National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

Vijay Mallya, the former Kingfisher Airlines chief who is facing multiple fraud charges in India, is back in the spotlight after he was featured in a podcast recently. The 69-year-old talked about his journey, the rise and fall of his company - and the allegations against him. For the first time in years, he hinted at the possibility of returning to India.&nbsp;During a podcast with the YouTuber Raj Shamani, Mallya said he would return to India if he were promised a fair trial.&nbsp;“If I am assured, absolutely I will. I will think about it seriously," Mallya said.&nbsp;The absconding businessman also expressed concerns about India's legal system.&nbsp;There are other people the government of India is targeting for extradition from the UK… where the High Court of Appeal has found Indian detention conditions violative of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR),"Mallya said.

Internet is on fire&nbsp;The four-hour-long podcast triggered a pool of reactions on the internet. Some people seemed impressed by the openness of Mallya, while others talked about his possible return.&nbsp;“Raj Shamani’s pod with Vijay Mallya is top notch. Like a cinema. Full of emotions, arguments and counter-arguments… Also, my prejudices about Raj Shamani cluttered a lot," an internet user wrote on the social media platform X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Raj Shamani&#39;s pod with Vijay Mallya is top notch. Like a cinema. Full of emotions, arguments and counter arguments. Let the audience decide about a complex and controversial figure. Also, my prejudices about Raj Shamani cluttered a lot.&mdash; Satya (@heypinoc) <a href="https://twitter.com/heypinoc/status/1930869903776522276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;"Which is the PR agency that is employed by Vijay Mallya? Suddenly, for a week, there is so much content around him on this app," another user said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Which is the PR agency that is employed by Vijay Mallya ? Suddenly since a week there is so much content around him on this app.&mdash; Vipul (@Sporty_Baba) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sporty_Baba/status/1930870072446275614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, another internet user said, “Everyone is making a comeback in 2025, including even Vijay Mallya."“Vijay Mallya on Raj Shamani was not on my 2025 list. 4 hours long," said another.&nbsp;'You may call me a fugitive, but...'&nbsp;In the podcast, Mallya also addressed the "fugitive" tag given to him.&nbsp;“You may call me a fugitive for not returning to India after March, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons I consider valid," the businessman said.&nbsp;

Vijay Mallya to return to India? Here's all about the buzz on internet 

Vijay Mallya, the former Kingfisher Airlines chief who is facing multiple fraud charges in India, is back in the spotlight after he was featured in a podcast recently. The 69-year-old talked about his journey, the rise and fall of his company - and the allegations against him. For the first time in years, he hinted at the possibility of returning to India. During a podcast with the YouTuber Raj Shamani, Mallya said he would return to India if he were promised a fair trial. “If I am assured, absolutely I will. I will think about it seriously," Mallya said. The absconding businessman also expressed concerns about India's legal system. There are other people the government of India is targeting for extradition from the UK… where the High Court of Appeal has found Indian detention conditions violative of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR),"Mallya said.

Vijay Mallya, the former Kingfisher Airlines chief who is facing multiple fraud charges in India, is back in the spotlight after he was featured in a podcast recently. The 69-year-old hinted at the possibility of returning to India.&nbsp;

Vijay Mallya to return to India? Here's all about the buzz on internet

India's Shashi Tharoor has said that ignoring China during confrontation with Pakistan is "absolutely impossible." The Congress leader said that before the conflict with Pakistan escalated, India was making "good progress" in relation to China.&nbsp;"China is an absolutely impossible factor to ignore in what has been our confrontation with Pakistan," he said.Tharoor, who is currently in the US and leading the all-party delegation for Operation Sindoor outreach, said, “I'm not going to mince my words, but we are aware that China has immense stakes in Pakistan." His remarks came during a discussion at the Indian Embassy in Washington on Thursday (June 5).&nbsp;The Indian politician said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the largest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative. He added that 81 per cent of Pakistan's defence equipment is from China.&nbsp;“Defence may be the wrong word here. Offense in many ways,” Tharoor said.&nbsp;“We have no illusions about what the challenges are in our neighbourhood, but I want to remind you all that India has consistently chosen a path of keeping open channels of communication, even with our adversaries," Tharoor further said.&nbsp;He also said that India has tried "as much as possible to focus on development, on growth, on trade," but “Our trade with China is still at record levels. It's not that we are adopting a posture of hostility, but we would be naive.”&nbsp;&nbsp;'Operation Sindoor a message for China?'&nbsp;Earlier, Tharoor was asked by a journalist if India's May 7 military action against Pakistan was meant to be a message to China.&nbsp;Giving a witty response to the journalist at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Tharoor said, “I do believe that what happened on the night of the 9th and 10th speaks for itself, and even more so, the immediate reaction of Pakistan the next morning to call off the conflict also speaks very vividly for itself, and maybe that's the message the Chinese will have to look at.”

Impossible to ignore China in confrontation with Pakistan: Shashi Tharoor 


India's Shashi Tharoor has said that ignoring China during confrontation with Pakistan is "absolutely impossible." The Congress leader said that before the conflict with Pakistan escalated, India was making "good progress" in relation to China. "China is an absolutely impossible factor to ignore in what has been our confrontation with Pakistan," he said. Tharoor, who is currently in the US and leading the all-party delegation for Operation Sindoor outreach, said, “I'm not going to mince my words, but we are aware that China has immense stakes in Pakistan." His remarks came during a discussion at the Indian Embassy in Washington on Thursday (June 5). The Indian politician said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the largest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative. He added that 81 per cent of Pakistan's defence equipment is from China. “Defence may be the wrong word here. Offense in many ways,” Tharoor said. “We have no illusions about what the challenges are in our neighbourhood, but I want to remind you all that India has consistently chosen a path of keeping open channels of communication, even with our adversaries," Tharoor further said. He also said that India has tried "as much as possible to focus on development, on growth, on trade," but “Our trade with China is still at record levels. It's not that we are adopting a posture of hostility, but we would be naive.” 'Operation Sindoor a message for China?' Earlier, Tharoor was asked by a journalist if India's May 7 military action against Pakistan was meant to be a message to China. Giving a witty response to the journalist at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Tharoor said, “I do believe that what happened on the night of the 9th and 10th speaks for itself, and even more so, the immediate reaction of Pakistan the next morning to call off the conflict also speaks very vividly for itself, and maybe that's the message the Chinese will have to look at.”

India's Shashi Tharoor has said that ignoring China during confrontation with Pakistan is "absolutely impossible." The Congress leader said that before the conflict with Pakistan escalated, India was making "good progress" in relation to China.&nbsp;

'Impossible to ignore China in confrontation with Pakistan': Shashi Tharoor

&nbsp;Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta received a death threat late Thursday night, through a phone call to the Ghaziabad police.According to sources, the threat was made via a call to the Police Control Room (PCR) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh around 11 pm.Ghaziabad Police then informed Delhi Police about the threat, prompting swift action by both Delhi and Ghaziabad police.As per preliminary investigations, the caller has been identified, but his phone is currently switched off.Delhi and Ghaziabad police launched a joint search operation to trace and arrest the accused behind the threat.This comes just a few days after two government buildings in central Delhi, Udyog Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan received threatening emails.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-schools-in-indias-national-capital-receive-bomb-threats-children-sent-back-782530">Also read: More than 40 schools in Indian capital Delhi receive bomb threats, children sent back</a>&nbsp;On May 30, the government buildings received the emails at nearly 6:49 am to senior officials at the two central government complexes.The email read, "Ammonium sulfur-based Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have been twinned" within the premises."“Evacuate All by 3.15 pm," the threat read, further prompting security agencies to carry out an extensive search operation.Efforts are being made now to trace the source and ensure the national capital's chief minister's safety.According to officials, the Delhi chief minister may move into a government bungalow in north Delhi's Civil Lines.A senior government official said that an allotment letter has been issued for Rekha Gupta and the Public Works Department (PWD) has started repair and renovation work at that property."We are carrying out some repair and renovation work, after which the chief minister will move in. The allotment letter has been issued," he told Indian news agency PTI.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/increase-your-security-ayodhyas-ram-mandir-trust-receives-bomb-threat-via-email-8965087">Also read: ‘Increase your security’: Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir trust receives bomb threat via email</a>

According to sources, the threat was made via a call to the Police Control Room (PCR) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh around 11 pm.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta received a death threat late Thursday night, through a phone call to the Ghaziabad police. According to sources, the threat was made via a call to the Police Control Room (PCR) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh around 11 pm. Ghaziabad Police then informed Delhi Police about the threat, prompting swift action by both Delhi and Ghaziabad police. As per preliminary investigations, the caller has been identified, but his phone is currently switched off. Delhi and Ghaziabad police launched a joint search operation to trace and arrest the accused behind the threat. This comes just a few days after two government buildings in central Delhi, Udyog Bhawan and Nirman Bhawan received threatening emails. Also read: More than 40 schools in Indian capital Delhi receive bomb threats, children sent back On May 30, the government buildings received the emails at nearly 6:49 am to senior officials at the two central government complexes. The email read, "Ammonium sulfur-based Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have been twinned" within the premises." “Evacuate All by 3.15 pm," the threat read, further prompting security agencies to carry out an extensive search operation. Efforts are being made now to trace the source and ensure the national capital's chief minister's safety. According to officials, the Delhi chief minister may move into a government bungalow in north Delhi's Civil Lines. A senior government official said that an allotment letter has been issued for Rekha Gupta and the Public Works Department (PWD) has started repair and renovation work at that property. "We are carrying out some repair and renovation work, after which the chief minister will move in. The allotment letter has been issued," he told Indian news agency PTI. Also read: ‘Increase your security’: Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir trust receives bomb threat via email

According to sources, the threat was made via a call to the Police Control Room (PCR) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh around 11 pm.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta receives death threat; police on alert - Here's how threat was sent

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday (June 6). PM Modi also flagged the Chenab and Anji bridges.&nbsp;Taking to the social media platform X, the Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described some notable features of the link.&nbsp;Vaishnaw called the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project a "remarkable feat of engineering." He said that the link has "India's longest transportation tunnel, T-50," which is 12.77 km long and located between Khari and Sumber.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Know why Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is remarkable feat of engineering. 🧵Explore various landmarks achieved👇 <a href="https://t.co/jjQ6oEPTH3">pic.twitter.com/jjQ6oEPTH3</a>&mdash; Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1930613669781442828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Here are the eight key features of the link:&nbsp;Chenab bridge&nbsp;It is the world's highest railway arch bridge. The bridge is 359 meters long and 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. It spans 1.3 km and can withstand winds of up to 260 km/h. The total cost of the bridge was &nbsp;₹1,486 crore and is designed to last 120 years.&nbsp;Anji Khad Bridge&nbsp;The Anji Khad bridge is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. It is located 80 km away from Jammu. The height of the bridge is 331 metres, and it stretches 725 metres. The structure uses 96 high-tensile cables and was completed in just 11 months.&nbsp;Tunnel T-50 It is the longest transportation tunnel between Khari and Sumber of India with a distance of 12.77 km.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">4. USBRL Project involves construction of 36 Main tunnels with a total length of 119.6 Km and 8 Escape tunnels with a total length of 66.4 Km. <a href="https://t.co/OWS8by8UOA">pic.twitter.com/OWS8by8UOA</a>&mdash; Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1930613685262675974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tunnel T-80&nbsp;Tunnel T-80 is India's third-largest tunnel. It measures 11.13 km and is between Awalkote and Sangaldan.&nbsp;Massive tunnel network&nbsp;The project is huge with 36 main tunnels and eight escape tunnels. It covers a total length of over 186 km.&nbsp;Ice cutters installed in trains&nbsp;Vishnaw explained in his X post that the Vande Bharat trains have ice cutters installed to clear snow from the tracks to ensure better running. Himalayan Tunneling Method&nbsp;"Advanced construction technique was specifically adapted to the complex geological and seismic conditions of the Himalayan region - Himalayan Tunneling Method," the Railway Minister added. &nbsp;

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link: 8 features of remarkable feat of engineering | Details here  

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday (June 6). PM Modi also flagged the Chenab and Anji bridges. Taking to the social media platform X, the Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described some notable features of the link. Vaishnaw called the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project a "remarkable feat of engineering." He said that the link has "India's longest transportation tunnel, T-50," which is 12.77 km long and located between Khari and Sumber.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is a "remarkable feat of engineering." India's Railway Minister said that the link has "India's longest transportation tunnel, T-50," which is 12.77 km long and located between Khari and Sumber.

