SpaceX has confirmed that all systems are nominal and the weather forecast gives a 90% chance of favorable conditions for the Axiom‑4 mission lift-off scheduled for Wednesday, 25 June 2025 (12:01 PM IST / 2:31 AM EDT) from Kennedy Space Center’s LC‑39A . The crew includes India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Sławosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule C213 . After delays due to weather, ISS module leaks, and LOx issues, the mission now targets docking on 26 June (~4:30 PM IST) for approximately two weeks of research and STEM demonstrations. (PC: PTI)

On June 24, 2025, India’s Olympic and World Champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinched the gold medal at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in Czechia with a best throw of 85.29 metres. Competing in this event for the first time, Chopra outperformed South Africa’s Douw Smit (84.12 m) and Grenada’s Anderson Peters (83.63 m). His winning throw came in the third round, while his final attempt was controversially ruled a foul. This victory extends Chopra’s unbeaten run in the 2025 season, following previous wins in Doha and Paris Diamond League events, and builds momentum ahead of the World Championships.  

Indian fighter pilot Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4. Scheduled to launch tomorrow, June 25, at 12:01 p.m. IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the mission is a joint effort by NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. Shukla will fly alongside veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and crew members from Hungary and Poland. This mission marks a historic moment for India’s space programme—its first human presence at the ISS since Rakesh Sharma’s orbital mission in 1984. Docking is expected on June 26 at 4:30 p.m. IST. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump exploded in anger after both Israel and Iran breached the US-brokered ceasefire ending a 12-day war. Speaking to reporters, Trump dropped the F-bomb, saying, “They don’t know what the f**k they’re doing.” He publicly warned Israel on Truth Social: “DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS... BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” Trump said he spoke with Israeli PM Netanyahu, who refused to halt retaliatory strikes. Despite ongoing tensions and explosions in Tehran, Trump insisted, “Nobody will be hurt. The ceasefire is in effect.” He added, “Iran will never rebuild their nuclear facilities.”

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he does not support regime change in Iran, reversing comments made earlier suggesting otherwise. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “Regime change takes chaos, and ideally we don't want to see so much chaos.” His weekend post had floated the idea, saying if Iran's regime couldn't "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN," change might be needed. The shift follows backlash from allies and top officials, who clarified that US strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, not its government. Trump now says the Israel-Iran ceasefire is “in effect,” despite fresh explosions in Tehran. (PC: India Today)

The International Widows Conference, hosted by The Loomba Foundation on June 23 in London, brought together global leaders, diplomats, and grassroots voices to mark the 15th UN International Widows Day. The conference urged governments to act on the theme “Don’t Leave Widows Behind.” Mrs Cherie Blair CBE KC, President of The Loomba Foundation, opened the event by highlighting that 258 million widows still face poverty, stigma, and abuse. “When widows are given even half a chance, they lead,” she said. Key speakers included Lakshmi Puri, former UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Lord Khan of Burnley, UK Minister for Faith. Puri called widowhood “one of the most overlooked global injustices” and outlined five priorities: legal reform, economic empowerment, data and accountability, leadership, and cultural change. Lord Khan said widowhood affects over 280 million women and is a global human rights issue. Grassroots leaders from Kenya, Nepal, and Nigeria shared frontline experiences. Kumar Dilip of Sulabh International, India, said, “Widows do not need pity—they need power.” The event concluded with Lord Raj Loomba reaffirming the foundation’s mission: “No woman should be punished for outliving her husband.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared an end to the 12-day "imposed war" with Israel on Tuesday evening. The announcement follows conflicting claims over ceasefire violations. Israel admitted to striking a radar site near Tehran hours before the ceasefire began, prompting criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Tehran denied breaking the truce, accusing Israel of continued aggression post-ceasefire. Israel also accused Iran of launching three missiles, including one six minutes after the ceasefire began. Following Trump’s call with Netanyahu, Israel refrained from further strikes. Four Israelis were killed earlier in Beersheba in a missile attack blamed on Iran. (PC: CNBC)

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra clinched gold at the 2025 Ostrava Golden Spike in Czechia with a best throw of 85.29m. Competing in the 61st edition of the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour event, the two-time Olympic medallist beat South Africa’s Douw Smit (84.12m) and Grenada’s Anderson Peters (83.63m). Despite the win, Neeraj appeared disappointed, overstepping his final throw in pursuit of a personal milestone. Absent rival Julian Weber did not compete. This marks Neeraj’s second straight win after Paris Diamond League and a crucial confidence boost ahead of July’s major championships. He recorded four legal throws beyond 80m. (PC: India Today)

Tulip Siddiq, UK Labour MP and niece of Bangladesh’s ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus of interfering in British politics and leading a “smear campaign.” Siddiq, under investigation by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission over alleged land acquisitions and corruption tied to Hasina’s regime, called the charges baseless. She claimed Yunus’s public remarks hurt her chances of a fair probe and demanded the case be dropped. Siddiq resigned as UK Treasury Minister earlier this year. In response, Yunus’s team denied political interference, insisting legal proceedings should continue in Bangladesh. Siddiq vowed not to be dragged into “dirty politics.” (PC: PTI, AFP)

India lost the 1st Test to England at Headingley despite five Indian players scoring centuries — a first in 148 years of Test history. Chasing 371, England clinched victory with five wickets to spare, led by Ben Duckett’s outstanding 149 on Day 5. Shubman Gill, in his first match as India’s Test captain, witnessed a painful defeat as Rishabh Pant scored twin tons, and Jaiswal, Rahul, and Gill also contributed centuries. Yet, India couldn't defend their total, marking a historic anomaly in Test cricket. England now lead the five-match series 1-0 in a thrilling start to the summer contest. (PC: BCCI)