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DNA matching of 131 victims of the Air India crash that claimed at least 270 lives has been completed. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added.<h2>DNA matching almost done?</h2>Reports suggest that the heart-wrenching task of identifying victims of the Air India Dreamliner crash is nearing completion.The crash, which occurred on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has been labelled India’s worst single-aircraft tragedy in recent memory.Speaking from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, where teams from both FSL and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have been working non-stop, Sanghavi commended the round-the-clock efforts of scientists and police. "...For the last many days, FSL and NFSU teams are tirelessly working round the clock. Till 10:58 pm, 131 patients' DNA have been matched, and in some time, 6 more DNA certificates will be sent to the Civil Hospital..." he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-air-india-flight-faces-technical-glitch-passengers-forced-to-deplane-in-kolkata-1750129432699">Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata</a>The painstaking process, involving 54 forensic experts from across Gujarat — including laboratories in Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad — is expected to conclude by Tuesday evening or early Wednesday.Dr Rakesh Joshi, superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, told reporters that the "DNA profiling all the victims will be completed by either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.""We are trying our best to finish this process as soon as possible," he added.The crash of Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, killed 241 of the 242 onboard — including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani — and at least 30 more on the ground when the aircraft crashed into a hostel building. The lone survivor of the horrific tragedy remains critical. &nbsp;

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added.

DNA matching of 131 victims of the Air India crash that claimed at least 270 lives has been completed. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added. DNA matching almost done? Reports suggest that the heart-wrenching task of identifying victims of the Air India Dreamliner crash is nearing completion. The crash, which occurred on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has been labelled India’s worst single-aircraft tragedy in recent memory. Speaking from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar, where teams from both FSL and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have been working non-stop, Sanghavi commended the round-the-clock efforts of scientists and police. "...For the last many days, FSL and NFSU teams are tirelessly working round the clock. Till 10:58 pm, 131 patients' DNA have been matched, and in some time, 6 more DNA certificates will be sent to the Civil Hospital..." he said. Also read | Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata The painstaking process, involving 54 forensic experts from across Gujarat — including laboratories in Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad — is expected to conclude by Tuesday evening or early Wednesday. Dr Rakesh Joshi, superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, told reporters that the "DNA profiling all the victims will be completed by either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning." "We are trying our best to finish this process as soon as possible," he added. The crash of Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, killed 241 of the 242 onboard — including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani — and at least 30 more on the ground when the aircraft crashed into a hostel building. The lone survivor of the horrific tragedy remains critical.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday (Jun 16) revealed that DNA samples of 131 victims had been successfully matched. The mortal remains of 83 people have already been handed over to relatives, he added.

Air India crash: 131 victims identified, DNA matching nears completion

US President Donald Trump has requested that the National Security Council be prepared in the Situation Room, according to US media reports.&nbsp;In yet another incident involving an Air India flight, a plane en route from San Francisco to Mumbai was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Kolkata in the early hours of Tuesday (Jun 17).&nbsp;New Zealand women’s cricket legend Sophie Devine will call time on her ODI career after the Women’s World Cup, she announced on Tuesday (June 17).&nbsp;&nbsp;Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-nsc-meeting-in-us-situation-room-amid-heightened-israel-iran-tensions-what-is-sit-room-1750124913791">Trump heads to US Situation Room amid heightened Israel-Iran tensions | What is 'Sit Room' and what this means?</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250617/image-1750126527505.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Trump heads to US Situation Room amid heightened Israel-Iran tensions | What is 'Sit Room' and what this means?"></figure>US President Donald Trump has requested that the National Security Council be prepared in the Situation Room, according to US media reports.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-air-india-flight-faces-technical-glitch-passengers-forced-to-deplane-in-kolkata-1750129432699">Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250617/image-1750129575873.jpg?rect=(0,34,1940,1455)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata"></figure>In yet another incident involving an Air India flight, a plane en route from San Francisco to Mumbai was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Kolkata in the early hours of Tuesday (Jun 17). <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-strike-iran-soon-here-s-what-pentagon-said-on-trump-s-evacuate-tehran-comment-amid-israel-iran-war-1750129333776">US to strike Iran soon? Here's what Pentagon said on Trump's 'evacuate Tehran' comment amid Israel-Iran war</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250617/image-1750129621688.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US to strike Iran soon? Here's what Pentagon said on Trump's 'evacuate Tehran' comment amid Israel-Iran war"></figure>After US President Donald Trump left the G7 Summit abruptly on Monday (June 16) and posted "evacuate Tehran," chaos erupted as at the same time - Israel reportedly launched an airstrike on the Iranian capital. Trump's comment ignited fear that the US might be planning to strike Iran with Israel.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sophie-devine-to-retire-from-odis-after-world-cup-says-right-time-for-me-to-start-stepping-away-1750130655123">Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after World Cup, says 'right time for me to start stepping away'</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250617/image-1750131119471.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after World Cup, says 'right time for me to start stepping away'"></figure>New Zealand women’s cricket legend Sophie Devine will call time on her ODI career after the Women’s World Cup, she announced on Tuesday (June 17). Devine, who has served New Zealand cricket for almost two decades will no longer play any part in the 50-over format after the Women’s World Cup, which takes place in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH | Israel and Iran continue to trade blows&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">+ Israel and Iran continue to trade blows + Israel says Iranian residents &#39;will pay the prize.&#39; <a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JyotsnaKumar13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JyotsnaKumar13</a> bring you updates from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IsraelIranWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IsraelIranWar</a>. <a href="https://t.co/WByj7KQgBg">pic.twitter.com/WByj7KQgBg</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1934814085503197522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Morning news brief: Israel-Iran war updates; Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, and more

US President Donald Trump has requested that the National Security Council be prepared in the Situation Room, according to US media reports. In yet another incident involving an Air India flight, a plane en route from San Francisco to Mumbai was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Kolkata in the early hours of Tuesday (Jun 17). New Zealand women’s cricket legend Sophie Devine will call time on her ODI career after the Women’s World Cup, she announced on Tuesday (June 17). Click on the headlines to read more Trump heads to US Situation Room amid heightened Israel-Iran tensions | What is 'Sit Room' and what this means? US President Donald Trump has requested that the National Security Council be prepared in the Situation Room, according to US media reports. Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata In yet another incident involving an Air India flight, a plane en route from San Francisco to Mumbai was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Kolkata in the early hours of Tuesday (Jun 17). US to strike Iran soon? Here's what Pentagon said on Trump's 'evacuate Tehran' comment amid Israel-Iran war After US President Donald Trump left the G7 Summit abruptly on Monday (June 16) and posted "evacuate Tehran," chaos erupted as at the same time - Israel reportedly launched an airstrike on the Iranian capital. Trump's comment ignited fear that the US might be planning to strike Iran with Israel. Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after World Cup, says 'right time for me to start stepping away' New Zealand women’s cricket legend Sophie Devine will call time on her ODI career after the Women’s World Cup, she announced on Tuesday (June 17). Devine, who has served New Zealand cricket for almost two decades will no longer play any part in the 50-over format after the Women’s World Cup, which takes place in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. WATCH | Israel and Iran continue to trade blows

Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief.&nbsp;

In yet another incident involving an Air India flight, a plane en route from San Francisco to Mumbai was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Kolkata in the early hours of Tuesday (Jun 17).<h2>What happened?</h2>All passengers onboard the Air India flight were deplaned after the aircraft encountered a technical snag, though the airline has yet to disclose specific details.Flight AI180, operating on the long-haul San Francisco–Mumbai route, landed at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 12:45 am, as per schedule. However, the technical snag was reportedly in its left engine, which resulted in a delay in its takeoff.The crew made an announcement around 5:20 am, asking everyone to disembark. The pilot informed passengers that the decision was made in the interest of flight safety, reports Mint.There were no injuries reported, and all passengers were safely escorted off the aircraft.Air India has not released a formal statement about the Kolkata incident at the time of publication.<h2>Air India flight glitches in spotlight</h2>This latest incident adds to a growing list of technical snags plaguing Air India flights in recent days. The airline has been under intense scrutiny following a tragic plane crash earlier this month that claimed the lives of 260 people, including ground casualties, when the aircraft collided with a medical college hostel.A series of technical snags have followed since the crash. On Monday (Jun 16), Air India Flight AI315 had to return to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to another midair technical issue. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were later rebooked on alternative flights to Delhi.A day earlier, on Sunday (Jun 15), a flight from Delhi to Zurich was significantly delayed due to mandatory checks on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, pushing its arrival close to Switzerland's night curfew window.Separately, early on Sunday (Jun 15) morning at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, a Saudi Airlines flight carrying more than 250 Hajj pilgrims was evacuated due to a landing gear malfunction.After taking off late Saturday from Jeddah, flight SV 3112 touched down at around 6:30 am after smoke and sparks were seen coming from its left wheel during taxiing. The pilot, as per reports, immediately notified air traffic control and brought the aircraft to a stop. All passengers were safely evacuated after emergency personnel acted quickly.&nbsp;

All passengers onboard the Air India flight were deplaned after the aircraft encountered a technical snag, though the airline has yet to disclose specific details.

In yet another incident involving an Air India flight, a plane en route from San Francisco to Mumbai was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Kolkata in the early hours of Tuesday (Jun 17). What happened? All passengers onboard the Air India flight were deplaned after the aircraft encountered a technical snag, though the airline has yet to disclose specific details. Flight AI180, operating on the long-haul San Francisco–Mumbai route, landed at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 12:45 am, as per schedule. However, the technical snag was reportedly in its left engine, which resulted in a delay in its takeoff. The crew made an announcement around 5:20 am, asking everyone to disembark. The pilot informed passengers that the decision was made in the interest of flight safety, reports Mint. There were no injuries reported, and all passengers were safely escorted off the aircraft. Air India has not released a formal statement about the Kolkata incident at the time of publication. Air India flight glitches in spotlight This latest incident adds to a growing list of technical snags plaguing Air India flights in recent days. The airline has been under intense scrutiny following a tragic plane crash earlier this month that claimed the lives of 260 people, including ground casualties, when the aircraft collided with a medical college hostel. A series of technical snags have followed since the crash. On Monday (Jun 16), Air India Flight AI315 had to return to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff due to another midair technical issue. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were later rebooked on alternative flights to Delhi. A day earlier, on Sunday (Jun 15), a flight from Delhi to Zurich was significantly delayed due to mandatory checks on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, pushing its arrival close to Switzerland's night curfew window. Separately, early on Sunday (Jun 15) morning at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, a Saudi Airlines flight carrying more than 250 Hajj pilgrims was evacuated due to a landing gear malfunction. After taking off late Saturday from Jeddah, flight SV 3112 touched down at around 6:30 am after smoke and sparks were seen coming from its left wheel during taxiing. The pilot, as per reports, immediately notified air traffic control and brought the aircraft to a stop. All passengers were safely evacuated after emergency personnel acted quickly.

All passengers onboard the Air India flight were deplaned after the aircraft encountered a technical snag, though the airline has yet to disclose specific details.