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link: 8 features of 'remarkable feat of engineering' | Details here

Indian Prime Minister is in Kashmir, in his address to the people of the valley, to highlight Pakistan's intent, which is against humanity and Kashmiriyat. He said the neighbouring nation wanted riots in India, and so they orchestrated the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives.&nbsp;“Pakistan's purpose was to cause riots in India and to obstruct the earnings of the hard-working people of Kashmir. That is why Pakistan attacked the tourists in Kashmir, Pakistan targeted the tourism that earns the families of Kashmir a livelihood.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Whenever Pakistan hears the name of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindoor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindoor</a>, it will remember its shameful defeat. The Pakistani Army and terrorists had never thought that India would attack terrorists hundreds of kilometres inside Pakistan in such a way…,&quot; says Indian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraModi</a>. Source: ANI <a href="https://t.co/s5USrmsUUg">pic.twitter.com/s5USrmsUUg</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1930919931870323010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He continued, "Adil, who challenged the terrorists, had also gone to Pahalgam to work so that he could take care of his family. But the terrorists killed him too. The strength that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown during this time has sent a stern message to the terrorist mentality of the world. Jammu &amp; Kashmir's development will not be shaken by the Pahalgam attack. This is Narendra Modi's promise."&nbsp;“Whenever Pakistan hears the name of Operation Sindoor, it will remember its shameful defeat. The Pakistani Army and terrorists had never thought that India would attack terrorists hundreds of kilometres inside Pakistan in such a way,” he added. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-omar-abdullah-dreamt-of-this-railway-connectivity-since-7th-standard-pm-modi-after-inaugurating-chenab-and-anji-bridges-1749198687139">'Omar Abdullah dreamt of this railway connectivity since 7th standard...': PM Modi after inaugurating Chenab and Anji bridges</a>&nbsp;Speaking of the state and fate of Kashmir that people have accepted, he said, "J&amp;K had seen so much destruction that the people here had stopped dreaming. They had accepted terrorism as their fate. We have brought them out of this situation. The people here now want to see Jammu &amp; Kashmir again become a location for shooting films. They want to see it become a hub of sports."&nbsp;The valley witnessed the worst terror attack I recent times, on April 22, which has numbed India. It was this fateful day that 26 innocents were killed by terrorists. India waited for a fortnight for Pakistan to take action against the terror outfits operating on its soil; instead, the country indulged in a blame game. This when India decided to launch Operation Sindoor to destroy the terror infrastructure in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister is in Kashmir, in his address to the people of the valley, to highlight Pakistan's intent, which is against humanity and Kashmiriyat. 

Indian Prime Minister is in Kashmir, in his address to the people of the valley, to highlight Pakistan's intent, which is against humanity and Kashmiriyat. He said the neighbouring nation wanted riots in India, and so they orchestrated the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives. “Pakistan's purpose was to cause riots in India and to obstruct the earnings of the hard-working people of Kashmir. That is why Pakistan attacked the tourists in Kashmir, Pakistan targeted the tourism that earns the families of Kashmir a livelihood.”

Indian Prime Minister is in Kashmir, in his address to the people of the valley, to highlight Pakistan's intent, which is against humanity and Kashmiriyat.&nbsp;

'Whenever Pakistan hears Operation Sindoor, will remember its shameful defeat': PM Modi in Kashmir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir, where he inaugurated Chenab and Anji bridges and flagged two new Vande Bharat trains in the valley.&nbsp;While addressing the people of Kashmir, he said, “Several generations in Jammu and Kashmir passed away waiting for railway connectivity. Today, the dream of lakhs of people of J&amp;K has been fulfilled. All the good work is indeed left for me only to complete.”&nbsp;He continued, “I was watching CM Omar Abdullah's speech, he said he was in grade 7th or 8th, since then he has been waiting for the completion of this project. Today, the dreams of lakhs of people of J&amp;K have been fulfilled.”&nbsp;“Kashmir is the crown of India with precious gems. Its ancient culture, values, spiritual awareness, world of herbs and flowers, and the shining talent of its youth are truly remarkable.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-kashmir-inaugurates-world-s-highest-railway-bridge-over-chenab-river-1749191884450">PM Modi in Kashmir, inaugurates world's highest railway bridge over Chenab river</a>&nbsp;Tourists visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, and this bridge is taller, said PM Modi. “People will come to see Kashmir via the Chenab Bridge. Its height will make it a major tourist attraction.”&nbsp;He expressed, “While walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, I lived the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers.” “Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line project is not just a name, it is the identity of the new power of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. It is a proclamation of the new power of India. A while ago, I got the opportunity to inaugurate the Chenab and Anji Bridges. Today, J&amp;K got two new Vande Bharat trains. Projects worth Rs 46 thousand crores will speed up the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. Sharing his experience while on walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, he said, "I lived the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers." The valley recently experienced the most horrific attack, they are still coping with their grief and trying to get back to life. The scars maybe irreparable, they are only crawling back to normalcy.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir, where he inaugurated Chenab and Anji bridges and flagged two new Vande Bharat trains in the valley.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir, where he inaugurated Chenab and Anji bridges and flagged two new Vande Bharat trains in the valley. While addressing the people of Kashmir, he said, “Several generations in Jammu and Kashmir passed away waiting for railway connectivity. Today, the dream of lakhs of people of J&K has been fulfilled. All the good work is indeed left for me only to complete.” He continued, “I was watching CM Omar Abdullah's speech, he said he was in grade 7th or 8th, since then he has been waiting for the completion of this project. Today, the dreams of lakhs of people of J&K have been fulfilled.” “Kashmir is the crown of India with precious gems. Its ancient culture, values, spiritual awareness, world of herbs and flowers, and the shining talent of its youth are truly remarkable.” Also Read: PM Modi in Kashmir, inaugurates world's highest railway bridge over Chenab river Tourists visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, and this bridge is taller, said PM Modi. “People will come to see Kashmir via the Chenab Bridge. Its height will make it a major tourist attraction.” He expressed, “While walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, I lived the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers.” “Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line project is not just a name, it is the identity of the new power of Jammu & Kashmir. It is a proclamation of the new power of India. A while ago, I got the opportunity to inaugurate the Chenab and Anji Bridges. Today, J&K got two new Vande Bharat trains. Projects worth Rs 46 thousand crores will speed up the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. Sharing his experience while on walking on the Chenab and Anji bridges today, he said, "I lived the lofty aspirations of India and the skill and courage of our engineers and workers." The valley recently experienced the most horrific attack, they are still coping with their grief and trying to get back to life. The scars maybe irreparable, they are only crawling back to normalcy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir, where he inaugurated Chenab and Anji bridges and flagged two new Vande Bharat trains in the valley.

'All the good work left for me': PM Modi inaugurates Chenab and Anji bridges - CM Abdullah's childhood dream

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two pioneering railway bridges in Jammu &amp; Kashmir- the Anji bridge which is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Both of these structures form part of the ambitious 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) which is designed to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through an all-weather railway corridor.&nbsp;While the Chenab Bridge, standing 359 metres above the riverbed has already garnered attention for its height and engineering, the Anji Khad Bridge marks a different kind of milestone. Spanning about 725 metres across the deep Anji river valley which is a tributary of the Chenab river, the bridge is the country’s first railway bridge supported entirely by cable-stayed technology. It is located about 80 km from Jammu city in Reasi district and is built over geologically complex Himalayan terrain. It connects the towns of Katra and Raesi. The bridge is engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds of up to 213 km/h.<h2>A First of Its Kind</h2>&nbsp;One of the many interesting features of the bridge is that the Anji Khad Bridge features an inverted Y-shaped pylon that rises 193 metres from its foundation. It additionally supports 96 cables of varying lengths that stabilise the bridge deck. Another testament of its advanced design is that the bridge is about 2,830 feet long and stands 1,086 feet above the ground. The total cable length runs over 653 kilometres and it additionally includes a 12.3-foot service road and footpaths on either side. The bridge is built to handle extreme weather conditions and trains travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h will use this route, significantly improving transit through the region.&nbsp;<h2>Built for Challenging Terrain</h2>&nbsp;Designed with seismic resilience in mind, the bridge used over 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel and was completed in just 11 months. It is also furnished with a sensor-based, integrated health monitoring system to track structural behaviour throughout its life cycle. The location of the bridge, in the young, fragile folds of the Himalayas posed a serious challenge in its engineering making the project one of the most technically demanding in Indian Railways’ history.&nbsp;It is hence, justified to say that both the Chenab and Anji bridges are not just feats of design but, strategic assets. Together, they close a crucial gap in the Kashmir railway link, enhancing movement for civilians, defence forces and trade. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were also present at the event.

