon’s rapid advancement was its early arrival over the south Andaman Sea and nearby regions on May 13, significantly earlier than the usual date of May 21. This early onset set the stage for its quick progress toward Kerala. Contributing to this development were neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions, which generally favour a normal or stronger monsoon, unlike El Niño phases that tend to weaken rainfall across India. Additionally, lower snow cover in the Himalayan region, historically linked to stronger monsoon patterns, may have also played a role.<h3>What is El Niño</h3>El Nino is a natural phenomenon which refers to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction which links to periodic warming in the temperatures of the sea surface across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. This phenomenon is directly linked to high pressure in the western Pacific, which adversely impacts the Indian monsoons that bring a catastrophic impact to agriculture in India.Due to El Niño, the cold surface water off the Peruvian coast gets warm. When the water is warm, there is a reversal of the normal trade winds, or they get lost. Later, the moisture-laden winds are directed towards the coast of Peru from the western Pacific (the region near northern Australia and South East Asia). As a result, heavy rains occurred in Peru during the El Niño years, ceasing the normal monsoon rains in the Indian subcontinent. Hence, when there is a larger temperature and pressure difference, the larger the rainfall shortage in India.<h3>Which key sectors benefit from the early monsoon?</h3>The early monsoon supports crucial sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, which heavily depend on seasonal rains, which play key roles in financially benefiting the people working under these sectors. A strong monsoon not only boosts preparedness for extreme weather and climate risks but also highlights the value of government spending on forecasting and weather-monitoring systems.Major efforts such as the Monsoon Mission and high-performance computing-based weather prediction models have, in recent years, enhanced resource planning, improved crop productivity, and helped minimise weather-related damages.&nbsp;

The early monsoon has not only been witnessed in Kerala, but it has also advanced to the Lakshadweep area, the south Arabian Sea, parts of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, and some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the onset of the southwest monsoon in Delhi on June 24, three days ahead of the usual date of June 27. Similarly, IMD has predicted the monsoon in Kerala on May 27, but it has arrived early on Saturday, May 24, eight days ahead of its usual onset date of June 1. Last time, India witnessed the early arrival of monsoon in 2009. The early monsoon has not only been witnessed in Kerala, but it has also advanced to the Lakshadweep area, the south Arabian Sea, parts of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, and some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. It has also covered the remaining areas of the Maldives and Comorin, several parts of Tamil Nadu, and the southwest and east-central Bay of Bengal, along with parts of Mizoram and the north Bay of Bengal. So, did you wonder why most parts of India are experiencing the early onset of the South-West monsoon in 2025? In addition, Delhi NCR also remained free of heatwaves due to frequent pre-monsoon showers in May and June. Why early South West monsoon in India this year? Basically, the early onset of monsoon in India this year is driven by favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions, as a low-pressure area developed along the Arabian Sea with a trough line extending across Vidarbha. This low pressure prompted the inflow of moisture and atmospheric convection, which accelerated the advancement of the monsoon over the Indian subcontinent. A key indicator of the monsoon’s rapid advancement was its early arrival over the south Andaman Sea and nearby regions on May 13, significantly earlier than the usual date of May 21. This early onset set the stage for its quick progress toward Kerala. Contributing to this development were neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions, which generally favour a normal or stronger monsoon, unlike El Niño phases that tend to weaken rainfall across India. Additionally, lower snow cover in the Himalayan region, historically linked to stronger monsoon patterns, may have also played a role. What is El Niño El Nino is a natural phenomenon which refers to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction which links to periodic warming in the temperatures of the sea surface across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. This phenomenon is directly linked to high pressure in the western Pacific, which adversely impacts the Indian monsoons that bring a catastrophic impact to agriculture in India. Due to El Niño, the cold surface water off the Peruvian coast gets warm. When the water is warm, there is a reversal of the normal trade winds, or they get lost. Later, the moisture-laden winds are directed towards the coast of Peru from the western Pacific (the region near northern Australia and South East Asia). As a result, heavy rains occurred in Peru during the El Niño years, ceasing the normal monsoon rains in the Indian subcontinent. Hence, when there is a larger temperature and pressure difference, the larger the rainfall shortage in India. Which key sectors benefit from the early monsoon? The early monsoon supports crucial sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, which heavily depend on seasonal rains, which play key roles in financially benefiting the people working under these sectors. A strong monsoon not only boosts preparedness for extreme weather and climate risks but also highlights the value of government spending on forecasting and weather-monitoring systems. Major efforts such as the Monsoon Mission and high-performance computing-based weather prediction models have, in recent years, enhanced resource planning, improved crop productivity, and helped minimise weather-related damages.

The early monsoon has not only been witnessed in Kerala, but it has also advanced to the Lakshadweep area, the south Arabian Sea, parts of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, and some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.&nbsp;

EXPLAINED: Why India witnessed early’ onset of South-West monsoon this year?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Tuesday after forecaśting a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Delhi and adjoining NCR areas. Other than Delhi, &nbsp;Bahadurgarh and Gurugram in the National Capital Region, as well as Safidon, Jind, and Panipat in Haryana, are also expected to experience rain.The IMD confirmed light rainfall in Delhi (Narela, Bawana, Alipur, Kanjhawala, Rohini, Badili, Pitampura, Mundaka, Pashchim Vihar, Rajauri Garden, Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Dwarka, Palam, IGI Airport), NCR (Bahadurgarh, Gurugram), Safidon, Jind, Panipat."With the arrival of rain on Tuesday, it will mark the early onset of the South West monsoon in Delhi, which was scheduled for June 27. Previously, Delhi experienced an early monsoon on June 16, 2013. The IMD also indicated that, other than Delhi, weather conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.Previously, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 28 last year, June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and July 13 in 2021.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-set-to-hit-delhi-tomorrow-imd-issues-yellow-alert-for-rain-1750651512842">Monsoon set to hit Delhi tomorrow, IMD issues 'yellow' alert for rain</a>Delhi will continue to witness rainfall throughout the week from June 22 to June 29, and the maximum temperature on Tuesday to remain 35 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the Southwest monsoon has further advanced towards the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea, some more parts of West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and several parts of Punjab.Conditions are conducive for further advance of Southwest monsoon over a few more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and the remaining parts of West Uttar Pradesh during the next 36 hours, according to a report in the IMD's press release.With the onset of monsoon in the national capital, the air quality is expected to improve, as per the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System report. Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 112 (moderate) at 4 PM on Monday, while the AQI was 92 (satisfactory) on Monday. The AQI is likely to return to satisfactory levels on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The IMD also indicated that, other than Delhi, weather conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Previously, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 28 last year, June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and July 13 in 2021.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Tuesday after forecaśting a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Delhi and adjoining NCR areas. Other than Delhi, Bahadurgarh and Gurugram in the National Capital Region, as well as Safidon, Jind, and Panipat in Haryana, are also expected to experience rain. The IMD confirmed light rainfall in Delhi (Narela, Bawana, Alipur, Kanjhawala, Rohini, Badili, Pitampura, Mundaka, Pashchim Vihar, Rajauri Garden, Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Dwarka, Palam, IGI Airport), NCR (Bahadurgarh, Gurugram), Safidon, Jind, Panipat." With the arrival of rain on Tuesday, it will mark the early onset of the South West monsoon in Delhi, which was scheduled for June 27. Previously, Delhi experienced an early monsoon on June 16, 2013. The IMD also indicated that, other than Delhi, weather conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Previously, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 28 last year, June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and July 13 in 2021. Also read: Monsoon set to hit Delhi tomorrow, IMD issues 'yellow' alert for rain Delhi will continue to witness rainfall throughout the week from June 22 to June 29, and the maximum temperature on Tuesday to remain 35 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the Southwest monsoon has further advanced towards the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea, some more parts of West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and several parts of Punjab. Conditions are conducive for further advance of Southwest monsoon over a few more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and the remaining parts of West Uttar Pradesh during the next 36 hours, according to a report in the IMD's press release. With the onset of monsoon in the national capital, the air quality is expected to improve, as per the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System report. Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 112 (moderate) at 4 PM on Monday, while the AQI was 92 (satisfactory) on Monday. The AQI is likely to return to satisfactory levels on Tuesday.

The IMD also indicated that, other than Delhi, weather conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Previously, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 28 last year, June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and July 13 in 2021.

Monsoon to hit Delhi today? IMD issues 'yellow alert' for rain, thunderstorms

Iran attacked the Al Udeid Air Base of US in Qatar just hours before a ceasefire was declared with Iran. The attack was unprecedented, the first instance of a military installation in Qatar being targeted in a war. This has made the Indian community in Qatar, the largest expat population of the Arab country, jittery. Are Indians in Qatar safe? How big is the Indian community in Qatar? What is the Indian embassy saying about the current situation? Here is what we know<h2>Indian Embassy's assurance to the Indian community of Qatar</h2>In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Qatar assured the Indian community that the situation &nbsp;is stable and there's no reason for concern. “Indian community in Qatar may note that Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has affirmed that security situation in the country is stable &amp; there is no cause for concern,” it said. “Please follow advice &amp; guidance of local authorities. Our Embassy will open tomorrow for its services as usual,” it added on Tuesday (June 24). In a post earlier, the embassy said: “In view of the ongoing situation, Indian community in Qatar is urged to be cautious and remains indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions and guidance provided by Qatari authorities. The Embassy will also keep updating through our social media channels.”<h2>Flying has become difficult, but airlines are resuming operations</h2>Since the escalation of the West Asia conflict, particularly after the June 13 airstrikes by Israel, several airlines have periodically reduced or cancelled flights. This included the state-run Qatar Airways, and Indian operators like Air India and IndiGo, who use Qatar airspace, and whose services use the Qatari capital of Doha as a key hub.&nbsp;This has made life difficult for Indians in Qatar who wanted to return. But now, after the ceasefire declaration, things are becoming normal.&nbsp; Qatar Airways said it has reinstated flights after the airspace reopened. “Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly,” it said in a post on X. “We’ve deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support you as we resume operations…Your comfort and safety is our highest priority.” &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-sixth-salvo-of-missiles-fired-from-iran-towards-israel-1750745143815/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-sixth-salvo-of-missiles-fired-from-iran-towards-israel-1750745143815/embed</a><h2>Indians in Qatar are its largest expat community</h2>Indians in Qatar, which includes migrant workers as well as second and third generation Indian-origin people, is the largest expatriate community of the Arab nation. Numbering around&nbsp;830,000, they are nearly 25 per cent of Qatar's total population. &nbsp;The Indian community includes students, doctors, engineers, finance and businesspeople and construction workers. Several Indian schools are catering to the Indian-origin population in Qatar, many of them born in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Iranian aistrike on a US airbase in Qatar has made the Indian community in Qatar, the largest expat population of the Arab country, jittery. Are Indians in Qatar safe?

Iran attacked the Al Udeid Air Base of US in Qatar just hours before a ceasefire was declared with Iran. The attack was unprecedented, the first instance of a military installation in Qatar being targeted in a war. This has made the Indian community in Qatar, the largest expat population of the Arab country, jittery. Are Indians in Qatar safe? How big is the Indian community in Qatar? What is the Indian embassy saying about the current situation? Here is what we know Indian Embassy's assurance to the Indian community of Qatar In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Qatar assured the Indian community that the situation is stable and there's no reason for concern. “Indian community in Qatar may note that Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has affirmed that security situation in the country is stable & there is no cause for concern,” it said. “Please follow advice & guidance of local authorities. Our Embassy will open tomorrow for its services as usual,” it added on Tuesday (June 24). In a post earlier, the embassy said: “In view of the ongoing situation, Indian community in Qatar is urged to be cautious and remains indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions and guidance provided by Qatari authorities. The Embassy will also keep updating through our social media channels.” Flying has become difficult, but airlines are resuming operations Since the escalation of the West Asia conflict, particularly after the June 13 airstrikes by Israel, several airlines have periodically reduced or cancelled flights. This included the state-run Qatar Airways, and Indian operators like Air India and IndiGo, who use Qatar airspace, and whose services use the Qatari capital of Doha as a key hub. This has made life difficult for Indians in Qatar who wanted to return. But now, after the ceasefire declaration, things are becoming normal. Qatar Airways said it has reinstated flights after the airspace reopened. “Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly,” it said in a post on X. “We’ve deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support you as we resume operations…Your comfort and safety is our highest priority.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-sixth-salvo-of-missiles-fired-from-iran-towards-israel-1750745143815/embed Indians in Qatar are its largest expat community Indians in Qatar, which includes migrant workers as well as second and third generation Indian-origin people, is the largest expatriate community of the Arab nation. Numbering around 830,000, they are nearly 25 per cent of Qatar's total population. The Indian community includes students, doctors, engineers, finance and businesspeople and construction workers. Several Indian schools are catering to the Indian-origin population in Qatar, many of them born in the country.