Another Air India flight faces technical glitch, passengers forced to deplane in Kolkata

Days after the Air India plane crash claimed 270 lives, a report claiming to reveal the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was widely shared on social media, especially WhatsApp.However, the fact-checking unit of the Press Information Bureau has dismissed this viral report as “fake”.The fake report doing the rounds on the internet claimed that that double engine failure was found to be the reason behind the Ahmedabad plane crash in the AAIB probe.&nbsp;The AAIB is, in fact, investigating the cause of the crash but has not released any report yet, as the probe is still on.Aircraft manufacturer Boeing, as well as investigation teams from the US and the UK, are also probing the crash, and their reports are also awaited.Air India’s flight 171 took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, for London’s Gatwick Airport but crashed seconds after its takeoff, killing 241 passengers and cabin crew on board.&nbsp;A 40-year-old British national seated near the emergency exit was the sole survivor.The plane had crashed into a student hostel of BJ Medical College, killing 29 people on the ground, thereby taking the total death toll to 270.&nbsp;&nbsp;A look at the viral fake report shows several factual errors in it. It says the flight was headed to London’s Heathrow Airport when it was actually bound for Gatwick Airport in London.&nbsp;It also claimed that a total of 243 people were on board the flight, which is false. A total of 242 people were on board the Gatwick-bound flight, which included 12 cabin crew members and 230 passengers.Meanwhile, authorities have recovered both black boxes of AI Flight 171. The first black box contains the flight data, while the second has the voice recorder of the Boeing 787 aircraft.The final words of the pilots could shed light on what transpired before the crash.DNA tests have identified at least 87 victims, and 47 of these bodies were handed over to their kin.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Stay alert A message circulating on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsApp</a> claims to be the preliminary investigation report of the AI-171 crash by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) 🔍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a>: ❌ This message is completely Fake. ✈️ This report has not been issued by the Aircraft… <a href="https://t.co/ZyBDt7cMKd">pic.twitter.com/ZyBDt7cMKd</a>&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1934607363132010510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A 40-year-old British national seated near the emergency exit was the sole survivor. The plane had crashed into a student hostel of BJ Medical College, killing 29 people on the ground, thereby taking the total death toll to 270. 

Days after the Air India plane crash claimed 270 lives, a report claiming to reveal the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was widely shared on social media, especially WhatsApp. However, the fact-checking unit of the Press Information Bureau has dismissed this viral report as “fake”. The fake report doing the rounds on the internet claimed that that double engine failure was found to be the reason behind the Ahmedabad plane crash in the AAIB probe. The AAIB is, in fact, investigating the cause of the crash but has not released any report yet, as the probe is still on. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing, as well as investigation teams from the US and the UK, are also probing the crash, and their reports are also awaited. Air India’s flight 171 took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, for London’s Gatwick Airport but crashed seconds after its takeoff, killing 241 passengers and cabin crew on board. A 40-year-old British national seated near the emergency exit was the sole survivor. The plane had crashed into a student hostel of BJ Medical College, killing 29 people on the ground, thereby taking the total death toll to 270. A look at the viral fake report shows several factual errors in it. It says the flight was headed to London’s Heathrow Airport when it was actually bound for Gatwick Airport in London. It also claimed that a total of 243 people were on board the flight, which is false. A total of 242 people were on board the Gatwick-bound flight, which included 12 cabin crew members and 230 passengers. Meanwhile, authorities have recovered both black boxes of AI Flight 171. The first black box contains the flight data, while the second has the voice recorder of the Boeing 787 aircraft. The final words of the pilots could shed light on what transpired before the crash. DNA tests have identified at least 87 victims, and 47 of these bodies were handed over to their kin.

A 40-year-old British national seated near the emergency exit was the sole survivor. The plane had crashed into a student hostel of BJ Medical College, killing 29 people on the ground, thereby taking the total death toll to 270.&nbsp;

Was double engine failure real cause of Air India plane crash? PIB fact-checks

In a &nbsp;move to boost strategic growth, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE) has approved a ₹2,237 crore fundraising plan through the issuance of fully convertible warrants to its promoter group.&nbsp;&nbsp;This preferential allotment, priced at ₹132 per warrant—above the SEBI-prescribed rate—will raise promoter shareholding to 18.39%, underscoring their strong commitment to ZEE’s ambitions in content and technology innovation.&nbsp;In several meetings held on Monday (June 16), investment bank JP Morgan India Pvt. Ltd. presented an assessment of ZEE's growth plans and strategic initiatives. The discussions showed the importance of boosting the company's balance sheet to prepare for future investments and capitalise on emerging opportunities.&nbsp;Following these deliberations, the Board approved the preferential issue of warrants, which, upon conversion, will increase the promoter group's shareholding in ZEE to 18.39 per cent. The promoters have committed to investing Rs. 2,237 crore in this fundraising exercise, reflecting their confidence in the company's strategic direction. Sharing his thoughts on the development, Mr. R. Gopalan, Chairman of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., stated, "The Board has thoroughly evaluated various strategic alternatives and believes that enhancing promoter shareholding will align their interests with the company's growth objectives. This move positions ZEE to accelerate its transformation into a leading content and technology powerhouse."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Mr. Shubham Shree, on behalf of the promoter group said, “The promoters submitted their desire to enhance their shareholding to the Board on 1st May 2025 when the stock price was at Rs. 106.35, however, they are committed to the Company and its business even at this higher price.”&nbsp;The preferential issue is subject to shareholders' approval. If approved, the funds raised will be utilised to fortify ZEE's core business segments and explore value-accretive growth opportunities in the media and entertainment industry.&nbsp;In a previously held Board meeting on May 1, 2025, the Board of Directors had approved the incorporation of three wholly owned subsidiaries of the company in order to diversify and expand the current business operations

Zee Entertainment secures ₹2,237 crore from promoters to fuel growth plans

In a move to boost strategic growth, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE) has approved a ₹2,237 crore fundraising plan through the issuance of fully convertible warrants to its promoter group. This preferential allotment, priced at ₹132 per warrant—above the SEBI-prescribed rate—will raise promoter shareholding to 18.39%, underscoring their strong commitment to ZEE’s ambitions in content and technology innovation. In several meetings held on Monday (June 16), investment bank JP Morgan India Pvt. Ltd. presented an assessment of ZEE's growth plans and strategic initiatives. The discussions showed the importance of boosting the company's balance sheet to prepare for future investments and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Following these deliberations, the Board approved the preferential issue of warrants, which, upon conversion, will increase the promoter group's shareholding in ZEE to 18.39 per cent. The promoters have committed to investing Rs. 2,237 crore in this fundraising exercise, reflecting their confidence in the company's strategic direction. Sharing his thoughts on the development, Mr. R. Gopalan, Chairman of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., stated, "The Board has thoroughly evaluated various strategic alternatives and believes that enhancing promoter shareholding will align their interests with the company's growth objectives. This move positions ZEE to accelerate its transformation into a leading content and technology powerhouse." Meanwhile, Mr. Shubham Shree, on behalf of the promoter group said, “The promoters submitted their desire to enhance their shareholding to the Board on 1st May 2025 when the stock price was at Rs. 106.35, however, they are committed to the Company and its business even at this higher price.” The preferential issue is subject to shareholders' approval. If approved, the funds raised will be utilised to fortify ZEE's core business segments and explore value-accretive growth opportunities in the media and entertainment industry. In a previously held Board meeting on May 1, 2025, the Board of Directors had approved the incorporation of three wholly owned subsidiaries of the company in order to diversify and expand the current business operations

This preferential allotment, priced at ₹132 per warrant—above the SEBI-prescribed rate—will raise promoter shareholding to 18.39%

New Delhi: India has started the evacuation of its students from the war-torn Iran via Armenia. The first batch of 110 students is about to reach the Armenian border and will be evacuated from the country by air. Indian students are being moved from Qom to Tehran as well. A statement by the Indian government on Sunday said that the “students are being relocated with the embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran”. It added that the embassy is in touch with “community leaders regarding welfare and safety.”&nbsp;India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held talks on the issue on Sunday evening. An Armenian foreign ministry statement said, “The situation in the region was discussed” and both the ministers “emphasized the importance of staying in constant contact and close cooperation in times of crisis”.&nbsp;According to estimates, there are around 3000-4000 Indian nationals in the Islamic Republic, and many of them are Kashmiri students. On Sunday, the Indian embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals in the country to register themselves with the embassy.&nbsp;Last week, the Indian embassy in Tehran had issued an advisory to all Indian nationals in Iran, asking them to “stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement”. It said in a statement, “In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the embassy’s social media accounts, and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.”&nbsp;Chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah also spoke to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to discuss the safety of Kashmiri students in the war-torn country.&nbsp;A social media post from the chief minister said that he got assurance that the Ministry of External Affairs is in “close contact with their counterparts in Iran and will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In the last few days, both Israel and Iran have struck on each other’s territory as fears grow of a long stand-off coming.&nbsp;India has in the recent past evacuated its nationals from conflict zones, including from Afghanistan in 2021 under Operation Devi Shakti, Ukraine in 2022 under Operation Ganga, Sudan in 2023 under Operation Kaveri, Israel in 2023 under Operation Ajay, and Haiti in 2024 under Operation Indravati.

According to estimates, there are around 3000-4000 Indian nationals in the Islamic Republic, and many of them are Kashmiri students. On Sunday, the Indian embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals in the country to register themselves with the embassy.

New Delhi: India has started the evacuation of its students from the war-torn Iran via Armenia. The first batch of 110 students is about to reach the Armenian border and will be evacuated from the country by air. Indian students are being moved from Qom to Tehran as well. A statement by the Indian government on Sunday said that the “students are being relocated with the embassy’s facilitation to safer places within Iran”. It added that the embassy is in touch with “community leaders regarding welfare and safety.” India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held talks on the issue on Sunday evening. An Armenian foreign ministry statement said, “The situation in the region was discussed” and both the ministers “emphasized the importance of staying in constant contact and close cooperation in times of crisis”. According to estimates, there are around 3000-4000 Indian nationals in the Islamic Republic, and many of them are Kashmiri students. On Sunday, the Indian embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals in the country to register themselves with the embassy. Last week, the Indian embassy in Tehran had issued an advisory to all Indian nationals in Iran, asking them to “stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement”. It said in a statement, “In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the embassy’s social media accounts, and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.” Chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah also spoke to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to discuss the safety of Kashmiri students in the war-torn country. A social media post from the chief minister said that he got assurance that the Ministry of External Affairs is in “close contact with their counterparts in Iran and will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran.” In the last few days, both Israel and Iran have struck on each other’s territory as fears grow of a long stand-off coming. India has in the recent past evacuated its nationals from conflict zones, including from Afghanistan in 2021 under Operation Devi Shakti, Ukraine in 2022 under Operation Ganga, Sudan in 2023 under Operation Kaveri, Israel in 2023 under Operation Ajay, and Haiti in 2024 under Operation Indravati.

