PM Modi visits Croatia: First in Indian history to visit the Balkan nation, focus on trade, tech and terror talk
After concluding his visit to Canada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Croatia on Wednesday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Balkan nation. During his trip on June 18, he is scheduled to meet Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
PM Modi’s visit also aims to build on the historical and cultural links shared between India and Croatia. Emphasizing shared values and heritage, he seeks to deepen people-to-people connections and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including strategic and defence collaboration through a recently signed MoU.
A key focus of the visit is global security and cooperation. PM Modi is expected to thank Croatia and other partners for their support against cross-border terrorism and call for a united international front against terrorism. Discussions will also cover the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a major connectivity initiative intended to strengthen trade links and provide alternatives to current global trade routes.
Govt to launch ₹3,000 FASTag annual pass for private vehicles from Aug 15: Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual pass for private vehicles starting August 15. Valid for up to 200 trips or one year, it will ease toll payments and reduce congestion on national highways. The pass applies to cars, jeeps, and vans, with activation available via the Rajmarg Yatra App and official websites.
Air India flight AI2145 returns midway; Delhi to Bali plane diverted due to volcanic eruption near Bali
Air India flight AI2145, en route from Delhi to Bali, returned mid-air on Wednesday due to a volcanic eruption alert near Bali airport. The aircraft landed safely back in Delhi and all passengers were disembarked without incident.
Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience and is offering affected passengers hotel accommodations, full refunds, or free rescheduling options.
In the statement Air India Spokesperson said, “Air India flight AI2145, on 18 June 2025 from Delhi to Bali, was advised to return to Delhi due to reports of volcanic eruption near the destination airport Bali, in the interest of safety. The flight safely landed back in Delhi, and all passengers have been disembarked.”
India News: Plot to derail train thwarted
A plot to derail the Yercaud Express train traveling from Erode to Chennai was thwarted on Tuesday night around 11.30 pm by the proactive measures taken by the train’s engine pilots. Unidentified individuals were plotting to overturn the train, as reported by railway and police officials. An investigation is currently in progress at the location. As a result, the Yercaud Express train departed two hours behind schedule.
83 Air India wide-body flights cancelled between June 12 and 17; 66 were Boeing 787s: DGCA
Between 12th June and 17 June 2025 (till 1800 hrs), a total of 83 flights in Air India’s wide-body operations were cancelled, out of which 66 were Boeing 787 flights: DGCA
India News Live Updates: Bus falls into gorge in Himachal’s Mandi; 1 dead, 18 injured
A private bus fell into a deep gorge near Patrighat village in Mandi district on Tuesday morning. One person died and 18 others were injured. The bus was going from Jahu to Mandi when the driver lost control on a rough stretch of road, causing it to fall about 200 feet. Locals and officials started rescue efforts, but heavy rain made the operation difficult.
India News Live Updates: NIA files chargesheet against 4 more in BJP leader mob attack case; issues press release
Last year, BJP leader Priyangu Pandey was reportedly shot in the Bhatpara area of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal during a 12-hour ‘Bengal Bandh.’ Pandey alleged that people associated with the TMC attacked his car and opened fire, resulting in injuries to two people, with one in critical condition.
NIA has released a press release issuing a chargesheet against 4 more in mob attack case. Pious Prasad, Md Tipu, Mohit Mahato and Md Javed have been charged under various sections of BNS, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act in the 3rd supplementary chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court, Kolkata, on Monday.
The press release further read that, “NIA investigations have revealed that the four men now chargesheeted were actively involved in the criminal conspiracy related to the attack on the entourage of Priyangu Pandey with explosives and firearms near Gate 3 of the Anglo Indian Jute Mill staff quarters in PS Bhatpara area.”
India News Live Updates: Railways to manufacture 100 MEMUs, eases short distance travel
The Ministry of Railways is planning to manufacture 100 Mainline Electric Multiple Units (MEMUs), each with 16 to 20 coaches. This will help carry more passengers and benefit people who travel short distances.
SC slams Karnataka HC for seeking apology from Kamal Haasan, takes over ‘Thug Life’ case
The Supreme Court said the Karnataka high court should not have sought an apology from actor Kamal Haasan over his remarks. It has transferred the case related to his film “Thug Life” to the apex court. The SC also gave the Karnataka government one day to update on the film’s release, stressing that the rule of law must prevail.
“If Kamal Haasan made a remark, let the public debate it — but the film cannot be barred from theatres,” the court observed, reported news agency PTI.