World

Father’s Day 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, June 15, honoring fathers and father figures worldwide. Originating in the U.S. over a century ago, the day recognizes the vital role dads play in families, from guidance to unconditional support. Inspired by Sonora Smart Dodd’s wish to honor her father, the observance has grown into a global celebration marked by heartfelt gifts, cards, and special family moments.

Israel's airstrike on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility has triggered radioactive and chemical contamination, the IAEA informed the UN Security Council. While underground enrichment facilities remain intact, the attack caused internal contamination and power outages, potentially affecting centrifuge operations. The Israeli operation, codenamed Rising Lion, involved 200 fighter jets and resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian officials, escalating tensions between the two nations. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes on northern Israel and the Golan Heights, raising global concerns over further escalation.

The Israel Defence Forces apologised after posting a map incorrectly showing Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, sparking backlash from Indian social media users. The IDF admitted the map "fails to precisely depict borders" and issued an apology. The Congress attacked PM Modi over the incident, calling it a diplomatic embarrassment. Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Iran escalated, with both sides launching fresh missile and drone attacks.

Tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point as Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. The strikes left at least 50 injured, including women and children. Iran's Revolutionary Guard chief was reportedly killed, prompting Tehran to vow severe retaliation. While former US President Trump confirmed prior knowledge of the operation, Washington denied direct involvement. Meanwhile, Israel declared a state of emergency, and airlines, including Air India, diverted flights amid the escalating crisis.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s landmark mission to the International Space Station has been delayed yet again, this time due to poor weather conditions. ISRO and SpaceX now aim to launch the Axiom-4 mission on June 11, 2025, from Florida. Once aboard, Shukla will become the first Indian on the ISS and will conduct cutting-edge experiments on space nutrition using microalgae a vital step toward sustainable life support systems for future space travel.