First Epigraphical Reference to Halley’s Comet in India Found in 1456 CE Copper Plate from Vijayanagara Era

In a landmark discovery for Indian epigraphy and astronomical history, a 1456 CE copper plate inscription from the Vijayanagara period has been identified as the first known Indian epigraphical reference to Halley’s comet. The copper plate, part of a set of 21 charters preserved at the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, contains a Sanskrit inscription in Nagari script that describes the appearance of a comet and a meteor shower, historically corresponding to Halley’s comet’s 1456 passage. The discovery was announced by Dr. K. Munirathnam Reddy, Director of the Epigraphy Branch, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The inscription records a land grant made by Vijayanagara ruler Mallikarjuna on Śaka 1378, Dhātru Āshāḍha ba. 11, which corresponds to Monday, June 28, 1456 CE. Comet as Calamity: A Celestial Event Inspires a Grant According to the inscription, the grant was issued “in order to mitigate the great calamity believed to arise due to the appearance of a comet (dhūmakētu mahōtpāta śāntyartham)” and a related meteor shower. The king donated the village of Simgapura, located in Kelajhasima of Hastinavati Vemṭhe, to a Brahmana named Limgaṇarya, a Vedic scholar from Kaḍiyalapura—likely present-day Kaḍiyapulanka in Cuddapah district, Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Reddy explained that the recipient was likely well-versed in astronomy, aligning with the context of the donation, which was explicitly made “to pacify the calamities that may arise due to the illuminating comets and meteor shower upon the king and his kingdom” (Prakāśyāya mahōtpāta śāntyartham dattavān vibhuḥ). Significance of the Discovery While comets (dhūmakētus) have long been referenced in ancient and medieval Indian texts, including Puranas and Jyotisha literature, this inscription marks the first physical epigraphical record of such an event. What lends it historical weight is that the date of the inscription precisely matches the year 1456 CE, which modern astronomy has confirmed as one of Halley’s comet’s documented returns. Dr. Reddy remarked, “What makes this particularly significant is that the year mentioned in the inscription and the reference to the comet’s appearance matches the year in which Halley’s comet was later established to have appeared.” Historically, across cultures, comets and meteor showers have been viewed as harbingers of misfortune, and in many cases, kings and rulers conducted religious rituals or issued grants to avert perceived cosmic threats. Next Steps: Publication and Preservation The reference was discovered during line-by-line editing of 21 unpublished copper plate charters comprising 78 copper leaves. Dr. Reddy confirmed that these important documents will soon be published in book form, offering a valuable resource for historians, astronomers, and scholars of South Indian epigraphy. This inscription is a rare convergence of astronomy, religion, politics, and history, providing a tangible link between medieval Indian belief systems and global celestial phenomena like Halley’s comet.

Ahmedabad Air India Crash: 241 Dead, 215 Identified Through DNA, Lone Survivor Bids Farewell to Brother

In one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent history, 241 of the 242 people onboard the Air India AI-171 flight died after the aircraft crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner collided with a hostel complex at BJ Medical College, resulting in a catastrophic fire and widespread destruction. DNA Identification and Handing Over of Bodies According to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi, DNA matches have confirmed the identities of 215 victims. So far, the mortal remains of 198 deceased have been handed over to their respective families. Among them: 183 bodies were transported to their home states or countries via ambulances, while 15 were flown out by air. Police Update on Identification Earlier, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik stated that 222 victims had been identified — 214 through DNA testing and 8 via alternative methods, possibly personal belongings or visual identification. Lone Survivor: A Story of Tragedy and Survival The tragedy had only one survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national who was seated in 11A. He miraculously survived the crash and was discharged from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital a week later. On June 18, he traveled to Diu to perform the last rites of his brother Ajay, who also died in the crash. Ajay’s body was identified via DNA testing. In an emotional moment, Vishwash carried his brother’s ashes to the cremation ground. Recalling the crash, he told PTI: “When I saw that the door of the plane was broken, I told myself that I can try and get out. Eventually, I came out of the plane.” The Crash The ill-fated flight was en route to London when it lost control shortly after takeoff and slammed into the BJ Medical College hostel premises. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, including possible mechanical failure or pilot error. National and International Condolences The Indian government has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, with tributes pouring in from around the world. Air India, DGCA, and international aviation bodies are involved in the ongoing probe. This tragedy has reignited conversations about aviation safety standards, emergency response times, and the critical importance of advanced evacuation training and infrastructure preparedness.

