India Plans Rs 3,000 Crore Push to Cut Rare Earth Magnet Dependency on China
India is preparing a strategic policy move to reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earth magnets by introducing a Production Linked Incentive (PLI)-style scheme worth ₹3,000 crore.
The plan aims to develop a robust domestic supply chain and targets a production capacity of up to 4,000 tonnes within the next 7 to 10 years. The scheme will include a 2 to 5-year gestation period, followed by phased disbursement of incentives linked to sales value, ensuring performance-based support to manufacturers.
Rare earth magnets are crucial in defence, electronics, and electric mobility sectors. Currently, China controls the bulk of global production. This initiative reflects India’s larger effort to secure strategic autonomy in critical minerals and components. The programme aligns with ongoing reforms to strengthen national manufacturing capacity in defence and high-tech industries.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom‑4 Mission Delayed Again
The launch of India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Axiom‑4 to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed by 24 hours due to adverse weather around Kennedy Space Centre.
Launch deferred amid weather concerns
The Axiom‑4 mission, originally slated for 10 June at 08:22 a.m. ET, has been rescheduled to 11 June after ISRO and SpaceX cited unfavourable weather and high winds in the ascent corridor. This marks yet another delay for the mission, which had already been pushed from 29 May to 8 June, then to 10 June .
Crew updates and docking plan
Shukla will join Commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznański‑Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The crew will remain docked for approximately 14 days, conducting microgravity experiments, technology demonstrations, and outreach activities
National significance
Shukla is poised to become the second Indian astronaut in space, nearly 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh recently held a video call with him, wishing him a “safe and successful trip”.
Six Crew Members Injured as INS Surat Brings Fire‑Struck MV Wan Hai 503 to Mangaluru
Fire‑struck container ship MV Wan Hai 503 has prompted a major rescue by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard off the Kerala coast.
At approximately 10.45 p.m. on 9 June, the Indian Navy vessel INS Surat reached New Mangalore Port, carrying 18 crew members rescued from the stricken ship.
Of those rescued, two crew members, identified as Lu Yanli and Sonitur Haeni, are critically injured. A further four, namely Xu Fabao, Guo Linino, Thein Than Htay and Kyi Zaw Htoo, sustained minor injuries. All six have been immediately admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru. The remaining 12 crew members are reported to be safe and have been moved to a nearby hotel, according to the Mangaluru police .
The fire originated aboard the Singapore‑flagged vessel on 9 June, about 78 nautical miles off Beypore, as it sailed from Colombo to Mumbai. The total crew complement on the MV Wan Hai 503 was 22, leaving four persons unaccounted for at sea.
INS Surat’s timely arrival and coordinated efforts by Navy and Coast Guard units have been lauded as key to reducing further casualties following the blaze at sea.
Delhi Temperature Shoots to 49 °C; IMD Issues Orange Alert Amid Heatwave
Delhi scorched under a brutal heatwave on Monday as the real-feel temperature soared to a staggering 48.9 °C, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for the next two days.
Monday’s maximum temperature settled at 43.4 °C, which is 3.4 °C above the seasonal norm, while the minimum remained at 27.6 °C. Humidity fluctuated between 48 % and 25 %, amplifying the heat index substantially. Safdarjung officially recorded 43.4 °C, Palam 44.3 °C, Lodi Road 43.3 °C, Ridge 44.9 °C, and Ayanagar peaked at 45.3 °C.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, alerting residents to heightened health risks. Weather forecasts indicate peak daytime temperatures reaching 43–45 °C across Delhi. Expect warm nights and strong winds between 20–30 km/h, although these are unlikely to bring relief. Forecasts suggest a possible break around 13 June, as moisture-laden winds may bring lighter, rain-cooled air to the region .
Russia Launches Record 500 Drones in Overnight Attack on Ukraine
Ukraine faced its most intense aerial bombardment since the start of the war, as Russia launched nearly 500 attack drones and multiple missiles overnight, targeting several key regions including Kyiv and Odesa.
The strikes marked the third consecutive night of large-scale drone attacks. Kyiv’s air raid sirens wailed for approximately five hours until 0200 GMT, with five of the city’s ten districts struck. Firefighters responded to multiple blazes across residential and non-residential areas. At least four people were hospitalised and minor damage was reported to civilian infrastructure.
In southern Ukraine, emergency services confirmed that a maternity ward in Odesa was hit, along with residential buildings. A 59‑year‑old man was killed, and four others were injured. Hospital staff and patients had been safely evacuated.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Ukrainian defences intercepted the majority of the 479 Shahed drones and 20 missiles launched during the assault, with only 19 drones and one missile penetrating air defences
Paresh Rawal Responds to Fan Urging Return to Hera Pheri 3
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has addressed a fan’s emotional plea asking him to reconsider his decision to exit Hera Pheri 3.
Rawal, who announced his departure from the much-anticipated third instalment of the franchise nearly a month ago, responded to the fan by stating, “There are three heroes in the film,” subtly referencing the iconic trio of himself, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty.
His comment reflects the ensemble nature of the franchise, even as he stands firm on his decision to step away.
The actor’s exit has triggered a legal dispute with Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, which is reportedly seeking ₹25 crore in damages due to financial losses.
Rawal has denied any contractual breach and returned his signing amount with interest.
Despite growing fan requests and online appeals, Rawal’s graceful but resolute stance underlines his respect for the film’s legacy and cast dynamics.
Aamir Khan Receives Standing Ovation at Sitaare Zameen Par Special Screening
Aamir Khan was greeted with applause and a standing ovation during a special screening of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. The emotional response from the audience has sparked early acclaim for the film.
The screening, attended by close friends and industry figures, showcased Aamir Khan’s portrayal in a story addressing Down syndrome and autism. The film’s theme was widely appreciated, with several viewers calling it “perception-changing”.
The Bollywood star made a surprise appearance at the end of the screening, entering the hall to witness the audience’s immediate reaction. His presence drew cheers, with many moved by the film’s sensitive storytelling.
Among those present were Khan’s ex-wife Kiran Rao, director RS Prasanna, and music composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Also seen at the event was Gauri Spratt, who has recently been linked to Khan.
The film’s subject and performances have already begun generating buzz ahead of its release.
Ashwin Fined for Outburst in TNPL Match After Disputed Dismissal
Dindigul Dragons captain Ravichandran Ashwin has been fined 30% of his match fee following conduct deemed unacceptable during a Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) game on 8 June in Coimbatore.
Ashwin’s reaction came after he was dismissed leg before wicket, forgoing the opportunity to review the decision as his team had exhausted both reviews. Video footage from the match shows him visibly upset—hitting his pads and later tossing his gloves into the air-immediately after receiving the verdict.
The match referee, Arjun Kripal Singh, determined that Ashwin breached two sections of the TNPL’s code of conduct. A 10% penalty was imposed for dissent and a further 20% for misusing his equipment . Although a clip of the incident went viral on social media, official live commentary made no mention of dissent.
Ashwin is a veteran spinner and former India all-rounder. His team ultimately lost the match, seeing their chase falter after his dismissal at 39/1, as Tiruppur Tamizhans secured an easy victory