The Anji Khad bridge spans the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River. It connects the towns of Katra and Reasi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two pioneering railway bridges in Jammu & Kashmir- the Anji bridge which is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge. Both of these structures form part of the ambitious 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) which is designed to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through an all-weather railway corridor. While the Chenab Bridge, standing 359 metres above the riverbed has already garnered attention for its height and engineering, the Anji Khad Bridge marks a different kind of milestone. Spanning about 725 metres across the deep Anji river valley which is a tributary of the Chenab river, the bridge is the country’s first railway bridge supported entirely by cable-stayed technology. It is located about 80 km from Jammu city in Reasi district and is built over geologically complex Himalayan terrain. It connects the towns of Katra and Raesi. The bridge is engineered to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds of up to 213 km/h. A First of Its Kind One of the many interesting features of the bridge is that the Anji Khad Bridge features an inverted Y-shaped pylon that rises 193 metres from its foundation. It additionally supports 96 cables of varying lengths that stabilise the bridge deck. Another testament of its advanced design is that the bridge is about 2,830 feet long and stands 1,086 feet above the ground. The total cable length runs over 653 kilometres and it additionally includes a 12.3-foot service road and footpaths on either side. The bridge is built to handle extreme weather conditions and trains travelling at speeds of up to 100 km/h will use this route, significantly improving transit through the region. Built for Challenging Terrain Designed with seismic resilience in mind, the bridge used over 8,200 metric tonnes of structural steel and was completed in just 11 months. It is also furnished with a sensor-based, integrated health monitoring system to track structural behaviour throughout its life cycle. The location of the bridge, in the young, fragile folds of the Himalayas posed a serious challenge in its engineering making the project one of the most technically demanding in Indian Railways’ history. It is hence, justified to say that both the Chenab and Anji bridges are not just feats of design but, strategic assets. Together, they close a crucial gap in the Kashmir railway link, enhancing movement for civilians, defence forces and trade. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were also present at the event.

The Anji Khad bridge spans the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River. It connects the towns of Katra and Reasi.&nbsp;

'India's first cable-stayed rail link': All about J&K's Anji Khad bridge inaugurated by PM Modi

The Indian delegation answered questions and spoke to world leaders about the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which numbed the nation. As Shashi Tharoor addressed the media, he answered a question asked by his son and journalist Ishaan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tharoor threw light on the number of times Pakistan has orchestrated such terror attacks and India did not respond the way it did like it did after the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. “Our government counts 24 terrorist attacks, in the course of last year emanating from Pakistan and none of which required this kind of response; we dealt with them. We got the terrors or killed them, minimal damage and loss of life.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Washington DC: On a question asked by his son about whether any country had asked the delegation for evidence of Pakistan&#39;s involvement in the Pahalgam attack and about Pakistan&#39;s repeated denials of any role in the attack, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, &quot;I&#39;m very glad… <a href="https://t.co/RR0tcVOwpU">pic.twitter.com/RR0tcVOwpU</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1930632872492220876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added, “Intelligence agencies have identified 4 of the perpetrators, they know who they are and have reliably informed that 2 are Pakistanis and 2 were locals who had exfiltrated out to Pakistan for training 10 years ago and were clearly sent back for the mission this time. So, it's on the basis of all of this, we took action.”&nbsp;He also flagged the funerals held in Pakistan's Muridke a terror base attacked by India and in attendance were top brass military officers. And the fact that after the killing of 26 innocent tourists, The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility of the attack and later denied it.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-that-shouldn-t-be-allow-shashi-tharoor-s-reaction-on-being-question-by-his-son-and-washington-post-journalist-ishaan-tharoor-1749190075510">'I didn't plant it': Shashi Tharoor's reaction on being questioned by his son and Washington Post journalist Ishaan</a>&nbsp;He continued, "I can assure you, India is not the kind of country that would undertake a military operation without very solid basis for doing so."&nbsp;"This (Pahalgam terror attack) showed all the hallmarks of a sophisticated, planned, deliberate operation with reconnaissance, intelligence work, with a modus operandi that worked out this cynical exercise of asking people their religion, shooting them between the eyes. This is a serious quasi-military style operation, and it required a military response."

The Indian delegation answered questions and spoke to world leaders about the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which numbed the nation. 

The Indian delegation answered questions and spoke to world leaders about the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which numbed the nation. As Shashi Tharoor addressed the media, he answered a question asked by his son and journalist Ishaan. Tharoor threw light on the number of times Pakistan has orchestrated such terror attacks and India did not respond the way it did like it did after the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam. “Our government counts 24 terrorist attacks, in the course of last year emanating from Pakistan and none of which required this kind of response; we dealt with them. We got the terrors or killed them, minimal damage and loss of life.”

The Indian delegation answered questions and spoke to world leaders about the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which numbed the nation.&nbsp;

Pahalgam was a 'quasi-military style operation, it required a military response': Shashi Tharoor on India's response to Pakistan

The Amarnath Yatra to the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir is not going to be for its usual period of 52 days but 38 days. This is for the first time that the duration of yatra has been reduced by the Indian government.&nbsp;The annual pilgrimage would commence from July 3 and would culminate on August 9 keeping in view the security threat, post the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocent people were killed.&nbsp;Security beefed up&nbsp;Security for the yatra has been beefed up to ensure the safe passage of devotees during the sacred journey.&nbsp;Nearly 50,000 CRPF jawans alongside personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed as part of the security measures for the Amarnath Yatra 2025, reported Times of India.The is the largest-ever deployment of CRPF personnel for this yatra.&nbsp;Other security measures<ul><li>Jammers will be installed to protect the convoys from potential threats</li><li>All roads leading to the Yatra routes and National Highways will be temporarily blocked for maximum security</li><li>Drones, bomb squads, and sniffer dog teams will monitor the two routes taken by pilgrims</li><li>The yatris will be escorted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)</li><li>Specially trained sniffer dogs and drones for aerial surveillance will also be put in place</li><li>All pilgrims will receive RFID (radio frequency identification) tags that allow real-time tracking of their movement in order to allow quick response by security forces</li></ul>In case of any natural disaster, teams from Jammu and Kashmir Police, NDRF, SDRF, BSF and CRPF will be deployed at all the critical junctures for both the routes so that help can reach out to Yatris as soon as possible in case of any emergency.&nbsp;Security agencies have been instructed by the home ministry to maintain high alertness and vigilance to ensure a completely peaceful Amarnath Yatra.&nbsp;So far, over 3.5 lakh people have registered for this year’s Amarnath Yatra.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

All pilgrims will receive RFID (radio frequency identification) tags that allow real-time tracking of their movement.

The Amarnath Yatra to the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir is not going to be for its usual period of 52 days but 38 days. This is for the first time that the duration of yatra has been reduced by the Indian government. The annual pilgrimage would commence from July 3 and would culminate on August 9 keeping in view the security threat, post the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocent people were killed. Security beefed up Security for the yatra has been beefed up to ensure the safe passage of devotees during the sacred journey. Nearly 50,000 CRPF jawans alongside personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed as part of the security measures for the Amarnath Yatra 2025, reported Times of India. The is the largest-ever deployment of CRPF personnel for this yatra. Other security measures Jammers will be installed to protect the convoys from potential threats All roads leading to the Yatra routes and National Highways will be temporarily blocked for maximum security Drones, bomb squads, and sniffer dog teams will monitor the two routes taken by pilgrims The yatris will be escorted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) Specially trained sniffer dogs and drones for aerial surveillance will also be put in place All pilgrims will receive RFID (radio frequency identification) tags that allow real-time tracking of their movement in order to allow quick response by security forces In case of any natural disaster, teams from Jammu and Kashmir Police, NDRF, SDRF, BSF and CRPF will be deployed at all the critical junctures for both the routes so that help can reach out to Yatris as soon as possible in case of any emergency. Security agencies have been instructed by the home ministry to maintain high alertness and vigilance to ensure a completely peaceful Amarnath Yatra. So far, over 3.5 lakh people have registered for this year’s Amarnath Yatra.

All pilgrims will receive RFID (radio frequency identification) tags that allow real-time tracking of their movement.

Amarnath Yatra: For first time pilgrimage reduced to 38 days, 50k troops, drones, bomb squads to guard yatris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - Chenab Railway Bridge, built on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. After inspection, Prime Minister Modi met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union MoS Jitendra Singh.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also interacted with the workers who had worked on the USBRL project. Prime Minister Modi will now inaugurate the Chenab Bridge today, along with several other railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The PM will flag off the Vande Bharat Express today on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) from Katra to Srinagar. The 272 km long project is built at Rs 43,780 crore and includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated at a height of 359 meters above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PM Narendra Modi waves Indian tricolour on world&#39;s highest railway arch bridge . . . . . READ: <a href="https://t.co/VO5QSUtCuK">https://t.co/VO5QSUtCuK</a> <a href="https://t.co/CD4TTjZGOg">pic.twitter.com/CD4TTjZGOg</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1930880515034243557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Through the Vande Bharat train moving on the bridge, it will take just about 3 hours to travel between Katra and Srinagar, reducing the existing travel time by 2-3 hours. The Anji Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge that will serve the nation in a challenging terrain. The Prime Minister will also dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272 km long USBRL project, constructed worth around Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels (spanning 119 km) and 943 bridges.&nbsp;&nbsp;The project establishes all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country, aiming to transform regional mobility and drive socio-economic integration. Prime Minister will also flag off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar and back. They will offer a swift, comfortable, and reliable travel option for residents, tourists, and pilgrims, among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inspected the world's highest railway arch bridge - Chenab Railway Bridge, built on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - Chenab Railway Bridge, built on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. After inspection, Prime Minister Modi met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union MoS Jitendra Singh. He also interacted with the workers who had worked on the USBRL project. Prime Minister Modi will now inaugurate the Chenab Bridge today, along with several other railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The PM will flag off the Vande Bharat Express today on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) from Katra to Srinagar. The 272 km long project is built at Rs 43,780 crore and includes 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges. The architectural marvel Chenab Rail Bridge, situated at a height of 359 meters above the river, is the world's highest railway arch bridge. It is a 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions. A key impact of the bridge will be in enhancing connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inspected the world's highest railway arch bridge - Chenab Railway Bridge, built on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.&nbsp;