Iran's air attack on a US airbase in Qatar has made the Indian community in Qatar, the largest expat population of the Arab country, concerned. Are Indians in Qatar safe?

Are Indians in Qatar safe after Iran attacks US airbase amid war with Israel? Here is what we know

A doctor and unnamed officials of the national testing agency (NTA) have been arrested by CBI in the NEET UG 2025 marks manipulation racket. ⁠The doctor has been identified as Dr Sandeep Jawahar Shah from Solapur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. According to officials, a sting operation was conducted on June 9, 2025 by CBI team, which confirmed a conspiracy to alter NEET-UG scores of ineligible candidates in exchange for hefty bribes.&nbsp; &nbsp;Shah was caught during a verification exercise by CBI officers posing as parents, at the ITC Grand Central hotel in Parel, Mumbai, where he allegedly demanded Rs 87.5 lakh after negotiation. Two independent witnesses were present during the operation. &nbsp;The accused Dr Shah is a partner in a firm named Indi Biosearch and was allegedly running a parallel business of academic fraud. &nbsp; As per the investigation, Shah had made contacts with NTA officials and offered to upgrade the NEET scores of students who failed to qualify, thereby enabling them to secure admission in government medical colleges for Rs 90 lakhs. &nbsp;The payment was to be made in two instalments, with manipulated marks promised six hours prior to the official NEET-UG 2025 result announcement. This incident comes barely a year after NEET-UG 2024 was marred by multiple controversies from paper leak allegations to many students scoring perfect marks.&nbsp; &nbsp;While Supreme Court had ordered retest for 1563 students and the revised results dropped the number of toppers from 67 to 17. Infact, the Ministry of Education faced massive backlash last year and later had promised tighter systems and transparency. &nbsp;The CBI in a press release clearly stated that "While last year’s irregularities were painted as procedural mishaps or technical lapses, the 2025 case suggests active collusion and criminal intent. The involvement of NTA insiders, if proven, could force a serious re-evaluation of the autonomous testing agency’s integrity."&nbsp; &nbsp;

⁠The doctor has been identified as Dr Sandeep Jawahar Shah from Solapur in western Indian state Maharashtra

A doctor and unnamed officials of the national testing agency (NTA) have been arrested by CBI in the NEET UG 2025 marks manipulation racket. ⁠The doctor has been identified as Dr Sandeep Jawahar Shah from Solapur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. According to officials, a sting operation was conducted on June 9, 2025 by CBI team, which confirmed a conspiracy to alter NEET-UG scores of ineligible candidates in exchange for hefty bribes. Shah was caught during a verification exercise by CBI officers posing as parents, at the ITC Grand Central hotel in Parel, Mumbai, where he allegedly demanded Rs 87.5 lakh after negotiation. Two independent witnesses were present during the operation. The accused Dr Shah is a partner in a firm named Indi Biosearch and was allegedly running a parallel business of academic fraud. As per the investigation, Shah had made contacts with NTA officials and offered to upgrade the NEET scores of students who failed to qualify, thereby enabling them to secure admission in government medical colleges for Rs 90 lakhs. The payment was to be made in two instalments, with manipulated marks promised six hours prior to the official NEET-UG 2025 result announcement. This incident comes barely a year after NEET-UG 2024 was marred by multiple controversies from paper leak allegations to many students scoring perfect marks. While Supreme Court had ordered retest for 1563 students and the revised results dropped the number of toppers from 67 to 17. Infact, the Ministry of Education faced massive backlash last year and later had promised tighter systems and transparency. The CBI in a press release clearly stated that "While last year’s irregularities were painted as procedural mishaps or technical lapses, the 2025 case suggests active collusion and criminal intent. The involvement of NTA insiders, if proven, could force a serious re-evaluation of the autonomous testing agency’s integrity."

⁠The doctor has been identified as Dr Sandeep Jawahar Shah from Solapur in western Indian state Maharashtra

CBI arrests Maharashtra doctor involved in NEET UG 2025 marks manipulation racket

In recent development, India extended the closure of the flights operated by Pakistani airlines until July 24, on Monday. The Indian airspace has been closed since April 30 for all the aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Pakistani airlines, including military flights. The step against Pakistan was taken by the government after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people on April 22.According to a report by the news agency PTI, the ban was primarily supposed to end on May 24, but later it was extended till June 24. Similarly, a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued on Monday, extending the closure to one more month until 24, 2025.The NOTAM confirmed that Indian airspace will be unavailable for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators, along with their military flights. In the meantime, Pakistan has also decided to extend the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft by another month, until July 24.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-india-suspends-flights-to-west-asia-europe-us-east-coast-till-further-notice-amid-iran-israel-war-1750739170127">Air India suspends flights to West Asia, Europe, US East Coast till further notice amid Iran-Israel war</a>On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, a diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated resulting in announcement of several punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and downgrading of diplomatic ties due to cross-border links to the massacre.A day after the Pahalgam attack, India announced several retaliatory measures against Pakistan that include, Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and dampening of the diplomatic ties due to the cross-border tensions.<h3>Complexities in aircraft travelling longer durations</h3>As per the Indian Express, both nations will keep their respective airspace, including military flights, till 5:29 am Indian time on July 24. Following the closures, around 800 flights a week of Indian airlines are being affecṭed for the aircraft travelling longer durations due to an increase in fuel burn. It has also come up with a few other complexities related to crew and flight scheduling, as well as an increase in operational costs for the carriers.Flight tracking data indicates that several of Air India’s ultra-long-haul flights to and from North America have been making scheduled technical stops, such as for refuelling or crew changes, at European airports like Vienna and Copenhagen, disrupting what are typically non-stop services. This situation is similar to 2019, when Pakistan shut its airspace after the Indian Air Force’s Balakot strikes, forcing Air India to regularly incorporate mid-journey halts for its North American routes.During that four-month closure of Pakistani airspace in 2019, Indian carriers reportedly incurred losses of nearly Rs 700 crore, largely due to increased fuel consumption and operational challenges arising from longer alternative routes. Air India bore the brunt of the impact, as it operated a larger number of west-bound international flights than other Indian airlines.Now under the Tata Group, Air India is believed to have conveyed to the government that a prolonged Pakistani airspace closure could cost the airline around $600 million annually. Meanwhile, in recent years, other Indian airlines—especially IndiGo—have expanded their international services using narrow-body aircraft to reach various short- and medium-haul destinations. &nbsp;

In a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), which was issued on Monday, it was announced that closures of airspace were extended to one more month until July 24, 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also decided to extend the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft.

In recent development, India extended the closure of the flights operated by Pakistani airlines until July 24, on Monday. The Indian airspace has been closed since April 30 for all the aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Pakistani airlines, including military flights. The step against Pakistan was taken by the government after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people on April 22. According to a report by the news agency PTI, the ban was primarily supposed to end on May 24, but later it was extended till June 24. Similarly, a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued on Monday, extending the closure to one more month until 24, 2025. The NOTAM confirmed that Indian airspace will be unavailable for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators, along with their military flights. In the meantime, Pakistan has also decided to extend the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft by another month, until July 24. Also read: Air India suspends flights to West Asia, Europe, US East Coast till further notice amid Iran-Israel war On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, a diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated resulting in announcement of several punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and downgrading of diplomatic ties due to cross-border links to the massacre. A day after the Pahalgam attack, India announced several retaliatory measures against Pakistan that include, Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the only operational land border crossing at Attari, and dampening of the diplomatic ties due to the cross-border tensions. Complexities in aircraft travelling longer durations As per the Indian Express, both nations will keep their respective airspace, including military flights, till 5:29 am Indian time on July 24. Following the closures, around 800 flights a week of Indian airlines are being affecṭed for the aircraft travelling longer durations due to an increase in fuel burn. It has also come up with a few other complexities related to crew and flight scheduling, as well as an increase in operational costs for the carriers. Flight tracking data indicates that several of Air India’s ultra-long-haul flights to and from North America have been making scheduled technical stops, such as for refuelling or crew changes, at European airports like Vienna and Copenhagen, disrupting what are typically non-stop services. This situation is similar to 2019, when Pakistan shut its airspace after the Indian Air Force’s Balakot strikes, forcing Air India to regularly incorporate mid-journey halts for its North American routes. During that four-month closure of Pakistani airspace in 2019, Indian carriers reportedly incurred losses of nearly Rs 700 crore, largely due to increased fuel consumption and operational challenges arising from longer alternative routes. Air India bore the brunt of the impact, as it operated a larger number of west-bound international flights than other Indian airlines. Now under the Tata Group, Air India is believed to have conveyed to the government that a prolonged Pakistani airspace closure could cost the airline around $600 million annually. Meanwhile, in recent years, other Indian airlines—especially IndiGo—have expanded their international services using narrow-body aircraft to reach various short- and medium-haul destinations.

In a fresh NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), which was issued on Monday, it was announced that closures of airspace were extended to one more month until July 24, 2025. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also decided to extend the closure of its airspace for Indian aircraft.

India, Pakistan extends airspace ban till this date: Here's why it was done thrice

Amid the developing situation in West Asia, Air India on Monday night suspended all its operations to the region, along with Europe and the east coast of North America, until further notice. The announcement came after Iran launched a missile targeting an American military base in Qatar, resulting in Asian nations shutting down their airspace.Amid the situation, several flights en route to key airports such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi were diverted to other airports. In addition to Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo were also affected, according to flight tracking data.Countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait have shut their respective airspaces, which leads to significant disruption of the services. However, Qatar opened its airspace later. Meanwhile, the closure duration of the most of the airspace in the region remains unclear. Some experts indicated that suspensions would be for short durations, with flights resuming in the affected airspaces within a few hours.After Air India had suspended its services to several destinations west of India, as those routes involve flying over West Asian airspace, other Indian carriers have also issued advisories alerting passengers to potential delays or diversions on flights operating in the region.<h3>Air India offers direct flights to Europe and North America</h3>The West Asian air corridors are vital for air travel between India and Europe, as well as parts of North America. Currently, Air India is the only Indian airline offering direct connections to Europe and North America. Most other Indian airlines primarily operate short-haul international flights, particularly within West Asia.“Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice. Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins, and others are being diverted back to India or rerouted away from the closed airspace. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that’s beyond an airline’s control. Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. We will keep our passengers informed of any updates. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority,” an Air India spokesperson said.“As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur. We have no other flights bound for Qatar. Air India Express has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities,” an Air India Express spokesperson said Monday night.Air India Express, for instance, runs 25 weekly flights to Doha, Qatar’s capital, with direct connections from cities including Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchchirappalli.“In light of the recent developments in the Middle East, flight arrivals and departures from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Ras Al-Khaimah and Tbilisi are impacted. We are actively monitoring the situation and adjusting our operations to ensure the highest level of safety for our customers and crew. We understand that diversions/delays disrupt travel plans, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. Impacted customers are advised to check their flight status on our website or app and may explore alternate travel options available online,” IndiGo said in an advisory to passengers on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter)SpiceJet also said in its advisory on X, “Due to airspace closure in the Middle East, some of our flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status.”Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel; however, 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations has not been concluded. After the Trump announcement of a ceasefire, the Israeli army confirmed that Iranian missiles had been fired at Israel.&nbsp;

After Air India had suspended its services to several destinations west of India, as those routes involve flying over West Asian airspace, other Indian carriers have also issued advisories alerting passengers to potential delays or diversions on flights operating in the region.