According to estimates, there are around 3000-4000 Indian nationals in the Islamic Republic, and many of them are Kashmiri students. On Sunday, the Indian embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals in the country to register themselves with the embassy.

India begins evacuation of its students from Iran

India has entered into a new quantum era by successfully demonstrating an experimental advancement through DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi.&nbsp;The free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement over a distance of more than one km was achieved via a free-space optical link established on the IIT Delhi campus.&nbsp;The experiment attained a secure key rate of nearly 240 bits per second with a quantum bit error rate of less than 7%.&nbsp;&nbsp;This entanglement-assisted quantum secure communication paves the way for real-time applications in quantum cyber security, including long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the development of quantum networks, and the future quantum internet. These efforts align with India’s broader objectives to advance quantum technologies for national development.&nbsp;Under the project ‘Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD’, sanctioned by Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, the demonstration was given by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri’s research group in the presence of several dignitaries, including the DRDO DG (MED, COS &amp; CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, Dean (R&amp;D) IIT Delhi, Director (DIA-CoE) and DRDO laboratory scientists.&nbsp;Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers several significant advantages over the traditional prepare-and-measure method by enhancing both security and functionality.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if devices are compromised or imperfect, the use of quantum entanglement ensures the security of key distribution. Any attempt to measure or intercept the entangled photons disturbs the quantum state, allowing authorised users to detect the presence of an eavesdropper.&nbsp;Quantum communication provides fundamentally unbreakable encryption, making it a dual-use technology with applications in securing data in strategic sectors such as defence, finance, and telecommunications, as well as in protecting national security-related communications. Free-space QKD eliminates the need to lay optical fibers, which can be both disruptive and expensive, especially in challenging terrains and dense urban environments.&nbsp;Earlier, India’s first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj in 2022, using commercial-grade underground dark optical fiber was demonstrated by DRDO scientists along with Prof Bhaskar’s team. More recently, in 2024, the team successfully distributed quantum keys using entanglement over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade optical fiber in another DRDO-supported project.&nbsp;These technologies are being developed through DRDO-Industry-Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) – an initiative of DRDO, where 15 Centres of Excellence have been established at premier academic institutes like IITs, IISc &amp; Universities for development of cutting edge defence technologies.&nbsp;Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO &amp; IIT Delhi for this landmark achievement, stating that India entered into a new quantum era of secure communication which will be a game changer in future warfare.&nbsp;Secretary department of defence R&amp;D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and Director, IIT Delhi Prof Rangan Banerjee congratulated the team for these key achievements.

Indias big cyber security features Secret signal sent over with no wire

India has entered into a new quantum era by successfully demonstrating an experimental advancement through DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi. The free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement over a distance of more than one km was achieved via a free-space optical link established on the IIT Delhi campus. The experiment attained a secure key rate of nearly 240 bits per second with a quantum bit error rate of less than 7%. This entanglement-assisted quantum secure communication paves the way for real-time applications in quantum cyber security, including long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the development of quantum networks, and the future quantum internet. These efforts align with India’s broader objectives to advance quantum technologies for national development. Under the project ‘Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD’, sanctioned by Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, the demonstration was given by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri’s research group in the presence of several dignitaries, including the DRDO DG (MED, COS & CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, Dean (R&D) IIT Delhi, Director (DIA-CoE) and DRDO laboratory scientists. Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers several significant advantages over the traditional prepare-and-measure method by enhancing both security and functionality. Even if devices are compromised or imperfect, the use of quantum entanglement ensures the security of key distribution. Any attempt to measure or intercept the entangled photons disturbs the quantum state, allowing authorised users to detect the presence of an eavesdropper. Quantum communication provides fundamentally unbreakable encryption, making it a dual-use technology with applications in securing data in strategic sectors such as defence, finance, and telecommunications, as well as in protecting national security-related communications. Free-space QKD eliminates the need to lay optical fibers, which can be both disruptive and expensive, especially in challenging terrains and dense urban environments. Earlier, India’s first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj in 2022, using commercial-grade underground dark optical fiber was demonstrated by DRDO scientists along with Prof Bhaskar’s team. More recently, in 2024, the team successfully distributed quantum keys using entanglement over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade optical fiber in another DRDO-supported project. These technologies are being developed through DRDO-Industry-Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) – an initiative of DRDO, where 15 Centres of Excellence have been established at premier academic institutes like IITs, IISc & Universities for development of cutting edge defence technologies. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO & IIT Delhi for this landmark achievement, stating that India entered into a new quantum era of secure communication which will be a game changer in future warfare. Secretary department of defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and Director, IIT Delhi Prof Rangan Banerjee congratulated the team for these key achievements.

Paves way for development in quantum cyber security, quantum networks &amp; future quantum internet

India's big cyber security features: Secret signal sent over with no wire

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Global terror financing watchdog in its latest statement has condemned the brutal terrorist attack in J&amp;K's Pahalgam for the first time, saying that such an incident would not have been possible without money.&nbsp;“Terrorist attacks kill, maim and inspire fear around the world. The FATF notes with grave concern and condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters,” it said.&nbsp;The terror financing and money laundering watchdog said that it has seen gaps that require solution through its mutual assessments.&nbsp;&nbsp;It has deepened its attention to the effectiveness of the measures countries have taken against terrorism, the FATF added, saying that it will issue a detailed analysis of terrorist financing in the near future, drawing from cases contributed by its global network.&nbsp;Referring to a recent speech by the FATF President at the recent No Money for Terror Conference in Munich, the FATF said, "No single entity, authority, or state is able to combat this challenge. We need to be together fighting against the bane of global terrorism. Since terrorists need to succeed just once in order to realize their objective, whereas we need to succeed each time to abort it."&nbsp;Though Pakistan was delisted from the grey list in 2022 following years of compliance steps and efforts, Indian agencies and diplomatic authorities contend that the terror operational infrastructure either remains unchanged or continues to be provided – only hidden behind short-term legal shields.&nbsp;The Pahalgam attack, and a series of recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, are being used as evidence that funding channels are still in active use.&nbsp;The FATF has also indicated a change in their approach with the statement. "Along with delineating the architecture of fighting terrorist financing, the FATF has intensified its emphasis on the effectiveness of what has been done by countries," the statement said.&nbsp;"That is the way, through our joint assessments, we have made gaps to be plugged," it&nbsp;further added.

Global terror financing watchdog FATF condemns Pahalgam terror attack expresses grave concern

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Global terror financing watchdog in its latest statement has condemned the brutal terrorist attack in J&K's Pahalgam for the first time, saying that such an incident would not have been possible without money. “Terrorist attacks kill, maim and inspire fear around the world. The FATF notes with grave concern and condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters,” it said. The terror financing and money laundering watchdog said that it has seen gaps that require solution through its mutual assessments. It has deepened its attention to the effectiveness of the measures countries have taken against terrorism, the FATF added, saying that it will issue a detailed analysis of terrorist financing in the near future, drawing from cases contributed by its global network. Referring to a recent speech by the FATF President at the recent No Money for Terror Conference in Munich, the FATF said, "No single entity, authority, or state is able to combat this challenge. We need to be together fighting against the bane of global terrorism. Since terrorists need to succeed just once in order to realize their objective, whereas we need to succeed each time to abort it." Though Pakistan was delisted from the grey list in 2022 following years of compliance steps and efforts, Indian agencies and diplomatic authorities contend that the terror operational infrastructure either remains unchanged or continues to be provided – only hidden behind short-term legal shields. The Pahalgam attack, and a series of recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, are being used as evidence that funding channels are still in active use. The FATF has also indicated a change in their approach with the statement. "Along with delineating the architecture of fighting terrorist financing, the FATF has intensified its emphasis on the effectiveness of what has been done by countries," the statement said. "That is the way, through our joint assessments, we have made gaps to be plugged," it further added.

FATF suggested a stricter approach in dealing with terror financing

Global terror financing watchdog FATF condemns Pahalgam terror attack, expresses 'grave concern'

A Haryana-based model was found dead on Monday (June 16) with her throat slit in a canal Sonipat. The deceased has been identified as Sheetal, a model who was working in the music industry.&nbsp;As per initial reports, the model went missing before her alleged murder, and a report for the same was filed with the police by Sheetal's sister, who had mentioned that she had gone missing after she had left home for work.&nbsp;In her complaint, Neha said Sheetal had left home for a music album shoot at Ahar village in Panipat on June 14 but never returned.&nbsp;Neha in her complaint alleged that Sheetal’s friend, identified as Sunil, also from Panipat, had reached the shooting venue and reportedly beaten her up. “Sunil had been mounting pressure on Sheetal to marry him, but she knew he was already married and a father of two children. She told me over video call that Sunil had assaulted her,” Neha claimed, saying thereafter her phone got disconnected and she was unreachable. On being asked about the incident, Sonipat ACP Headquarters Ajit Singh said, “We received information about the presence of the body of a woman in a canal."&nbsp;“Police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. In the process of identifying the body, it was found that a missing report for a woman, Sheetal, had been filed in Panipat," he said. “The police are undertaking further actions," he further added.<h2>Who was Sheetal?</h2>As per reports, the victim, identified as Sheetal aka Simmy Chaudhry, was a model who worked in the Haryana music industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prior to her modelling career, Sheetal worked at a hotel in Karnal. Six months back, she started working in the music industry. Sheetal originally hailed from Panipat’s Khalila Majra village, according to a report by The Tribune.&nbsp;Further investigations into the case were underway.

Who was Sheetal? Haryana model missing for days, found dead in canal

A Haryana-based model was found dead on Monday (June 16) with her throat slit in a canal Sonipat. The deceased has been identified as Sheetal, a model who was working in the music industry. As per initial reports, the model went missing before her alleged murder, and a report for the same was filed with the police by Sheetal's sister, who had mentioned that she had gone missing after she had left home for work. In her complaint, Neha said Sheetal had left home for a music album shoot at Ahar village in Panipat on June 14 but never returned. Neha in her complaint alleged that Sheetal’s friend, identified as Sunil, also from Panipat, had reached the shooting venue and reportedly beaten her up. “Sunil had been mounting pressure on Sheetal to marry him, but she knew he was already married and a father of two children. She told me over video call that Sunil had assaulted her,” Neha claimed, saying thereafter her phone got disconnected and she was unreachable. On being asked about the incident, Sonipat ACP Headquarters Ajit Singh said, “We received information about the presence of the body of a woman in a canal." “Police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. In the process of identifying the body, it was found that a missing report for a woman, Sheetal, had been filed in Panipat," he said. “The police are undertaking further actions," he further added. Who was Sheetal? As per reports, the victim, identified as Sheetal aka Simmy Chaudhry, was a model who worked in the Haryana music industry. Prior to her modelling career, Sheetal worked at a hotel in Karnal. Six months back, she started working in the music industry. Sheetal originally hailed from Panipat’s Khalila Majra village, according to a report by The Tribune. Further investigations into the case were underway.