PM Modi in Kashmir, inaugurates world's highest railway bridge over Chenab river

Pakistan's former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was dispatched to the US by the establishment to fight the diplomatic battle against India in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces' military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman, in interviews to global media, public speeches and social media posts this week, repeated the familiar script of the South Asian nation in dodging the real issue of cross-border terrorism fomented by Islamabad against India. He also repeated the government line of demanding a so-called ‘joint investigation’ into the Pahalgam attack, seeking evidence for Pakistan's involvement.&nbsp;<h2>‘Nuclear escalation ladder’: Bilawal repeats Pakistan's nuclear blackmail</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Most importantly, Bilawal raised the nuclear blackmail that Indian PM Narendra Modi had warned Pakistan to desist from.&nbsp;&nbsp;In an interview laden with falsehoods, Bilawal told Bloomberg TV that India’s use of ‘a supersonic nuclear-capable missile’ made the situation more precarious. He was basically raising the bogey of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, whereas the Indian military leadership had clearly stated that Operation Sindoor was a conventional operation.&nbsp;“We have about 30 seconds time to decide, off a grainy little image, this nuclear-capable missile — is it armed with a nuclear weapon? And how do we respond?,” Bilawal told Bloomberg TV.&nbsp;He claimed that India 'lowered the threshold' for future military confrontations. He said the two countries would climb the 'escalation ladder' too quickly for world leaders to intervene.&nbsp;“Our concern for next time, heaven forbid, for next time round is that the threshold is low for a military conflict,” said Bilawal, who led a delegation to the US as part of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to apprise the international community of the India-Pakistan military confrontation.<h2>Raising the bogey of ‘nuclear water war’</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Bilawal, who had said in May that 'either water of the Sindhu river or Indians' blood' will flow in the wake of India keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, even used a new term in his US speeches: 'nuclear water war.' He said that India's diplomatic move in the wake of Pahalgam attack laid the ‘foundation for first nuclear water war.’<h2> ‘Show us the proof’ alibi on Pahalgam terror attack</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Bilawal repeated Pakistan's irresponsible attitude toward terrorism in the context of Pahalgam attack, raising the usual Pakistani rhetoric of 'show us the proof'.&nbsp;“You just need an accusation, and you launch into a full-blown war with Pakistan,” he said, claiming that India did not provide any evidence of the attack of April 22 in which 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists, were killed by Pakistan-trained terrorists.&nbsp;“The new sort of normal — or we call it an abnormal — that the Modi government is trying to impose on the region is that if there’s a terrorist attack anywhere in India...you don’t have to provide a shred of evidence.” His reference appears to be on Narendra Modi's pledge to attack terror camps in Pakistan in case of any future attacks on India, which the Indian prime minister called the new normal.&nbsp;<h2>Kashmir, not terror, is ‘root cause’ for him</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Bilawal, in his speaking engagements in the US, raised the Kashmir bogey as usual, calling it the ‘root cause’, not terrorism emanating from Pakistan.&nbsp;"If India is serious about combating terrorism, then they have to create more conducive environment" in Kashmir, he said while speaking at the Middle East Institute.&nbsp;<h2>Raising the joint probe demand on terrorist incidents</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Bilawal also adhered to Pakistan's ploy of internationalising bilateral issues, by repeating the government's stance on joint probe into Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;He alleged, without proof, that India is involved in attacks in Pakistan, while speaking to China's state-run CCTV.&nbsp;&nbsp;He insisted that 'all attacks in India and Pakistan' should be probed by a joint forum, without specifying who should be in the forum.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Seeking to internationalise bilateral issues</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>In his engagemetns in the US, Bilawal made efforts to further internationalise the bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan, praising US President Donald Trump as well as the UN secertary general for helping de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;“Appreciated the critical peacemaker role played by President Donald Trump in facilitating the ceasefire understanding, intended as a pathway to broader, sustained peace and dialogue,” he wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Operation Sindoor Nuclear escalation ladder Bilawal repeats Pakistan's nuclear blackmail



Pakistan's former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was dispatched to the US by the establishment to fight the diplomatic battle against India in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces' military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman, in interviews to global media, public speeches and social media posts this week, repeated the familiar script of the South Asian nation in dodging the real issue of cross-border terrorism fomented by Islamabad against India. He also repeated the government line of demanding a so-called ‘joint investigation’ into the Pahalgam attack, seeking evidence for Pakistan's involvement. ‘Nuclear escalation ladder’: Bilawal repeats Pakistan's nuclear blackmail Most importantly, Bilawal raised the nuclear blackmail that Indian PM Narendra Modi had warned Pakistan to desist from. In an interview laden with falsehoods, Bilawal told Bloomberg TV that India’s use of ‘a supersonic nuclear-capable missile’ made the situation more precarious. He was basically raising the bogey of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, whereas the Indian military leadership had clearly stated that Operation Sindoor was a conventional operation. “We have about 30 seconds time to decide, off a grainy little image, this nuclear-capable missile — is it armed with a nuclear weapon? And how do we respond?,” Bilawal told Bloomberg TV. He claimed that India 'lowered the threshold' for future military confrontations. He said the two countries would climb the 'escalation ladder' too quickly for world leaders to intervene. “Our concern for next time, heaven forbid, for next time round is that the threshold is low for a military conflict,” said Bilawal, who led a delegation to the US as part of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to apprise the international community of the India-Pakistan military confrontation. Raising the bogey of ‘nuclear water war’ Bilawal, who had said in May that 'either water of the Sindhu river or Indians' blood' will flow in the wake of India keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, even used a new term in his US speeches: 'nuclear water war.' He said that India's diplomatic move in the wake of Pahalgam attack laid the ‘foundation for first nuclear water war.’ ‘Show us the proof’ alibi on Pahalgam terror attack Bilawal repeated Pakistan's irresponsible attitude toward terrorism in the context of Pahalgam attack, raising the usual Pakistani rhetoric of 'show us the proof'. “You just need an accusation, and you launch into a full-blown war with Pakistan,” he said, claiming that India did not provide any evidence of the attack of April 22 in which 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists, were killed by Pakistan-trained terrorists. “The new sort of normal — or we call it an abnormal — that the Modi government is trying to impose on the region is that if there’s a terrorist attack anywhere in India...you don’t have to provide a shred of evidence.” His reference appears to be on Narendra Modi's pledge to attack terror camps in Pakistan in case of any future attacks on India, which the Indian prime minister called the new normal. Kashmir, not terror, is ‘root cause’ for him Bilawal, in his speaking engagements in the US, raised the Kashmir bogey as usual, calling it the ‘root cause’, not terrorism emanating from Pakistan. "If India is serious about combating terrorism, then they have to create more conducive environment" in Kashmir, he said while speaking at the Middle East Institute. Raising the joint probe demand on terrorist incidents Bilawal also adhered to Pakistan's ploy of internationalising bilateral issues, by repeating the government's stance on joint probe into Pahalgam attack. He alleged, without proof, that India is involved in attacks in Pakistan, while speaking to China's state-run CCTV. He insisted that 'all attacks in India and Pakistan' should be probed by a joint forum, without specifying who should be in the forum. Seeking to internationalise bilateral issues In his engagemetns in the US, Bilawal made efforts to further internationalise the bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan, praising US President Donald Trump as well as the UN secertary general for helping de-escalate tensions. “Appreciated the critical peacemaker role played by President Donald Trump in facilitating the ceasefire understanding, intended as a pathway to broader, sustained peace and dialogue,” he wrote on X.

Bilawal Bhutto repeated the familiar script, dodging the real issue of cross-border terrorism fomented by Islamabad against India. He also repeated the government line of demanding a so-called ‘joint investigation’ into the Pahalgam attack, seeking evidence for Pakistan's involvement

‘Nuclear water war’: Bilawal Bhutto is wrong on Kashmir, Pahalgam, nuke escalation, but he's only sticking to army script

Active COVID 19 cases in India have risen to 4,866 with 564 fresh cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data released on Thursday.&nbsp;The ministry data also revealed 7 deaths of which three were from Maharashtra, while Delhi and Karnataka reported two deaths each. Out of the total dead, six were elderly having pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and pneumonia.&nbsp;Among the states that have recorded the maximum number of cases, Kerala continues to lead the spike with an active caseload to 1487, which is nearly half of the country’s total, According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;Delhi with 562 cases has the maximum number of active caseload &nbsp;after Kerala followed by West Bengal (538), and Maharashtra.&nbsp;New variants causing surge in cases&nbsp;New variants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently identified NB.1.8.1 subvariant are cause for the increasing cases. These variants are termed as Variants Under Monitoring, which means they are not yet deemed as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest.&nbsp;However, these strains are still expected to be contributing to the rising infections in India, along with China and other parts of Asia.&nbsp;Since May 22, the total number of active Covid cases reported is 257, which takes the number beyond the 4000 mark.&nbsp;Researchers find new type of mRNA vaccine&nbsp;Meanwhile, American researchers have now found a new type of mRNA vaccine to prevent the deadly disease. A team of US researchers have found that the vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for Covid) and H5N1.&nbsp;Although, the present form of the vaccine available is highly effective against COVID-19, it does not present challenges like the high amount of mRNA.

Among the states that have recorded the maximum number of cases, Kerala continues to lead the spike with an active caseload to 1487.

Active COVID 19 cases in India have risen to 4,866 with 564 fresh cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data released on Thursday. The ministry data also revealed 7 deaths of which three were from Maharashtra, while Delhi and Karnataka reported two deaths each. Out of the total dead, six were elderly having pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and pneumonia. Among the states that have recorded the maximum number of cases, Kerala continues to lead the spike with an active caseload to 1487, which is nearly half of the country’s total, According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Delhi with 562 cases has the maximum number of active caseload after Kerala followed by West Bengal (538), and Maharashtra. New variants causing surge in cases New variants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently identified NB.1.8.1 subvariant are cause for the increasing cases. These variants are termed as Variants Under Monitoring, which means they are not yet deemed as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. However, these strains are still expected to be contributing to the rising infections in India, along with China and other parts of Asia. Since May 22, the total number of active Covid cases reported is 257, which takes the number beyond the 4000 mark. Researchers find new type of mRNA vaccine Meanwhile, American researchers have now found a new type of mRNA vaccine to prevent the deadly disease. A team of US researchers have found that the vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for Covid) and H5N1. Although, the present form of the vaccine available is highly effective against COVID-19, it does not present challenges like the high amount of mRNA.

Among the states that have recorded the maximum number of cases, Kerala continues to lead the spike with an active caseload to 1487.&nbsp;

COVID 19 cases in India sit near 5000 mark, Delhi records 562 total active cases

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a blow as their top marketing official Nikhil Sosale is among four people arrested by the Bengaluru Police in the aftermath of the stampede. On Wednesday (June 4), a day after RCB’s maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, an unfortunate incident occurred during the title celebration in Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium claiming the lives of at least 11 people. After the incident, Bengaluru Police have moved strictly and are now taking necessary actions.<h2>Top official arrested by Bengaluru Police</h2>With at least 11 people losing their lives in the stampede in the Chinnaswamy Stadium, questions were raised about the administration and law and order in Bengaluru. In turn, the Bengaluru Police has moved swiftly and taken action against the RCB official Sosale and three other officials from event management company DNA Entertainment Private Limited.&nbsp;A First Investigation Report (FIR) was filed on Thursday (June 5) evening with several names including Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) – secretary and treasurer. However, both are now absconding, trying to avoid arrest in the stampede case.&nbsp;As things stand, the Bengaluru Police are likely to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to arrest the wanted and investigate the cause of the stampede.&nbsp;In addition, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suspended Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda and several other senior police officials in connection with the incident.&nbsp;According to an official notification, senior IPS officer Seemanth Kumar Singh, Additional Director General of Police, Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force, was "transferred with immediate effect and posted until further orders" as Additional Director General of Police and Bengaluru police commissioner.&nbsp;The Chief Minister also ordered the arrest of representatives of the RCB team, DNA Entertainment Private Limited, and KSCA, hours after an FIR was registered against them under various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a blow as their top marketing official Nikhil Sosale is among four people arrested by the Bengaluru Police in the aftermath of the stampede.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a blow as their top marketing official Nikhil Sosale is among four people arrested by the Bengaluru Police in the aftermath of the stampede. On Wednesday (June 4), a day after RCB’s maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, an unfortunate incident occurred during the title celebration in Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium claiming the lives of at least 11 people. After the incident, Bengaluru Police have moved strictly and are now taking necessary actions. Top official arrested by Bengaluru Police With at least 11 people losing their lives in the stampede in the Chinnaswamy Stadium, questions were raised about the administration and law and order in Bengaluru. In turn, the Bengaluru Police has moved swiftly and taken action against the RCB official Sosale and three other officials from event management company DNA Entertainment Private Limited. A First Investigation Report (FIR) was filed on Thursday (June 5) evening with several names including Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) – secretary and treasurer. However, both are now absconding, trying to avoid arrest in the stampede case. As things stand, the Bengaluru Police are likely to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to arrest the wanted and investigate the cause of the stampede. In addition, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suspended Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda and several other senior police officials in connection with the incident. According to an official notification, senior IPS officer Seemanth Kumar Singh, Additional Director General of Police, Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force, was "transferred with immediate effect and posted until further orders" as Additional Director General of Police and Bengaluru police commissioner. The Chief Minister also ordered the arrest of representatives of the RCB team, DNA Entertainment Private Limited, and KSCA, hours after an FIR was registered against them under various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a blow as their top marketing official Nikhil Sosale is among four people arrested by the Bengaluru Police in the aftermath of the stampede.