Amid the developing situation in West Asia, Air India on Monday night suspended all its operations to the region, along with Europe and the east coast of North America, until further notice. The announcement came after Iran launched a missile targeting an American military base in Qatar, resulting in Asian nations shutting down their airspace. Amid the situation, several flights en route to key airports such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi were diverted to other airports. In addition to Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo were also affected, according to flight tracking data. Countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait have shut their respective airspaces, which leads to significant disruption of the services. However, Qatar opened its airspace later. Meanwhile, the closure duration of the most of the airspace in the region remains unclear. Some experts indicated that suspensions would be for short durations, with flights resuming in the affected airspaces within a few hours. After Air India had suspended its services to several destinations west of India, as those routes involve flying over West Asian airspace, other Indian carriers have also issued advisories alerting passengers to potential delays or diversions on flights operating in the region. Air India offers direct flights to Europe and North America The West Asian air corridors are vital for air travel between India and Europe, as well as parts of North America. Currently, Air India is the only Indian airline offering direct connections to Europe and North America. Most other Indian airlines primarily operate short-haul international flights, particularly within West Asia. “Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice. Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins, and others are being diverted back to India or rerouted away from the closed airspace. We request the understanding of all passengers who may be affected by this disruption that’s beyond an airline’s control. Air India is in continuous consultation with its external security advisors and is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation. We will keep our passengers informed of any updates. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority,” an Air India spokesperson said. “As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur. We have no other flights bound for Qatar. Air India Express has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities,” an Air India Express spokesperson said Monday night. Air India Express, for instance, runs 25 weekly flights to Doha, Qatar’s capital, with direct connections from cities including Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchchirappalli. “In light of the recent developments in the Middle East, flight arrivals and departures from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Ras Al-Khaimah and Tbilisi are impacted. We are actively monitoring the situation and adjusting our operations to ensure the highest level of safety for our customers and crew. We understand that diversions/delays disrupt travel plans, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. Impacted customers are advised to check their flight status on our website or app and may explore alternate travel options available online,” IndiGo said in an advisory to passengers on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) SpiceJet also said in its advisory on X, “Due to airspace closure in the Middle East, some of our flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel; however, 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations has not been concluded. After the Trump announcement of a ceasefire, the Israeli army confirmed that Iranian missiles had been fired at Israel.

After Air India had suspended its services to several destinations west of India, as those routes involve flying over West Asian airspace, other Indian carriers have also issued advisories alerting passengers to potential delays or diversions on flights operating in the region.

Air India suspends flights to West Asia, Europe, US East Coast till further notice amid Iran-Israel war

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday (June 23) met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing and delivered a strong message on cross-border terrorism and terror infrastructure. Both sides reviewed recent developments in India-China relations and underscored the need to promote greater people-to-people ties. In an oblique reference to Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorist activities, NSA Ajit Doval emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for regional peace and stability during a meeting with Wang Yi. Doval's call for countering terrorism comes nearly a month-and-a-half after India carried out precision strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistani territories early on May 7 in response to the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;Later this year, the Chinese FM Wang Yi is expected to travel to India for the SR level talks, on border issues.&nbsp;NSA Doval is visiting China to attend a conclave of top national security officials of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an influential regional grouping focused on security-related issues. China had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, but had also been found to supplying weapons to Pakistan in its short conflict with India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, “NSA noted that he looked forward to meeting with Wang Yi in India at a mutually convenient date for the 24th round of the Special Representative (SR) Talks.”&nbsp;Additionally, no meetings are scheduled with Pakistani counterparts. Both Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and newly appointed Pakistan's NSA, also the ISI Chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik are likely to be present at the SCO meetings given close ties with China.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that India is engaged with China both commercially and diplomatically on the issue of rare earth minerals supply and is making all efforts to ensure essential imports. The commerce secretary noted that the government is also in touch with industry organisations like SIAM and ACMA for impact on the auto sector. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is also in touch with the Chinese government through various diplomatic channels. “We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing to bring predictability in supply chain for trade, consistent with international practices,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters last week.&nbsp;

 In an oblique reference to Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorist activities, NSA Ajit Doval emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for regional peace in his meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday (June 23) met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing and delivered a strong message on cross-border terrorism and terror infrastructure. Both sides reviewed recent developments in India-China relations and underscored the need to promote greater people-to-people ties. In an oblique reference to Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorist activities, NSA Ajit Doval emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for regional peace and stability during a meeting with Wang Yi. Doval's call for countering terrorism comes nearly a month-and-a-half after India carried out precision strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistani territories early on May 7 in response to the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Later this year, the Chinese FM Wang Yi is expected to travel to India for the SR level talks, on border issues. NSA Doval is visiting China to attend a conclave of top national security officials of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an influential regional grouping focused on security-related issues. China had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, but had also been found to supplying weapons to Pakistan in its short conflict with India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, “NSA noted that he looked forward to meeting with Wang Yi in India at a mutually convenient date for the 24th round of the Special Representative (SR) Talks.” Additionally, no meetings are scheduled with Pakistani counterparts. Both Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and newly appointed Pakistan's NSA, also the ISI Chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik are likely to be present at the SCO meetings given close ties with China. Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that India is engaged with China both commercially and diplomatically on the issue of rare earth minerals supply and is making all efforts to ensure essential imports. The commerce secretary noted that the government is also in touch with industry organisations like SIAM and ACMA for impact on the auto sector. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is also in touch with the Chinese government through various diplomatic channels. “We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing to bring predictability in supply chain for trade, consistent with international practices,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters last week.

&nbsp;In an oblique reference to Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorist activities, NSA Ajit Doval emphasised the need to counter terrorism in all its forms for regional peace in his meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing

Without mentioning Pakistan, Indian NSA Ajit Doval tells Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi 'to counter terrorism in all forms'

On Monday, &nbsp;a Jammu local court granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a five-day remand of two men arrested for sheltering the Pakistani terrorists behind the dastardly Pahalgam attack on April 22. The two men, identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, were arrested by the NIA on Sunday (June 22).&nbsp;This is a major step in the investigation of one of the worst terror attacks the country witnessed in recent times, which claimed 26 innocent lives. The men from Pahalgam were presented before the court and will be in NIA custody until June 27. Parvaiz and Bashir had reportedly sheltered the gunmen, who orchestrated the attack, in makeshift huts. They allegedly provided the terrorists with food and logistical support before they opened fire at the tourists enjoying their vacation in the Baisaran Valley.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-condemns-pahalgam-terror-attack-expresses-grave-concern-1750078599190">Global terror financing watchdog FATF condemns Pahalgam terror attack, expresses 'grave concern'</a>&nbsp;The agency said that the arrested men disclosed the identity of the terrorists and also confirmed that they had links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).&nbsp;Right after the attack, The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of LeT claimed responsibility for the attack. They later deleted the post, citing that their social media account was hacked. The Indian administration waited for Pakistan to take action against the terror outfits operating on its soil.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-arrests-2-for-sheltering-pakistani-terrorists-involved-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-1750573268423">NIA arrests 2 for sheltering Pakistani terrorists involved in Pahalgam terror attack</a>&nbsp;On seeing the inaction, Operation Sindoor was launched to destroy the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in one of the initial briefings, had mentioned that a fortnight of inaction had led India to take such stern steps. India carried out precision strikes on terrorist establishments in Pakistan in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;

On Monday,  a Jammu local court granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a five-day remand of two men arrested for sheltering the Pakistani terrorists behind the dastardly Pahalgam attack on April 22. 

On Monday, a Jammu local court granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a five-day remand of two men arrested for sheltering the Pakistani terrorists behind the dastardly Pahalgam attack on April 22. The two men, identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar, were arrested by the NIA on Sunday (June 22). This is a major step in the investigation of one of the worst terror attacks the country witnessed in recent times, which claimed 26 innocent lives. The men from Pahalgam were presented before the court and will be in NIA custody until June 27. Parvaiz and Bashir had reportedly sheltered the gunmen, who orchestrated the attack, in makeshift huts. They allegedly provided the terrorists with food and logistical support before they opened fire at the tourists enjoying their vacation in the Baisaran Valley. Also read: Global terror financing watchdog FATF condemns Pahalgam terror attack, expresses 'grave concern' The agency said that the arrested men disclosed the identity of the terrorists and also confirmed that they had links with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Right after the attack, The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of LeT claimed responsibility for the attack. They later deleted the post, citing that their social media account was hacked. The Indian administration waited for Pakistan to take action against the terror outfits operating on its soil. Also read: NIA arrests 2 for sheltering Pakistani terrorists involved in Pahalgam terror attack On seeing the inaction, Operation Sindoor was launched to destroy the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in one of the initial briefings, had mentioned that a fortnight of inaction had led India to take such stern steps. India carried out precision strikes on terrorist establishments in Pakistan in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack.

On Monday, &nbsp;a Jammu local court granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a five-day remand of two men arrested for sheltering the Pakistani terrorists behind the dastardly Pahalgam attack on April 22.&nbsp;

Pahalgam terror attack: NIA gets 5-day custody of duo sheltering terrorists

As tensions in the Middle East escalates over attack by Iran on US base in Qatar and with the closure of airspace of many countries in the region, Air India Express diverted Doha bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned the flight bound from Kannur.&nbsp;Regretting the inconvenience, the Air India Express in a statement said, “As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur. We have no other flights bound for Qatar. Air India Express has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities."&nbsp;IndiGo also said there could be delays or diversions due to the evolving situation in the Middle East.&nbsp;"In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, some of our flights may experience delays or diversions. These adjustments are being made to ensure operations remain within safe and compliant airspace," said the airline in a post on X.&nbsp;"We recommend checking your flight status regularly. If your flight is impacted, alternate options can be easily explored through our website. We continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. We appreciate your patience and understanding," the company added.&nbsp;Pakistan International Airlines too suspended its operation for Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai due to the escalating tensions in the Gulf region.&nbsp;Iran attacks US air Base in Qatar Iran’s state TV confirmed the launch of Operation Glad Tidings of Victory 'Bashar al Fateh', targeting US forces stationed at the base.&nbsp;Al Udeid Air Base, located near Doha, is the largest US military installation in the Middle East and home to US Central Command’s forward headquarters. It hosts around 10,000 US troops and also includes UK military personnel on rotation.&nbsp;Qatar has strongly condemned Iran’s missile strike on the Al-Udeid Air Base near Doha, calling it a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law. The attack took place on Monday night (June 23), with loud explosions heard across central Doha and Lusail, according to reports from Reuters and AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

IndiGo also said there could be delays or diversions due to the evolving situation in the Middle East.

As tensions in the Middle East escalates over attack by Iran on US base in Qatar and with the closure of airspace of many countries in the region, Air India Express diverted Doha bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned the flight bound from Kannur. Regretting the inconvenience, the Air India Express in a statement said, “As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, Air India Express has diverted our Doha bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur. We have no other flights bound for Qatar. Air India Express has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities." IndiGo also said there could be delays or diversions due to the evolving situation in the Middle East. "In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, some of our flights may experience delays or diversions. These adjustments are being made to ensure operations remain within safe and compliant airspace," said the airline in a post on X. "We recommend checking your flight status regularly. If your flight is impacted, alternate options can be easily explored through our website. We continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. We appreciate your patience and understanding," the company added. Pakistan International Airlines too suspended its operation for Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai due to the escalating tensions in the Gulf region. Iran attacks US air Base in Qatar Iran’s state TV confirmed the launch of Operation Glad Tidings of Victory 'Bashar al Fateh', targeting US forces stationed at the base. Al Udeid Air Base, located near Doha, is the largest US military installation in the Middle East and home to US Central Command’s forward headquarters. It hosts around 10,000 US troops and also includes UK military personnel on rotation. Qatar has strongly condemned Iran’s missile strike on the Al-Udeid Air Base near Doha, calling it a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law. The attack took place on Monday night (June 23), with loud explosions heard across central Doha and Lusail, according to reports from Reuters and AFP.

IndiGo also said there could be delays or diversions due to the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Amid Middle East tension, many flights from India affected. Check details

In a major reminder or rural health infrastructure gap, a pregnant woman was carried in a makeshift palanquin or ‘Doli’ to the ambulance due to lack of an access road to her village in western Indian state of Maharashtra.&nbsp;The incident occurred in Thane district’s Shahapur area, which is 100 kms from India’s financial capital city Mumbai, highlighting critical gaps in health infrastructure in rural areas.&nbsp;In a heart breaking journey now viral on social media, 21-year old woman identified as Sangita Mukane was transported in a Doli for a kilometre from her village to the nearest ambulance.&nbsp;Villagers say this is not the first instance, but every third day they get to witness such a site and women in the neighbourhood have to go through the same ordeal when pregnant.&nbsp;“She needed urgent medical assistance as she had gone into labour, but there is no way for ambulance to come in due to lack of access to our road. Despite repeated requests, authorities have failed to develop the necessary infrastructure,” said her husband Ravindra Mukane.&nbsp;Due to the delay, she suffered a seizure before reaching the ambulance, after which she was rushed to Thane Civil Hospital, where doctors have said her condition is stable.&nbsp;Maharashtra's rural infrastructure faces significant gaps, particularly in road connectivity and other essential services like irrigation, sanitation, and healthcare.&nbsp;While the state has made strides in rural road development, a large portion of rural roads remain unsealed, impacting accessibility and mobility.&nbsp;Disparities exist across different regions, with Marathwada and Vidarbha lagging behind in infrastructure development compared to regions like Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Pune and Mumbai. &nbsp;

The incident occurred in Thane district’s Shahapur area, which is 100 kms from India’s financial capital city Mumbai, highlighting critical gaps in health infrastructure in rural areas.