Further investigations are underway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the highest honour in Cyprus - by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday. The Order of Makarios III, the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, is named after Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.&nbsp;PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government and people of Cyprus for the honour.&nbsp;"President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude," PM Modi said. He further said, "This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus." He expressed confidence that the ties between two nations will touch new heights. He stated, “I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An award dedicated to the trusted 🇮🇳-🇨🇾 friendship &amp; 1.4 billion people of India. President <a href="https://twitter.com/Christodulides?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Christodulides</a> conferred PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> with the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. The honour reflects the enduring India – Cyprus bilateral partnership and… <a href="https://t.co/eoS0ZVs6EC">pic.twitter.com/eoS0ZVs6EC</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1934517916243759200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "An award dedicated to the trusted India-Cyprus friendship &amp; 1.4 billion people of India. President @Christodulides conferred PM @narendramodi with the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. The honour reflects the enduring India - Cyprus bilateral partnership and shared commitment to work together for the common vision for peace, progress and prosperity." Christodoulides welcomed PM Modi to the Presidential Palace in Nicosia earlier today. The Cypriot President and PM Modi introduced each other to the delegates from their respective countries. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Strengthening ties with a trusted partner. PM @narendramodi was warmly received by President @Christodulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia today and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Official talks lie ahead.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇳-🇨🇾|Strengthening ties with a trusted partner. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> was warmly received by President <a href="https://twitter.com/Christodulides?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Christodulides</a> at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia today and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Official talks lie ahead. <a href="https://t.co/0KLzODjjj9">pic.twitter.com/0KLzODjjj9</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1934513048326218181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;PM Modi had arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time), marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over two decades. He was received by the Cypriot President at Larnaca International Airport. He received a heartfelt welcome from the Indian diaspora in Limassol. Upon his arrival, PM Modi, along with Cyprus President Christodoulides, interacted with leading CEOs during the business roundtable. During the interaction, PM Modi spoke about India's reform trajectory in the last decade. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus. Sectors like innovation, energy, technology and more offer immense potential. I also talked about India's reform trajectory in the last decade." The Cyprus Presidency in a post on X said that Cyprus is deepening and expanding economic cooperation with India. It said, "Roundtable discussion with the Indian Prime Minister and members of the Cyprus and Indian business communities: Today, we are building more bridges; we are deepening and expanding economic cooperation between Cyprus and India. Together, we are entering a new era of strategic partnership, founded on trust and our shared values, driven by innovation and inspired by our rich historical journey and the vast horizon that opens before us. Together, Cyprus and India send a strong message of cooperation and prosperity, and at the same time, a message of hope."&nbsp;

PM Modi Cyprus visit: Indian PM awarded Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - country highest honour 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the highest honour in Cyprus - by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday. The Order of Makarios III, the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, is named after Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation. PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government and people of Cyprus for the honour. "President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude," PM Modi said. He further said, "This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus." He expressed confidence that the ties between two nations will touch new heights. He stated, “I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the highest honour in Cyprus - by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday.&nbsp;

PM Modi Cyprus visit: Indian PM awarded Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - country's highest honour

As per the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India continues to have an edge over Pakistan in nuclear capabilities. The report said that as of January 2025, the US has the most powerful nuclear force in the world, followed by Russia. The UK stands at the 3rd rank, and France comes at 4th. China has the 5th rank, followed by the 6th rank of India in the list of the most powerful nuclear forces in the world. Pakistan is after India on 7th position.&nbsp;The report noted that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal from 172 warheads in 2024 to an estimated 180 in 2025. Also, New Delhi has made significant progress in developing advanced nuclear delivery systems.The report also highlighted that India's new 'canisterised' missiles, which allow warheads to be pre-mounted and transported more safely, have the "potential" to carry out nuclear warheads even during "peacetime". "India is believed to have once again slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024 and continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems. India's new 'canisterised' missiles, which can be transported with mated warheads, may be capable of carrying nuclear warheads during peacetime, and possibly even multiple warheads on each missile, once they become operational," the SIPRI report said. The Agni Prime (Agni-P) missile and the Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) - are among the newest of India's next-generation delivery platforms. As per the Indian Defence Ministry, Agni-P is a new-generation, advanced variant of the Agni series of missiles. The missile has a range of between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometres. &nbsp;&nbsp;The remarkable missile system of India&nbsp;&nbsp;BrahMos - India’s “fire and forget” missiles - turned out to be the hero during the Operation Sindoor. BrahMos is a long-range missile known for its high accuracy. The missile works on the principle of “Fire and Forget”. Its destructive power is enhanced due to the large kinetic energy on impact.&nbsp;Moreover, the Indian Army is all set to get a ₹30,000 crore ($3.5 billion) boost. As per a report by the news agency ANI, the Army is likely to get a new surface-to-air missile system cleared by the Indian Defence Ministry soon.&nbsp;As per the report, the ministry is scheduled to take up the proposal for purchasing three regiments of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system (QRSAM). This will be for the Army Air Defence for deployment along both western and northern borders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Which country has most powerful nuclear force? SIPRI shares 2025 report. This is where India and Pakistan stand 

As per the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India continues to have an edge over Pakistan in nuclear capabilities. The report said that as of January 2025, the US has the most powerful nuclear force in the world, followed by Russia. The UK stands at the 3rd rank, and France comes at 4th. China has the 5th rank, followed by the 6th rank of India in the list of the most powerful nuclear forces in the world. Pakistan is after India on 7th position. The report noted that India has expanded its nuclear arsenal from 172 warheads in 2024 to an estimated 180 in 2025. Also, New Delhi has made significant progress in developing advanced nuclear delivery systems. The report also highlighted that India's new 'canisterised' missiles, which allow warheads to be pre-mounted and transported more safely, have the "potential" to carry out nuclear warheads even during "peacetime". "India is believed to have once again slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024 and continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems. India's new 'canisterised' missiles, which can be transported with mated warheads, may be capable of carrying nuclear warheads during peacetime, and possibly even multiple warheads on each missile, once they become operational," the SIPRI report said. The Agni Prime (Agni-P) missile and the Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) - are among the newest of India's next-generation delivery platforms. As per the Indian Defence Ministry, Agni-P is a new-generation, advanced variant of the Agni series of missiles. The missile has a range of between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometres. The remarkable missile system of India BrahMos - India’s “fire and forget” missiles - turned out to be the hero during the Operation Sindoor. BrahMos is a long-range missile known for its high accuracy. The missile works on the principle of “Fire and Forget”. Its destructive power is enhanced due to the large kinetic energy on impact. Moreover, the Indian Army is all set to get a ₹30,000 crore ($3.5 billion) boost. As per a report by the news agency ANI, the Army is likely to get a new surface-to-air missile system cleared by the Indian Defence Ministry soon. As per the report, the ministry is scheduled to take up the proposal for purchasing three regiments of the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system (QRSAM). This will be for the Army Air Defence for deployment along both western and northern borders.

As per the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India continues to have an edge over Pakistan in nuclear capabilities. The report said India has 6th rank in the list of the most powerful nuclear forces in the world. Pakistan is at 7th.&nbsp;

Which country has most powerful nuclear force? SIPRI shares 2025 report. This is where India and Pakistan stand

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), in a recent report, advised the Indian government to review its energy risk scenarios, diversify crude oil sourcing, and ensure adequate strategic oil reserves amid the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.&nbsp;Although India is not directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, the think tank has warned that the country cannot afford complacency given the country's high dependence on energy imports and West Asia trade routes. It has further urged the government to ensure the country has sufficient oil reserves, "India, though not a party to the conflict, cannot afford complacency. The government must urgently review energy risk scenarios, diversify crude sourcing, and ensure strategic reserves are sufficient", it stated.&nbsp;<h2>India’s Energy Dependence</h2>&nbsp;India imports over 80 per cent of its energy needs. Additionally, two-thirds of its crude oil and half of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports go through the Strait of Hormuz. This critical chokepoint, which has the width of only 21 miles at its narrowest, is responsible for nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. With Iran now threatening to block the Strait, India's energy security is under serious threat.&nbsp;GTRI has also highlighted that about 30 per cent of India’s westbound exports to Europe, North Africa, and the U.S. East Coast also pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is now at risk following the ongoing conflict. Any disruption on this route, would result in ships rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding at least two extra weeks to transit times and potentially increasing freight costs. This could also affect the exports of engineering goods, textiles, and chemicals, and raise costs of vital imports.&nbsp;<h2>Economic Impacts: Inflation and Fiscal Strain</h2> Disruptions in the oil supply routes could potentially result in a sharp rise in oil prices, insurance premiums, and shipping charges. GTRI warned that this rise may lead to fuel inflation, further weakening the rupee, and additionally putting straining on government’s financial planning.&nbsp;The situation is concerning for India since it has significant trade links with both of the two nations. In FY25, India exported goods worth about $1.24 billion to Iran and imported $441.9 million. As far as trade with Israel is concerned, it included about $2.15 billion in exports and $1.61 billion in imports. While these figures are significant, the broader concern lies in India's reliance on West Asia for energy.&nbsp;On June 13, Israel launched it's offensive 'Operation Rising Lion,' which involved over 200 aircraft and drones targeting the Iranian military and nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 150 ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including capital Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran have since collapsed, putting additional pressure on &nbsp;the regional financial markets&nbsp;

Although India is not directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, the think tank has warned that the country cannot afford complacency given the it's high dependence on energy imports and West Asia trade routes.

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), in a recent report, advised the Indian government to review its energy risk scenarios, diversify crude oil sourcing, and ensure adequate strategic oil reserves amid the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Although India is not directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, the think tank has warned that the country cannot afford complacency given the country's high dependence on energy imports and West Asia trade routes. It has further urged the government to ensure the country has sufficient oil reserves, "India, though not a party to the conflict, cannot afford complacency. The government must urgently review energy risk scenarios, diversify crude sourcing, and ensure strategic reserves are sufficient", it stated. India’s Energy Dependence India imports over 80 per cent of its energy needs. Additionally, two-thirds of its crude oil and half of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports go through the Strait of Hormuz. This critical chokepoint, which has the width of only 21 miles at its narrowest, is responsible for nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. With Iran now threatening to block the Strait, India's energy security is under serious threat. GTRI has also highlighted that about 30 per cent of India’s westbound exports to Europe, North Africa, and the U.S. East Coast also pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is now at risk following the ongoing conflict. Any disruption on this route, would result in ships rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding at least two extra weeks to transit times and potentially increasing freight costs. This could also affect the exports of engineering goods, textiles, and chemicals, and raise costs of vital imports. Economic Impacts: Inflation and Fiscal Strain Disruptions in the oil supply routes could potentially result in a sharp rise in oil prices, insurance premiums, and shipping charges. GTRI warned that this rise may lead to fuel inflation, further weakening the rupee, and additionally putting straining on government’s financial planning. The situation is concerning for India since it has significant trade links with both of the two nations. In FY25, India exported goods worth about $1.24 billion to Iran and imported $441.9 million. As far as trade with Israel is concerned, it included about $2.15 billion in exports and $1.61 billion in imports. While these figures are significant, the broader concern lies in India's reliance on West Asia for energy. On June 13, Israel launched it's offensive 'Operation Rising Lion,' which involved over 200 aircraft and drones targeting the Iranian military and nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran fired more than 150 ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including capital Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran have since collapsed, putting additional pressure on the regional financial markets

Although India is not directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, the think tank has warned that the country cannot afford complacency given the it's high dependence on energy imports and West Asia trade routes.