COVID-19 Update: India Sees Dip in Cases, But New Variants Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) and Stratus (XFG) Raise Concerns

While India’s active COVID-19 caseload has dropped to around 6,400, the emergence of two new variants—NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) and XFG (Stratus)—has medical experts and health authorities urging caution. Though recent trends suggest a seasonal or short-term “mini-wave,” the fast spread of these variants underscores the need for awareness and preventive action. 📉 A Dip in Cases, But Not Time to Relax Earlier this week, daily cases hovered near the 7,400 mark, sparking fears of another potential wave. However, the recent dip has brought some relief. Experts believe this spike may be seasonal, not indicative of a full-scale resurgence like Delta or early Omicron phases. Importantly, ICU occupancy remains minimal, signaling less severity in terms of hospitalization. 🦠 Meet the New Variants: Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) & Stratus (XFG) ❗ Key Symptoms Both new variants come with some distinctive symptoms: ⚠️ Are They More Dangerous? As of April 2025: 💉 Vaccines Still Effective Doctors and scientists confirm that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against both new variants. Booster doses offer additional protection, especially important for high-risk individuals. Maintaining up-to-date vaccinations continues to be one of the most reliable defenses against infection. 🛡️ Stay Safe, Stay Alert Even as case numbers stabilize, experts urge the public to: In short, while the current COVID-19 wave appears mild, the fast-evolving nature of the virus requires continued vigilance and responsible behavior to keep the spread under control.

Markets Flat Amid Weak Sentiment; IT & PSU Banks Drag, Auto Shines Slightly

Markets struggled to find clear direction on June 19, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty trading marginally lower by midday. The slide was led by sharp losses in IT and PSU banking stocks, weighing down overall investor sentiment. Auto stocks were the lone sectoral gainers, providing modest support in an otherwise cautious market environment. As of 12:15 PM, the Sensex was down 15.61 points or 0.02% at 81,429.05, while the Nifty slipped 0.30 points, holding nearly flat at 24,811.75. The broader market mood remained subdued, with 919 shares advancing, 2,400 declining, and 117 remaining unchanged, indicating widespread weakness. Laggards on the Nifty included Asian Paints, ONGC, Bajaj Finserv, Hindustan Unilever, and Sun Pharma, which were among the top drags. Midcap and smallcap indices also mirrored the benchmark indices’ softness, continuing to show signs of pressure. On the macroeconomic front, global cues remained cautious after the US Federal Reserve signalled that rate cuts may not happen before September, keeping their stance data-driven and inflation-sensitive. “While the rate cut was priced in, the Fed’s projections of slightly higher inflation and slower GDP growth did inject a cautious undertone. While the Fed has indicated a potential for two rate cuts later this year, possibly totalling 50 basis points, it won’t materialise before September and will be heavily data-dependent, especially on inflation,”— Aishvarya Dadheech, Founder & CIO, Fident Asset Management Overall, traders are expected to tread cautiously in the coming sessions, with focus turning to domestic cues, global monetary policy signals, and ongoing sectoral rotations.

Trump Softens Stance on India-Pakistan Peace, Credits Modi and Munir After Weeks of Taking Credit