In a major reminder or rural health infrastructure gap, a pregnant woman was carried in a makeshift palanquin or ‘Doli’ to the ambulance due to lack of an access road to her village in western Indian state of Maharashtra. The incident occurred in Thane district’s Shahapur area, which is 100 kms from India’s financial capital city Mumbai, highlighting critical gaps in health infrastructure in rural areas. In a heart breaking journey now viral on social media, 21-year old woman identified as Sangita Mukane was transported in a Doli for a kilometre from her village to the nearest ambulance. Villagers say this is not the first instance, but every third day they get to witness such a site and women in the neighbourhood have to go through the same ordeal when pregnant. “She needed urgent medical assistance as she had gone into labour, but there is no way for ambulance to come in due to lack of access to our road. Despite repeated requests, authorities have failed to develop the necessary infrastructure,” said her husband Ravindra Mukane. Due to the delay, she suffered a seizure before reaching the ambulance, after which she was rushed to Thane Civil Hospital, where doctors have said her condition is stable. Maharashtra's rural infrastructure faces significant gaps, particularly in road connectivity and other essential services like irrigation, sanitation, and healthcare. While the state has made strides in rural road development, a large portion of rural roads remain unsealed, impacting accessibility and mobility. Disparities exist across different regions, with Marathwada and Vidarbha lagging behind in infrastructure development compared to regions like Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Pune and Mumbai.

The incident occurred in Thane district’s Shahapur area, which is 100 kms from India’s financial capital city Mumbai, highlighting critical gaps in health infrastructure in rural areas.

Pregnant Indian woman carried in a ‘Doli’ to ambulance due to lack of road, suffers seizure on the way

On June 12, 2025, the biggest accident in recent aviation history happened. Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad international airport.

Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A timeline of the event

Former foreign minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Monday that India should abide by the Indus Waters Treaty and share water fairly, or else Pakistan will wage a war and ensure that our people get water from all six rivers”. Delhi unilaterally suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which governs the usage of the Indus river system, on April 23 after 26 innocent civilians were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. After launching Operation Sindoor, India had agreed to a ceasefire when the Pakistani DGMO called and requested cessation of military action after Indian forces struck several air bases in Pakistan and rendered some of them useless.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday criticised Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that New Delhi would never restore the IWT with Pakistan. &nbsp;Speaking in the National Assembly during a session on the federal budget, Bilawal said, “India has two options: share water fairly, or we will deliver water to us from all six rivers.” “The attack on Sindhu [Indus River] and India’s claim that the IWT has ended and it’s in abeyance, firstly, this is illegal, as the IWT is not in abeyance, it is binding on Pakistan and India, but the threat itself of stopping water is illegal according to the UN charter,” Bilawal said.&nbsp;He continued, “If India decides to follow through on the threat, we will have to wage war again.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former foreign minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday warned that India must either ensure equitable water sharing or Pakistan will take steps to secure water from all six rivers of the Indus river system. . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brandsynario?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brandsynario</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BilawalBhutto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BilawalBhutto</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakIndiaConflict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakIndiaConflict</a> <a href="https://t.co/RELATq6C5u">pic.twitter.com/RELATq6C5u</a>&mdash; Brandsynario (@brandsynario) <a href="https://twitter.com/brandsynario/status/1937107442778997007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bilawal Bhutto is severely mocked in India over his statements as well as his style.&nbsp;He also said India was weaponising terrorism for political purposes. “India seeks to exploit terrorism as a political tool to harm Pakistan’s international standing,” he said, adding that during his diplomatic visits to the United Kingdom and European Union, it became evident that India had lobbied hard to reverse Pakistan’s progress on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) front.&nbsp;“At a time when Pakistan had successfully moved from the FATF grey list to the white list, India made every effort to drag us back to the grey list using false narratives and diplomatic pressure,” he said.&nbsp;Bilawal also urged renewed dialogue between Pakistan and India to curb regional instability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, riled by the impending water crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifhad condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the IWT, describing it as a “blatant violation and act of water aggression”.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking in the National Assembly, Bilawal said, “India has two options: share water fairly, or we will deliver water to us from all six rivers.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Saturday criticised Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that New Delhi would never restore the IWT. 

Former foreign minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Monday that India should abide by the Indus Waters Treaty and share water fairly, or else Pakistan will wage a war and ensure that our people get water from all six rivers”. Delhi unilaterally suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which governs the usage of the Indus river system, on April 23 after 26 innocent civilians were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. After launching Operation Sindoor, India had agreed to a ceasefire when the Pakistani DGMO called and requested cessation of military action after Indian forces struck several air bases in Pakistan and rendered some of them useless. Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday criticised Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that New Delhi would never restore the IWT with Pakistan. Speaking in the National Assembly during a session on the federal budget, Bilawal said, “India has two options: share water fairly, or we will deliver water to us from all six rivers.” “The attack on Sindhu [Indus River] and India’s claim that the IWT has ended and it’s in abeyance, firstly, this is illegal, as the IWT is not in abeyance, it is binding on Pakistan and India, but the threat itself of stopping water is illegal according to the UN charter,” Bilawal said. He continued, “If India decides to follow through on the threat, we will have to wage war again.”

Speaking in the National Assembly, Bilawal said, “India has two options: share water fairly, or we will deliver water to us from all six rivers.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Saturday criticised Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that New Delhi would never restore the IWT.&nbsp;

‘India must share water or we will wage war and get it from all 6 rivers’: Bilawal

The US embassy in India said in a post on Monday that all applicants seeking F, M, or J non-immigrant visas—including students and exchange visitors—have to ensure that their social media profiles are set to ‘public’ to enable background checks. All available information will be used in the visa screening and vetting “to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security.” The development comes days after the United States announced that all foreign students applying for a visa must unlock their social media accounts for government review.&nbsp;In the post, the US Embassy in India said that “every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” and added that the applicants will have to “adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public’ to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States.”It further said that the US has been asking visa applicants to provide social media details on immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms since 2019, and added that all available information will be used in the visa screening and vetting “to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to public to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States… <a href="https://t.co/xotcfc3Qdo">pic.twitter.com/xotcfc3Qdo</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/1937089816660680824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Last month, the Trump administration had halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students seeking to study in the US to properly enhance the process of screening their social media activity.&nbsp;The US State Department said in a statement on June 18 that the scheduling of F, M, and J non-immigrant visa applications will resume soon, and applicants should check with the embassy or consulate website for appointment dates.The State Department further added, “The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.”&nbsp;The US embassy has reiterated that holding a visa is not a right and that visas can be revoked if a person is found to be in violation of the law, even after arrival.

The United States has been asking visa applicants to provide social media details on immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms since 2019, and now all available information will be used in the screening and vetting for visa.

The US embassy in India said in a post on Monday that all applicants seeking F, M, or J non-immigrant visas—including students and exchange visitors—have to ensure that their social media profiles are set to ‘public’ to enable background checks. All available information will be used in the visa screening and vetting “to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security.” The development comes days after the United States announced that all foreign students applying for a visa must unlock their social media accounts for government review. In the post, the US Embassy in India said that “every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” and added that the applicants will have to “adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public’ to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States.” It further said that the US has been asking visa applicants to provide social media details on immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms since 2019, and added that all available information will be used in the visa screening and vetting “to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security.”

The United States has been asking visa applicants to provide social media details on immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms since 2019, and now all available information will be used in the screening and vetting for visa.

Want US visa? First unlock your social media accounts for vetting, says embassy in India

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu had to return to its original airport after it failed to make a landing at its destination on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;It is yet to be ascertained what made the flight to return back to is destination without landing.&nbsp;The flight IX-2564 was supposed to land in Jammu and then leave for Srinagar but the pilot after hovering the plane over the airport for sometime in the afternoon decided not to land and return to Delhi, said officials, as reported by PTI.&nbsp;Prima facie, it seems the pilot could not find the appropriate landing area despite the weather and the runway being clear, &nbsp;the officials further said.&nbsp;Air India ordered to sack officials&nbsp;After the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the &nbsp;Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on June 20 ordered immediate action against three senior officials of Air India. The company has been asked to remove the officials on grounds of “serious and repeated violations” of aviation safety protocols.&nbsp;“The voluntary disclosures, while noted, point to systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability. Of particular concern is the absence of strict disciplinary measures against key officials directly responsible for these operational lapses,” the order read.&nbsp;Choorah Singh, Divisional Vice President; Pinky Mittal, Chief Manager - DOPS, Crew Scheduling; and Payal Arora were directly held responsible for several lapses, including unauthorised and non-compliant crew pairings, violations of licensing and crew rest norms and systemic failures in oversight, according to the to the DGCA order.&nbsp;“Internal disciplinary proceedings must be initiated against these officials without delay, and the outcome of such proceedings shall be reported to this office within 10 days from the date of issue of this letter,” the order stated.&nbsp;

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu had to return to its original airport.

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu had to return to its original airport after it failed to make a landing at its destination on Monday afternoon. It is yet to be ascertained what made the flight to return back to is destination without landing. The flight IX-2564 was supposed to land in Jammu and then leave for Srinagar but the pilot after hovering the plane over the airport for sometime in the afternoon decided not to land and return to Delhi, said officials, as reported by PTI. Prima facie, it seems the pilot could not find the appropriate landing area despite the weather and the runway being clear, the officials further said. Air India ordered to sack officials After the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on June 20 ordered immediate action against three senior officials of Air India. The company has been asked to remove the officials on grounds of “serious and repeated violations” of aviation safety protocols. “The voluntary disclosures, while noted, point to systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability. Of particular concern is the absence of strict disciplinary measures against key officials directly responsible for these operational lapses,” the order read. Choorah Singh, Divisional Vice President; Pinky Mittal, Chief Manager - DOPS, Crew Scheduling; and Payal Arora were directly held responsible for several lapses, including unauthorised and non-compliant crew pairings, violations of licensing and crew rest norms and systemic failures in oversight, according to the to the DGCA order. “Internal disciplinary proceedings must be initiated against these officials without delay, and the outcome of such proceedings shall be reported to this office within 10 days from the date of issue of this letter,” the order stated.

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu had to return to its original airport.

Air India flight to Srinagar hovers over Jammu airport then returns to Delhi without landing

The southwest monsoon is advancing briskly and is likely to hit Delhi on Tuesday, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Tuesday, predicting light to moderate rain. As the monsoon has been advancing, the city has been witnessing pleasant weather and better air quality for the sixth consecutive day. According to IMD, monsoon has covered most parts of Himachal Pradesh, all of Ladakh and Kashmir, most parts of Jammu, and some parts of Punjab. The onset in Delhi-NCR is likely by Tuesday—three days ahead of the normal date of June 27.&nbsp; Last year, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 28, with over 228 mm of rainfall recorded in a single day. In 2023, it reached Delhi on June 25. &nbsp;

The advance of southwest monsoon 2025

“Conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance over remaining parts of North Arabian Sea, some more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, some parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, remaining parts of west Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu during next two days,” the IMD said in a statement.The IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky over the next few days, with light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and lightning expected.&nbsp;The IMD predicted a cooler day on Monday with the maximum likely hovering around 33-35°C and minimum at 26-28°C.&nbsp;Meanwhile, rain spells over the last few days made pollutants settle down, and the air quality index (AQI) has improved in the national capital.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said Ozone (O3) was the lead pollutant in Delhi on Sunday, as compared to both PM10 and O3 on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Delhi has recorded only seven satisfactory air days so far this year, five of which have been during this spell.Meanwhile, Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa lauded the efforts of the Delhi government to fight air pollution.&nbsp;“This progress is the result of continuous, on-ground action and strict enforcement. In the last 48 hours alone, 218 end-of-life vehicles were impounded and 11,157 pollution challans issued across the city. These are part of Delhi’s zero-tolerance approach to air polluters,” Sirsa said.

According to IMD, monsoon has covered most parts of Himachal Pradesh, all of Ladakh and Kashmir, most parts of Jammu, and some parts of Punjab. The onset in Delhi-NCR is likely by Tuesday—three days ahead of the normal date of June 27.

The southwest monsoon is advancing briskly and is likely to hit Delhi on Tuesday, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Tuesday, predicting light to moderate rain. As the monsoon has been advancing, the city has been witnessing pleasant weather and better air quality for the sixth consecutive day. According to IMD, monsoon has covered most parts of Himachal Pradesh, all of Ladakh and Kashmir, most parts of Jammu, and some parts of Punjab. The onset in Delhi-NCR is likely by Tuesday—three days ahead of the normal date of June 27. Last year, the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 28, with over 228 mm of rainfall recorded in a single day. In 2023, it reached Delhi on June 25.

