PM Modi Inaugurates Chenab and Anji Bridges in Jammu & Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, standing at 359 meters, surpassing the Eiffel Tower in height. This bridge is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a 272 km-long project featuring 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, built at a cost of ₹43,780 crore. Additionally, the Anji Khad Bridge was also inaugurated, enhancing connectivity in the region. PM Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra, and Srinagar, marking a significant milestone in Jammu & Kashmir’s infrastructure development.
Canada PM Faces Backlash Over G7 Invitation to PM Modi
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing criticism for inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, scheduled from June 15–17, 2025. The invitation comes amid allegations involving the Indian government’s role in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Carney defended the decision, citing India’s economic significance and its role in global discussions on energy, AI, and critical minerals.
Delhi’s Third Ring Road (UER-II) to Open by August
The Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), envisioned as Delhi’s third Ring Road, is nearing completion and is expected to be fully operational by December 2024. Spanning approximately 75.7 km, this six-lane, access-controlled expressway aims to decongest the national capital by providing an alternative route for vehicles, thereby reducing traffic on existing ring roads.
The project, developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at a capital cost of ₹7,716 crore, begins from National Highway 44 at Alipur and extends to National Highway 48 near Mahipalpur, passing through key areas such as Rohini, Mundka, Najafgarh, and Dwarka. It also includes two significant spurs: a 29.6 km link connecting Bawana to Sonipat and a 7.3 km link from Najafgarh to Bahadurgarh.
Once operational, UER-II is expected to divert approximately 2.5 lakh vehicles daily from the existing Inner and Outer Ring Roads, significantly reducing congestion and travel time across the city. The expressway is also anticipated to boost economic activity and real estate development in the surrounding regions by improving connectivity between Delhi and neighboring states like Haryana.
‘Housefull 5’ Records Third-Highest Bollywood Opening of 2025
Akshay Kumar’s latest comedy venture, Housefull 5, has made a strong debut at the box office, collecting ₹23 crore on its opening day. This impressive start positions the film as the third-highest Bollywood opener of 2025, trailing behind Chhaava and Sikandar .
Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the film features an ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, Nana Patekar, and Jacqueline Fernandez. A unique aspect of the release is its dual endings, presented in two versions: Housefull 5A and Housefull 5B, adding an element of intrigue for audiences .
Omar Abdullah Advocates for J&K Statehood Restoration
During the inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express on June 6, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah humorously addressed the region’s political status. In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah remarked on his “demotion” from being the Chief Minister of a state to that of a Union Territory, highlighting the administrative changes following the revocation of J&K’s special status in 2019 .
Abdullah expressed optimism about the restoration of statehood, stating that the time is not far when Jammu and Kashmir will regain its state status during PM Modi’s tenure . He also credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for elevating the Kashmir rail link to a project of national importance, acknowledging the long-standing efforts to enhance connectivity in the region.
The inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express marks a significant milestone in improving transportation and fostering economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. However, Abdullah’s remarks underscore the ongoing political discourse and the demand for reinstating the region’s statehood, reflecting the sentiments of many residents and leaders in the Union Territory.
Indian Navy to Commission INS Arnala on June 18
The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Arnala, its first indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on June 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
INS Arnala is the lead ship in a series of 16 ASW-SWC vessels designed for coastal defense and anti-submarine operations. It was developed under a Public-Private Partnership between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The vessel was delivered to the Navy on May 8, 2025.
With over 80% indigenous content, INS Arnala exemplifies India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The ship is equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, and close-in weapon systems, enhancing its capability to detect and neutralize underwater threats in shallow coastal waters.
Pakistan Urges India to Reconsider Indus Waters Treaty Suspension
Pakistan has formally appealed to India to reconsider the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), following the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 civilian deaths. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed militants and subsequently suspended the 1960 treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus River system.
In response, Pakistan has sent four letters to India, emphasizing the treaty’s importance for its agriculture and water security. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, stated that while Pakistan is open to dialogue, it is not desperate, and urged India to address the issue comprehensively.
India maintains that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan ceases support for cross-border terrorism. The suspension has raised concerns about potential disruptions to Pakistan’s agriculture and power generation, as the country heavily relies on the Indus River system.
KL Rahul Shines in India A vs England Lions 2nd Unofficial Test
KL Rahul showcased his batting prowess on Day 1 of the 2nd Unofficial Test against England Lions, scoring a century off 151 balls at the County Ground in Northampton. His innings included 13 boundaries and a six, reinforcing his position as a key player in English conditions.
Tamil Nadu Sets Record for Shortest Kidney Transplant Wait Time
In a remarkable medical achievement, Tamil Nadu has set a national record for the shortest kidney transplant wait time. A 32-year-old male patient received a kidney transplant just 18 hours after being registered on the waitlist, thanks to the state’s efficient deceased donor registry and swift coordination between hospitals and health authorities.
