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India news live updates: India's Shubhanshu Shukla's historic space trip to ISS gets new date, Axiom and Nasa now target June 25 for launch

India news live updates: India's Shubhanshu Shukla's historic space trip to ISS gets new date, Axiom and Nasa now target June 25 for launch

Time of India4 hours ago

24 Jun 2025 | 07:49:47 AM IST
India news live updates: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station is now eyeing a launch on June 25, NASA announced on Tuesday. India news live updates: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station is now eyeing a launch on June 25, NASA announced on Tuesday.The Axiom-4 mission, which marks the return to space for India, Hungary, and Poland, was earlier scheduled for lift-off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25 onboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday.'NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting 2:31 a.m. EDT (12:01 IST), Wednesday, June 25, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4,' a NASA statement said.The Axiom-4 commercial mission is led by Commander Peggy Whitson, with Shukla as mission pilot and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu and Poland's Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski as mission specialists.The mission was originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29 but was then put off to June 8, then June 10 and June 11, when engineers detected a liquid oxygen leak in the boosters of the Falcon-9 rocket and NASA also detected leaks in the ageing Russian module of the International Space Station. Show more Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chair the 25th Central Zonal Council meeting in Varanasi, attended by Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, as well as other government officials Japan plans to hold an upper house election on July 20, government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said on Tuesday.The election follows Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's decision not to extend the last parliamentary session, which ended on June 22. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station is now eyeing a launch on June 25, NASA announced on Tuesday.The Axiom-4 mission, which marks the return to space for India, Hungary, and Poland, was earlier scheduled for lift-off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25 onboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday.

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India Strongly Refutes Islamic Organization's Comments On Domestic Affairs
India Strongly Refutes Islamic Organization's Comments On Domestic Affairs

Hans India

time9 minutes ago

  • Hans India

India Strongly Refutes Islamic Organization's Comments On Domestic Affairs

India delivered a sharp diplomatic rebuke on Monday in response to criticism from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, dismissing the Islamic bloc's comments as baseless and politically motivated. The strong reaction followed a two-day foreign ministerial gathering in Turkey where the OIC raised concerns about various Indian policies. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a comprehensive statement rejecting what it characterized as "unwarranted and factually incorrect" references made during the OIC council meeting. New Delhi particularly took exception to the organization's commentary on the treatment of Muslims within India and other domestic matters. According to Indian officials, the OIC's criticism stemmed from what they described as Pakistan's influence over the organization's agenda. The ministry accused Pakistan of systematically weaponizing terrorism as a tool of statecraft while simultaneously manipulating international forums to advance its political objectives against India. During the Istanbul conclave, the Islamic organization had expressed concerns about what it termed the social marginalization of Indian Muslims and called for adherence to existing bilateral agreements between India and Pakistan, including the Indus Waters Treaty. The bloc also advocated for comprehensive dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes between the neighboring nations. India's foreign ministry responded by asserting that the OIC lacked the authority to comment on India's internal affairs, particularly regarding Jammu and Kashmir. Officials emphasized that Kashmir constitutes an integral and sovereign part of India, a status they described as constitutionally enshrined and permanently settled. The Indian government specifically addressed Pakistan's allegations regarding recent military operations, defending Operation Sindoor as a legitimate act of self-defense. The ministry characterized the operation as a precise response to terrorist attacks launched from Pakistani territory, particularly referencing the Pahalgam incident that resulted in significant casualties. New Delhi highlighted what it described as the irony of Pakistan raising concerns about counter-terrorism measures, given what India characterized as Pakistan's history of harboring and supporting terrorist organizations. The ministry pointed to Pakistan's track record on human rights and minority protection as undermining its credibility to criticize other nations. The statement also addressed Pakistan's claims about targeting military installations, noting that Pakistan's retaliatory attempts had failed while endangering civilian populations and resulting in civilian casualties. This response aimed to counter narratives about proportionality and precision in military operations. Indian officials expressed frustration with what they perceived as the OIC's consistent failure to acknowledge documented threats posed by terrorism originating from Pakistani territory. They argued that this selective approach reflected a willful disregard for factual evidence, particularly in light of recent terrorist incidents. The ministry warned that allowing Pakistan's influence to shape the OIC's agenda could undermine the organization's credibility and international relevance. This cautionary message appeared designed to encourage other OIC members to consider the implications of Pakistan's role in shaping the bloc's positions. India's response emphasized its rejection of what it termed Pakistan's "baseless allegations" regarding unprovoked military aggression. The government maintained that its operations were defensive in nature and targeted specific terrorist infrastructure rather than constituting broader military campaigns. The diplomatic exchange reflects ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nations continuing to use international forums to present their respective narratives. The OIC's position demonstrates the continued relevance of Islamic solidarity in shaping organizational stances on conflicts involving Muslim populations. New Delhi's firm response indicates its unwillingness to accept international criticism of domestic policies, particularly when such criticism is perceived as being influenced by adversarial nations. The statement reinforces India's position that external organizations should not interfere in what it considers internal constitutional matters. The incident highlights the complex dynamics of multilateral diplomacy, where regional conflicts often play out in international forums through competing narratives and influence campaigns. Both India and Pakistan continue to seek validation for their positions through engagement with various international organizations and their member states.

