Severe heatwave grips Rajasthan, IMD issues alerts
Rajasthan is enduring a severe heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing orange and yellow alerts across western and northern districts for the next 2–3 days. Sri Ganganagar recorded the nation’s highest temperature on Friday at a scorching 47.8 °C, intensifying health and safety concerns.
The alert is effective until mid‑June, with temperatures expected to remain dangerously high. IMD predicts a possible relief by 15 June, as pre‑monsoon activity including dust storms and thunderstorms arrives in eastern Rajasthan.
In response, local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors between 12 PM and 4 PM, hydrate frequently, and avoid direct sun exposure. These measures aim to reduce the risk of heat‑related illnesses and protect vulnerable groups .
IAF Apache helicopter makes emergency landing near Pathankot
An Indian Air Force AH‑64E Apache attack helicopter performed a precautionary emergency landing on Friday morning in the Nangalpur/Haled village area, within the Pathankot district of Punjab. The pilot skillfully touched down in an open field after the aircraft suffered a mid‑air technical malfunction.
This is the second such emergency involving an Apache helicopter in just seven days, underscoring a rising pattern of technical issues associated with the fleet.
Fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported, thanks to the prompt response and adept handling by the crew.
An IAF inquiry has been launched to identify the technical glitch, and aviation safety authorities are analysing maintenance records to prevent recurrence.
Nationwide “No Kings Day” protests to counter Trump’s parade
Around 2,000 peaceful “No Kings Day” events are expected across the US on 14 June, coinciding with President Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C. marking both the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday.
Organisers, including Indivisible and affiliates of the 50501 movement, say participation may surpass April’s “Hands Off” protests, which drew around 3.5 million demonstrators. They chose to avoid Washington, opting instead to hold events nationwide to contrast the parade-focused spectacle.
The movement’s rallying cry is “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.”, highlighting concerns over executive overreach, mass deportations, and perceived authoritarianism.
Trump has warned that protesters at his parade would be “met with very big force”, and has even deployed troops, National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles in response to unrest. In contrast, organisers stress non‑violent demonstrations, with legal support and trained marshals to ensure peaceful conduct.
Ahmedabad plane crash: black box recovered; PM Modi visits site
Investigators have successfully retrieved the flight recorders the “black box” from the wreckage of Air India Flight 171, according to rescue teams operating at the site of the crash in Ahmedabad.
During a high‑level visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi surveyed ongoing rescue and recovery
operations. He met with the sole survivor, hospitalised victims, and frontline responders. The estimated death toll exceeds 240, including at least one former Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani.
Official statements affirm there were no indications of an explosion before impact, suggesting a mechanical or technical failure during climb‑out. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive investigation. Multi‑agency teams are examining maintenance records and airport procedures.
Family support cells have been set up at nearby hospitals. DNA identification efforts, along with international assistance from US, UK, and Boeing teams, are underway.
Priya Sachdev under spotlight after Sunjay Kapur’s sudden death
Following the unexpected death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur on 12 June, attention has turned to his third wife, Priya Sachdev, an Indian‑American model, actress, and fashion entrepreneur.
Born in New York and raised in Delhi, the 47‑year‑old studied business management at the London School of Economics and previously worked in investment banking. She transitioned into modelling in the early 2000s and acted in Neal ’n’ Nikki before gaining prominence in the fashion industry with upscale boutiques across India.
In April 2017, she married Sunjay Kapur, and the pair had a son, Azarias, born in December 2018. Priya also has a daughter, Safira, from her prior marriage to hotelier Vikram Chatwal.
Though she maintains a discreet lifestyle, Priya is regularly featured in glamorous photographs across social media. She is also known to share a close bond with Kapur’s children from his earlier marriage to Karisma Kapoor.
With his sudden death attributed to a cardiac arrest, reportedly after inhaling a bee during a polo match in England, Priya Sachdev has become a focal point of public and media interest. She is currently handling family duties amidst grief and public attention.
Global sports unite in mourning Ahmedabad crash victims
Sports teams across disciplines have paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight 171 crash with solemn gestures, reflecting widespread solidarity.
Cricket’s World Test Championship Final at Lord’s observed a minute of silence before day three commenced. Australian and South African players also wore black armbands in mourning.
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket squad touring England mirrored the gesture observing a minute of silence and donning black armbands during their recent fixture.
Beyond cricket, leading sports leagues from football, hockey and other arenas issued statements of condolence. Across India’s domestic sporting scene, matches began with moments of silence and visual tributes, sending a powerful message of unity in grief.
These respectful gestures underscore the global sports fraternity’s collective commitment to honour those who lost their lives in Thursday’s tragic incident near Ahmedabad.