According to IMD, monsoon has covered most parts of Himachal Pradesh, all of Ladakh and Kashmir, most parts of Jammu, and some parts of Punjab. The onset in Delhi-NCR is likely by Tuesday—three days ahead of the normal date of June 27.

Monsoon to arrive in Delhi on Tuesday, says IMD, issues yellow alert

Srinagar: The whole of North India, including Jammu and Kashmir, has been gripped by severe heat wave conditions. The Kashmir region has been witnessing a drastic increase in temperatures. Kashmir Valley has also been witnessing scorching heat as the temperatures have risen above normal across the region. The administration has announced the closure of all schools in the Kashmir division due to the current heatwave conditions in the region. All schools have been shut from June 23 till July 7th across the Union Territory.&nbsp;Srinagar recorded a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, while the hottest place in the Kashmir division was Konibal at 33.2 degrees. Even places in the higher reaches, like Kupwara in North Kashmir recorded the temperature at 32.6 degrees, and Qazigund in South Kashmir at 31.4 degrees. The locals in Kashmir are not accustomed to such heat and are facing a tough time.&nbsp;&nbsp;“'The heatwave will continue today and tomorrow. Generally hot and humid weather with a possibility of heatwave at multiple places. With the onset of monsoon, the humidity factor has led to a rise in temperatures. Even 30-31 degrees will be unbearable for the local population. So, temperature may rise with a chance of a heatwave in isolated pockets,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT.&nbsp;The tourist resort places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg also saw some drastic rise in the temperature. While Pahalgam saw mercury rise to 24 degrees, in Gulmarg Ski resort it touched 23 degrees. The MeT Department has predicted the heat wave conditions to continue till June 25th.&nbsp;The officials and administration have advised people to avoid outdoor activities as the heat wave conditions continue. Students and children have been advised to stay indoors. While farmers have been advised to delay farming activity for the next few days. The intense heat is severely impacting daily life across the Valley.&nbsp;

Srinagar recorded a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, while the hottest place in the Kashmir division was Konibal at 33.2 degrees. Even places in the higher reaches, like Kupwara in North Kashmir, recorded the temperature at 32.6 degrees, and Qazigund in South Kashmir at 31.4 degrees.

Srinagar: The whole of North India, including Jammu and Kashmir, has been gripped by severe heat wave conditions. The Kashmir region has been witnessing a drastic increase in temperatures. Kashmir Valley has also been witnessing scorching heat as the temperatures have risen above normal across the region. The administration has announced the closure of all schools in the Kashmir division due to the current heatwave conditions in the region. All schools have been shut from June 23 till July 7th across the Union Territory. Srinagar recorded a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, while the hottest place in the Kashmir division was Konibal at 33.2 degrees. Even places in the higher reaches, like Kupwara in North Kashmir recorded the temperature at 32.6 degrees, and Qazigund in South Kashmir at 31.4 degrees. The locals in Kashmir are not accustomed to such heat and are facing a tough time. “'The heatwave will continue today and tomorrow. Generally hot and humid weather with a possibility of heatwave at multiple places. With the onset of monsoon, the humidity factor has led to a rise in temperatures. Even 30-31 degrees will be unbearable for the local population. So, temperature may rise with a chance of a heatwave in isolated pockets,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director MeT. The tourist resort places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg also saw some drastic rise in the temperature. While Pahalgam saw mercury rise to 24 degrees, in Gulmarg Ski resort it touched 23 degrees. The MeT Department has predicted the heat wave conditions to continue till June 25th. The officials and administration have advised people to avoid outdoor activities as the heat wave conditions continue. Students and children have been advised to stay indoors. While farmers have been advised to delay farming activity for the next few days. The intense heat is severely impacting daily life across the Valley.

Srinagar recorded a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, while the hottest place in the Kashmir division was Konibal at 33.2 degrees. Even places in the higher reaches, like Kupwara in North Kashmir, recorded the temperature at 32.6 degrees, and Qazigund in South Kashmir at 31.4 degrees.

All schools closed in Kashmir Valley due to current heatwave conditions

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gopal Italia has won from the Visavadar constituency of Gujarat in the bypoll 2025 in a tough contest with flying colours by maintaining a decent lead throughout the counting. He secured a total of 75,942 votes and defeated the BJP candidate Kirit Patel by a margin of 17,554 votes.The bypoll was needed following the resignation of AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani in December 2023, as he joined the BJP, which resulted in reducing AAP’s Gujarat assembly seats to four (Dediapada, Jamjodhpur, Botad, Gariadhar), as per the HT report.<h3>Who is Gopal Italia?</h3>Italia was born on July 21, 1989, in the Botad district of Gujarat. He began his career as a police officer before emerging as a vocal social activist. He garnered his first public attention in 2017 after he complained to then Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel about alcohol prohibition violations when he was working as a government employee. Following the development, the clip of the phone call went viral, earning him widespread recognition for his bold anti-corruption role, according to a report in Financial Express.Before entering politics, Gopal Italia was involved in the Patidar reservation movement and was affiliated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS). In 2018, he launched 'Kayda Katha' public events aimed at spreading legal awareness. After joining the AAP in June 2020, he was appointed state vice president and later became the Gujarat unit president by December of the same year.Italia has led numerous public demonstrations addressing social and governance-related issues. In 2021, he notably led protests demanding transparency over the cancellation of the Gujarat head clerk exam following a paper leak. Recognised for his connection with grassroots communities and straightforward public statements, he remains a significant figure among the youth and farming communities.Visavadar, once a BJP bastion led by former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, flipped to AAP in 2022, making the current contest crucial for the party to maintain influence. The constituency has 2,61,052 registered voters (1,35,597 men, 1,25,451 women, and four third-gender), where the total voter turnout in by polls is 56.57 per cent.Ahead of the by-election results, the BJP held 161 seats in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly, Congress had 12 (after defections and Geniben Thakor’s Lok Sabha win), AAP held four, Samajwadi Party one, and there were two Independents.

Before entering politics, Gopal Italia was involved in the Patidar reservation movement and was affiliated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS). In 2018, he launched 'Kayda Katha' public events aimed at spreading legal awareness.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gopal Italia has won from the Visavadar constituency of Gujarat in the bypoll 2025 in a tough contest with flying colours by maintaining a decent lead throughout the counting. He secured a total of 75,942 votes and defeated the BJP candidate Kirit Patel by a margin of 17,554 votes. The bypoll was needed following the resignation of AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani in December 2023, as he joined the BJP, which resulted in reducing AAP’s Gujarat assembly seats to four (Dediapada, Jamjodhpur, Botad, Gariadhar), as per the HT report. Who is Gopal Italia? Italia was born on July 21, 1989, in the Botad district of Gujarat. He began his career as a police officer before emerging as a vocal social activist. He garnered his first public attention in 2017 after he complained to then Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel about alcohol prohibition violations when he was working as a government employee. Following the development, the clip of the phone call went viral, earning him widespread recognition for his bold anti-corruption role, according to a report in Financial Express. Before entering politics, Gopal Italia was involved in the Patidar reservation movement and was affiliated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS). In 2018, he launched 'Kayda Katha' public events aimed at spreading legal awareness. After joining the AAP in June 2020, he was appointed state vice president and later became the Gujarat unit president by December of the same year. Italia has led numerous public demonstrations addressing social and governance-related issues. In 2021, he notably led protests demanding transparency over the cancellation of the Gujarat head clerk exam following a paper leak. Recognised for his connection with grassroots communities and straightforward public statements, he remains a significant figure among the youth and farming communities. Visavadar, once a BJP bastion led by former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, flipped to AAP in 2022, making the current contest crucial for the party to maintain influence. The constituency has 2,61,052 registered voters (1,35,597 men, 1,25,451 women, and four third-gender), where the total voter turnout in by polls is 56.57 per cent. Ahead of the by-election results, the BJP held 161 seats in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly, Congress had 12 (after defections and Geniben Thakor’s Lok Sabha win), AAP held four, Samajwadi Party one, and there were two Independents.

Before entering politics, Gopal Italia was involved in the Patidar reservation movement and was affiliated with the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS). In 2018, he launched 'Kayda Katha' public events aimed at spreading legal awareness.

AAP's Gopal Italia wins Gujarat's Visavadar bypoll in 2025, defeats BJP’s Kirit Patel — know who he is

What is the connection between a cricket Test between India and England at Leeds and a disturbing military conflict between Iran and the US involving Israel? On the face of it, there is none, but then cricket is a great metaphor to understand the game involving geopolitics and diplomacy. It was great to see a huge crowd of well-dressed English folk at the Headingly ground applauding Indian cricketers in a Test match that seems evenly poised as this is being written.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was a time when the crowds for an India-England game were thin and often full of ethnic Indians. Things have changed so much that you could say the English now view India as closer to, if not better than, their old rivals, Australia. Some of the old assumptions that go back to Britain's colonial domination of India are gone -- from both sides.&nbsp;Time changes everything, and it is time to keep that in mind as we look at the options before India following the Israel-Iran faceoff in which the military might of President Donald Trump-led Washington is more than apparent as Iran's nuclear facilities have been pounded by US stealth bombers. The broad perception is that India is on the side of Israel and, therefore, the US. It gets tricky when you notice that diplomatic relations are more than messy in the merry-go-round of geopolitics. The US sees Iran as a terror-sponsoring state, but conveniently supports Pakistan that India sees as a terror sponsor because it is a useful ally in containing both Iran and China, not to speak of Afghanistan.&nbsp;Operation Sindoor showed that India is pretty much alone in its battle to contain state-supported terror attacks on India nurtured on the Pakistani soil by the very groups that the US has declared as terrorists. Don't look for logical consistency here. It is all about expediency and usefulness. Only the other day, General-turned Field Marshal Asim Munir was recommending Trump for the Nobel peace prize after an honourable luncheon at the White House but Pakistan is now officially not with the US on Iran bombings.&nbsp;What should India do now? The attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in general and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in particular has been pro-Israel and anti-Islamist terror, but for all practical purposes that translates as anti-Iran. This requires a course correction following last weekend's Operation Midnight Hammer.&nbsp;We need to stand back a little to get some context. While it is true that the US equated India and Pakistan in an undesirable false equivalence after Operation Sindoor, it is equally true that India decided to go ahead and buy Russian oil despite American sanctions against Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. If the "usefulness" or "sovereignty" criterion are applied equally, it is apparent that both India and the US have acted in self-interest, and not concerned about principled diplomacy on issues such as terror or the UN charter against unprovoked intervention or invasion of a sovereign country.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are backstories for all this that could fill several books but the real question for India is: what to do now? The answer could be simple: stay clear of taking sides, and do some purposeful diplomacy at the UN with details in mind on everything, from the Palestine problem to the Iran war, economic growth and bilateral trade.&nbsp;In plain language: Stay smart, stay neutral. There are already unconfirmed reports of US or Western military aircraft having refuelled in India as part of the attacks on Iran. That brings back memories of 1991 when the then short-lived government led by Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar allowed American military jets to refuel at Mumbai, sparking controversy at home and elsewhere.&nbsp;Regional security is of importance to India, and that concerns Pakistan, China, and Iran. There is no need to go out of the way to support the US, which is widely seen as losing credibility already lowered by Trump's trigger-happy trade tariffs on Europe, India, and China alike. India has solid trade relations with both China and the US. Iran is not a big trading partner as there is a total bilateral turnover of less than $2 billion, but the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz controlled by Iran shows that oil prices can zoom, hurting India's economic growth precisely at a bounce-back stage. Anything that causes an oil price spike is not good for India.&nbsp;It also does not help India if it spites a host of Muslim countries or their societies across the world when Israel is being widely criticised on its Gaza attacks on innocent Palestinians. In the considered interest of India's economy and regional security, it is best for India to be part of a broad coalition of nations at the United Nations to demand a cessation of hostilities and if possible, join efforts to facilitate negotiations.&nbsp;There are simplistic critics who equate Operation Sindoor with Operation Midnight Hammer. That is simply not on. An act of limited reactive defence on a terrorist attack with back-up evidence cannot be equated with a proactive, preemptive military pounding on Iran's nuclear programme, for which there is no evidence in international diplomacy. If India were to do with Pakistan what the US is doing with Iran, sometime in the 1980s or 1990s, India would have had an all-out war to bomb nuclear facilities at Kahua or Islamabad.&nbsp;My mind goes back to 1992, when in the month of January, India under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao established full diplomatic relations with Israel -- something that seemed impossible just a year earlier. But then, later that year in November, I was with Rao on board a jet to Senegal in Africa for a G-15 summit of emerging economies of the developed world -- and on the way, we stopped at the airport in Tunis, where Rao met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and held cordial talks. I watched from a distance as they smiled at each other.&nbsp;That meeting reminded one that if one is a friend of Israel, it does not mean one has to be a foe of the Palestinians. That spirit has to be brought back as India walks a diplomatic tightrope on a number of fronts. &nbsp;An elegant neutrality is a long-term asset.&nbsp;The wheels of fortune keep changing in both politics and international diplomacy. In times of confusion, it might be wise to remember how things can change -- be it in American politics or global diplomacy. In cricket, there was a time when Indian players were considered lucky when they played in the English county championships. We now have English players jostling for space in the Indian Premier League tournament.&nbsp;In a new atmosphere, we carry pride and competence, but not colonial baggage -- of adversity or subordination.&nbsp;The Leeds Test is a good example of how things can be brought back to an even keel by a mix of diligent work and patience. In diplomacy as in cricket, every ball has to be played with a sense of purpose and fair play. Taking blind swipes will just not be cricket.