After weeks of publicly claiming that he “stopped a war” between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump has shifted his tone, now giving credit directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday following a lunch meeting with General Munir, Trump said, “I’m so happy that two smart people decided not to keep going with that war… That could have been a nuclear war. Those are two nuclear powers, big ones, big, big nuclear powers, and they decided that.” Significantly, Trump did not position himself as the central peacemaker—a departure from his earlier narrative. Since May 10, when India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Trump had repeatedly claimed personal credit, citing his diplomacy and the appeal of US trade deals as instrumental in de-escalation. He famously declared, “I stopped the war.” Shift After Modi-Trump Phone Call The change in tone came just hours after a 35-minute phone conversation between Trump and PM Modi. Indian officials, speaking from the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, dismissed any claims of foreign mediation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri quoted PM Modi as saying: “India has never accepted mediation nor would it ever accept it. We have complete political unanimity on this.” He also emphasized that no trade deals or US involvement were discussed or factored into India’s military decisions under Operation Sindoor, the country’s robust retaliation following the terror attack. According to Indian officials, the decision to cease hostilities came after Pakistan suffered major damage to nine of its airbases and reached out for a ceasefire through pre-existing military channels, not due to external pressure. Modi’s Firm Message, Trump’s Subtle Climbdown Just hours before his Oval Office statement, Trump had again claimed he “stopped the war.” But the softened rhetoric—praising PM Modi and General Munir as “very smart people” and acknowledging their decisions—indicates a subtle walk-back, likely influenced by India’s diplomatic pushback and transparency. Observers say this evolution in Trump’s language reflects a need to recalibrate the US narrative after India’s firm rebuttal. Analysts note that global diplomats and fact-checkers will be closely monitoring whether Trump continues this revised tone or returns to his earlier self-congratulatory framing. Poll: What Do You Think? Do you believe President Trump’s claims about stopping the war are justified? 🔘 Yes, he played a crucial role🔘 No, it was primarily India and Pakistan’s decision As New Delhi reiterates that the credit for preventing further escalation lies solely with India and Pakistan, the world is watching how long the White House maintains this more balanced version of events.

Kashmiri Students Evacuated from War-Hit Iran Thank Centre, Slam J&K Govt for Poor Transport Arrangements

Indian students evacuated from conflict-ridden Iran have expressed gratitude to the Central Government for ensuring their safe return to the country. However, many students—particularly from Jammu and Kashmir—voiced disappointment over the inadequate onward travel arrangements provided by the J&K government from Delhi to their home districts. After days of tension and a long, exhausting journey from Iran via Armenia and Doha, the students were expecting proper care upon arrival in Delhi. Instead, they were met with old and uncomfortable SRTC buses, a stark contrast to the facilities provided to students from other Indian states who received airport assistance and connecting flights home. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association shared a video on social media platform X, highlighting the poor condition of the buses. The post read: “After enduring a harrowing 4-day journey from Iran via Armenia & Doha, Kashmiri students have finally reached Delhi, only to be dumped in SRTC buses, unlike students from other states who were received with proper airport facilitation, care, and connecting flights home.” The association further criticized the state government’s response, stating, “Exhausted, distressed, and neglected. Is this the reward for their resilience? What’s stopping the J&K Govt from stepping up? Logistics? Willpower? Or just apathy? If it’s about funds, say it loud—we’ll launch a fundraiser for the JK Govt. We’ve done more with less before.” In response to the backlash, the office of then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the concerns and assured that steps were being taken in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation to arrange proper deluxe buses for the students’ travel. The flight carrying the 110 evacuated Indian students—primarily from Urmia Medical University in Iran—arrived in New Delhi after delays. Out of these, 90 students belonged to the Kashmir Valley. According to Nasir Khuehami, convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Union, the students had successfully crossed into Armenia on Tuesday and were temporarily accommodated in Yerevan before being flown to India. Iran has remained a favored destination for Kashmiri students due to its affordable higher education and cultural similarities. Currently, over 4,000 Indian students—nearly half of them from J&K—are pursuing courses in cities like Tehran, Shiraz, and Qom. Amaan Azhar, one of the evacuated students, shared his emotions after landing in India. “I am very happy. I cannot express in words how happy I am to finally be able to meet my family. The situation in Iran is very bad. The people there are like us; there are small children who are suffering. War is not a good thing. It kills humanity,” he said. While the safe evacuation has been widely appreciated, the incident has raised questions about state-level preparedness and sensitivity in handling returning students during international emergencies.