Why India should be concerned: Rising Israel-Iran tensions threaten energy security and trade, warns GTRI

Ahmedabad plane crash: Amid the ongoing investigation into the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, a new video has been circulated on social media showing the lone survivor of the crash walking out of the flames.Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, is the only person among 242 people onboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London.&nbsp;In the latest clip that surfaced online, Ramesh was seen coming out of the gate of the BJ Medical College amidst the flames. He was seen talking to someone on the phone while walking out of the flames.&nbsp;Panicked people outside the building were seen rushing towards Ramesh, and one of the men present there held his hand and took him towards the ambulance.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New video shows sole survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh emerging from flames seconds after Ahmedabad plane crash . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VishwashKumarRamesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VishwashKumarRamesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AhmedabadPlaneCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AhmedabadPlaneCrash</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndiaPlaneCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndiaPlaneCrash</a> <a href="https://t.co/x1nPQp0r1Q">pic.twitter.com/x1nPQp0r1Q</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1934543370975895876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Ramesh's survival is being seen as nothing less than a miracle after 241 people - 229 passengers, 10 crew members and two pilots - died after the Air India aircraft lost its balance within seconds of take-off and crashed into a medical college building in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Several medical student and their relatives were reported dead.&nbsp;The rescue operation is still on, and so far, 80 people have been identified via DNA test, including the former CM of Gujarat - Vijay Rupani.&nbsp;Hundreds of victims yet to be identified With 80 victims identified, at least 191 others remain to be identified. As per reports, the painstakingly slow identification process has been deeply painful for grieving relatives who have voiced their frustration.&nbsp;Pointing at delays in victim identification and perceived gaps in Air India's crisis response, Imtiyaz Ali, whose brother was among the passengers, noted that it has been 72 hours.&nbsp;

Ahmedabad plane crash: New video of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, lone survivor of Air India flight AI171, surfaces

Ahmedabad plane crash: Amid the ongoing investigation into the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, a new video has been circulated on social media showing the lone survivor of the crash walking out of the flames. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, is the only person among 242 people onboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London. In the latest clip that surfaced online, Ramesh was seen coming out of the gate of the BJ Medical College amidst the flames. He was seen talking to someone on the phone while walking out of the flames. Panicked people outside the building were seen rushing towards Ramesh, and one of the men present there held his hand and took him towards the ambulance.

Amid the ongoing investigation into the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, a new video has been circulated on social media showing the lone survivor of the crash walking out of the flames.

A rare oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi, thought to be the only one he ever sat for, will be put up for auction in London next month. Decades ago, the rare painting was violently attacked, allegedly by a Hindu nationalist, and is not set to be sold for an estimated price of $67,000-$95,000 (£50,000–£70,000).<h2>What's so special about the painting?</h2>In the painting that dates back to 1931, Mahatma Gandhi is shown "at the height of his power", claims Caspar Leighton, grandson of the artist behind the painting.The painting is by British-American artist Clare Leighton. As per her family, it is believed to be the only painting Gandhi sat for.Caspar Leighton, who inherited the painting, called the oil painting a "likely hidden treasure" and said, "There's my family's story, but the story in this portrait is so much greater." &nbsp;"It's a story for millions of people across the world," added the artist's great-nephew."I think it'd be great if it got seen by more people. Maybe it should go back to India – maybe that's its real home."The painting will be up for auction online by Bonhams from July 7 to 15. The anticipated price range is £50,000 to £70,000 ($67,000 to$95,000).According to Rhyanon Demery, Bonhams Head of Sale for Travel and Exploration, "Not only is this a rare work by Clare Leighton, who is mainly known for her wood engravings, it is also thought to be the only oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi which he sat for."<h2>Attack on the rare painting</h2>There is a literal scar on the painting. According to the artist's family, in the early 1970s, the painting was attacked with a knife by a "Hindu extremist" who is thought to have been connected to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).Although the assault was not officially documented, restoration records from 1974 show repairs were made in the US.&nbsp;

In the painting that dates back to 1931, Mahatma Gandhi is shown "at the height of his power", claims Caspar Leighton, grandson of the artist behind the painting.

A rare oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi, thought to be the only one he ever sat for, will be put up for auction in London next month. Decades ago, the rare painting was violently attacked, allegedly by a Hindu nationalist, and is not set to be sold for an estimated price of $67,000-$95,000 (£50,000–£70,000). What's so special about the painting? In the painting that dates back to 1931, Mahatma Gandhi is shown "at the height of his power", claims Caspar Leighton, grandson of the artist behind the painting. The painting is by British-American artist Clare Leighton. As per her family, it is believed to be the only painting Gandhi sat for. Caspar Leighton, who inherited the painting, called the oil painting a "likely hidden treasure" and said, "There's my family's story, but the story in this portrait is so much greater." "It's a story for millions of people across the world," added the artist's great-nephew. "I think it'd be great if it got seen by more people. Maybe it should go back to India – maybe that's its real home." The painting will be up for auction online by Bonhams from July 7 to 15. The anticipated price range is £50,000 to £70,000 ($67,000 to$95,000). According to Rhyanon Demery, Bonhams Head of Sale for Travel and Exploration, "Not only is this a rare work by Clare Leighton, who is mainly known for her wood engravings, it is also thought to be the only oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi which he sat for." Attack on the rare painting There is a literal scar on the painting. According to the artist's family, in the early 1970s, the painting was attacked with a knife by a "Hindu extremist" who is thought to have been connected to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Although the assault was not officially documented, restoration records from 1974 show repairs were made in the US.

In the painting that dates back to 1931, Mahatma Gandhi is shown "at the height of his power", claims Caspar Leighton, grandson of the artist behind the painting.

Rare oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi—probably the only one he sat for—to be auctioned for THIS whopping amount

A mysterious blast occurred on Monday (June 16) during the construction of a Masjid Sharif in Handwara, leaving three injured. The injured persons were immediately shifted to GMC Handwara for further medical treatment.&nbsp;The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the incident. As per local sources, construction work was underway when the blast took place, causing panic in the area.&nbsp;Further details are awaited as officials continue to assess the situation.&nbsp;This is a developing story. More updates will follow.

Mysterious blast during mosque construction injures three in J&Ks Handwara

A mysterious blast occurred on Monday (June 16) during the construction of a Masjid Sharif in Handwara, leaving three injured. The injured persons were immediately shifted to GMC Handwara for further medical treatment. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the incident. As per local sources, construction work was underway when the blast took place, causing panic in the area. Further details are awaited as officials continue to assess the situation. This is a developing story. More updates will follow.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the incident.

'Mysterious' blast during mosque construction injures three in J&K's Handwara

Meghalaya murder case: In the ongoing investigation into the Meghalaya murder case, the theory of contract killing has been rejected after police said that money was not the only motive behind the killing of Raja Raghuvanshi. Police said that the three men - &nbsp;Vishal, Akash, and Anand - arrested with the main accused Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha were involved in the murder as a favour.&nbsp;“The three young people were friends, and one of them is a cousin of Raj,” the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem, told the news agency PTI.&nbsp;“It was not a typical contract killing. Yes, the plan was to kill and they did it as a favour to their friend Raj,” he added.&nbsp;The Meghalaya Police has said that Raj Kushwaha, the alleged lover of Sonam, was the mastermind of Raja Raghvuvanshi's murder, and the other three men just helped him as a favour. Raj allegedly gave them ₹50,000 for logistical expenses, the police said.&nbsp;Moreover, initially Raj and Sonam had plans to murder a random woman, burn her body and pass it off a Sonam.“The conspiracy to eliminate Raja was hatched in Indore, shortly before his wedding with Sonam on May 11, and the mastermind is Raj, while the woman had agreed to the plot,” Syiem said.&nbsp;A timeline of the Meghalaya murder case&nbsp;Now, there are multiple allegations and claims from the police and families on all sides in the murder case. Here’s a dated timeline of updates in the investigation:&nbsp;The Meghalaya Police claimed that Sonam hired contract killers to murder Raja Raghuvanshi.&nbsp;<ul><li>Sonam’s father Devi Singh claimed his daughter is innocent and the Meghalaya police were lying. He alleged police did not investigate the case and falsely accused Sonam.</li><li>The owner of the dhaba where Sonam was found narrated the story of her situation on the night of the arrest. He said that she came to the dhaba crying and said her phone was stolen. She asked him for his mobile to call her family. She told the dhaba owner that her jewelry and cash were looted in Meghalaya during the honeymoon and her husband was murdered.</li><li>Raja’s family said one of the accused, Raj Kushwaha, used to work in the factory of Sonam. Police claimed the duo might be romantically related.</li><li>FIR filed in the case reported that at the time of the recovery of Raja's dead body, his gold rings, chain, cash, and wallet were missing.</li><li>Raja’s mother and other people present at his funeral claimed that one of the accused, Raj Kaushwaha, was there during the ceremony.</li><li>Raj Kushwaha’s family pleaded that the 20-year-old was innocent and could not commit such a crime. He was the only caretaker of the family and was not highly educated.</li><li>One of the accused arrested in the case, Anand Kurmi, told police that they met Raja when the couple was trekking. Sonam insisted that the four men join them as they were in a forest area. When Raja agreed, they went on to trek with the couple.</li><li>Police claimed that Sonam returned to Indore after Raja’s murder and met Raj in a rented room to discuss the plan of action.</li><li>Police alleged that Sonam gave ₹15 lakh to Raj Kushwaha and other accused for murdering her husband. Police said Raj said he changed the plan to go to Shillong and suggested other accused do the same, but Sonam forced them.</li></ul>

Not money but favour, Raj cousin among accused: Police revealed real motive in Meghalaya murder case