Stay smart, stay neutral: Why India should avoid risky strokes in Iran-US crisis

What is the connection between a cricket Test between India and England at Leeds and a disturbing military conflict between Iran and the US involving Israel? On the face of it, there is none, but then cricket is a great metaphor to understand the game involving geopolitics and diplomacy. It was great to see a huge crowd of well-dressed English folk at the Headingly ground applauding Indian cricketers in a Test match that seems evenly poised as this is being written. There was a time when the crowds for an India-England game were thin and often full of ethnic Indians. Things have changed so much that you could say the English now view India as closer to, if not better than, their old rivals, Australia. Some of the old assumptions that go back to Britain's colonial domination of India are gone -- from both sides. Time changes everything, and it is time to keep that in mind as we look at the options before India following the Israel-Iran faceoff in which the military might of President Donald Trump-led Washington is more than apparent as Iran's nuclear facilities have been pounded by US stealth bombers. The broad perception is that India is on the side of Israel and, therefore, the US. It gets tricky when you notice that diplomatic relations are more than messy in the merry-go-round of geopolitics. The US sees Iran as a terror-sponsoring state, but conveniently supports Pakistan that India sees as a terror sponsor because it is a useful ally in containing both Iran and China, not to speak of Afghanistan. Operation Sindoor showed that India is pretty much alone in its battle to contain state-supported terror attacks on India nurtured on the Pakistani soil by the very groups that the US has declared as terrorists. Don't look for logical consistency here. It is all about expediency and usefulness. Only the other day, General-turned Field Marshal Asim Munir was recommending Trump for the Nobel peace prize after an honourable luncheon at the White House but Pakistan is now officially not with the US on Iran bombings. What should India do now? The attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in general and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in particular has been pro-Israel and anti-Islamist terror, but for all practical purposes that translates as anti-Iran. This requires a course correction following last weekend's Operation Midnight Hammer. We need to stand back a little to get some context. While it is true that the US equated India and Pakistan in an undesirable false equivalence after Operation Sindoor, it is equally true that India decided to go ahead and buy Russian oil despite American sanctions against Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. If the "usefulness" or "sovereignty" criterion are applied equally, it is apparent that both India and the US have acted in self-interest, and not concerned about principled diplomacy on issues such as terror or the UN charter against unprovoked intervention or invasion of a sovereign country. There are backstories for all this that could fill several books but the real question for India is: what to do now? The answer could be simple: stay clear of taking sides, and do some purposeful diplomacy at the UN with details in mind on everything, from the Palestine problem to the Iran war, economic growth and bilateral trade. In plain language: Stay smart, stay neutral. There are already unconfirmed reports of US or Western military aircraft having refuelled in India as part of the attacks on Iran. That brings back memories of 1991 when the then short-lived government led by Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar allowed American military jets to refuel at Mumbai, sparking controversy at home and elsewhere. Regional security is of importance to India, and that concerns Pakistan, China, and Iran. There is no need to go out of the way to support the US, which is widely seen as losing credibility already lowered by Trump's trigger-happy trade tariffs on Europe, India, and China alike. India has solid trade relations with both China and the US. Iran is not a big trading partner as there is a total bilateral turnover of less than $2 billion, but the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz controlled by Iran shows that oil prices can zoom, hurting India's economic growth precisely at a bounce-back stage. Anything that causes an oil price spike is not good for India. It also does not help India if it spites a host of Muslim countries or their societies across the world when Israel is being widely criticised on its Gaza attacks on innocent Palestinians. In the considered interest of India's economy and regional security, it is best for India to be part of a broad coalition of nations at the United Nations to demand a cessation of hostilities and if possible, join efforts to facilitate negotiations. There are simplistic critics who equate Operation Sindoor with Operation Midnight Hammer. That is simply not on. An act of limited reactive defence on a terrorist attack with back-up evidence cannot be equated with a proactive, preemptive military pounding on Iran's nuclear programme, for which there is no evidence in international diplomacy. If India were to do with Pakistan what the US is doing with Iran, sometime in the 1980s or 1990s, India would have had an all-out war to bomb nuclear facilities at Kahua or Islamabad. My mind goes back to 1992, when in the month of January, India under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao established full diplomatic relations with Israel -- something that seemed impossible just a year earlier. But then, later that year in November, I was with Rao on board a jet to Senegal in Africa for a G-15 summit of emerging economies of the developed world -- and on the way, we stopped at the airport in Tunis, where Rao met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and held cordial talks. I watched from a distance as they smiled at each other. That meeting reminded one that if one is a friend of Israel, it does not mean one has to be a foe of the Palestinians. That spirit has to be brought back as India walks a diplomatic tightrope on a number of fronts. An elegant neutrality is a long-term asset. The wheels of fortune keep changing in both politics and international diplomacy. In times of confusion, it might be wise to remember how things can change -- be it in American politics or global diplomacy. In cricket, there was a time when Indian players were considered lucky when they played in the English county championships. We now have English players jostling for space in the Indian Premier League tournament. In a new atmosphere, we carry pride and competence, but not colonial baggage -- of adversity or subordination. The Leeds Test is a good example of how things can be brought back to an even keel by a mix of diligent work and patience. In diplomacy as in cricket, every ball has to be played with a sense of purpose and fair play. Taking blind swipes will just not be cricket.

The broad perception is that India is on the side of Israel and, therefore, the US

In yet another twist to the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, two individuals—a property dealer and a security guard—have been arrested for allegedly concealing crucial evidence linked to the case. The arrests point to a possible post-murder cover-up, as police recover a box containing jewellery, a laptop, and what could be the murder weapon. With the arrests of these two individuals, the total number of people held for the crime has reached seven.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking on the development, East Khasi Hills district SP Vivek Syiem said, “The Meghalaya Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested one Silome James from Bhonrasa toll-gate in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh while he was trying to flee to Bhopal around 7.30 pm on Saturday." “He is a property dealer and lessee of a building at Heera Bagh Colony in Indore, where Sonam had stayed and kept the jewellery and other items she took with her after the incident," he said.&nbsp;He helped Sonam hid a box consisting of jewellery, a laptop and possibly a weapon belonging to her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha. The box was later annihilated, as per police officials.&nbsp;Police also arrested a watchman and carpenter Ahirwar as another accused from his native village in Ashok Nagar district on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. He was reportedly working at the Indore flat where Sonam and a key accused in the murder had stayed after escaping Meghalaya. “Shillong police came to Shadora today. They took a person named Balvir Ahirwar with them to Indore for questioning. According to the initial investigation, the flat in which Sonam Raghuvanshi stayed after the murder, Balvir Ahirwar was working there as a watchman and a carpenter,” Ashoknagar SP Vineet Kumar Jain was quoted saying to ANI.&nbsp;A few days back, police investigations revealed that accused Sonam Raghuvanshi made 119 calls to alleged lover Raj Kushwaha in the days leading up to and following the crime. The new name that has surfaced in the probe is of Sanjay Verma, who was previously unknown in the investigation.&nbsp;Investigators found that Sonam had made 119 phone calls to a person named Sanjay. According to reports, call data records accessed by the police, between March 1 and March 25 revealed that Sonam and Sanjay exchanged 119 calls. His mobile number is currently switched off. Meanwhile, investigators are also probing the link of Sonam's alleged lover Raj Kushwaha who is now believed to be the mastermind behind the murder. He allegedly coordinated with three accomplices—Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Singh Kurmi—who followed the couple to Meghalaya and carried out the murder using a machete.

Meghalaya murder case New twist as police arrest two for destroying evidence of Sonams secret box

In yet another twist to the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, two individuals—a property dealer and a security guard—have been arrested for allegedly concealing crucial evidence linked to the case. The arrests point to a possible post-murder cover-up, as police recover a box containing jewellery, a laptop, and what could be the murder weapon. With the arrests of these two individuals, the total number of people held for the crime has reached seven. Speaking on the development, East Khasi Hills district SP Vivek Syiem said, “The Meghalaya Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested one Silome James from Bhonrasa toll-gate in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh while he was trying to flee to Bhopal around 7.30 pm on Saturday." “He is a property dealer and lessee of a building at Heera Bagh Colony in Indore, where Sonam had stayed and kept the jewellery and other items she took with her after the incident," he said. He helped Sonam hid a box consisting of jewellery, a laptop and possibly a weapon belonging to her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha. The box was later annihilated, as per police officials. Police also arrested a watchman and carpenter Ahirwar as another accused from his native village in Ashok Nagar district on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. He was reportedly working at the Indore flat where Sonam and a key accused in the murder had stayed after escaping Meghalaya. “Shillong police came to Shadora today. They took a person named Balvir Ahirwar with them to Indore for questioning. According to the initial investigation, the flat in which Sonam Raghuvanshi stayed after the murder, Balvir Ahirwar was working there as a watchman and a carpenter,” Ashoknagar SP Vineet Kumar Jain was quoted saying to ANI. A few days back, police investigations revealed that accused Sonam Raghuvanshi made 119 calls to alleged lover Raj Kushwaha in the days leading up to and following the crime. The new name that has surfaced in the probe is of Sanjay Verma, who was previously unknown in the investigation. Investigators found that Sonam had made 119 phone calls to a person named Sanjay. According to reports, call data records accessed by the police, between March 1 and March 25 revealed that Sonam and Sanjay exchanged 119 calls. His mobile number is currently switched off. Meanwhile, investigators are also probing the link of Sonam's alleged lover Raj Kushwaha who is now believed to be the mastermind behind the murder. He allegedly coordinated with three accomplices—Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Singh Kurmi—who followed the couple to Meghalaya and carried out the murder using a machete.

A property dealer and a security guard, have been arrested for helping Sonam Raghuvanshi in the murder case

Meghalaya murder case: New twist as police arrest two for destroying evidence of Sonam's 'secret box'

Amid endless delays and uncertainty over the American Axiom-4 human spaceflight mission launch, few members of the Indian delegation that had travelled to the US for this landmark event have returned to India. ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed to WION's Sidharth M.P. about having returned to India along with a handful of top delegates from ISRO. In the first week of June, WION had reported about the 18-member Indian delegation that had travelled to Florida ahead of the Axiom-4 launch that will see India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla fly to space, and make history as the second Indian to undertake human spaceflight.While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The duo have been in the US since August 2024 for their human spaceflight training as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Remaining members of the Indian delegation continue to stay in Florida, USA, in anticipation of the launch.<h2>Axiom-4 and the series of endless delays</h2>The Axiom-4 mission carrying four astronauts was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well into the last week of June. The concerned American entities (Axiom, SpaceX, NASA) have not revealed a new targeted launch date yet. Typically, launch dates are revealed at least four or five days ahead.Originally targeted for a May 29th launch, it was pushed to June 8th, June 9th, June 10th, June 11th, June 19th, and June 22nd. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew.So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- the replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station.<h2>Axiom-4 crew nears one-month in quarantine</h2>The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on 26th May and remains in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantine.Typical pre-launch quarantines for the International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch.&nbsp;In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time.<h2>How mission delays affect the science experiments by astronauts</h2>India's Shukla will be carrying seven experiments with him to the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. Some of the experiments involve biological material (seeds, bacteria, muscle cells), which are time-sensitive. Ideally, had the launch happened on 8th June, the astronauts would have completed their mission and returned to Earth by this week. However, with the sensitive experiments languishing on Earth for over three weeks, they too require replacement/specific care to be maintained in pristine condition. Questions remain over how the endless mission delay could affect the quality of the science experiments that will be conducted by the Axiom-4 crew in space.<h2>Axiom-4 must launch this week or wait till mid-July</h2>"In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blast off into space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions (even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added.<h2>About Axiom-4 and its astronauts</h2>Axiom-4 would carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's senior-most astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-time astronauts' families must also be factored in.This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago.Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (₹550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.&nbsp;

