Israel Launches Major Airstrikes on Iran
Israel has targeted multiple Iranian sites in a significant military escalation.
Israel conducted a series of airstrikes across Iran early on 13 June, in an operation dubbed “Rising Lion.” The strikes hit nuclear facilities in Natanz and key military sites in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Iranian state media reported that several senior Revolutionary Guard officials, including nuclear scientists, were killed.
Tehran experienced numerous explosions, prompting Iran to launch over 100 drones in retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation will continue “as many days as it takes”.
Both countries have raised their alert levels while global powers are urging restraint. The UN Security Council is expected to convene following the highest scale military escalation between Israel and Iran since 2024.
Air India Boeing 787 Crashes Near Ahmedabad, Leaving One Survivor
A London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, resulting in extensive casualties.
Air India Flight AI171, carrying 242 people including 230 passengers and 12 crew, crashed into the campus of B.J. Medical College, after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on 12 June. Investigators recovered one survivor, 40-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, found conscious in seat 11A and now being treated in hospital.
The aircraft impacted a residential area and a medical hostel dining hall. At least 241 aboard perished, alongside at least 28 individuals on the ground, including medical students and staff, bringing the total death toll to 269. Rescue services from the NDRF, IAF, BSF, and NSG are conducting DNA identification and site recovery.
The aircraft’s two black boxes have been retrieved. The probe, led by India’s AAIB with British and US NTSB experts, will explore potential causes including suspected engine thrust loss. Air India, Boeing, and government officials are cooperating. PM Modi and King Charles III have issued condolences, while Boeing stock dropped ~5 percent in early trading.
Massive Google Cloud Outage Disrupts Online Services Globally
A major disruption hits key online platforms worldwide.
On Thursday, 12 June, a widespread outage originating from Google Cloud rendered services like Gmail, YouTube, Spotify, Discord, Snapchat, Twitch, Anthropic, Shopify and others inaccessible from around 1:30 p.m. Downdetector recorded over 13,000 incident reports within minutes, peaking at more than 40,000 for Spotify and over 11,000 for Discord.
Google Cloud later confirmed the disruption was caused by an internal issue within its Identity and Access Management service and other storage infrastructure failures. Cloudflare also reported partial service interruptions due to its dependency on Google Cloud.
Engineers sprang into action, and by late afternoon most services were restored, although residual issues lingered in some regions . The outage lasted approximately two hours and 28 minutes in total. Google has pledged a full internal review and a public post-mortem to prevent recurrence .
ISRO Collaborates with NASA, Axiom Space to Address ISS Delays
Introduction: ISRO steps in to support delayed ISS resupply mission.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space to help resolve delays affecting the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The delay was reportedly triggered by technical complications with Russia’s Zvezda module. ISRO has offered logistical support, including satellite-based backup systems and coordination for alternative launch options. This marks a significant moment for India’s space diplomacy, positioning ISRO as a vital player in global missions. The joint efforts aim to maintain mission timelines and safety standards. Discussions are ongoing for potential hardware contributions from India. This collaboration highlights the increasing trust placed in India’s space capabilities by global counterparts.
Air India Flight to Delhi Diverted for Emergency Landing in Bangkok
A potential bomb threat forces an unscheduled descent.
An Air India flight bound for Delhi was diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on 13 June 2025 after receiving a bomb threat mid-flight. The crew promptly followed safety protocols, notifying Thai authorities and initiating an emergency landing. Upon arrival, the aircraft was thoroughly searched by local security teams, who confirmed no explosives were present. Passengers and crew were safely evacuated during the inspection, with no injuries reported.
The flight resumed its journey to Delhi after clearance from authorities. Air India is cooperating fully with Thai and Indian officials to investigate the source of the threat. The incident has prompted airlines to review their threat-assessment procedures to enhance passenger safety. Security measures were swiftly enforced at Suvarnabhumi Airport, with additional checks conducted before the flight’s departure. Authorities are examining whether the threat was a hoax, as similar incidents have risen globally.
The safe resolution of the situation has been credited to the crew’s quick response and coordination with ground teams. Air India has assured passengers of its commitment to safety and is assisting with ongoing inquiries.
Sift Kaur Samra Wins Bronze at ISSF World Cup in Munich
Indian shooter returns to podium with precision.
Indian shooter Sift Kaur Samra secured a bronze medal in the women’s 50m rifle 3-position event at the ISSF World Cup in Munich on 13 June 2025. Samra led the qualification round with a strong performance but slipped to fourth during the finals. Displaying resilience, she regained her form to clinch the bronze, marking her return to the international podium.
The medal adds to India’s growing success in global shooting competitions. Samra expressed gratitude to her coach and family for their support, dedicating the win to her team. Her performance has boosted confidence in India’s shooting contingent ahead of the Paris Olympics. The Munich event saw intense competition, with Samra’s precision under pressure earning praise from analysts. India’s shooting team has been steadily improving its medal tally, and Samra’s bronze contributes to this momentum. She highlighted the importance of mental focus in overcoming challenges during the finals. The ISSF World Cup remains a key platform for shooters to test their skills, and Samra’s achievement has further solidified her reputation as a rising star in Indian shooting.
Hyderabad Roads Flooded After Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rain causes widespread waterlogging in Hyderabad.
Heavy rainfall on 12 June 2025 led to severe flooding across Hyderabad, with key areas like Santosh Nagar and Champapet experiencing significant waterlogging. The India Meteorological Department forecasted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in south peninsular India, including Telangana, from 12 to 15 June. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed to clear water and assist residents in affected areas. Traffic disruptions were reported, with roads submerged and commuters stranded. Local authorities are working to restore normalcy, with pumps deployed to drain water from low-lying areas.
The flooding has highlighted ongoing challenges with urban infrastructure in Hyderabad during monsoon seasons. Residents have been advised to avoid travel in heavily affected zones. Emergency services remain on high alert, with additional resources allocated to manage the crisis. The IMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall, urging residents to stay updated on weather alerts. Social media posts show images of inundated streets, reflecting the severity of the situation. Civic bodies are under pressure to address drainage issues to prevent future flooding.