Meghalaya murder case: In the ongoing investigation into the Meghalaya murder case, the theory of contract killing has been rejected after police said that money was not the only motive behind the killing of Raja Raghuvanshi. Police said that the three men - Vishal, Akash, and Anand - arrested with the main accused Sonam Raghuvanshi and Raj Kushwaha were involved in the murder as a favour. “The three young people were friends, and one of them is a cousin of Raj,” the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem, told the news agency PTI. “It was not a typical contract killing. Yes, the plan was to kill and they did it as a favour to their friend Raj,” he added. The Meghalaya Police has said that Raj Kushwaha, the alleged lover of Sonam, was the mastermind of Raja Raghvuvanshi's murder, and the other three men just helped him as a favour. Raj allegedly gave them ₹50,000 for logistical expenses, the police said. Moreover, initially Raj and Sonam had plans to murder a random woman, burn her body and pass it off a Sonam. “The conspiracy to eliminate Raja was hatched in Indore, shortly before his wedding with Sonam on May 11, and the mastermind is Raj, while the woman had agreed to the plot,” Syiem said. A timeline of the Meghalaya murder case Now, there are multiple allegations and claims from the police and families on all sides in the murder case. Here’s a dated timeline of updates in the investigation: The Meghalaya Police claimed that Sonam hired contract killers to murder Raja Raghuvanshi. Sonam’s father Devi Singh claimed his daughter is innocent and the Meghalaya police were lying. He alleged police did not investigate the case and falsely accused Sonam. The owner of the dhaba where Sonam was found narrated the story of her situation on the night of the arrest. He said that she came to the dhaba crying and said her phone was stolen. She asked him for his mobile to call her family. She told the dhaba owner that her jewelry and cash were looted in Meghalaya during the honeymoon and her husband was murdered. Raja’s family said one of the accused, Raj Kushwaha, used to work in the factory of Sonam. Police claimed the duo might be romantically related. FIR filed in the case reported that at the time of the recovery of Raja's dead body, his gold rings, chain, cash, and wallet were missing. Raja’s mother and other people present at his funeral claimed that one of the accused, Raj Kaushwaha, was there during the ceremony. Raj Kushwaha’s family pleaded that the 20-year-old was innocent and could not commit such a crime. He was the only caretaker of the family and was not highly educated. One of the accused arrested in the case, Anand Kurmi, told police that they met Raja when the couple was trekking. Sonam insisted that the four men join them as they were in a forest area. When Raja agreed, they went on to trek with the couple. Police claimed that Sonam returned to Indore after Raja’s murder and met Raj in a rented room to discuss the plan of action. Police alleged that Sonam gave ₹15 lakh to Raj Kushwaha and other accused for murdering her husband. Police said Raj said he changed the plan to go to Shillong and suggested other accused do the same, but Sonam forced them.

In the ongoing investigation into the Meghalaya murder case, the theory of contract killing has been rejected after police said that money was not the only motive behind the killing of Raja Raghuvanshi. Police said that three men arrested were involved in the murder as a favour.&nbsp;

Not money but favour, Raj's cousin among accused: Police reveals real motive in Meghalaya murder case

The Central government on Monday (June 16) issued a notification saying saying that the Population census, the process of which will be Census of population to be taken during 2027.&nbsp;“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Census Act, 1948 (37 of 1948), and in supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs (Office of the Registrar General, India) number S.O. 1455(E), dated the 26th March, 2019 published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (ii), dated the 28th March, 2019, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby declares that a census of the population of India shall be taken during the year 2027,” a notification by Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, Registrar General and Census Commissioner, said.&nbsp;The notification stated that the reference date for the Census will be March 1, 2027, except for the Union Territory of Ladakh, the snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “In respect of the Union territory of Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date shall be 00:00 hours of the 1st day of October, 2026,” the notification added.&nbsp;On &nbsp;Sunday (June 15), Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Census during a meeting in New Delhi along with Union Home Secretary, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&amp; CCI) and other senior officials. In a post on X, Amit Shah said, “Reviewed the preparations for the 16th Census with senior officials. Tomorrow, the gazette notification of the census will be issued. The census will include caste enumeration for the first time. As many as 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors and around 1.3 lakh census functionaries will conduct the operation with cutting-edge mobile digital gadgets.”&nbsp;Around 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors and around 1.3 lakh Census functionaries will be deployed for the exercise, as per the statement. “This census is the 16th census since the beginning and 8th after Independence. The ensuing census will be conducted through digital means using mobile applications. Provision of self-enumeration would also be made available to the people. Very stringent data security measures would be kept in place to ensure data security at the time of collection, transmission and storage,” the statement added. &nbsp;&nbsp;The last Census was conducted back in 2011. The 2027 Census will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931.

India to conduct Population Census 2027 in two phases, Centre issues notification

The Central government on Monday (June 16) issued a notification saying saying that the Population census, the process of which will be Census of population to be taken during 2027. “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Census Act, 1948 (37 of 1948), and in supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs (Office of the Registrar General, India) number S.O. 1455(E), dated the 26th March, 2019 published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (ii), dated the 28th March, 2019, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby declares that a census of the population of India shall be taken during the year 2027,” a notification by Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, Registrar General and Census Commissioner, said. The notification stated that the reference date for the Census will be March 1, 2027, except for the Union Territory of Ladakh, the snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “In respect of the Union territory of Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date shall be 00:00 hours of the 1st day of October, 2026,” the notification added. On Sunday (June 15), Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations for the upcoming Census during a meeting in New Delhi along with Union Home Secretary, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG& CCI) and other senior officials. In a post on X, Amit Shah said, “Reviewed the preparations for the 16th Census with senior officials. Tomorrow, the gazette notification of the census will be issued. The census will include caste enumeration for the first time. As many as 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors and around 1.3 lakh census functionaries will conduct the operation with cutting-edge mobile digital gadgets.” Around 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors and around 1.3 lakh Census functionaries will be deployed for the exercise, as per the statement. “This census is the 16th census since the beginning and 8th after Independence. The ensuing census will be conducted through digital means using mobile applications. Provision of self-enumeration would also be made available to the people. Very stringent data security measures would be kept in place to ensure data security at the time of collection, transmission and storage,” the statement added. The last Census was conducted back in 2011. The 2027 Census will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931.

The last Census was held in 2011. The 2027 Census will include the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931

Just days after India's deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade, an Air India flight en route to Delhi from Hong Kong was forced to turn back after suspected technical issues.<h2>Air India flight from Hong Kong turns back midair</h2>Shortly after takeoff on Monday, June 16, Flight AI315, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—the same model that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025—had to return to Hong Kong because of a possible technical problem, according to news agency ANI.Citing sources familiar with the incident, the news agency reported that the Boeing aircraft took off on time but was forced to return in midair when the pilot noticed what appeared to be a system malfunction.According to the report, all passengers were reported safe, and the aircraft made a safe landing back in Hong Kong. Since then, technical teams have started examining the aircraft to identify what caused the anomaly.<h2>Air India's continued bad luck</h2>In less than a week's time, this is the third incident involving Air India. It follows the devastating June 12 crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 270 people, including 241 of the 242 passengers and 29 on-the-ground civilians.Separately, early on Sunday (Jun 15) morning at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, a Saudi Airlines flight carrying more than 250 Hajj pilgrims was evacuated due to a landing gear malfunction.After taking off late Saturday from Jeddah, flight SV 3112 touched down at around 6:30 am after smoke and sparks were seen coming from its left wheel during taxiing. The pilot, as per reports, immediately notified air traffic control and brought the aircraft to a stop. All passengers were safely evacuated after emergency personnel acted quickly.According to preliminary investigations, the sparks may have been caused by a hydraulic leak that overheated the wheel assembly.&nbsp;

Shortly after takeoff on Monday, June 16, Flight AI315, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—the same model that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025—had to return to Hong Kong because of a possible technical problem.

Just days after India's deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade, an Air India flight en route to Delhi from Hong Kong was forced to turn back after suspected technical issues. Air India flight from Hong Kong turns back midair Shortly after takeoff on Monday, June 16, Flight AI315, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—the same model that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025—had to return to Hong Kong because of a possible technical problem, according to news agency ANI. Citing sources familiar with the incident, the news agency reported that the Boeing aircraft took off on time but was forced to return in midair when the pilot noticed what appeared to be a system malfunction. According to the report, all passengers were reported safe, and the aircraft made a safe landing back in Hong Kong. Since then, technical teams have started examining the aircraft to identify what caused the anomaly. Air India's continued bad luck In less than a week's time, this is the third incident involving Air India. It follows the devastating June 12 crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 270 people, including 241 of the 242 passengers and 29 on-the-ground civilians. Separately, early on Sunday (Jun 15) morning at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, a Saudi Airlines flight carrying more than 250 Hajj pilgrims was evacuated due to a landing gear malfunction. After taking off late Saturday from Jeddah, flight SV 3112 touched down at around 6:30 am after smoke and sparks were seen coming from its left wheel during taxiing. The pilot, as per reports, immediately notified air traffic control and brought the aircraft to a stop. All passengers were safely evacuated after emergency personnel acted quickly. According to preliminary investigations, the sparks may have been caused by a hydraulic leak that overheated the wheel assembly.

Shortly after takeoff on Monday, June 16, Flight AI315, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—the same model that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025—had to return to Hong Kong because of a possible technical problem.

Air India's bad luck continues: Boeing Dreamliner 787 from Hong Kong to Delhi forced to return after 'technical issues'

Two notorious gangsters of India - Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar - have broken all ties and are no longer working together. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail, while Goldy Brar is believed to be operating from the US. The India Express, citing sources, reported that the two gangsters are not working together anymore.&nbsp;The reported break-up has now raised concerns among the Indian security agencies, as fear of a turf or a realignment of loyalties within their widespread network has escalated.&nbsp;Why the break-up?&nbsp;The reported split came from Lawrence Bishnoi's anger at Goldy Brar and Sachin Godara over their handling of his brother Anmol’s case in the US.&nbsp;"Central intelligence agencies received information that Brar and Godara did not help Anmol file the required bail bond. Anmol was later released but with an ankle bracelet tracker,” IE reported, quoting sources.&nbsp;“Both the gangsters have decided to stop working together. Goldy has started working with Azerbaijan-based Rohit Godara, while Bishnoi is now associated with Canada-based Noni Rana. This feud and their new syndicates are now a source of increasing tension for state police forces,” an official told The Indian Express.&nbsp;The report further claimed that the matter was recently discussed with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during a meeting attended by senior police officers from Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.&nbsp;The report quoted sources as saying, "Last month, they took responsibility in a social media post for the killing of Harjit Singh, a businessman operating a trucking safety and insurance consultancy, outside his office in Canada’s Mississauga… they did not mention the name of Lawrence and other gang members, which they usually do in such posts.”&nbsp;Apart from the murder of Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddique, Lawrence Bishnoi came in the limelight after his connection in multiple threats to the Bollywood actor Salman Khan.&nbsp;

Indian gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar are no longer working together. Here is why


Two notorious gangsters of India - Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar - have broken all ties and are no longer working together. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail, while Goldy Brar is believed to be operating from the US. The India Express, citing sources, reported that the two gangsters are not working together anymore. The reported break-up has now raised concerns among the Indian security agencies, as fear of a turf or a realignment of loyalties within their widespread network has escalated. Why the break-up? The reported split came from Lawrence Bishnoi's anger at Goldy Brar and Sachin Godara over their handling of his brother Anmol’s case in the US. "Central intelligence agencies received information that Brar and Godara did not help Anmol file the required bail bond. Anmol was later released but with an ankle bracelet tracker,” IE reported, quoting sources. “Both the gangsters have decided to stop working together. Goldy has started working with Azerbaijan-based Rohit Godara, while Bishnoi is now associated with Canada-based Noni Rana. This feud and their new syndicates are now a source of increasing tension for state police forces,” an official told The Indian Express. The report further claimed that the matter was recently discussed with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during a meeting attended by senior police officers from Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. The report quoted sources as saying, "Last month, they took responsibility in a social media post for the killing of Harjit Singh, a businessman operating a trucking safety and insurance consultancy, outside his office in Canada’s Mississauga… they did not mention the name of Lawrence and other gang members, which they usually do in such posts.” Apart from the murder of Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddique, Lawrence Bishnoi came in the limelight after his connection in multiple threats to the Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar have broken all ties and are no longer working together. Apart from the murder of Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddique, Lawrence Bishnoi came in the limelight after his connection in multiple threats to the Bollywood actor Salman Khan.&nbsp;

Indian gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar are no longer working together. Here's why

Three days after Air India Flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing nearly 270 people, including 241 of the 242 people on board, investigators have recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage.With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory.<h2>Both Air India crash black boxes located</h2>As per reports, officials confirmed the recovery of the two black boxes to P K Mishra, the principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principal secretary, P.K. Mishra, who visited the crash site on Sunday and spoke with injured victims at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.In a press release the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, "Chairing a high-level review meeting at Circuit House, here Dr Mishra discussed ongoing relief, rescue, and investigation efforts with senior officials from the Central and State Governments, AAIB, and Airports Authority of India.""Officials confirmed to Dr Mishra that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been located and secured," it confirmed.Following his visit to the crash site, Mishra said, “I am very pained by the enormity of the tragedy. Everybody is sad. It is our duty to share grief and express our feelings for the victims.”<h2>Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday</h2>A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.<h2>Global investigations underway</h2>India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner.As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.