While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission

Amid endless delays and uncertainty over the American Axiom-4 human spaceflight mission launch, few members of the Indian delegation that had travelled to the US for this landmark event have returned to India. ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed to WION's Sidharth M.P. about having returned to India along with a handful of top delegates from ISRO. In the first week of June, WION had reported about the 18-member Indian delegation that had travelled to Florida ahead of the Axiom-4 launch that will see India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla fly to space, and make history as the second Indian to undertake human spaceflight. While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The duo have been in the US since August 2024 for their human spaceflight training as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Remaining members of the Indian delegation continue to stay in Florida, USA, in anticipation of the launch. Axiom-4 and the series of endless delays The Axiom-4 mission carrying four astronauts was scheduled for liftoff on May 29th 2025, but repeated delays have pushed the launch well into the last week of June. The concerned American entities (Axiom, SpaceX, NASA) have not revealed a new targeted launch date yet. Typically, launch dates are revealed at least four or five days ahead. Originally targeted for a May 29th launch, it was pushed to June 8th, June 9th, June 10th, June 11th, June 19th, and June 22nd. Notably, June 22nd was the 7th launch date for this mission, and it turns out it is not even "7th time lucky" for Axiom-4 and its crew. So far, this mission has been delayed owing to- the replacement of parts on the SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft, technical issues with a Falcon 9 rocket engine, unfavourable weather, a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon 9 rocket, and an anomaly in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station. Axiom-4 crew nears one-month in quarantine The Axiom-4 crew went into pre-launch mandatory quarantine on 26th May and remains in isolation. Pre-launch quarantine is followed to closely monitor the astronauts' health to avoid exposure to any last-minute illness. Quarantine is also important to ensure that the astronauts flying to the space station don't carry any infection to the closed environment of the orbiting lab. With the launch date now uncertain, it seems that the crew would end up spending a month or more in quarantine. Typical pre-launch quarantines for the International Space Station crew last two weeks. The Axiom-4 crew will end up spending double that period in quarantine. In mid-2024, Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore also had to spend about a month in quarantine due to repeated delays with their launch. In preparation for spaceflight, astronauts have to maintain peak mental and physical health. A mission delay would mean that they must sustain that peak for a longer period of time. How mission delays affect the science experiments by astronauts India's Shukla will be carrying seven experiments with him to the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. Some of the experiments involve biological material (seeds, bacteria, muscle cells), which are time-sensitive. Ideally, had the launch happened on 8th June, the astronauts would have completed their mission and returned to Earth by this week. However, with the sensitive experiments languishing on Earth for over three weeks, they too require replacement/specific care to be maintained in pristine condition. Questions remain over how the endless mission delay could affect the quality of the science experiments that will be conducted by the Axiom-4 crew in space. Axiom-4 must launch this week or wait till mid-July "In terms of launch opportunities, we have opportunities all the way to June 30th," Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Programme, NASA, had said earlier this month. Typically, every rocket launch mission has a launch window/launch opportunity- an ideal period of a few days or weeks within which the launch can take place. On each of these specific days within the launch window, there are a few minutes when the rocket can blast off into space. All of these launch times are precisely planned down to the second, based on various technical parameters. Which is why many rocket launch missions happen at odd hours, and no two missions (even of the same type) follow the same launch time or schedule. In case SpaceX and Axiom Space are unable to launch in the month of June, there are opportunities from mid-July, she added. About Axiom-4 and its astronauts Axiom-4 would carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, America's senior-most astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Apart from Peggy, all those aboard this mission are first-time astronauts. Therefore, the impact of these delays on the first-time astronauts' families must also be factored in. This Axiom-4 mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (₹550cr) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. As he circles the earth, Shukla will also be performing experiments in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math), and these will be made available as recorded educational videos, as part of the Axiom-4 mission outreach activity.

While a few delegates led by the ISRO Chief have returned, Indian astronauts Group Captain Shukla (primary astronaut) and Group Captain PB Nair (backup candidate) continue to carry out their respective duties in the US as part of the Axiom-4 mission

Axiom-4 launch delay: Top ISRO officials back in India; Astronauts remain in Florida

The vote counting for by-elections held in five assembly constituencies across Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab has begun today. The bypolls were held on June 19 (Thursday) for two Assembly seats in Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi, and one each in Nilambur constituency of Kerala, West Bengal's Kaliganj and Punjab's Ludhiana West, where voting remained mostly peaceful. It was held due to the death of sitting legislators in one constituency each in Gujarat, West Bengal, and Punjab, and the resignation of two MLAs in Gujarat and Kerala.<h2>Congress secured victory in Kerala's Nilambur&nbsp;</h2>According to the Election Commission, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath has won from the Nilambur constituency of Kerala by securing 77737 total votes. He leads CPI(M) leader and former MLA M Swaraj by more than 11077 votes. The lead was largely attributed to strong polling in the Moothedam panchayat region.<h2>AAP's Sanjeev Arora wins Ludhiana West Seat</h2>AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora has won from the Ludhiana West Assembly seat with a total of 35179 votes. Meanwhile, the BJP leader Jiwan Gupta has lost by a margin of 10637 votes.&nbsp;<h2>Gujarat By Election Results: BJP wins in Kadi, AAP in Visavadar</h2>BJP leader Rajendra Chavda has won from the Kadi Assembly constituency by securing 99742 votes. He defeated Rameshbhai Chavada by a margin of 39452 votes. Whereas, Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Italia has defeated BJP leader Kirit Patel by a margin of 17554 votes in Visavadar.<h2>TMC's Alifa Ahmed wins from West Bengal's Kaliganj seat</h2>The Election Commission of India (ECI)&nbsp;began counting of votes for the Kaliganj Assembly by-election in West Bengal at 8 a.m. on Monday (June 23). After all rounds of the counting ended, TMC leader Alifa Ahmed won by 50049 votes. From this seat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Ashish Ghosh, and the Congress has fielded Kabil Uddin Shaikh. &nbsp;

All rounds of vote counting in Nilambur, Ludhiana West, Visavadar, and Kaliganj ended. Check the winning candidate list of by election 2025 result city-wise at Wionews.com. 

The vote counting for by-elections held in five assembly constituencies across Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab has begun today. The bypolls were held on June 19 (Thursday) for two Assembly seats in Gujarat's Visavadar and Kadi, and one each in Nilambur constituency of Kerala, West Bengal's Kaliganj and Punjab's Ludhiana West, where voting remained mostly peaceful. It was held due to the death of sitting legislators in one constituency each in Gujarat, West Bengal, and Punjab, and the resignation of two MLAs in Gujarat and Kerala. Congress secured victory in Kerala's Nilambur According to the Election Commission, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath has won from the Nilambur constituency of Kerala by securing 77737 total votes. He leads CPI(M) leader and former MLA M Swaraj by more than 11077 votes. The lead was largely attributed to strong polling in the Moothedam panchayat region. AAP's Sanjeev Arora wins Ludhiana West Seat AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora has won from the Ludhiana West Assembly seat with a total of 35179 votes. Meanwhile, the BJP leader Jiwan Gupta has lost by a margin of 10637 votes. Gujarat By Election Results: BJP wins in Kadi, AAP in Visavadar BJP leader Rajendra Chavda has won from the Kadi Assembly constituency by securing 99742 votes. He defeated Rameshbhai Chavada by a margin of 39452 votes. Whereas, Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Italia has defeated BJP leader Kirit Patel by a margin of 17554 votes in Visavadar. TMC's Alifa Ahmed wins from West Bengal's Kaliganj seat The Election Commission of India (ECI) began counting of votes for the Kaliganj Assembly by-election in West Bengal at 8 a.m. on Monday (June 23). After all rounds of the counting ended, TMC leader Alifa Ahmed won by 50049 votes. From this seat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Ashish Ghosh, and the Congress has fielded Kabil Uddin Shaikh.

All rounds of vote counting in Nilambur, Ludhiana West, Visavadar, and Kaliganj ended. Check the winning candidate list of by election 2025 result city-wise at Wionews.com.&nbsp;

By Election 2025 result Highlights: AAP wins in Ludhiana and Visavadar, Congress in Nilambur; Check all updates

After the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday forecasted the onset of southwest monsoon in Delhi and neighbourhood areas during the next two days, it has also issued a yellow alert for Monday and Tuesday, predicting light to moderate rain. Meanwhile, pleasant weather conditions helped the national capital to retain a “satisfactory” air quality for a fifth consecutive day.As per the Indian Express report, the IMD said, ” Conditions are favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, some parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and cover the rest of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu in the next two days.”IMD confirmed that monsoon has advanced to North India, covering most parts of Himachal Pradesh, entire Ladakh and Kashmir, and also mostly Jammu as well as some parts of Punjab. The monsoon will arrive in the city by Tuesday, three days before the normal scheduled date of June 27. Last year, the monsoon has arrived on June 28 and in 2023, the onset was on June 25 in Delhi, according to a report in HT.Despite cloudy skies on Sunday, Delhi did not receive any rainfall until the evening. The maximum temperature of the day settled at 36.2°C, which was two degrees below normal and lower than Saturday’s 37.3°C.Humidity levels remained elevated, fluctuating between 65 per cent and 83 per cent, which led to significant thermal discomfort. According to IMD data, Delhi's heat index — the “real feel” temperature — reached 47.5°C at 5:30 pm, primarily due to a relative humidity of 70 per cent at that time.<h3>Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) is ‘satisfactory’</h3>The heat index combines air temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels to humans. Delhi’s wet-bulb temperature, another key thermal discomfort metric, recorded 29.51°C. Readings above 32°C can severely limit the body’s ability to cool itself, while 35°C is seen as the upper threshold for human survival.The minimum temperature on Sunday stood at 28.4°C. For Monday, the IMD predicts slightly cooler conditions with a maximum between 33-35°C and a minimum of 26-28°C.Meanwhile, intermittent rain in recent days has helped settle pollutants in the city. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was 92 (satisfactory) at 4 pm on Sunday, a slight increase from Saturday’s AQI of 85.

The IMD has also confirmed that the monsoon has advanced to North India, covering most parts of Himachal Pradesh, the entire Ladakh and Kashmir regions, as well as most of Jammu and some parts of Punjab.

After the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday forecasted the onset of southwest monsoon in Delhi and neighbourhood areas during the next two days, it has also issued a yellow alert for Monday and Tuesday, predicting light to moderate rain. Meanwhile, pleasant weather conditions helped the national capital to retain a “satisfactory” air quality for a fifth consecutive day. As per the Indian Express report, the IMD said, ” Conditions are favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, some parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and cover the rest of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu in the next two days.” IMD confirmed that monsoon has advanced to North India, covering most parts of Himachal Pradesh, entire Ladakh and Kashmir, and also mostly Jammu as well as some parts of Punjab. The monsoon will arrive in the city by Tuesday, three days before the normal scheduled date of June 27. Last year, the monsoon has arrived on June 28 and in 2023, the onset was on June 25 in Delhi, according to a report in HT. Despite cloudy skies on Sunday, Delhi did not receive any rainfall until the evening. The maximum temperature of the day settled at 36.2°C, which was two degrees below normal and lower than Saturday’s 37.3°C. Humidity levels remained elevated, fluctuating between 65 per cent and 83 per cent, which led to significant thermal discomfort. According to IMD data, Delhi's heat index — the “real feel” temperature — reached 47.5°C at 5:30 pm, primarily due to a relative humidity of 70 per cent at that time. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) is ‘satisfactory’ The heat index combines air temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels to humans. Delhi’s wet-bulb temperature, another key thermal discomfort metric, recorded 29.51°C. Readings above 32°C can severely limit the body’s ability to cool itself, while 35°C is seen as the upper threshold for human survival. The minimum temperature on Sunday stood at 28.4°C. For Monday, the IMD predicts slightly cooler conditions with a maximum between 33-35°C and a minimum of 26-28°C. Meanwhile, intermittent rain in recent days has helped settle pollutants in the city. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was 92 (satisfactory) at 4 pm on Sunday, a slight increase from Saturday’s AQI of 85.

The IMD has also confirmed that the monsoon has advanced to North India, covering most parts of Himachal Pradesh, the entire Ladakh and Kashmir regions, as well as most of Jammu and some parts of Punjab.

