Evening news wrap: PM Modi interacts with Shubhanshu Shukla; Parag Jain appointed new R&AW chief; and more

A suicide bombing by the Pakistani Taliban kills 16 soldiers in North Waziristan. Prime Minister Modi makes a veiled reference to Operation Sindoor during a spiritual event, drawing strong audience reactions.Light rain brings relief to Delhi-NCR under an orange alert. PM Modi also interacts with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Meanwhile, Parag Jain is appointed the new chief of R&AW, bringing two decades of intelligence experience to the role.PM Modi interacts with Astronaut Shubhanshu aboard ISSIn a historic interaction, Prime Minister Modi connected with Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s space emissary aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

The call underscored India’s growing footprint in space exploration and private-public collaboration in orbital missions. Read more16 soldiers killed in Taliban suicide attack in PakistanAt least 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed and over two dozen others injured — including civilians — in a suicide bombing on Saturday. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack that targeted a military convoy in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to local officials and police speaking to AFP, a vehicle laden with explosives rammed into the convoy.

The death toll rose from 13 to 16 as more details emerged.

Read morePM Modi hints at Operation Sindoor, sparks cheersPrime Minister Narendra Modi stirred excitement at a spiritual gathering in Vigyan Bhawan when he indirectly referenced Operation Sindoor, drawing loud applause. The phrase “jo humein chhedega,” used in his speech, sparked "Modi, Modi" chants from the audience — a nod to India's recent military operations that have captured public imagination. Read moreLight rain brings relief to Delhi-NCRLight to moderate rain brought much-needed relief to parts of Delhi-NCR on Saturday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, warning of thunderstorms and wind speeds of 30–50 km/h. Showers were recorded across east, west, south. Read moreIn a historic interaction, Prime Minister Modi connected with Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s space emissary aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The call underscored India’s growing footprint in space exploration and private-public collaboration in orbital missions.Parag Jain appointed new R&AW chiefThe Centre on Saturday appointed Parag Jain as the next chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R\&AW). A 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, Jain has served in key covert roles and is known for his involvement in Operation Sindoor. He currently heads R\&AW’s Aviation Research Centre (ARC) and brings over 20 years of intelligence experience. He will officially take charge on July 1, succeeding Ravi Sinha. Read more