Model Murder Case: Boyfriend Arrested After Confessing to Killing Sheetal, Staging Fake Accident

A day after the body of missing model Sheetal was recovered from a canal in Haryana with stab wounds on her neck, the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) arrested her boyfriend, Sunil, who has confessed to the murder. Sunil, a resident of Israna, told police he killed Sheetal by stabbing her and then staged a fake accident by pushing her car into a canal near Kharkhoda in Sonipat to mislead the investigation. According to senior police officer Satish Vats, the motive behind the murder was a conflict that arose after Sheetal discovered that Sunil was already married. Sheetal, who worked in the Haryana music industry, had gone missing on June 14 after leaving for a shoot in Ahar village. Her family, residents of Satkartar Colony in Panipat, filed a missing person’s report at Matlauda police station after she didn’t return home. CIA-1 in-charge Sub-Inspector Sandeep confirmed that the complaint was lodged by her sister, who stated that Sheetal lived with her and four other siblings. Following the report, a case under Section 127(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered and a search operation was launched. On the morning of June 16, Sheetal’s body was found and sent for post-mortem to PGI Khanpur. A murder case was registered after the family’s statements were recorded. Sunil was later arrested near Park Hospital and confessed to the crime during interrogation. Police are now trying to recover the knife used in the murder. He is expected to be presented before the court later in the day.

Covid-19 Death Toll Crosses 100 in India; Experts Urge Caution, Not Panic

India’s Covid-19 death toll has crossed the 100-mark in the current wave, reaching 108 after 11 deaths were reported on Monday — the highest single-day toll so far. Kerala, the worst-hit state in the recent surge, reported seven deaths, while one death each was reported from Delhi, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. All seven victims from Kerala were above 60 years of age and had underlying health conditions such as cancer, pancreatitis, kidney disease, and pneumonia. The victim from Delhi was a 67-year-old man with a history of lung cancer. Senior health ministry officials reiterated that the majority of Covid-19 fatalities involve individuals with comorbidities. Currently, Kerala has the highest number of active cases (1,920), followed by Gujarat (1,433), Delhi (649), and Maharashtra (540). States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana have also reported cases in recent days. Experts suspect the surge is driven by new sub-variants of the coronavirus, capable of evading immunity from past infections and vaccinations. However, these variants are not causing severe illness. Dr. Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Saket, emphasized that most infections resemble common flu and require only symptomatic treatment and isolation. “There is no need for widespread testing or panic,” he said. Most cases are being managed at home. Still, the Union Health Ministry has issued advisories to all states to ensure readiness of hospitals, including the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, as a precautionary measure.

Air India Crash: 135 Victims Identified Through DNA; 101 Bodies Handed Over to Families

Five days after the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 270 lives, officials have confirmed that 135 victims have been identified through DNA matching, and 101 bodies have been handed over to their families. Authorities are relying on DNA tests to establish identities, as many of the bodies were severely charred or mutilated. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, informed that of the 101 deceased handed over so far, five individuals were not passengers on the flight. These victims belonged to various regions, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Diu. Dr. Joshi expressed hope that DNA profiling of all victims would be completed by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. The devastating crash occurred on June 12 at 1:39 pm when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London with 242 people on board, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, with only one passenger surviving. Additionally, 29 people on the ground, including five MBBS students, lost their lives in the incident.Five days after the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 270 lives, officials have confirmed that 135 victims have been identified through DNA matching, and 101 bodies have been handed over to their families. Authorities are relying on DNA tests to establish identities, as many of the bodies were severely charred or mutilated. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, informed that of the 101 deceased handed over so far, five individuals were not passengers on the flight. These victims belonged to various regions, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Diu. Dr. Joshi expressed hope that DNA profiling of all victims would be completed by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. The devastating crash occurred on June 12 at 1:39 pm when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London with 242 people on board, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, with only one passenger surviving. Additionally, 29 people on the ground, including five MBBS students, lost their lives in the incident.

India Begins Evacuation of Students from Iran Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel

Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, India has begun evacuating its citizens, particularly students, from Iran. At least 100 Indian students from Urmia, including around 90 from Jammu and Kashmir, have safely crossed the border into Armenia and are awaiting repatriation to India. Their flight to Delhi is scheduled for tomorrow. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city with the help of arrangements made by the Indian Embassy, citing growing safety concerns. Indian nationals with personal transport have been advised to evacuate Tehran on their own. Some have already crossed the border into Armenia with assistance from authorities. Nasir Khuehami, national convener of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, confirmed the safe passage of students from Urmia Medical University and stated that they are currently en route to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. There are approximately 10,000 Indians in Iran, including nearly 6,000 students. The Embassy of India in Tehran remains in continuous contact with the Indian community to provide all possible support. Additionally, a control room has been established in New Delhi, and 24×7 emergency helplines have been activated in Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and Zahedan to assist Indians in need.

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