With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory.

Three days after Air India Flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing nearly 270 people, including 241 of the 242 people on board, investigators have recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the wreckage. With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory. Both Air India crash black boxes located As per reports, officials confirmed the recovery of the two black boxes to P K Mishra, the principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principal secretary, P.K. Mishra, who visited the crash site on Sunday and spoke with injured victims at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. In a press release the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, "Chairing a high-level review meeting at Circuit House, here Dr Mishra discussed ongoing relief, rescue, and investigation efforts with senior officials from the Central and State Governments, AAIB, and Airports Authority of India." "Officials confirmed to Dr Mishra that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been located and secured," it confirmed. Following his visit to the crash site, Mishra said, “I am very pained by the enormity of the tragedy. Everybody is sad. It is our duty to share grief and express our feelings for the victims.” Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Global investigations underway India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.

With the discovery of the two black boxes, the Cockpit Voice Recorder as well as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), previously discovered, could help identify what caused India's deadliest air disaster in recent memory.

Air India plane crash: Cockpit Voice Recorder recovered, both black box of Boeing 787 found in Ahmedabad

Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency service, reported that 29 people were hurt as a result of Iranian strikes in Israel. On X, the agency said, “Following the latest barrage, from all rocket strike sites, MDA teams have so far evacuated 29 people with physical injuries, including 3 in moderate condition and 26 in mild condition. Search and rescue efforts are still actively ongoing at all sites.”&nbsp;India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis deepens. According to estimates, India has 3000 to 4000 of its nationals in the country, many of them Kashmiri students.&nbsp;&nbsp;Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching.&nbsp;Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-updates/world/israel-strikes-iran-live-israeli-defence-minister-says-conducted-preemptive-strike-on-iran-1749776232857">Israel-Iran war LIVE: Israel faces new missile salvo from Iran</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250615/image-1749943077732.jpg?rect=(0,56,912,682)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Israel-Iran war LIVE: Israel faces new missile salvo from Iran"></figure>Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency service, reported that 29 people were hurt as a result of Iranian strikes in Israel. On X, the agency said, “Following the latest barrage, from all rocket strike sites, MDA teams have so far evacuated 29 people with physical injuries, including 3 in moderate condition and 26 in mild condition. Search and rescue efforts are still actively ongoing at all sites.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-244-killed-in-iran-14-in-israel-what-both-nations-lost-in-3-days-of-airstrike-exchange-1750044617879">244 killed in Iran, 17 in Israel. What both nations lost in 3 days of airstrike exchange</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250616/image-1750044988720.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Israel-Iran war: 244 killed in Iran, 17 in Israel. What both nations lost in 3 days of airstrike exchange"></figure>In just three days into the war with Israel, Iran said 224 of its citizens lost their lives and over 1,200 people were injured. Meanwhile, in Israel, 17 people have been killed and 390 wounded since the conflict escalated on Friday (June 13).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-mulls-evacuation-of-its-nationals-from-iran-1750038249152">India mulls evacuation of its nationals from Iran</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250616/image-1750038663682.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,682)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="India mulls evacuation of its nationals from Iran"></figure>India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis deepens. According to estimates, India has 3000 to 4000 of its nationals in the country, many of them Kashmiri students. Earlier on Sunday, Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to discuss the safety of Kashmiri students in the war-torn country.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-crash-80-victims-identified-using-dna-33-bodies-handed-over-to-families-crash-probe-panel-to-meet-today-1750041854043">Air India crash: 80 victims identified using DNA, 33 bodies handed over to families; crash probe panel to meet today</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250614/image-1749894321933.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Air India crash: 80 victims identified using DNA, 33 bodies handed over to families; crash probe panel to meet today"></figure>Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching. WATCH | Cockpit voice recorder found in deadly Air India plane crash

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Cockpit voice recorder found in deadly <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndia</a> plane crash. DNA matching used to identify victims of the crash. <a href="https://twitter.com/JyotsnaKumar13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JyotsnaKumar13</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BislaDiksha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BislaDiksha</a> tell you more. <a href="https://t.co/qnCmLZmGAw">pic.twitter.com/qnCmLZmGAw</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1934460640627929434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Morning news brief: Israel-Iran war updates; 80 victims of Air India crash identified using DNA, and more

Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency service, reported that 29 people were hurt as a result of Iranian strikes in Israel. On X, the agency said, “Following the latest barrage, from all rocket strike sites, MDA teams have so far evacuated 29 people with physical injuries, including 3 in moderate condition and 26 in mild condition. Search and rescue efforts are still actively ongoing at all sites.” India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis deepens. According to estimates, India has 3000 to 4000 of its nationals in the country, many of them Kashmiri students. Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching. Click on the headlines to read more Israel-Iran war LIVE: Israel faces new missile salvo from Iran Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency service, reported that 29 people were hurt as a result of Iranian strikes in Israel. On X, the agency said, “Following the latest barrage, from all rocket strike sites, MDA teams have so far evacuated 29 people with physical injuries, including 3 in moderate condition and 26 in mild condition. Search and rescue efforts are still actively ongoing at all sites.” 244 killed in Iran, 17 in Israel. What both nations lost in 3 days of airstrike exchange In just three days into the war with Israel, Iran said 224 of its citizens lost their lives and over 1,200 people were injured. Meanwhile, in Israel, 17 people have been killed and 390 wounded since the conflict escalated on Friday (June 13). India mulls evacuation of its nationals from Iran India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis deepens. According to estimates, India has 3000 to 4000 of its nationals in the country, many of them Kashmiri students. Earlier on Sunday, Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to discuss the safety of Kashmiri students in the war-torn country. Air India crash: 80 victims identified using DNA, 33 bodies handed over to families; crash probe panel to meet today Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching. WATCH | Cockpit voice recorder found in deadly Air India plane crash

Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching.Hospital authorities also revealed that the remains of 33 victims have been handed over to their families.The plane crash, which saw Air India Flight AI 171 crash and hit the building of the BJ Medical College, has killed at least 271 people, including 241 of the 242 passengers and crew onboard. This makes it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history.<h2>Hundreds of victims yet to be identified</h2>With 80 victims identified, at least 191 others remain to be identified. As per reports, the painstakingly slow identification process has been deeply painful for grieving relatives who have voiced their frustration.Pointing at delays in victim identification and perceived gaps in Air India's crisis response, Imtiyaz Ali, whose brother was among the passengers, noted that it has been 72 hours.As quoted by the Hindustan Times, Ali said, "the next day after this accident they should have appointed whoever they needed to ensure everything is available to us". He revealed that a support person was assigned to him a day after providing his DNA sample.Meanwhile, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said Saturday that over 200 trained caregivers have now been deployed to assist affected families.<h2>Day of mourning in Gujarat</h2>Monday has been declared a day of mourning in Gujarat, with the national flag to fly at half-mast.Sunday marked the first cremations of crash victims whose remains were confirmed via DNA. Eight earlier funerals had been held for locals killed in the crash, whose bodies did not require forensic identification.On Monday, former chief minister Rupani's funeral will take place in Rajkot.<h2>Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday</h2>A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.<h2>Global investigations underway</h2>India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner.As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.&nbsp;

Air India crash: 80 victims identified using DNA, 33 bodies handed over to families; crash probe panel to meet today


Three days after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash, authorities on Sunday (June 15) confirmed that 80 victims, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, have been identified through DNA matching. Hospital authorities also revealed that the remains of 33 victims have been handed over to their families. The plane crash, which saw Air India Flight AI 171 crash and hit the building of the BJ Medical College, has killed at least 271 people, including 241 of the 242 passengers and crew onboard. This makes it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history. Hundreds of victims yet to be identified With 80 victims identified, at least 191 others remain to be identified. As per reports, the painstakingly slow identification process has been deeply painful for grieving relatives who have voiced their frustration. Pointing at delays in victim identification and perceived gaps in Air India's crisis response, Imtiyaz Ali, whose brother was among the passengers, noted that it has been 72 hours. As quoted by the Hindustan Times, Ali said, "the next day after this accident they should have appointed whoever they needed to ensure everything is available to us". He revealed that a support person was assigned to him a day after providing his DNA sample. Meanwhile, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said Saturday that over 200 trained caregivers have now been deployed to assist affected families. Day of mourning in Gujarat Monday has been declared a day of mourning in Gujarat, with the national flag to fly at half-mast. Sunday marked the first cremations of crash victims whose remains were confirmed via DNA. Eight earlier funerals had been held for locals killed in the crash, whose bodies did not require forensic identification. On Monday, former chief minister Rupani's funeral will take place in Rajkot. Air India crash probe panel set to meet Monday A multi-agency government panel, chaired by India's Home Secretary, will begin work on Monday (June 16) to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Global investigations underway India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched parallel investigations. NTSB's involvement comes from the fact that the downed aircraft was a US-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As per reports, on Sunday, Boeing engineers and UK-based aviation experts visited the crash site under heavy security. The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been recovered, officials confirmed.

With 80 victims identified, at least 191 others remain to be identified. As per reports, the painstakingly slow identification process has been deeply painful for grieving relatives who have voiced their frustration.

