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FirstUp: Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission launch, Zelenskyy-Trump meet… Big news today
After facing multiple delays, the Axiom-4 mission with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on board is set to launch today. Nasa, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are targeting a 12:01 pm IST lift-off for this fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump are expected to meet today on the sidelines of the Nato summit in The Hague read more
Axiom Mission 4 crew, from left to right, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Image Courtesy: NASASpaceOps via PTI Photo
It is a very busy Wednesday.
The Axiom-4 mission, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is expected to lift off today after facing multiple delays.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump are expected to meet today on the sidelines of the Nato summit in The Hague.
Today also marks 50 years since Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared Emergency in India. The government and the ruling BJP will observe 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' today.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting, being held in China today.
A huge protest is also set to take place in Brussels today, as people demonstrate against the federal government over claims of wage freezes and cuts to public services.
Let's take a look at the events:
Axiom-4's expected launch
After several delays, the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled for launch today.
Nasa had earlier pushed the private mission's launch from June 22 to June 25, making it the seventh postponement . The launch was first planned for May 29 but faced repeated hold-ups due to technical problems, poor weather, and leaks on the International Space Station (ISS).
Shubhanshu Shukla was named the 'Prime' astronaut for the Indo-US mission to the International Space Station in August last year. Image: Axiom Space
The American space agency, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are now aiming for a 12:01 pm IST launch of this fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS.
This mission will be a major moment for India, marking its return to human spaceflight after more than forty years. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma had flown on a Soviet mission in 1984.
Zelenskyy expected to meet Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to speak at the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights institution, as Russian strikes on Ukraine grow more intense and deadly.
The wartime leader has made appearances at recent summits, but due to his tense relationship with Donald Trump, Zelenskyy has not been invited to the main working session with Nato members.
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In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, and President Donald Trump, talk as they attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025.(Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
Trump has so far upset Western allies by refusing to introduce new sanctions against Russia, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
On Monday, Zelenskyy visited the UK to push for further military aid just hours after a major Russian drone and missile attack in Kyiv left at least nine people dead and over thirty injured.
Government to mark 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' on 50 years of emergency
Today marks 50 years since Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared Emergency in India.
The Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. It is regarded as one of the darkest chapters in India's post-independence history and a major turning point for the Indian National Congress.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked special powers granted by the Constitution to announce a national emergency. News18/File Photo
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) Society to put together a record of all legal cases and documents related to the Emergency and ensure they are preserved.
The government and the ruling BJP will observe the day as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar earlier said that it is meant to serve as a 'sombre reminder that we ourselves have to be guardians and watchdogs of democratic values.'
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In the 75th year of our Republic, the government officially declared by a gazette notification dated July 11, 2024, that 25th June will be observed as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'.
This is to make the event a somber reminder that we ourselves have to be guardians and watchdogs of… pic.twitter.com/6DxRilRrdK — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) June 20, 2025
Rajnath Singh to attend SCO defence meet in China
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will head a senior Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in China today.
The two-day meeting will be held in Qingdao from June 25 to June 26, where ministers will take up issues such as global and regional security, fighting terrorism, and improving coordination between the defence ministries of the SCO countries.
According to the Defence Ministry, the minister will speak about India's continued support for the SCO's goals, share India's ideas for global peace and stability, call for joint action against terrorism and extremism, and push for more trade, economic partnerships, and connectivity among member states.
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He will also hold bilateral talks with the defence ministers of other participating nations, including China and Russia, during the visit.
Belgium strike: Several flights cancelled, transport disrupted
A major protest is planned in Brussels today against the federal government's economic policies, according to Belga News Agency.
'While social security is being dismantled, wages are being frozen and public services are being slashed, profits are skyrocketing and inequalities are widening,' trade union ABVV-FGTB said in a statement.
All outgoing flights from Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Brussels Airport have been cancelled. Charleroi has also called off all incoming flights.
Zaventem Airport has said that several incoming flights could also be affected due to the nationwide strike. Travellers have been advised to check their flight details with the airline or visit the airport's website.
Public transport in Brussels is also expected to be heavily affected.
With inputs from agencies
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