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ESA Launches Moonlight Programme to Build Satellite Network on the Moon
- The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Moonlight programme to create a satellite constellation for lunar telecommunication and navigation services, aiming for full deployment by 2030.
- Moonlight will consist of five satellites: one for high-data-rate communications and four for navigation, spanning a 400,000 km network connecting the Moon to Earth.
- The programme's first stage, Lunar Pathfinder, a communications relay satellite developed by SSTL, is set to begin operations in 2026.
- ESA is collaborating with NASA and JAXA on LunaNet to ensure compatibility between future lunar infrastructures, with the first lunar navigation interoperability tests scheduled for 2029.
- The Moonlight programme was officially launched at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, with key ESA officials and industry partners in attendance.
World’s Biggest Banks Boost Fossil Fuel Financing by $162 Billion in 2024, Reversing Previous Decline
- The world’s 65 largest banks increased fossil fuel financing by $162.5 billion in 2024, totaling $869 billion.
- This marks a reversal after two years of declining fossil fuel investments by major banks.
- Forty-five of the 65 banks raised their fossil fuel financing, with U.S. banks contributing about one-third of the global total.
- The top four U.S. banks—JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citi, and Wells Fargo—accounted for 21% of global fossil fuel financing.
- The surge comes amid weakened climate commitments, with many banks exiting climate alliances and expanding fossil fuel support.
Sonia Gandhi Condemns India’s Silence on Israel’s Gaza, Iran Offensive as “Surrender of Values”
- Sonia Gandhi slams Modi government for not condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Iran.
- Accuses India of abandoning commitment to independent Palestine alongside Israel.
- Calls India’s silence a “surrender of values” and diplomatic tradition.
- Criticizes Trump’s “destructive path” and Israel’s “impunity” backed by Western nations.
- Demands India use its diplomatic leverage to restore peace in West Asia.
China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh Convene Inaugural Three-Way Talks to Enhance Regional Collaboration
- China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh held their first trilateral meeting in Kunming, China, on June 19, 2025.
- The three countries agreed to set up a working group to implement joint projects and follow up on agreements.
- Senior officials discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, digital economy, and maritime affairs.
- The meeting emphasized principles of openness, mutual trust, good-neighborliness, and alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative.
- The trilateral cooperation aims to promote economic development, improve livelihoods, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Israel-Iran Conflict Unlikely to Immediately Disrupt Indian Military Supplies
- The Israel-Iran conflict is too recent to show any immediate impact on Indian military hardware or spares.
- Any diversion of Israeli weapons to their own military would occur only if the conflict becomes prolonged.
- Indian-Israeli joint ventures and local manufacturing help ensure continued supplies despite regional tensions.
- Unlike the Russia-Ukraine war, most Indian military platforms from Israel require less extensive maintenance support.
- Broader risks exist for India’s trade and oil supply if the conflict escalates, but not for military supplies yet.
US Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites with Massive Bunker-Buster Bombs, Escalating Middle East Tensions
- The US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—using powerful bunker-buster bombs.
- The main weapon used was the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, weighing 13,000 kg, designed to destroy deep underground targets.
- B-2 stealth bombers and naval submarines delivered these bombs and cruise missiles in a coordinated operation.
- The strikes aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, but experts say knowledge cannot be destroyed by bombs alone.
- Iran condemned the attacks, warning of severe consequences, while the US and Israel increased regional security measures.