Monsoon set to hit Delhi tomorrow, IMD issues 'yellow' alert for rain

A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to return from the taxiway at Jaipur airport early Monday (Jun 23) morning after a technical glitch was detected. The incident, as per reports, occurred around 6:05 AM IST (1235 GMT). The plane in question has been identified as Flight IX-195, which was scheduled to depart from Jaipur to Dubai. According to officials, the aircraft had already completed passenger boarding and had begun taxiing toward the runway when a technical issue was reported. The pilots then turned the aircraft back to the parking bay as a precaution. As of now, all passengers (nearly 130 people) remain seated inside the aircraft, as an engineering team works to fix the issue.No injuries or safety concerns have been reported so far. Further information is awaited.(More to follow)

According to officials, the aircraft had already completed passenger boarding and had begun taxiing toward the runway when a technical issue was reported.

A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to return from the taxiway at Jaipur airport early Monday (Jun 23) morning after a technical glitch was detected. The incident, as per reports, occurred around 6:05 AM IST (1235 GMT). The plane in question has been identified as Flight IX-195, which was scheduled to depart from Jaipur to Dubai. According to officials, the aircraft had already completed passenger boarding and had begun taxiing toward the runway when a technical issue was reported. The pilots then turned the aircraft back to the parking bay as a precaution. As of now, all passengers (nearly 130 people) remain seated inside the aircraft, as an engineering team works to fix the issue. No injuries or safety concerns have been reported so far. Further information is awaited. (More to follow)

According to officials, the aircraft had already completed passenger boarding and had begun taxiing toward the runway when a technical issue was reported.

Air India Express flight IX-195 aborts takeoff at Jaipur after technical glitch

The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-global-security-alert-as-tensions-between-israel-and-iran-continue-to-spiral-1750640748484">US issues global security alert for citizens as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to spiral</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750641000241.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US issues global security alert for citizens as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to spiral"></figure>The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-minutes-before-the-bombs-dropped-vance-on-trump-s-iran-strike-decision-1750642217042">'Minutes before the bombs dropped': Vance on Trump’s Iran strike decision</a><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750642431782.jpg?rect=(0,14,484,363)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Minutes before the bombs dropped': Vance on Trump’s Iran strike decision">US President Donald Trump gave the go-ahead to attack on Iranian nuclear facilities ‘minutes before the bombs dropped’, Vice President JD Vance was quoted saying to NBC's "Meet the Press" on Saturday, CNN reported. Vance added that Trump "had the power to call off this attack until the very last minute" and chose to go ahead. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-s-capital-kyiv-rocked-by-fresh-wave-of-russian-drone-attacks-residents-shelter-underground-1750637150940">One killed, several wounded as Russia launches fresh wave of drone attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750637316123.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,682)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="One killed, several wounded as Russia launches fresh wave of drone attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv"></figure>Kyiv, early on Monday (Jun 23), woke up to drones and distant explosions as Russia launched "another massive attack" on the Ukrainian capital. At least one person was killed and several were wounded in the strikes, said Ukrainian authorities. Mykola Kalashnyk of Kyiv's military administration, in a statement, said that "Unfortunately, as a result of the enemy attack in Bila Tserkva district, a woman born in 1957 died from her injuries". &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-monumental-damage-done-to-all-nuclear-sites-in-iran-says-trump-after-us-strikes-iran-1750644929920">'Monumental damage done to all nuclear sites in Iran', says Trump after US strikes Iran</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750645655199.png?rect=(0,160,960,720)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Monumental damage done to all nuclear sites in Iran', says Trump after US strikes Iran"></figure>President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed. In his post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” Israel's stock market surges to a record high on Sunday following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Israel&#39;s stock market surges to a record high on Sunday following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites<a href="https://twitter.com/BislaDiksha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BislaDiksha</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JyotsnaKumar13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JyotsnaKumar13</a> bring you this report <a href="https://t.co/HgAGzVfF3Q">pic.twitter.com/HgAGzVfF3Q</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1936990448012439876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Morning news brief: US issues global security alert; Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv, and more

The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". Click on the headlines to read more US issues global security alert for citizens as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to spiral The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". 'Minutes before the bombs dropped': Vance on Trump’s Iran strike decision US President Donald Trump gave the go-ahead to attack on Iranian nuclear facilities ‘minutes before the bombs dropped’, Vice President JD Vance was quoted saying to NBC's "Meet the Press" on Saturday, CNN reported. Vance added that Trump "had the power to call off this attack until the very last minute" and chose to go ahead. One killed, several wounded as Russia launches fresh wave of drone attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv Kyiv, early on Monday (Jun 23), woke up to drones and distant explosions as Russia launched "another massive attack" on the Ukrainian capital. At least one person was killed and several were wounded in the strikes, said Ukrainian authorities. Mykola Kalashnyk of Kyiv's military administration, in a statement, said that "Unfortunately, as a result of the enemy attack in Bila Tserkva district, a woman born in 1957 died from her injuries". 'Monumental damage done to all nuclear sites in Iran', says Trump after US strikes Iran President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed. In his post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” Israel's stock market surges to a record high on Sunday following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief

After the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities under what it called ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Pakistan for nominating President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and asked if they want him to win the prize for the strikes on nuclear sites in Iran. The AIMIM chief's remarks come against the backdrop of the American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as well as Pakistan’s move to nominate the US President for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Prize, citing his “diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.&nbsp;He further questioned Pakistan’s support for Trump and asked if they backed him only to see the strikes on Iran.“We should ask Pakistanis if they want Trump to get a Nobel Peace Prize for this...,” Owaisi said, referring to the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.He also mocked Pakistan's top military leadership and asked whether Islamabad’s Army chief, Asim Munir, had lunch with the US president for this (US strikes on Iran). “They all have been exposed today,” Owaisi added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hyderabad | &quot;...Did Pakistan&#39;s General (Army chief Asim Munir) have lunch with the US president for this? They all have been exposed today.., &quot;says AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on the US strikes on Iran&#39;s 3 nuclear facilities and the ongoing conflict between Israel and… <a href="https://t.co/rAwPK9YU1Z">pic.twitter.com/rAwPK9YU1Z</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1936685598196318688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Owaisi further raised concerns over the chances of serious consequences for India if a full-scale war breaks out in the Middle East region.He cited that over 16 million Indians reside in the Gulf and the Middle East, saying that “if that area erupts in a war, which unfortunately is very likely, then it will have a grave impact on the Indians living there”.&nbsp;Owaisi also targeted the United States and President Donald Trump for the strikes in Iran.&nbsp;“The US was never an honest broker. Whether it is Iraq, Libya or Palestine. The US is sitting completely silent on the ethnic cleansing taking place in Gaza,” Owaisi told news agency ANI.&nbsp;“You went into Iraq, saying they were creating these weapons of mass destruction, and nothing was found over there. You removed Gaddafi in Libya, and nothing happened. Saddam was killed, and Gaddafi was killed. The US policy is only to cover up the crimes of the Israeli government,” the MP said.&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and posted a statement on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/XWB82VovOL">pic.twitter.com/XWB82VovOL</a>&mdash; Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) <a href="https://twitter.com/MIshaqDar50/status/1936688895003078721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US President Donald Trump, early on Sunday, announced that Washington carried out strikes on Iran's three nuclear facilities. Later, Trump warned Iran that any retaliation from Tehran against the US “will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed” on Sunday.

Owaisi further raised concerns over the chances of serious consequences for India if a full-scale war breaks out in the Middle East region. He cited that over 16 million Indians reside in the Gulf and the Middle East.

After the United States struck three Iranian nuclear facilities under what it called ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Pakistan for nominating President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and asked if they want him to win the prize for the strikes on nuclear sites in Iran. The AIMIM chief's remarks come against the backdrop of the American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as well as Pakistan’s move to nominate the US President for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Prize, citing his “diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. He further questioned Pakistan’s support for Trump and asked if they backed him only to see the strikes on Iran. “We should ask Pakistanis if they want Trump to get a Nobel Peace Prize for this...,” Owaisi said, referring to the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. He also mocked Pakistan's top military leadership and asked whether Islamabad’s Army chief, Asim Munir, had lunch with the US president for this (US strikes on Iran). “They all have been exposed today,” Owaisi added.

Owaisi further raised concerns over the chances of serious consequences for India if a full-scale war breaks out in the Middle East region. He cited that over 16 million Indians reside in the Gulf and the Middle East.

Owaisi mocks Pakistan over US strikes on Iran: ‘Should Donald Trump win Nobel Peace for this?’

Amidst the midnight strikes by the US in Iran, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday (June 22) said that over 700 Kashmiri students who are stuck across various regions of Iran are safe and await evacuation. Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Association, said that coordinated efforts are underway to relocate the stranded students to Mashhad and towards the Armenia border, from where they will be airlifted to New Delhi. Two special evacuation flights, both from Mashhad Airport, are scheduled.&nbsp;He said, “The Indian Embassy in Iran is actively arranging transportation for the stranded students and is working in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure their safe and smooth evacuation,”. He reassured the concerned families that every possible measure is being taken to secure the safety and timely return of their children.&nbsp;Earlier on Sunday, the Mahan Air flight (W50071A) from Mashhad, Iran, carrying over 280 Indian students &nbsp;including more than 200 from Kashmir landed safely at Delhi Airport at 4:30pm. Another Mahan Air flight carrying 230 more Kashmiri students is expected to arrive at Delhi Airport by 11:30pm on late Sunday night.&nbsp;“This moment brings immense relief, joy, and emotional solace to the families who had spent sleepless nights gripped by fear and uncertainty. These students, who endured days of anxiety in the conflict-hit region, have now returned to the safety of their homeland and the warm embrace of their loved ones,” Khuehami said. The association extended its gratitude to the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Embassy in Iran for their tireless efforts, swift intervention, and support.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Their exceptional coordination and close cooperation with Iranian authorities ensured the safe and timely evacuation of students during this extremely critical situation,” the statement read.&nbsp;Meanwhile, all 130 Indian students from Kerman University of Medical Sciences including 110 from Kashmir departed from Kerman on Friday evening in six buses arranged by the Indian Embassy. The students are now nearing Mashhad, from where they will be airlifted to Delhi. All transportation and logistical support for these students has been provided by the Indian Embassy. Almost all Kashmiri students who were stranded across various parts of Iran have now been shifted to safer areas and are in the process of being evacuated. Association remains in constant communication with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Tehran, and the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Chief Ministers' Office to ensure the continued safety and timely repatriation of all students.&nbsp;“We want to assure all families that their children are safe, and every effort is being made to bring them home at the earliest,” Khuehami said.

As US strikes in Iran, Kashmiri students stranded there shifted to safe locations

Amidst the midnight strikes by the US in Iran, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday (June 22) said that over 700 Kashmiri students who are stuck across various regions of Iran are safe and await evacuation. Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Association, said that coordinated efforts are underway to relocate the stranded students to Mashhad and towards the Armenia border, from where they will be airlifted to New Delhi. Two special evacuation flights, both from Mashhad Airport, are scheduled. He said, “The Indian Embassy in Iran is actively arranging transportation for the stranded students and is working in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure their safe and smooth evacuation,”. He reassured the concerned families that every possible measure is being taken to secure the safety and timely return of their children. Earlier on Sunday, the Mahan Air flight (W50071A) from Mashhad, Iran, carrying over 280 Indian students including more than 200 from Kashmir landed safely at Delhi Airport at 4:30pm. Another Mahan Air flight carrying 230 more Kashmiri students is expected to arrive at Delhi Airport by 11:30pm on late Sunday night. “This moment brings immense relief, joy, and emotional solace to the families who had spent sleepless nights gripped by fear and uncertainty. These students, who endured days of anxiety in the conflict-hit region, have now returned to the safety of their homeland and the warm embrace of their loved ones,” Khuehami said. The association extended its gratitude to the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Embassy in Iran for their tireless efforts, swift intervention, and support. “Their exceptional coordination and close cooperation with Iranian authorities ensured the safe and timely evacuation of students during this extremely critical situation,” the statement read. Meanwhile, all 130 Indian students from Kerman University of Medical Sciences including 110 from Kashmir departed from Kerman on Friday evening in six buses arranged by the Indian Embassy. The students are now nearing Mashhad, from where they will be airlifted to Delhi. All transportation and logistical support for these students has been provided by the Indian Embassy. Almost all Kashmiri students who were stranded across various parts of Iran have now been shifted to safer areas and are in the process of being evacuated. Association remains in constant communication with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian Embassy in Tehran, and the Jammu & Kashmir Chief Ministers' Office to ensure the continued safety and timely repatriation of all students. “We want to assure all families that their children are safe, and every effort is being made to bring them home at the earliest,” Khuehami said.

Over 700 Kashmiri students stranded across various regions of Iran are currently safe and await evacuation

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As US strikes Iran, Kashmiri students stranded there shifted to safe locations