RCB title celebration stampede: Top franchise official among four arrested by Bengaluru police

Viral social media posts claiming that the Indian government has declared a public holiday on Friday (Jun 6) have been circulating widely. However, according to the Press Information Bureau of India, the claim is false and no such announcement has been made by the government.&nbsp;In a post on X, PIB said, “Is Friday, June 6, 2025, a national public holiday? Several news reports and social media posts claim that the central government has declared Friday (June 06, 2025) as a national public holiday.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-launches-400-million-litre-water-replenishment-project-in-delhi-s-yamuna-basin-1749136810102">Did Indian government declare a public holiday on Friday, June 6? Know here</a>&nbsp;“This claim is fake,” PIB clarified. “The Government of India has not made any such announcement.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Is Friday, June 6, 2025, a national public holiday? Several news reports and social media posts claim that the central government has declared Friday (June 06, 2025) as a national public holiday.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a> ✅ This claim is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fake</a> ✅ The Government of India has not made… <a href="https://t.co/1gW9QmGdTr">pic.twitter.com/1gW9QmGdTr</a>&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1930627483130572949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Fake social media claims result in confusion</h2>&nbsp;The fake news shared by social media posts claimed that all banks, schools and government offices would remain closed on Friday, which created widespread confusion among the public.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-maoist-leader-carrying-46-630-bounty-killed-in-chhattisgarh-encounter-1749131379703">Top Maoist leader, carrying $46,630 bounty, killed in Chhattisgarh encounter: Report</a>&nbsp;According to the National Portal of India, which lists gazetted and restricted holidays, no notice has been released about the holiday on June 6. However, the portal lists June 7 as a gazetted holiday for Bakrid or Eid Al-Adha.&nbsp;Earlier, June 6 was declared a public holiday by the Kerala government, but the authorities later revised the holiday as the festival is falling a day later.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-indian-astronaut-s-spaceflight-isro-chief-led-delegation-in-us-1749124144215">Ahead of Indian astronaut's spaceflight, ISRO chief-led delegation in US</a>&nbsp;Holiday calendars released by other states also list June 7 as the designated holiday for the festival.

The fake news shared by social media posts claimed that all banks, schools and government offices would remain closed on Friday, which created widespread confusion among the public.

Viral social media posts claiming that the Indian government has declared a public holiday on Friday (Jun 6) have been circulating widely. However, according to the Press Information Bureau of India, the claim is false and no such announcement has been made by the government. In a post on X, PIB said, “Is Friday, June 6, 2025, a national public holiday? Several news reports and social media posts claim that the central government has declared Friday (June 06, 2025) as a national public holiday.” Also read | Did Indian government declare a public holiday on Friday, June 6? Know here “This claim is fake,” PIB clarified. “The Government of India has not made any such announcement.”

The fake news shared by social media posts claimed that all banks, schools and government offices would remain closed on Friday, which created widespread confusion among the public.

Did Indian government declare a public holiday on Friday, June 6? Know here

Amazon on Thursday (June 5) announced its water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, upstream from New Delhi. The project aims to restore over 400 million litres of water annually. The project was announced during the Amazon Water Dialogues 2025 held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.&nbsp;The project is a part of Amazon’s initiatives to tackle water scarcity and over-extraction of groundwater. The event hosted key stakeholders in the water industry, such as Sheeba Sen, co-founder, Hasten Regeneration, Ramveer Tanwar, Pond Man and Manoj Singh, Associate Director - Climate, Agriculture &amp; Food Systems, The Natural Conservancy, and Swetha Ramdas, Amazon Sustainability leader, among others, who came together to deliberate on challenges and initiatives regarding water as a scarce resource.&nbsp;“The ground-breaking initiative will rehabilitate existing infrastructure and build new water-saving structures in the Yamuna River watershed,” Amazon in a statement said.<h2>How it will work?</h2>Amazon will implement the project in collaboration with Hasten Regeneration, Arpan Sen Sansthan and Clear water Dynamics. &nbsp;Arpan Seva Sansthan was the winner of India’s ‘National Water Award’ in 2023 and Clear Water Dynamics is a Bangalore-based consultancy firm specialising in water engineering infrastructure projects.&nbsp;“This collaborative action is exactly what New Delhi needs to help address its water crisis. By blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigour, we're building both water systems and community resilience,” Sheeba Sen said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, says, “The inaugural Water Dialogues 2025 in Delhi marks an important step in advancing collaboration around India’s pressing water challenges. Amazon’s funding of its first water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, expected to return more than 400 million litres of water annually is a commendable contribution.”&nbsp;Amazon in a statement said that the project will feature a groundwater recharge programme. It combines the rehabilitation of existing water infrastructure, including check dams and ponds, besides working towards the construction of new water-saving structures such as percolation pits and recharge shafts. Additionally, planting vegetation around these structures can help to prevent erosion, increase the moisture in soil, and improve local landscapes. Rehabilitation sites will be selected within the Yamuna River watershed.&nbsp;In 2024, Amazon announced a goal to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027. The new goal builds on Amazon’s work over the last several years to improve water efficiency at its sites in India, and on investments in projects that return water to critically water-stressed communities. &nbsp;

Amazon announced its water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, upstream from New Delhi. The project aims to restore over 400 million litres of water annually. 

Amazon on Thursday (June 5) announced its water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, upstream from New Delhi. The project aims to restore over 400 million litres of water annually. The project was announced during the Amazon Water Dialogues 2025 held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The project is a part of Amazon’s initiatives to tackle water scarcity and over-extraction of groundwater. The event hosted key stakeholders in the water industry, such as Sheeba Sen, co-founder, Hasten Regeneration, Ramveer Tanwar, Pond Man and Manoj Singh, Associate Director - Climate, Agriculture & Food Systems, The Natural Conservancy, and Swetha Ramdas, Amazon Sustainability leader, among others, who came together to deliberate on challenges and initiatives regarding water as a scarce resource. “The ground-breaking initiative will rehabilitate existing infrastructure and build new water-saving structures in the Yamuna River watershed,” Amazon in a statement said. How it will work? Amazon will implement the project in collaboration with Hasten Regeneration, Arpan Sen Sansthan and Clear water Dynamics. Arpan Seva Sansthan was the winner of India’s ‘National Water Award’ in 2023 and Clear Water Dynamics is a Bangalore-based consultancy firm specialising in water engineering infrastructure projects. “This collaborative action is exactly what New Delhi needs to help address its water crisis. By blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigour, we're building both water systems and community resilience,” Sheeba Sen said. Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, says, “The inaugural Water Dialogues 2025 in Delhi marks an important step in advancing collaboration around India’s pressing water challenges. Amazon’s funding of its first water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, expected to return more than 400 million litres of water annually is a commendable contribution.” Amazon in a statement said that the project will feature a groundwater recharge programme. It combines the rehabilitation of existing water infrastructure, including check dams and ponds, besides working towards the construction of new water-saving structures such as percolation pits and recharge shafts. Additionally, planting vegetation around these structures can help to prevent erosion, increase the moisture in soil, and improve local landscapes. Rehabilitation sites will be selected within the Yamuna River watershed. In 2024, Amazon announced a goal to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027. The new goal builds on Amazon’s work over the last several years to improve water efficiency at its sites in India, and on investments in projects that return water to critically water-stressed communities.

The project is a part of Amazon’s initiatives to tackle water scarcity and over-extraction of groundwater

Amazon announces 400 million litre water replenishment project in Delhi’s Yamuna basin: What this means

A senior Maoist leader, carrying $46,630 (Rs 40 lakh) bounty, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday (June 5), news agency PTI reported citing official sources.&nbsp;This comes days after CPI (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju was killed by security forces in the Bastar region.&nbsp;The senior Maoist leader has been identified as &nbsp;Gautam alias Sudhakar and is reportedly Maoists' Central Committee member. He was gunned down in the latest gunfight in Bijapur. However, Sudhakar's death is yet to be officially announced.<h2>Encounter in Bijapur</h2>A senior police official posted in Bastar Range told PTI that the exchange of fire broke out in the forest of Indravati national park area when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation based on inputs about the presence of senior cadres. Personnel belonging to the Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard, both units of the Chhattisgarh police, and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action - an elite unit of CRPF) were involved in the operation, he said. The offensive was launched based on inputs about the presence of Maoist leader Sudhakar, Telangana State Committee member Bandi Prakash, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) member Pappa Rao, and a few other armed cadres, the official said.

A senior Maoist leader, carrying $46,630 (Rs 40 lakh) bounty, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district

A senior Maoist leader, carrying $46,630 (Rs 40 lakh) bounty, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday (June 5), news agency PTI reported citing official sources. This comes days after CPI (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju was killed by security forces in the Bastar region. The senior Maoist leader has been identified as Gautam alias Sudhakar and is reportedly Maoists' Central Committee member. He was gunned down in the latest gunfight in Bijapur. However, Sudhakar's death is yet to be officially announced. Encounter in Bijapur A senior police official posted in Bastar Range told PTI that the exchange of fire broke out in the forest of Indravati national park area when a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation based on inputs about the presence of senior cadres. Personnel belonging to the Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard, both units of the Chhattisgarh police, and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action - an elite unit of CRPF) were involved in the operation, he said. The offensive was launched based on inputs about the presence of Maoist leader Sudhakar, Telangana State Committee member Bandi Prakash, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) member Pappa Rao, and a few other armed cadres, the official said.

