Axiom-4 Mission Launches with Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
The Axiom-4 mission successfully lifted off today, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). Launched at 12:01 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon spacecraft into orbit after multiple delays due to weather and technical issues. Shubhanshu Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, is the mission pilot and the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. Joined by commander Peggy Whitson (US), Sławosz Uznański (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), the crew will spend 14 days on the ISS conducting 60 scientific experiments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shukla, noting he carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians. Docking is scheduled for 4:30 PM IST on 26 June.
Trump Claims Iran’s Nuclear Sites Destroyed, Intel Suggests Limited Impact
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that recent U.S. airstrikes “completely destroyed” Iran’s nuclear facilities, contradicting a leaked U.S. intelligence assessment. The strikes, part of Operation Midnight Hammer, targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites on 22 June, using B-2 stealth bombers and over 100 aircraft. Trump, speaking at a NATO summit in The Hague on 24 June, claimed the attacks set Iran’s nuclear programme back “decades.” However, a preliminary Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency report, cited by CNN and The New York Times, indicated the strikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear capabilities by a few months, with enriched uranium stockpiles largely intact, possibly moved before the attack. Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting its programme is for civilian energy. Trump called the reports “fake news” on Truth Social, while the White House labelled the assessment “flat-out wrong.”
India Marks 50 Years Since 1975 Emergency Declaration
India commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed on 25 June 1975 by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Declared under Article 352 citing “internal disturbances,” the 21-month period until 21 March 1977 saw civil liberties suspended, press censored, and over 100,000 opposition leaders, activists, and journalists detained without trial. The Allahabad High Court’s 12 June 1975 verdict, invalidating Gandhi’s 1971 election for malpractice, and protests led by Jayaprakash Narayan triggered the declaration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “dark chapter,” labelling 25 June as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas.’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the ‘Long Live Democracy Yatra’ in Delhi. The Congress party countered, alleging an “undeclared emergency” under the current government. Nationwide events, including exhibitions by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, aim to educate youth about this period.
Maharashtra Approves ₹20,787 Crore for Shaktipeeth Expressway
The Maharashtra cabinet approved ₹20,787 crore for the 802-km Shaktipeeth Expressway on 24 June 2025, connecting Nagpur to Goa. Chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the meeting greenlit land acquisition and planning for the six-lane corridor, spanning 12 districts, including Wardha, Yavatmal, and Kolhapur. The expressway, implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, aims to reduce Nagpur-Goa travel time from 18 to 8 hours. It will link 18 pilgrimage sites, including Mahalaxmi in Kolhapur and Pandharpur, boosting religious tourism. HUDCO sanctioned a ₹12,000 crore loan for acquiring 7,500 hectares of land. However, the project faces opposition from farmers in Kolhapur and Beed, with two Kolhapur ministers and activist Raju Shetti criticising the land acquisition. The expressway is projected to enhance rural connectivity and economic growth.
Zohran Mamdani Leads Andrew Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Primary Upset
New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary saw a stunning upset as 33-year-old state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani surged ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. With 95% of precincts reporting by midnight on 24 June 2025, Mamdani secured 44% of first-choice votes, compared to Cuomo’s 36%, in a ranked-choice voting system. Mamdani, a democratic socialist born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents, campaigned on affordability, promising free buses, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores. Cuomo, 67, conceded late Tuesday, praising Mamdani’s campaign but left open the possibility of running independently in November. The race, watched nationally, highlighted a progressive shift, with Mamdani backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Final results, pending ranked-choice tabulation, are expected by 1 July. Mamdani could become NYC’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor.
Diljit Dosanjh Faces Backlash Over Hania Aamir’s Role in Sardaar Ji 3
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is under fire for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, set for an overseas-only release on 27 June. The trailer, shared on Instagram on 22 June, sparked outrage due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) condemned the casting, urging a ban on Dosanjh and the film’s producers, citing a 2019 directive against Pakistani artists. The trailer is geo-blocked in India on YouTube, though songs and teasers remain accessible. Dosanjh, responding on BBC Asian Network, said the film was shot in February before tensions escalated. His ex-manager, Sonali Singh, defended him, noting the film’s completion predates the attack. Netizens are divided, with some calling for a boycott and others supporting artistic collaboration.
Kapil Dev Leads India to Historic 1983 World Cup Triumph
On 25 June 1983, Kapil Dev’s Indian cricket team achieved the unimaginable, defeating the two-time champions West Indies by 43 runs in the World Cup final at Lord’s, London. India, considered 66–1 underdogs, batted first after losing the toss, posting a modest 183 in 54.4 overs, with Kris Srikkanth top-scoring at 38. The West Indies, boasting stars like Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd, started confidently but collapsed to 140 in 52 overs. Mohinder Amarnath’s 3 wickets and 26 runs earned him the Man of the Match award, while Kapil’s iconic catch to dismiss Richards shifted momentum. India’s bowlers, including Madan Lal (3 wickets) and Balwinder Sandhu (2 wickets), exploited the green pitch. This victory, India’s first World Cup title, sparked a cricket revolution, inspiring generations and cementing Kapil’s legacy as a legendary captain.