Air India crash: 80 victims identified using DNA, 33 bodies handed over to families; crash probe panel to meet today

India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis deepens. According to estimates, India has 3000 to 4000 of its nationals in the country, many of them Kashmiri students. Earlier on Sunday, Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to discuss the safety of Kashmiri students in the war-torn country. A social media post from the chief minister said that he was assured that the Ministry of External Affairs was in "close contact with their counterparts in Iran &amp; will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran." In the last few days, both Israel and Iran have exchanged fire, with strikes in each other's territory as fears grow of a long standoff coming.India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Armenia and has reached out to the government as well for facilitation. Meanwhile, India's external affairs minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, and Armenia's foreign minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, have held talks. An Armenian foreign ministry statement said, "the situation in the region was discussed," and both the ministers "emphasised the importance of staying in constant contact and close cooperation in times of crisis"On Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals in the country to register themselves with the embassy. On 13th June, the embassy had issued an advisory to "stay vigilant, and avoid unnecessary movement". &nbsp;A statement said, "In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals &amp; persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts &amp; observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities."Emergency numbers have already been issued for the Indian nationals: +98 9128109115; +98 9128109109; +98 901044557; +98 9015993320; +91 8086871709. Numbers have already been issued for ⁠Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036 and ⁠Zahedan: +98 9396356649 as well.Meanwhile, the Indian mission in Israel has also been issuing advisories and helpline number for its nationals in the country. In a fresh advisory, the embassy asked Indian nationals to "stay vigilant, strictly avoid any unnecessary movement and adhere to the safety protocols". The helpline numbers include +972 54-7520711 and +972 54-3278392. Around 30,000 Indians are believed to be in the country.India has in the recent past evacuated its nationals from conflict zones, including from Afghanistan in 2021 under Operation Devi Shakti, Ukraine in 2022 under Operation Ganga, Sudan in 2023 under Operation Kaveri, Israel in 2023 under Operation Ajay, Haiti in 2024 under Operation Indravati. &nbsp;

India mulls evacuation of its nationals from Iran


India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis deepens. According to estimates, India has 3000 to 4000 of its nationals in the country, many of them Kashmiri students. Earlier on Sunday, Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to discuss the safety of Kashmiri students in the war-torn country. A social media post from the chief minister said that he was assured that the Ministry of External Affairs was in "close contact with their counterparts in Iran & will take all necessary steps to safeguard all Indian students in Iran." In the last few days, both Israel and Iran have exchanged fire, with strikes in each other's territory as fears grow of a long standoff coming. India is mulling the evacuation of its nationals from Armenia and has reached out to the government as well for facilitation. Meanwhile, India's external affairs minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, and Armenia's foreign minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, have held talks. An Armenian foreign ministry statement said, "the situation in the region was discussed," and both the ministers "emphasised the importance of staying in constant contact and close cooperation in times of crisis" On Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked Indian nationals in the country to register themselves with the embassy. On 13th June, the embassy had issued an advisory to "stay vigilant, and avoid unnecessary movement". A statement said, "In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities." Emergency numbers have already been issued for the Indian nationals: +98 9128109115; +98 9128109109; +98 901044557; +98 9015993320; +91 8086871709. Numbers have already been issued for ⁠Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036 and ⁠Zahedan: +98 9396356649 as well. Meanwhile, the Indian mission in Israel has also been issuing advisories and helpline number for its nationals in the country. In a fresh advisory, the embassy asked Indian nationals to "stay vigilant, strictly avoid any unnecessary movement and adhere to the safety protocols". The helpline numbers include +972 54-7520711 and +972 54-3278392. Around 30,000 Indians are believed to be in the country. India has in the recent past evacuated its nationals from conflict zones, including from Afghanistan in 2021 under Operation Devi Shakti, Ukraine in 2022 under Operation Ganga, Sudan in 2023 under Operation Kaveri, Israel in 2023 under Operation Ajay, Haiti in 2024 under Operation Indravati.

Earlier on Sunday, Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to discuss the safety of Kashmiri students in the war-torn country.

India mulls evacuation of its nationals from Iran

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi on Sunday was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital due to stomach-related issues, the premier hospital confirmed. The Rajya Sabha MP has been kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department, it said. Earlier, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on June 7. The CPP chairperson was brought in for a routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, according to Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister. The doctors examined her health condition and informed that she was in stable condition

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi with stomach-related issues. She is under observation and in stable condition, officials confirmed

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi on Sunday was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital due to stomach-related issues, the premier hospital confirmed. The Rajya Sabha MP has been kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department, it said. Earlier, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on June 7. The CPP chairperson was brought in for a routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, according to Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister. The doctors examined her health condition and informed that she was in stable condition

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital with stomach-related issues. She is under observation and in stable condition, officials confirmed

Sonia Gandhi admitted in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to be in India next week, as both countries firm up ties. Her visit to India comes days after the visit of Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles visited India. This year marks the 5th anniversary of India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and is expected to be the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India for the Quad summit.The Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been to India several times, including in November 2024 for the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue. That was her 19th meeting with India's foreign minister, Dr S Jaishankar. A number of events are being planned during her Delhi visit, including outreach programs.&nbsp;From defence to trade, from Mobility and Migration Partnership to Work and Holiday visa Program, both countries have been working in a range of areas, as Australia diversifies&nbsp;its partnership in the Indo-Pacific, and India looks to up its engagement in the wider Pacific. Australia has extended its solidarity with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, despite being in the middle of a very intense election campaign, reached out and called Prime Minister Modi to express his country's support.&nbsp;During the visit of Deputy PM Marles, India had cautioned Australia&nbsp;over engagement with the Pakistani military over its links with China. Later, speaking to Australian media, Marles had said that Australia has "modest" defence linkages with Pakistan. Interestingly, Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza plans to visit Australia later this month. Delhi has sought Canberra's support both bilaterally and at multilateral fora, such as at IMF, World Bank, FATF, and UN, to expose Pakistan's support to cross-border terror.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is set to visit India next week as part of deepening India–Australia ties, marking the 5th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to be in India next week, as both countries firm up ties. Her visit to India comes days after the visit of Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles visited India. This year marks the 5th anniversary of India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and is expected to be the visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India for the Quad summit. The Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been to India several times, including in November 2024 for the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue. That was her 19th meeting with India's foreign minister, Dr S Jaishankar. A number of events are being planned during her Delhi visit, including outreach programs. From defence to trade, from Mobility and Migration Partnership to Work and Holiday visa Program, both countries have been working in a range of areas, as Australia diversifies its partnership in the Indo-Pacific, and India looks to up its engagement in the wider Pacific. Australia has extended its solidarity with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, despite being in the middle of a very intense election campaign, reached out and called Prime Minister Modi to express his country's support. During the visit of Deputy PM Marles, India had cautioned Australia over engagement with the Pakistani military over its links with China. Later, speaking to Australian media, Marles had said that Australia has "modest" defence linkages with Pakistan. Interestingly, Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza plans to visit Australia later this month. Delhi has sought Canberra's support both bilaterally and at multilateral fora, such as at IMF, World Bank, FATF, and UN, to expose Pakistan's support to cross-border terror.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is set to visit India next week as part of deepening India–Australia ties, marking the 5th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to visit India this week

The death toll in the collapse of the iron bridge on the Indrayani river in Pune district has risen to four, and two bodies have been recovered in the ongoing rescue operations, with divers and emergency personnel deployed on the site, said officials.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Cyprus, spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the incident. While expressing grief over the loss of lives, PM Modi assured all possible assistance in relief measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;The collapsed bridge was frequently used by tourists to cross the river or stop for photographs. Authorities believe the structure may have given way under the weight of the weekend crowd.&nbsp;NDRF teams and Pimpri-Chinchwad police officials were mobilised to manage the rescue operations.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi had imposed prohibitory orders, limiting tourist access to water bodies and specific natural locations, citing safety risks amid the intensified monsoon conditions.&nbsp;The bridge collapse took place near Kund Mala in Talegaon, a popular tourist destination 30 km from Pune, known for its natural sinkholes, gorges, and unique rock formations.&nbsp;<h2>CM Fadnavis announces financial assistance</h2>&nbsp;Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse. The state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured.&nbsp;“CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will provide a financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse incident on the Indrayani river near Talegaon in Pune district. Additionally, the state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured,” Maharashtra CMO posted on X.&nbsp;The bridge, which connects two sides of the Kundmala area, collapsed while several tourists were standing on it. Being a weekend, a large number of visitors were present at the spot. The incident took place around 3:30 pm and 32 people have been rescued.&nbsp;Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan said that the rescue operation is going on a war footing.&nbsp;“... This was a narrow bridge only meant for the movement of farmers, but 250-300 tourists stood on it, and the bridge collapsed due to excessive load,” Mahajan added.&nbsp;NCP MLA Sunil Shelke said that the bridge was built 30 years ago. Shelke said the bridge was periodically repaired, and tourists were prohibited from entering it.&nbsp;“This bridge was constructed for the movement of farmers 30 years ago. But due to the excessive load of tourists and two-wheelers, this bridge collapsed,” Shelke told ANI.&nbsp;Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi said 38 people have been rescued so far, and 30 of them have been hospitalised, while six others sustained serious injuries.

Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan said that the rescue operation is going on a war footing. It was a narrow bridge only meant for the movement of farmers, but 250-300 tourists were on it, so it collapsed due to excessive load, he added.

The death toll in the collapse of the iron bridge on the Indrayani river in Pune district has risen to four, and two bodies have been recovered in the ongoing rescue operations, with divers and emergency personnel deployed on the site, said officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Cyprus, spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the incident. While expressing grief over the loss of lives, PM Modi assured all possible assistance in relief measures. The collapsed bridge was frequently used by tourists to cross the river or stop for photographs. Authorities believe the structure may have given way under the weight of the weekend crowd. NDRF teams and Pimpri-Chinchwad police officials were mobilised to manage the rescue operations. Earlier this month, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi had imposed prohibitory orders, limiting tourist access to water bodies and specific natural locations, citing safety risks amid the intensified monsoon conditions. The bridge collapse took place near Kund Mala in Talegaon, a popular tourist destination 30 km from Pune, known for its natural sinkholes, gorges, and unique rock formations. CM Fadnavis announces financial assistance Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse. The state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured. “CM Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will provide a financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse incident on the Indrayani river near Talegaon in Pune district. Additionally, the state government will also bear the cost for the medical treatment of the injured,” Maharashtra CMO posted on X. The bridge, which connects two sides of the Kundmala area, collapsed while several tourists were standing on it. Being a weekend, a large number of visitors were present at the spot. The incident took place around 3:30 pm and 32 people have been rescued. Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan said that the rescue operation is going on a war footing. “... This was a narrow bridge only meant for the movement of farmers, but 250-300 tourists stood on it, and the bridge collapsed due to excessive load,” Mahajan added. NCP MLA Sunil Shelke said that the bridge was built 30 years ago. Shelke said the bridge was periodically repaired, and tourists were prohibited from entering it. “This bridge was constructed for the movement of farmers 30 years ago. But due to the excessive load of tourists and two-wheelers, this bridge collapsed,” Shelke told ANI. Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi said 38 people have been rescued so far, and 30 of them have been hospitalised, while six others sustained serious injuries.

Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan said that the rescue operation is going on a war footing. It was a narrow bridge only meant for the movement of farmers, but 250-300 tourists were on it, so it collapsed due to excessive load, he added.

Pune bridge collapse toll rises to 4, rescue ops underway; PM Modi speaks to CM Fadnavis

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