A senior Maoist leader, carrying $46,630 (Rs 40 lakh) bounty, was killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district

Top Maoist leader, carrying $46,630 bounty, killed in Chhattisgarh encounter: Report

An 18-member delegation led by Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space Dr V Narayanan is in the US, ahead of Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's spaceflight which is scheduled for liftoff from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 5:52 am Indian time on Tuesday (June 10). The delegation is visiting various facilities of Axiom, the American firm that is facilitating Shukla's spaceflight training and space travel. The four-member crew will be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket which carries the Crew Dragon capsule. &nbsp;"Directors of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre(LPSC), Human Spaceflight Centre(HSFC), and Human Spaceflight Program Office are among the 18-member delegation," Chairman Dr V Narayanan told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since 2018, ISRO has been working on its own human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan, which will be executed using an Indian rocket and spacecraft. While ISRO is a few years away from executing its own manned space mission, the experience gained from Shukla's flight would prove crucial for ISRO. In simple terms, Shukla's flight can be considered a precursor or stepping stone to Gaganyaan.&nbsp; &nbsp;Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at&nbsp;Axiom&nbsp;Space, will command the&nbsp;Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. &nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (Rs 550 crore) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. &nbsp;In a pre-launch media briefing, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said that he is excited about all aspects of the Axiom-4 spaceflight. "As I stand at the threshold of a 14-day mission to the Space Station, I reflect on the path that has brought me here. From diverse systems to advanced platforms across continents and cultures, this training has been intense and deeply rewarding. Behind every minute in space likes months, years of preparation," he remarked. For the fortnight-long mission, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts, he added. &nbsp;Shukla will be also carrying a special gift as a tribute to India's first astronaut Rakesh Sharma. "I will be carrying something for him... I haven't revealed it to him. I will hand it over to him personally," he added. Both Shukla and Sharma(now retired) are Indian Air Force test pilots. Interestingly, Shukla was born in the year 1984, when Sharma became the first and only Indian to fly to space.&nbsp; &nbsp;Thanks to Shukla, the crew aboard the International Space Station will get a taste of Indian delicacies. Shukla said that he would be carrying sweets- carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango nectar, for all the International crew members to taste.&nbsp;

Ahead of Indian astronaut's spaceflight, ISRO Chief-led delegation in US

An 18-member delegation led by Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space Dr V Narayanan is in the US, ahead of Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's spaceflight which is scheduled for liftoff from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 5:52 am Indian time on Tuesday (June 10). The delegation is visiting various facilities of Axiom, the American firm that is facilitating Shukla's spaceflight training and space travel. The four-member crew will be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket which carries the Crew Dragon capsule. "Directors of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre(LPSC), Human Spaceflight Centre(HSFC), and Human Spaceflight Program Office are among the 18-member delegation," Chairman Dr V Narayanan told WION. Since 2018, ISRO has been working on its own human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan, which will be executed using an Indian rocket and spacecraft. While ISRO is a few years away from executing its own manned space mission, the experience gained from Shukla's flight would prove crucial for ISRO. In simple terms, Shukla's flight can be considered a precursor or stepping stone to Gaganyaan. Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (Rs 550 crore) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. In a pre-launch media briefing, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said that he is excited about all aspects of the Axiom-4 spaceflight. "As I stand at the threshold of a 14-day mission to the Space Station, I reflect on the path that has brought me here. From diverse systems to advanced platforms across continents and cultures, this training has been intense and deeply rewarding. Behind every minute in space likes months, years of preparation," he remarked. For the fortnight-long mission, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts, he added. Shukla will be also carrying a special gift as a tribute to India's first astronaut Rakesh Sharma. "I will be carrying something for him... I haven't revealed it to him. I will hand it over to him personally," he added. Both Shukla and Sharma(now retired) are Indian Air Force test pilots. Interestingly, Shukla was born in the year 1984, when Sharma became the first and only Indian to fly to space. Thanks to Shukla, the crew aboard the International Space Station will get a taste of Indian delicacies. Shukla said that he would be carrying sweets- carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango nectar, for all the International crew members to taste.

Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments.

Ahead of Indian astronaut's spaceflight, ISRO chief-led delegation in US

Ayodhya witnessed the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram temple presided over by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Pran Pratishtha will mark the installation of the idol of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and other deities on the first floor of the Ram Janma Bhumi Complex.&nbsp;The event organised by the Anjaneya Sewa Trust was part of the three-day celebration starting on June 3, running till June 5, which was also the 53rd birthday of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;The consecration rituals commenced at 11 am with Vedic chanting and havan. It was described by Shashikant Maharaj, president of Anjani Seva Sansthan.&nbsp;The idols and the throne were sculpted from white marble in Jaipur, Rajasthan and were donned with designed crowns, bejewelled belts, embroidered robes, and fabrics embedded with zari and precious stones and all of them designed by the renowned designer Manish Tiwari. The temple walls were sculpted with intricate designs of various depictions of Hindu deities.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya (Source: ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YogiAdityanath?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YogiAdityanath</a> <a href="https://t.co/PHBPFk2DRm">pic.twitter.com/PHBPFk2DRm</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1930506556367646755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Only a limited number of visitors are allowed in the first floor. In addition to Ram Darbar, seven other temples within the complex underwent consecration. The second floor will feature a display of the Ramayana in multiple languages, including its oldest known version. The ocassion was commemorated with the distribution of 62,000 boxes among devotees. Elaborate security arrangements were in place, with CRPF, SSF, and PAC personnel ensuring the safety of the devotees.PM Modi inaugurated the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024 marking a significant milestone in for the Hindu nationalists. The site hold immense cultural and reliogious significance to Hindus.&nbsp;

UP CM Yogi Adityanath presided over the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram temple on June 5, which is also his 53rd birth anniversary.

Ayodhya witnessed the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram temple presided over by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Pran Pratishtha will mark the installation of the idol of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and other deities on the first floor of the Ram Janma Bhumi Complex. The event organised by the Anjaneya Sewa Trust was part of the three-day celebration starting on June 3, running till June 5, which was also the 53rd birthday of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The consecration rituals commenced at 11 am with Vedic chanting and havan. It was described by Shashikant Maharaj, president of Anjani Seva Sansthan. The idols and the throne were sculpted from white marble in Jaipur, Rajasthan and were donned with designed crowns, bejewelled belts, embroidered robes, and fabrics embedded with zari and precious stones and all of them designed by the renowned designer Manish Tiwari. The temple walls were sculpted with intricate designs of various depictions of Hindu deities.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath presided over the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Darbar in Ayodhya's Ram temple on June 5, which is also his 53rd birth anniversary.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath leads the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Darbar in Ram Mandir on his brithday

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Dr Subhash Chandra, former Rajya Sabha MP, &nbsp;in a video message to the world, explained how one careless action leads to enormous damage to the surroundings and nature. He urged all to be kind to the environment.&nbsp;In a video message, Dr Subhash Chandra explains how one wrapper, cup or bottle creates waste that is impossible to ignore. “It's just one wrapper, right? One cup, one bottle, one careless moment…but what if, it is never just one? That one piece becomes part of the soil, seeps into the ocean, breaks into tiny bits - too small to see but too real to ignore. We don't throw it away, we throw it somewhere,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEnvironmentDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEnvironmentDay</a>, let us be aware, be kind, and make a difference together “From one voice to the whole world” – Dr. Subhash Chandra<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatPlasticPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeatPlasticPollution</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEnvironmentDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEnvironmentDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/subhashchandra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@subhashchandra</a> <a href="https://t.co/nChTCOGhbj">pic.twitter.com/nChTCOGhbj</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1930580496741990810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“3.5 billion years ago, tiny invisible beings called cyanobacteria created oxygen, they didn't shout, they just gave us breath. We exist because of something we can't even see! We are not outside nature, we are made of it. The breath you take in is a gift from a tree - your smallest choice echoes through the entire web of life,” he added.&nbsp;Wrapping up his powerful message, he added, “This Environment Day don't try to be perfect, just be aware, be a little more kind to the earth, to others, to the invisible thread that connects us all.”

In a video message on World Environment Day Dr Subhash Chandra explains how one wrapper cup or bottle creates waste that is impossible to ignore

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Dr Subhash Chandra, former Rajya Sabha MP, in a video message to the world, explained how one careless action leads to enormous damage to the surroundings and nature. He urged all to be kind to the environment. In a video message, Dr Subhash Chandra explains how one wrapper, cup or bottle creates waste that is impossible to ignore. “It's just one wrapper, right? One cup, one bottle, one careless moment…but what if, it is never just one? That one piece becomes part of the soil, seeps into the ocean, breaks into tiny bits - too small to see but too real to ignore. We don't throw it away, we throw it somewhere,” he said.

In a video message on World Environment Day, Dr. Subhash Chandra explains how one wrapper, cup or bottle creates waste that is impossible to ignore.

'Be a little more kind to the earth': Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra's powerful message on World Environment Day | Watch

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted saplings of Sindoor at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Thursday (June 5).&nbsp;It was during his recent visit to Kutch that he interacted with a group of women, who had been instrumental in the 1971 war. As a token of love and appreciation, they gift PM Modi with Sindoor saplings. As India and Pakistan were embroiled in cross-border fighting, the Bhuj airstrip was damaged due to the bombings and was unusable. This is when the 300 women of Gujarat risked their lives and helped rebuild the runway in 72 hours. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-environment-day-indian-coast-guard-removed-194-tonnes-plastic-waste-protected-lakhs-of-olive-ridley-turtles-1749109725682">World Environment Day: Indian Coast Guard removed 194 tonnes plastic waste, protected lakhs of olive ridley turtles</a>&nbsp;On May 26, when PM Modi was attending an event in Bhuj, he spoke to 13 of those women, also known as ‘Viranganas. The women blessed him and presented him with a few Sindoor saplings. Moved by this kind gesture, PM Modi said he would plant it at his official residence.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1971 के युद्ध में साहस और पराक्रम की अद्भुत मिसाल पेश करने वाली कच्छ की वीरांगना माताओं-बहनों ने हाल ही में गुजरात के दौरे पर मुझे सिंदूर का पौधा भेंट किया था। विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस पर आज मुझे उस पौधे को नई दिल्ली के प्रधानमंत्री आवास में लगाने का सौभाग्य मिला है। यह पौधा हमारे देश… <a href="https://t.co/GsHCCNBUVp">pic.twitter.com/GsHCCNBUVp</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1930505695041892418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Keeping his promise, PM Modi took to X and posted a picture of himself planting the sapling. In the post, he wrote, “The brave mothers and sisters of Kutch, who set an amazing example of courage and valour in the 1971 war, recently presented me with a Sindoor sapling during my visit to Gujarat. Today, on World Environment Day, I have had the privilege of planting it in the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi."&nbsp;He added, "Sindoor will remain a strong symbol of the valour and inspiration of the women's power of our country."&nbsp;He also urged people to take a step towards protecting the planet, "This World Environment Day, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better."&nbsp;

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted saplings of Sindoor at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Thursday (June 5).

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted saplings of Sindoor at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Thursday (June 5). It was during his recent visit to Kutch that he interacted with a group of women, who had been instrumental in the 1971 war. As a token of love and appreciation, they gift PM Modi with Sindoor saplings. As India and Pakistan were embroiled in cross-border fighting, the Bhuj airstrip was damaged due to the bombings and was unusable. This is when the 300 women of Gujarat risked their lives and helped rebuild the runway in 72 hours. Also read: World Environment Day: Indian Coast Guard removed 194 tonnes plastic waste, protected lakhs of olive ridley turtles On May 26, when PM Modi was attending an event in Bhuj, he spoke to 13 of those women, also known as ‘Viranganas. The women blessed him and presented him with a few Sindoor saplings. Moved by this kind gesture, PM Modi said he would plant it at his official residence.

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted saplings of Sindoor at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Thursday (June 5).