Ceasefire in Words, Missiles in Air: Rising tensions between Israel and Iran threaten India's billion-dollar Middle East trade
Ceasefire in Words, Missiles in Air: Rising tensions between Israel and Iran threaten India's billion-dollar Middle East trade

Time of India

time12 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Ceasefire in Words, Missiles in Air: Rising tensions between Israel and Iran threaten India's billion-dollar Middle East trade

Despite US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran, the two warring sides continue to trade deadly missiles targeting each other's cities. This has put the Indian trading community in a state of uncertainty regarding the fate of their shipments into the region, which is a market for the country. Traders say that with Iran now launching rockets—most recently the attack on the Al Udeid base in Qatar—the situation remains volatile and uncertain for them. 'Freight costs are going up—now by 20-25% for all major trading destinations. For the Gulf (Jebel Ali port of Dubai), a 40-ft container shipment, which was previously $50, now costs $550. And it's not just Dubai; this holds true for all neighbouring ports,' says Ghaziabad-based home textile exporter Ananat Srivastava , describing the acute toll on his Middle East-bound shipments in the wake of the widening Iran-Israel conflict. Even before the US bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, Srivastava, who is also Director of the Home Textile Exporters Association, says Indian traders were already facing disruptions. 'Lots of apparel and home textile products go to Israel. Transit time has increased by 30%, and freight rates are up by 50%. Vessel planning for containers has gone haywire. When the vessel will arrive, nobody knows. This applies to all routes, including Europe and the US, and holds particularly true in the case of the Middle East. Whatever schedule I get from the forwarder or vessel, it's now showing a delay of 2-3 weeks.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ödeme? Dieses simple Haushaltsmittel reduziert Flüssigkeit Venen Kompass Weiterlesen Undo According to Srivastava, Israel-bound shipments are facing highly erratic port scheduling. He notes that shipping lines are no longer able to provide reliable schedules. Another key point he highlights is that while freight costs have increased, insurance costs remain unchanged. The reason: war and war-related damages are not covered under any policy. Rajat Mehra, Co-convenor of the CII UP MSME Panel and Director at Rajat Chemicals Industry, affirms the increase in costs, noting that in addition to sky-high freight charges, he is also witnessing significant delays. 'A consignment that the importer had assured would be shipped to us last week is now reportedly delayed by another week as of this morning,' he says. Live Events The escalation of the war is already impacting shipping freight rates and insurance coverage for shipments, according to Sumit Jain, Managing Director of New Delhi-based Kanin Originals, an MSME manufacturing cotton garments. As things escalate further, the burden of increased supply chain costs will have to be borne by traders and end consumers, he cautions. 'A lot of India's exports move via Dubai's free zones, which serve as warehousing hubs for the Middle East, Africa, and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations. Traders catering to Gulf-bound markets are bound to suffer a blow due to this disruption. Any potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz will also cripple energy supply lines, particularly oil, used by Indian firms,' Jain adds. India's strategic trade ties with the region India's bilateral trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Iran, and Israel accounts for a significant share of its global trade . In FY 2024-25, India-GCC bilateral trade reached $178.56 billion, accounting for 15.4% of India's total global trade. The UAE is India's top GCC trading partner, followed by Saudi Arabia, with both countries contributing the bulk of this trade through energy imports, gems and jewellery, machinery, electronics, and food products. The GCC, as a bloc, is also a major source of foreign direct investment into India. Trade with Iran, though diminished by sanctions, remains important. India was the third-largest importer of Iranian goods in 2023, with exports to Iran, mainly basmati rice, bananas, soya meal, Bengal gram, and tea, totalling $1.24 billion in FY 2025. Imports from Iran have sharply declined since 2019 due to US sanctions, but Iran remains a strategic partner, especially for agricultural exports and as a transit hub through the Chabahar Port. With Israel, India's trade has grown steadily, reaching $6.53 billion in FY 2024 (excluding defence), with India exporting $4.53 billion worth of goods (including chemicals, machinery, and agricultural products) and importing $2 billion in high-tech, electronics, and defence-related items. India is now Israel's second-largest trading partner in Asia and seventh globally. Shipping companies forecast cost increases With Iran's parliament approving the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a new worry point has emerged for the Indian trading community. This is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints for global trade, especially for energy supplies. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil—about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption—pass through the Strait every day, making it the single most important route for seaborne oil exports. About 60-65% of India's crude oil imports transit through Hormuz, making energy security the most vulnerable sector. Disruptions would drive up oil and LNG prices, increase shipping and insurance costs, and trigger inflation across the Indian economy. Sectors heavily reliant on Middle Eastern energy—refining, chemicals, fertilisers, and transport—would be directly hit. Additionally, agricultural exports to Iran (notably basmati rice, bananas, and tea) are already being affected, with large consignments stranded at ports due to payment and shipping disruptions. Overall, any escalation would cascade through India's trade with the entire West Asian region, impacting both energy and non-energy sectors. Hector Patel, Chief Operating Officer–Sea, at Jeena and Company, is of the view that oil shipments may need to be re-routed, and international shipping lanes could be severely disrupted if tensions rise. 'While only 2-3% of global container volumes pass through the Strait of Hormuz waterway, a direct container market impact would primarily affect the Middle East. This will affect the redirection of transshipment volumes, particularly impacting Dubai's Port of Jebel Ali, the busiest hub in the Gulf. This could cause congestion in alternative South Asian ports and elevate freight rates.' Jitendra Srivastava, CEO of Triton Logistics & Maritime, is of the view that the escalating Israel-Iran tensions are driving a sharp surge in marine insurance premiums and disrupting lifeline shipping routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. 'It can double insurance rates for a Rs 50 crore bulk cargo shipment from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 6.5 lakh when war risk cover is needed to transit through risk-prone zones such as the Red Sea. Regular marine premiums are 0.3% of cargo value, of which war risk is 0.1%. This rise in insurance costs, combined with greater security risk, is compelling freight rates to jump by 30–50% as shipping lines transfer costs to customers.' According to Srivastava, countries such as India, with extensive trade links with West Asia, are facing higher logistics costs and supply chain disruption risks. 'Exporters are now using alternative, longer routes to avoid risk zones, adding once more to transit time and cost.' Notably, ratings agency Crisil has cautioned that a prolonged or escalating conflict, especially if it disrupts energy supplies, could aggravate risks, raise inflation, and pressure margins in oil-dependent sectors. Energy-intensive sectors and those with exposure to global shipping and insurance costs should be monitored closely for any escalation or supply chain disruptions, it stated in its latest report.

'We Saw Bombs Flying Above Us': First Batch of Indians Evacuated From Israel Recount Horror of War
'We Saw Bombs Flying Above Us': First Batch of Indians Evacuated From Israel Recount Horror of War

Time of India

time13 minutes ago

  • Time of India

'We Saw Bombs Flying Above Us': First Batch of Indians Evacuated From Israel Recount Horror of War

The first batch of 161 Indian nationals evacuated from Israel under Operation Sindhu has landed safely in Delhi from Amman, Jordan. These individuals were transported by road from Israel to Jordan amid the rising hostilities between Israel and last week, Operation Sindhu is India's ongoing mission to bring back stranded citizens from conflict zones in the Middle East. This group includes an elderly couple stuck in Israel for over a month. They, along with others, were given accommodation and support by the Indian Embassy in Amman before being flown home. MoS Pabitra Margherita received the evacuees at Delhi airport, marking a successful beginning to the Israel segment of the operation.#operationsindhu #indianevacuation #israeliranconflict #indiansinisrael #amman #moea #pabitramargherita #indiandiaspora #westasiacrisis #flightrescue #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews Read More

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