NASA and Axiom Space, in coordination with ISRO and SpaceX, have confirmed the Axiom‑4 crewed mission to the ISS will launch on June 22, 2025 at 1:12 pm IST, after prior delays caused by technical glitches, weather issues, LOx leaks, and ISS repair work . The four‑member crew includes Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, SpaceX commander Peggy Whitson, and ESA specialists from Poland and Hungary. Originally scheduled for May and later June 19, the launch was postponed to allow extra time for safety evaluations aboard the ISS and Falcon 9 readiness. This marks a major milestone in international human spaceflight collaboration and India’s return to crewed missions after 41 years. (PC: News 18)

China has warned the US against military action as President Donald Trump weighs strikes on Iran amid rising Israel-Iran tensions. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said any use of force would violate Iran’s sovereignty, urging respect for international law. President Xi Jinping earlier expressed “deep concern” over Israel’s actions, calling for urgent de-escalation at a summit in Kazakhstan. Beijing urged countries with “special influence” over Israel to prevent further conflict. Trump recently said he’s “run out of patience” with Iran, leaving open the possibility of intervention. China said it’s ready to play a “constructive role” in restoring peace. (PC: AFP)

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sharply criticized Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeling him a “modern‑day Hitler” and declaring he “cannot continue to exist” following a deadly Iranian missile strike on the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, which injured dozens . Katz emphasized that dismantling Khamenei’s regime is essential for Israel’s strategic objectives, even if not officially stated as a war aim previously . In retaliation, Israel bombed Iran’s Arak heavy‑water nuclear reactor and missile sites . This escalation raises the stakes in an already tense Middle East, as diplomatic efforts and international calls for de‑escalation intensify. (PC: AFP)

An inquiry panel has recommended the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma after ₹crores in cash were found at his Delhi residence during a March 14 fire. The Supreme Court-constituted panel cited his "unnatural conduct"—including communicating only via WhatsApp, not visiting the cash-stash site, and accepting his transfer to Allahabad High Court without protest. Justice Varma failed to file a police complaint, despite alleging a conspiracy. CCTV cameras were non-functional, and a viral midnight video revealed cash piled in the store room. Parliament is expected to begin impeachment proceedings against the judge in the next session, government sources confirmed.

Global warming could breach the critical 1.5°C limit within just 3 years, top climate scientists warn. A new report says the world has only 130 billion tonnes left in its "carbon budget" — down from 500 billion in 2020 — due to record emissions. If current CO₂ output of 40 billion tonnes annually continues, the Paris Agreement’s goal is likely doomed. Last year saw record temperatures, already 1.36°C above pre-industrial levels. Lead author Prof Piers Forster said Earth's heating and sea-level rise are "accelerating." Scientists urge urgent, stringent cuts, stressing that “every fraction of warming” avoided can reduce future human suffering. (PC: BBC)

Many countries are trying to bring their people home from Iran and Israel. The war between the two nations has made flying unsafe. Israel’s airspace is closed, and missiles are being fired. Some people are crossing borders on foot. India flew 110 students home from Iran. The U.S. is planning air and sea evacuations. Australia, Japan, and others are using land routes. Pakistan closed its border with Iran but let its people return. New Zealand shut its Iran embassy. European countries like Germany and Greece are using buses and nearby airports. The situation is dangerous and changing fast. (PC: X/@MEAIndia)

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, made a strong statement on June 19, 2025. He said Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “should not be allowed to exist.” His comment came after an Iranian missile hit a hospital in Israel. Katz blamed Khamenei for ordering attacks on civilians. He said Khamenei wants Israel destroyed and gave direct orders to strike. The missile attack hurt many and caused damage. Katz spoke to reporters near Tel Aviv. His words show rising tensions between the two countries. The situation is serious, and more strong actions may follow. World leaders have not yet responded. (PC: AFP)

An Iranian missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, southern Israel, early Thursday, injuring at least 47 and causing massive damage. The 1,000-bed hospital, Israel’s largest in the south, was hit during a wave of Iranian strikes, also targeting Tel Aviv. Dramatic footage shows smoke-filled corridors and shattered glass as staff and patients scramble for safety. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the attack and vowed Iran would pay a “heavy price.” Emergency protocols were activated nationwide, with hospitals moving patients to underground wards. The attack followed Israel’s strike on Iran’s Arak nuclear reactor, intensifying the escalating conflict. 

Donald Trump has approved a plan for military strikes on Iran but hasn't finalized action, CBS reports. The US may target Fordo, Iran’s underground nuclear site. Trump seeks Iran’s unconditional surrender, which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei firmly rejected, warning that US intervention would be "costly." Meanwhile, Israel continues intense strikes on Iran, claiming control of Tehran’s skies. Iran retaliated with 400 missiles, killing 24 civilians in Israel. The US has begun military buildup in the Gulf and issued an evacuation plan for citizens in Israel. Iran’s state TV also reported a satellite hack calling for public uprising against the regime. (PC: bbc)

The mystery behind Raja Raghuvanshi’s murder in Meghalaya has been solved. Police confirmed that Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, conspired with her lover, Raj Kushwaha—who used the alias “Sanjay Verma”—to have him killed during their honeymoon. Call records revealed 234 calls between the two in 39 days. Sonam hired three hitmen, and Raja's body was found on June 2 near Nongriat village. Sonam later surrendered in Uttar Pradesh, and all accused were arrested. Her family has since disowned her. The murder, disguised initially as a missing persons case, has shocked the nation with its brutal betrayal. (PC: NDTV)