World Environment Day: PM Modi plants Sindoor sapling gifted by Bhuj women who helped Indian armed forces in 1971 war

Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation, responded to the supposed victimhood of Pakistan, “I know that Bilawal Bhutto's mother was killed and one sympathise with the young man for the loss of his mother to terrorism. But, the famous quote of Hillary Clinton comes back to haunt all the Pakistanis, which is How can you breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours?”Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasises in a Press briefing in Washington that India stands firm against coercion."We have lost 90,000 lives to Terrorism"Almost in parallel, speaking to the Russian news agency TASS, Pakistan's Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, H.E. Syed Tariq Fatemi, was more conciliatory in his approach. He said, “Pakistan is a much bigger sufferer of terrorism, in the last 10 and 15 years, 90,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives to terrorists…over a billion and a half in US dollars were lost in the process. We are committed to fighting terrorism, which is why we are pressing Afghanistan they prevent the passing over of such terrorists such as TTP, BLA and all the rest of the others.”He further added that they will not achieve anything by sending people to India. They want to work together to fight terrorism irrespective of origin and religion.Pakistan is also going around in its diplomatic reach, to claim its innocence with a delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto to the US."We will not dialogue with people who are pointing gun at our heads"Leading an all-party delegation, Congress Party MP Shashi Tharoor, said that India wants diplomacy, but “We will not dialogue with people who are pointing guns at our heads". He said that America knows India's stand on terrorism, and America itself has its history with terror attacks. India is fighting a war on behalf of the world, especially the United States."If your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers to bite your children and in fact to do worse to your children, and then says let's talk. You think he's going to talk to them until he either unleashes those Rottweilers or locks them up in a kennel, or puts them to sleep?"Tharoor was asked by a Journalist from The Hindu what outcomes they have negotiated in the visit so far. He clarified that the purpose of the visit is not to negotiate an outcome, but to enhance understanding about Indian action and that such action will be repeated if circumstances require.&nbsp;“I mean, we have no illusions. These buildings we've destroyed and the terror camps can be built again in six months, nine months, who knows? The problem is, if they think they can keep doing this to us, they've got another thing coming because we are not going to take it. If they hit us, we will hit them back,” said Tharoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During a press briefing in Washington, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor ruled out talks under coercion and accused Pakistan of fostering terrorism, invoking vipers in the backyard warning of Hillary Clinton. Pakistan, meanwhile, claimed it is the bigger victim of terror.

Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation, responded to the supposed victimhood of Pakistan, “I know that Bilawal Bhutto's mother was killed and one sympathise with the young man for the loss of his mother to terrorism. But, the famous quote of Hillary Clinton comes back to haunt all the Pakistanis, which is How can you breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours?” Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasises in a Press briefing in Washington that India stands firm against coercion. "We have lost 90,000 lives to Terrorism" Almost in parallel, speaking to the Russian news agency TASS, Pakistan's Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, H.E. Syed Tariq Fatemi, was more conciliatory in his approach. He said, “Pakistan is a much bigger sufferer of terrorism, in the last 10 and 15 years, 90,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives to terrorists…over a billion and a half in US dollars were lost in the process. We are committed to fighting terrorism, which is why we are pressing Afghanistan they prevent the passing over of such terrorists such as TTP, BLA and all the rest of the others.” He further added that they will not achieve anything by sending people to India. They want to work together to fight terrorism irrespective of origin and religion. Pakistan is also going around in its diplomatic reach, to claim its innocence with a delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto to the US. "We will not dialogue with people who are pointing gun at our heads" Leading an all-party delegation, Congress Party MP Shashi Tharoor, said that India wants diplomacy, but “We will not dialogue with people who are pointing guns at our heads". He said that America knows India's stand on terrorism, and America itself has its history with terror attacks. India is fighting a war on behalf of the world, especially the United States. "If your neighbour unleashes his Rottweilers to bite your children and in fact to do worse to your children, and then says let's talk. You think he's going to talk to them until he either unleashes those Rottweilers or locks them up in a kennel, or puts them to sleep?" Tharoor was asked by a Journalist from The Hindu what outcomes they have negotiated in the visit so far. He clarified that the purpose of the visit is not to negotiate an outcome, but to enhance understanding about Indian action and that such action will be repeated if circumstances require. “I mean, we have no illusions. These buildings we've destroyed and the terror camps can be built again in six months, nine months, who knows? The problem is, if they think they can keep doing this to us, they've got another thing coming because we are not going to take it. If they hit us, we will hit them back,” said Tharoor.

During a press briefing in Washington, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor ruled out talks under coercion and accused Pakistan of fostering terrorism, invoking Hillary Clinton’s “vipers in the backyard” warning. Pakistan, meanwhile, claimed it is the bigger victim of terror.

'How can you breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours?'Tharoor reminds Pakistan of Hillary Clinton's famous quote

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at over 32 locations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The raids were in connection with the terror funding and OGW network active across both the Jammu as well as Kashmir divisions. According to the agency, cases related to terror conspiracy as well as terror conspiracy involving Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and cadres of various proscribed terrorist organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir.The teams of NIA, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, raided multiple locations in south Kashmir, including Shopian's Reban, Nildoora, and Check e Cholend, Kulgam's Manzgam, Devsar, Sonigam, and Bugam, and areas in Pulwama. The raids were also carried out in the Northern parts of the Kashmir Valley in districts like Sopore and Kupwara.The NIA has been investigating terrorist groups who plan to execute violent attacks in the region using sticky bombs, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and small arms.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is visiting Jammu and Kashmir on June 6. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra. The PM will also inaugurate the Chenab bridge - the world’s highest railway arch bridge, along with the Anji bridge - India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.&nbsp;The Prime Minister will also be flagging off Vande Bharat Trains. The people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the people from the Valley, have been eagerly waiting for the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train. &nbsp;The Prime Minister will also be laying the foundation stone of the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore.The two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44 will be inaugurated as well.&nbsp;This becomes significant as it is the first time since PM Modi will be visiting the Kashmir Valley following the brutal attack of April 22.&nbsp;

Before PM Narendra Modi's visit to the Kashmir valley, the National Investigative Agency raided over 32 locations of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to curb terror funding

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at over 32 locations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The raids were in connection with the terror funding and OGW network active across both the Jammu as well as Kashmir divisions. According to the agency, cases related to terror conspiracy as well as terror conspiracy involving Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and cadres of various proscribed terrorist organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The teams of NIA, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, raided multiple locations in south Kashmir, including Shopian's Reban, Nildoora, and Check e Cholend, Kulgam's Manzgam, Devsar, Sonigam, and Bugam, and areas in Pulwama. The raids were also carried out in the Northern parts of the Kashmir Valley in districts like Sopore and Kupwara. The NIA has been investigating terrorist groups who plan to execute violent attacks in the region using sticky bombs, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and small arms. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is visiting Jammu and Kashmir on June 6. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra. The PM will also inaugurate the Chenab bridge - the world’s highest railway arch bridge, along with the Anji bridge - India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. The Prime Minister will also be flagging off Vande Bharat Trains. The people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the people from the Valley, have been eagerly waiting for the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train. The Prime Minister will also be laying the foundation stone of the road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore. The two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44 will be inaugurated as well. This becomes significant as it is the first time since PM Modi will be visiting the Kashmir Valley following the brutal attack of April 22.

Before PM Narendra Modi's visit to the Kashmir valley, the National Investigative Agency raided over 32 locations of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to curb terror funding

Ahead of PM Modi's visit, NIA raids over 32 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in terror funding and OGW network cases

The Axiom-4 mission has a confirmed launch date, and when the Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10, 2025, it will carry four astronauts, scientific equipment, and a small plush swan named ‘Joy’. The soft toy is set to travel aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, marking a very unique and symbolic part of the mission.&nbsp;‘Joy’ will act as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator, which is a longstanding custom in crewed spaceflight. Often, astronauts carry a small object that begins to float once the spacecraft reaches orbit visibly signalling the onset of microgravity. This practice began in 1961 with Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who carried a doll during his Vostok flight. Ever since, soft toys have accompanied astronauts in both Russian and American missions, including recent SpaceX flights.

'Joy' the swan

<h2>A collective choice&nbsp;</h2>This time, the Ax-4 crew collectively selected a swan as the object of choice. During the pre-flight media briefing, the four-member international crew shared the meaning behind their decision. For Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, who will serve as pilot, the swan has cultural and philosophical importance.&nbsp;Shukla said the swan represents the ability to separate milk from water, a metaphor for discernment. He added that carrying ‘Joy’ will keep him grounded in his cultural values and prepared for the mission ahead.&nbsp;

<h2>Cultural Symbolism and Crew Unity</h2>Commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and the leader of the Axiom-4 mission, explained that ‘Joy’, the swan also serves as a shared cultural emblem. While the swan represents wisdom in India, it represents resilience in Poland and grace in Hungary. She said the toy reflects unity among all the four participating nations. Once in orbit, ‘Joy’ will float inside the capsule, captured on camera for mission observers.&nbsp;With the Axiom 4 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to fly in space, after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Soviet mission. He is also the first Indian to join an international commercial human spaceflight. The Ax-4 crew includes astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary, each making history for their nations.&nbsp;Originally scheduled for May 29, the mission was delayed to 10 June due to weather and readiness factors. The team will spend two weeks or 14 days in space, aboard the International Space Station, conducting about 60 experiments and outreach activities.

The soft toy is set to travel aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, marking a very unique and symbolic part of the mission.

The Axiom-4 mission has a confirmed launch date, and when the Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10, 2025, it will carry four astronauts, scientific equipment, and a small plush swan named ‘Joy’. The soft toy is set to travel aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, marking a very unique and symbolic part of the mission. ‘Joy’ will act as the mission’s zero-gravity indicator, which is a longstanding custom in crewed spaceflight. Often, astronauts carry a small object that begins to float once the spacecraft reaches orbit visibly signalling the onset of microgravity. This practice began in 1961 with Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who carried a doll during his Vostok flight. Ever since, soft toys have accompanied astronauts in both Russian and American missions, including recent SpaceX flights.

