Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Indian-American progressive, declared victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, saying, “Tonight, we made history.” Former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded, saying, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.” Mamdani, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, led strongly in the first-choice votes. “I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City,” Mamdani told supporters. Cuomo, once the frontrunner, struggled to gain support due to his past scandal. Ranked-choice voting results are still pending, but Mamdani’s strong lead may secure an outright win. “This is just the beginning,” Mamdani added. (PC: Getty Images via AFP)

Iran’s parliament has passed a bill to stop cooperating with the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA. The bill needs approval from the Guardian Council to become law. It would stop inspections and camera use at nuclear sites unless approved by Iran’s top security body. This comes after recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran says the IAEA failed to condemn the attacks. Parliament Speaker Qalibaf said Iran will speed up its peaceful nuclear work. The IAEA has not yet responded. Its chief, Rafael Grossi, is trying to restart inspections at sites damaged in the June 13 attacks. (PC: Reuters)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the country will purchase at least 12 nuclear-capable F-35A stealth jets, reviving airborne nuclear deterrence for the first time since the 1990s. The jets, to be based at RAF Marham, will join NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission amid rising global threats. Starmer called it the “biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation,” aiming to deter hostile threats and reduce reliance on the US. Defence Secretary John Healey said this aligns with a NATO-first strategy. The move may draw criticism from Russia and China but received strong backing from NATO leadership.

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Indian-origin Democratic socialist, has won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela as he celebrated the win. Son of filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani is poised to become NYC’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor. With endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, his campaign focused on housing, free childcare, and pro-people policies. Cuomo conceded, calling Mamdani to congratulate him. Mamdani has also drawn attention for his strong criticism of PM Modi and Netanyahu during his campaign appearances. (PC: India Today)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a significant change in the examination system, allowing Class 10 students to take board exams twice a year starting from 2026. Under this new structure, the first exam session will be held in February and will be mandatory, while the second session in May will be optional. Students can choose to appear in one or both exams, with the best score considered for the final result. This move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to reduce exam-related stress and give students greater flexibility. Both exam sessions will cover the full syllabus, and internal assessments or practical exams will only be conducted once a year. CBSE is expected to release detailed guidelines soon regarding schedules, rules, and evaluation procedures.

Indian Air Force pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla launched into space on June 25, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking a historic moment for India’s space journey. The mission, conducted by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX and NASA, lifted off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. Shukla will spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), conducting microgravity research and space experiments. This mission not only highlights India's advancing role in global space exploration but also paves the way for future collaborations and the upcoming Indian human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.

In a landmark achievement for India's space ambitions, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully launched into space aboard the Axiom-4 mission on June 25, 2025. The mission, operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, marking Shukla’s first spaceflight. This event signifies a major milestone in India's growing presence in human spaceflight, as Shukla joins an elite group of Indian astronauts. The mission aims to conduct scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), with Shukla representing India’s capabilities on a global space platform.  

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched into space aboard Axiom-4, his mother Asha Shukla watched with folded hands and teary eyes. “Just wait for me, I’m coming,” Shukla had told his family before takeoff. Asha performed the dahi-cheeni ritual over video call, praying for his safe journey. The 39-year-old IAF officer is now the second Indian in space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma. His father, Shambhu Dayal, smiled with pride beside her. Shukla joins three others on a two-week mission aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven from Indian researchers, aboard the ISS.

Former US President Donald Trump declared that recent American military strikes had resulted in the “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear programme, delaying its atomic ambitions by decades. “They’re not going to be building bombs for a long time,” Trump said on Wednesday, adding that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran was progressing “very well.” The strikes followed weeks of escalating tensions and reports of Iranian missile launches. Trump’s statement comes amid international concern over the future of non-proliferation efforts in the region. The former president has repeatedly stressed the importance of deterring Iran’s nuclear development through military pressure. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew after their successful launch to the International Space Station on June 25. “We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the way to become the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians,” Modi wrote on X. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched at 12:01 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. (PC: X)