Phuket-Delhi Air India Flight Returns Mid-Air After Security Alert
An Air India flight, AI 379, en route from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, made an emergency return to Phuket International Airport on Friday following a security alert received mid-flight. The Airbus A320neo aircraft, carrying 156 passengers, landed safely. All passengers and their baggage were deplaned for mandatory security checks by Thai authorities. The specific nature of the security alert was not immediately disclosed by the airline or airport officials.
Air India London-Bound Flight Crashes Near Ahmedabad; Rescue Ops Underway
An Air India Boeing 787 (Flight AI171) en route to London Gatwick crashed near Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down in the Meghaninagar area. Casualties are feared, and emergency services are conducting intensive rescue operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured central assistance, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has ordered immediate relief efforts for the injured.
India Ranks 131st in Global Gender Gap Index 2025, Slips Two Places
India has slipped two places to 131 out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025, with a parity score of 64.1%. While India showed slight improvement in Economic Participation and Opportunity (40.7%) and Health and Survival, a decline in Political Empowerment, particularly women's representation in Parliament (13.8%) and ministerial roles (5.6%), contributed to the lower ranking. Full global gender parity is estimated to be 123 years away.
India-EU FTA Nears Finalization, Focus on Non-Tariff Barriers: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated India and the EU are close to finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA), with over half the chapters ready and market access discussions 90% complete. Addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) is crucial for smoother trade. Goyal, in Stockholm, emphasized resolving NTBs and expressed hope for robust solutions. He also commented on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), terming it a potential NTB requiring a response if implemented.
US on High Alert Amid Fears of Israeli Strike on Iran's Nuclear Facilities
The United States is reportedly on high alert due to concerns over a potential unilateral Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities if US-Iran negotiations collapse. President Trump mentioned moving US personnel from certain Middle Eastern regions due to escalating risks. The State Department has permitted some diplomatic staff to leave Iraq, and the Pentagon authorized voluntary departures for military families in the region, signaling rising tensions and fading hopes for a nuclear deal.
UN General Assembly to Vote on Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Aid Access
The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution demanding an immediate Gaza ceasefire, release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the opening of all Israeli border crossings for humanitarian aid. The Spanish-drafted resolution condemns using civilian starvation as a warfare method. Unlike Security Council resolutions, this General Assembly vote is not legally binding but reflects world opinion and references a March 28 ICJ order for Israel to open more aid crossings.
Global Forced Displacement Surges to Record 122 Million, Says UN Refugee Agency
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that over 122 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced by violence and persecution as of April 2025, an increase of two million from the previous year. The Global Trends Report highlights Sudan as the world's largest displacement crisis with over 14 million, surpassing Syria. The report also notes a UN inquiry into Rohingya refugees allegedly cast into the sea by Indian naval vessels, amid budget cuts for humanitarian groups.
Bangladesh Seeks Good India Ties But "Something Always Went Wrong": Muhammad Yunus
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated his interim government desires good relations with India, but issues, often fueled by "fake news" allegedly linked to Indian policymakers, cause friction. Speaking at Chatham House, London, Yunus mentioned that public anger in Bangladesh against ousted PM Sheikh Hasina has transferred to India due to her presence there. He conveyed to PM Modi concerns about Hasina's online addresses to Bangladesh, highlighting the "explosive situation."
Delhi's Peak Power Demand Reaches Summer's Highest at 8,231 MW Amid Heatwave
Delhi recorded its highest peak power demand this summer at 8,231 MW on June 11, 2025, amidst an intense heatwave with temperatures soaring up to 45°C and a heat index reaching 51.9°C. This year's peak demand is anticipated to cross 9,000 MW, surpassing the 2024 record of 8,656 MW. A red alert was issued for the city as it grapples with extreme heat, highlighting the increasing strain on its power infrastructure.
Indian-Origin Physician Bobby Mukkamala Sworn In as American Medical Association President
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, an otolaryngologist from Flint, Michigan, has become the first physician of Indian heritage to be sworn in as the 180th president of the American Medical Association (AMA) on June 10, 2025. Dr. Mukkamala, active in the AMA since residency and chair of its Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force, played a key role in Flint's water crisis response. He was inspired by his immigrant physician parents.
Trump Launches $5 Million 'Gold Card' Immigration Website for Wealthy Foreigners
US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration pathway, the "gold card," offering potential permanent residency for a $5 million payment. The program, launched via the trumpcard.gov website, is marketed as a fast-track option for high-net-worth individuals, described by Trump as "green card privileges plus." While applications are not yet open, interested parties can register. The card offers a road to citizenship but doesn't grant it automatically, aligning with Trump's "merit-based immigration" push.
PM Modi: 11 Years of Infrastructure Revolution Boosting 'Ease of Living'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked "11 Years of Infra Revolution," stating India's rapidly expanding infrastructure network across railways, highways, ports, and airports significantly boosts 'Ease of Living' and national prosperity. He emphasized that these developments, including smart cities and improved commutes, foster confidence, connectivity, and a self-reliant India. This sustained focus on infrastructure, he noted, lays the foundation for transforming the nation's future and uplifting every citizen.
India to Surpass $825 Billion Exports This Fiscal Amid Global Challenges, Says Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated India's exports are set to surpass $825 billion this fiscal (2025-26), building on the record $825 billion achieved in 2024-25, despite global geopolitical challenges. He highlighted India's resilience and projected strong growth, supported by FTAs with UAE, Australia, and EFTA (effective October 1), with the latter committing $100 billion in investment. Key sectors like electronics, engineering, and pharma are expected to drive this export surge.
Rahul Gandhi Urges PM Modi to Address Delays in Scholarships and Poor Hostel Conditions for Marginalised Students
Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi wrote to PM Narendra Modi, urging immediate action on two critical issues affecting marginalised students. He highlighted deplorable conditions in residential hostels, citing overcrowding and poor sanitation, and significant delays and failures in post-matric scholarship disbursement. Gandhi called for a nationwide hostel audit, adequate funding, timely scholarship payments, increased amounts, and better coordination with states to ensure educational opportunities for these communities.
Axiom-4 Mission with Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Postponed Due to Falcon-9 Rocket Leak
The Axiom-4 space mission, which includes Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been postponed again due to a liquid oxygen leak detected in SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket booster during pre-launch checks. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed the delay, stating repairs and further validation tests are necessary before a new launch date is set. The 14-day mission to the International Space Station also features astronauts from Hungary and Poland.