The soft toy is set to travel aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, marking a very unique and symbolic part of the mission.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla to take ‘Joy’ to space: Swan toy to join Axiom crew aboard ISS

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently in the US for Operation Sindoor outreach, was asked by a journalist if India's May 7 military action against Pakistan was meant to be a message to China.&nbsp;Giving a witty response to the journalist at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Tharoor said, “I do believe that what happened on the night of the 9th and 10th speaks for itself, and even more so, the immediate reaction of Pakistan the next morning to call off the conflict also speaks very vividly for itself, and maybe that's the message the Chinese will have to look at.”&nbsp;“The fact that they (Pakistan) were using Chinese weapons and we were bypassing some of the Chinese radar defences, and the famous sort of Chinese network system, that's supposed to be the great sort of Chinese 'kill chain' we read about in the newspapers. When India decided to bypass some of those threats and hit the airfields, I don't think they're worrying about who gets the message," the Indian leader further said.&nbsp;Tharoor also said, “They wanted to make sure that the Pakistanis got the message, and they got the rough end of what we were sending them, which they did.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Washington DC | When asked, &quot;how much was India&#39;s military response designed to send a message to China?&quot;, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, &quot;...The fact that they (Pakistan) were using Chinese weapons and we were bypassing some of the Chinese radar defences, and the… <a href="https://t.co/9qg69LyvFn">pic.twitter.com/9qg69LyvFn</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1930373551636308243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pakistan's false claims&nbsp;On May 7, 2025, India launched a military action against nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22. In the attack in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists.&nbsp;After India's retaliation, Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar told Parliament that Chinese J-10C jets were used to shoot down five Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets - a claim that India has never confirmed.&nbsp;But things turned when the Chinese foreign ministry denied knowledge of any such incident.&nbsp;

Operation Sindoor a message for China: asks US journalist, here is Shashi Tharoor response 

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently in the US for Operation Sindoor outreach, was asked by a journalist if India's May 7 military action against Pakistan was meant to be a message to China. Giving a witty response to the journalist at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Tharoor said, “I do believe that what happened on the night of the 9th and 10th speaks for itself, and even more so, the immediate reaction of Pakistan the next morning to call off the conflict also speaks very vividly for itself, and maybe that's the message the Chinese will have to look at.” “The fact that they (Pakistan) were using Chinese weapons and we were bypassing some of the Chinese radar defences, and the famous sort of Chinese network system, that's supposed to be the great sort of Chinese 'kill chain' we read about in the newspapers. When India decided to bypass some of those threats and hit the airfields, I don't think they're worrying about who gets the message," the Indian leader further said. Tharoor also said, “They wanted to make sure that the Pakistanis got the message, and they got the rough end of what we were sending them, which they did.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently in the US for Operation Sindoor outreach, was asked by a journalist if India's May 7 military action against Pakistan was meant to be a message to China.&nbsp;

'Operation Sindoor a message for China?' asks US journalist, here's Shashi Tharoor's response

French firm Dassault Aviation and India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft's fuselage(body or primary structure) in India. The Indian Air Force has been operating 36 Rafale jets, and the Indian Navy has placed orders for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft carrier-based jets. This is a significant step in Indo-French defence cooperation.&nbsp;"For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.&nbsp;Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section, the firms said.&nbsp;According to the firms, the first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, “The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.”&nbsp;With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,700 Falcons) delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has expertise in the design, production, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones and space systems. Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player for aerospace and defence solutions in India. TASL offers a full range of integrated solutions across: Aerostructures &amp; Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms &amp; Systems, Defence &amp; Security, and Land Mobility. Tata Advanced Systems has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms, making it an integral partner in the international supply chain and in some instances, a global single-source provider for leading aerospace and defence Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs). &nbsp;

Rafale fighter jet bodies to be made in India; Roll out from 2028


French firm Dassault Aviation and India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft's fuselage(body or primary structure) in India. The Indian Air Force has been operating 36 Rafale jets, and the Indian Navy has placed orders for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft carrier-based jets. This is a significant step in Indo-French defence cooperation. "For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL, one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry, this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section, the firms said. According to the firms, the first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, “The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms.” With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,700 Falcons) delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has expertise in the design, production, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones and space systems. Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player for aerospace and defence solutions in India. TASL offers a full range of integrated solutions across: Aerostructures & Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms & Systems, Defence & Security, and Land Mobility. Tata Advanced Systems has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms, making it an integral partner in the international supply chain and in some instances, a global single-source provider for leading aerospace and defence Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs).

French firm Dassault Aviation and India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft's fuselage(body or primary structure) in India.&nbsp;

Rafale fighter jet bodies to be made in India; Roll out from 2028

On World Environment Day 2025, the Indian Coast Guard announced that it led coastal cleanup efforts that led to the removal of more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste last year. These activities were carried out across the Indian coastline stretching over 11,000 km, which includes marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and nesting beaches, which serve as critical lifelines for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.&nbsp; This year’s theme on world environment day, #BeatPlasticPollution, underscores the urgency of tackling marine contamination. Responding to this global call, the ICG, under flagship national campaigns such as Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, and Mission LiFE, has conducted over 58 major coastal clean-up operations, successfully removing more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste last year, ICG said. These initiatives actively engage youth, fishermen, and local communities, fostering collective responsibility for ocean health. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) also serves as the nation’s frontline defence against environmental disasters at sea, swiftly responding to oil spills, chemical hazards, and marine pollution incidents. Equipped with specialized Pollution Control Vessels—Samudra Prahari, Samudra Paheredar, and Samudra Pavak—the ICG deploys mitigation strategies to contain, recover, and neutralize pollutants before they cause irreversible ecological damage. In the last week of May, ICG helped tackle the oil and chemical spill situation off Kerala, in the aftermath of cargo ship MSC ELSA3's sinkage.&nbsp;Through the biannual National Pollution Response (NATPOLREX) exercises, the ICG fosters seamless inter-agency coordination, ensuring over 50 national stakeholders are prepared for large-scale pollution response efforts. By integrating environmental protection into its core maritime security framework, the ICG safeguards vital ocean ecosystems, preserves biodiversity, and reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable maritime governance. Beyond pollution mitigation, the Indian Coast Guard undertakes vital wildlife conservation missions to maintain ecological balance. Operation Olivia, in 2025, successfully safeguarded over 6.98 lakh nesting olive ridley turtles along Odisha’s coast, preventing entanglement in ghost nets and illegal fishing practices.&nbsp; In the Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, ICG units conduct anti-poaching operations, combatting illicit trade of protected marine species such as sea cucumbers, corals, and giant clams. By strengthening surveillance and enforcement, these efforts ensure the preservation of fragile marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. "Every mission, every cleanup, and every act of protection embodies the Indian Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to defending not only the seas but the lives they sustain. As India commemorates World Environment Day 2025, the ICG urges citizens to take action reduce plastic consumption, participate in conservation efforts, and become stewards of the oceans. The health of our planet begins with the health of our seas," ICG urged the public .&nbsp; &nbsp;

On World Environment Day 2025, the Indian Coast Guard announced that it led coastal cleanup efforts that led to the removal of more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste last year. 

On World Environment Day 2025, the Indian Coast Guard announced that it led coastal cleanup efforts that led to the removal of more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste last year. These activities were carried out across the Indian coastline stretching over 11,000 km, which includes marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and nesting beaches, which serve as critical lifelines for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. This year’s theme on world environment day, #BeatPlasticPollution, underscores the urgency of tackling marine contamination. Responding to this global call, the ICG, under flagship national campaigns such as Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, and Mission LiFE, has conducted over 58 major coastal clean-up operations, successfully removing more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste last year, ICG said. These initiatives actively engage youth, fishermen, and local communities, fostering collective responsibility for ocean health. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) also serves as the nation’s frontline defence against environmental disasters at sea, swiftly responding to oil spills, chemical hazards, and marine pollution incidents. Equipped with specialized Pollution Control Vessels—Samudra Prahari, Samudra Paheredar, and Samudra Pavak—the ICG deploys mitigation strategies to contain, recover, and neutralize pollutants before they cause irreversible ecological damage. In the last week of May, ICG helped tackle the oil and chemical spill situation off Kerala, in the aftermath of cargo ship MSC ELSA3's sinkage. Through the biannual National Pollution Response (NATPOLREX) exercises, the ICG fosters seamless inter-agency coordination, ensuring over 50 national stakeholders are prepared for large-scale pollution response efforts. By integrating environmental protection into its core maritime security framework, the ICG safeguards vital ocean ecosystems, preserves biodiversity, and reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable maritime governance. Beyond pollution mitigation, the Indian Coast Guard undertakes vital wildlife conservation missions to maintain ecological balance. Operation Olivia, in 2025, successfully safeguarded over 6.98 lakh nesting olive ridley turtles along Odisha’s coast, preventing entanglement in ghost nets and illegal fishing practices. In the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, ICG units conduct anti-poaching operations, combatting illicit trade of protected marine species such as sea cucumbers, corals, and giant clams. By strengthening surveillance and enforcement, these efforts ensure the preservation of fragile marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. "Every mission, every cleanup, and every act of protection embodies the Indian Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to defending not only the seas but the lives they sustain. As India commemorates World Environment Day 2025, the ICG urges citizens to take action reduce plastic consumption, participate in conservation efforts, and become stewards of the oceans. The health of our planet begins with the health of our seas," ICG urged the public .

On World Environment Day 2025, the Indian Coast Guard announced that it led coastal cleanup efforts that led to the removal of more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste last year.&nbsp;

World Environment Day: Indian Coast Guard removed 194 tonnes plastic waste, protected lakhs of olive ridley turtles

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

Vijay Mallya to return to India? Here's all about the buzz on internet

'Impossible to ignore China in confrontation with Pakistan': Shashi Tharoor

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta receives death threat; police on alert - Here's how threat was sent

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link: 8 features of 'remarkable feat of engineering' | Details here

'Whenever Pakistan hears Operation Sindoor, will remember its shameful defeat': PM Modi in Kashmir

'All the good work left for me': PM Modi inaugurates Chenab and Anji bridges - CM Abdullah's childhood dream

'India's first cable-stayed rail link': All about J&K's Anji Khad bridge inaugurated by PM Modi

Pahalgam was a 'quasi-military style operation, it required a military response': Shashi Tharoor on India's response to Pakistan

Amarnath Yatra: For first time pilgrimage reduced to 38 days, 50k troops, drones, bomb squads to guard yatris

PM Modi in Kashmir, inaugurates world's highest railway bridge over Chenab river

‘Nuclear water war’: Bilawal Bhutto is wrong on Kashmir, Pahalgam, nuke escalation, but he's only sticking to army script

COVID 19 cases in India sit near 5000 mark, Delhi records 562 total active cases

RCB title celebration stampede: Top franchise official among four arrested by Bengaluru police

Did Indian government declare a public holiday on Friday, June 6? Know here

Amazon announces 400 million litre water replenishment project in Delhi’s Yamuna basin: What this means

Top Maoist leader, carrying $46,630 bounty, killed in Chhattisgarh encounter: Report

Ahead of Indian astronaut's spaceflight, ISRO chief-led delegation in US

UP CM Yogi Adityanath leads the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Darbar in Ram Mandir on his brithday

'Be a little more kind to the earth': Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subhash Chandra's powerful message on World Environment Day | Watch

World Environment Day: PM Modi plants Sindoor sapling gifted by Bhuj women who helped Indian armed forces in 1971 war

'How can you breed vipers in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours?'Tharoor reminds Pakistan of Hillary Clinton's famous quote

Ahead of PM Modi's visit, NIA raids over 32 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in terror funding and OGW network cases

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla to take ‘Joy’ to space: Swan toy to join Axiom crew aboard ISS

'Operation Sindoor a message for China?' asks US journalist, here's Shashi Tharoor's response

Rafale fighter jet bodies to be made in India; Roll out from 2028

World Environment Day: Indian Coast Guard removed 194 tonnes plastic waste, protected lakhs of olive ridley turtles