World

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.

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, calling the move potentially unconstitutional. Harvard, which enrolls nearly 7,000 foreign students, argues the decision was politically motivated retaliation for the university's refusal to align with White House policies. The ruling halts an order that could have reshaped the university’s student body and academic programs just days before graduation.

Germany has strongly backed India's right to defend itself against terrorism, condemning the April 2022 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. During a joint press briefing with EAM S. Jaishankar in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said, “India has every right to defend itself against terrorism,” and emphasized deepening bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism. Jaishankar, reaffirming India's zero tolerance for terror, declared that India “will never give in to nuclear blackmail” and will engage with Pakistan only on a bilateral basis.

A Delhi-Srinagar IndiGo flight carrying 227 passengers encountered severe turbulence after being caught in a sudden hailstorm on Wednesday evening. In a bid to avoid the worst of the weather, the pilot sought permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to enter Pakistani airspace but was denied. Despite the mid-air emergency, the aircraft landed safely in Srinagar, though it suffered visible damage and was grounded for repairs. The incident highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, especially following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The Trump administration has barred Harvard University from enrolling new international students, citing an ongoing Homeland Security investigation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the university of fostering antisemitism and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Harvard called the move "unlawful" and warned it could severely impact global academic exchange.