Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, echoing Rakesh Sharma, declared India looks magnificent from space as he concludes his historic mission on the ISS. Launched via a private spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla conducted over 60 experiments, marking a milestone for India's space collaboration. His journey symbolizes India's ambitious and globally engaged presence in space exploration.
Suspended Congress MLC Teenmaar Mallanna alleges an assassination attempt orchestrated by Telangana Jagruthi members at BRS MLC K Kavitha's instigation, following his remarks about her. Mallanna's security guard fired in self-defense as protesters stormed his office, prompting a police complaint.
Swami Giri said, «Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a very courageous decision, and I would say that such a step should be implemented across the entire country. Sanatan Dharma is a highly respected tradition, and there are many people who, under the guise of saffron robes, are criminal and jihadi elements trying to defame Sanatan Dharma.»
Ujjwal Nikam, renowned special public prosecutor, expressed gratitude for his Rajya Sabha nomination, recounting a personal call from PM Modi. The Prime Minister, after jokingly asking whether to converse in Hindi or Marathi, spoke in Marathi to convey the President's decision.
India eagerly awaits the return of its first astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, from the International Space Station. His Dragon spacecraft is set to undock on Monday, with a Pacific Ocean splashdown expected Tuesday. Shukla's family in Lucknow is preparing a grand welcome, with his mother planning his favorite home-cooked meals.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to review a petition on July 15 challenging the Uttar Pradesh government's directive for QR code displays at businesses along the 'kanwar' path, revealing owner identities. Academic Apoorvanand Jha and others filed the public interest litigation, alleging discriminatory profiling. The court had previously suspended similar orders from BJP-led states, citing privacy concerns for shop owners.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed reports of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar being registered as voters in Bihar, questioning the credibility of the sources. He accused the BJP-led NDA of being responsible for any dubious names on voter lists, calling the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) an "eyewash.
In Odisha, a college student's self-immolation after alleged ignored sexual harassment complaints prompted swift action. The state government pledged to cover medical expenses and formed a high-level committee for investigation. The accused HoD and Principal have been suspended, and the accused teacher is now in police custody, with initial evidence supporting the student's claims.
Election Commission officials in Bihar have identified numerous individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar during voter list revisions. This verification process aims to exclude illegal migrants from the electoral roll, with citizenship status checks beginning in August.
The Axiom-4 mission, featuring Isro-trained astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to undock from the International Space Station on July 14th. Shukla, the first Indian on a private ISS flight, will return to Earth with splashdown expected on July 15th. The Ax-4 crew conducted over 60 experiments in various scientific fields during their stay.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren reported that the official X account of his party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was hacked by anti-social elements. Soren has directed the Jharkhand Police to investigate the matter immediately and urged X to take notice of the security breach.
Unesco's recognition of Maratha military sites and the classical language status granted to Marathi highlight the central government's focus on Maratha heritage, especially as Maharashtra prepares for local elections. These actions, including the Navy's ensign redesign inspired by Shivaji, are seen as strategic moves by the BJP to connect with Marathi voters and strengthen its position in the state.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, is set to return on July 14. He has successfully completed four Isro-led microgravity experiments, including studies on tardigrades, muscle cell development, seed sprouting, and cyanobacteria growth. Three more experiments involving microalgae, crop seeds, and a 'Voyager display' are nearing completion before his departure.
The US Embassy in India has reiterated that visa holders must strictly adhere to US laws and immigration rules or face deportation. The US continuously monitors visa holders and will revoke visas for non-compliance. Recent measures include stricter social media screening for student visas, requiring applicants to disclose all social media handles from the past five years.
PM Modi distributed 51,000 central government job appointment letters, marking over 10 lakh recruitments via Rozgar Melas since October 2022. He emphasized India's demographic and democratic strengths, highlighting the government's commitment to facilitating growth and creating opportunities. The government is also focusing on private sector job creation, including a new incentive scheme to support first-time employees.
A preliminary report on the Air India flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad highlights a potential fuel control switch malfunction. The report references a serviceability bulletin regarding the Boeing-787's fuel control switch, indicating a possible issue with the locking feature. Despite the FAA's advisory, Air India did not conduct the suggested inspections.
Following the release of the preliminary report on the June 12 Ahmedabad Dreamliner crash, Air India will conduct a detailed review session for its pilots. Captain Manish Uppal urged pilots to carefully examine the report, emphasizing its role in preventing future tragedies.
Nabha, an 8-year-old Namibian cheetah, has died at Kuno National Park due to severe injuries sustained during a hunting attempt within her enclosure. Despite a week of treatment, she succumbed to fractures in her left ulna and fibula. The cheetah population at Kuno is now 26, with all other cheetahs reported to be healthy and adapting well.
The FBI, in collaboration with local law enforcement, apprehended Pavittar Singh Batala, a fugitive linked to Babbar Khalsa International, in California. The arrest, part of 'Summer Heat' initiative, also led to the capture of seven others and the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. Batala faces charges related to organized crime, with Indian agencies seeking his extradition.
A B-school student in Kolkata was arrested following accusations of drugging and raping a woman psychologist during a counseling session in his hostel room. However, a twist emerged when the woman's father refuted the allegations, claiming police coercion. The student is currently in police custody, while the police are facing non-cooperation from the family.
A preliminary report on the Air India AI171 crash reveals a potential fuel supply cutoff to both engines shortly after takeoff. The investigation highlights conflicting pilot statements and a possible mechanical fault with the fuel control switches, as indicated in a 2018 safety bulletin.
Pilots express concerns and skepticism regarding the AAIB report on the AI-171 incident, questioning the timing of engine shutdowns and the failure of the emergency locator transmitter. They highlight ambiguities in the report, the lack of transparency in the investigation, and the exclusion of experienced pilots from the investigation team.
Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged the public to refrain from drawing conclusions about the AI-171 crash, emphasizing the need to await the final investigation report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). He commended the AAIB's transparent and professional approach, highlighting their adherence to international protocols during the investigation.
The AAIB's preliminary report on the AI-171 crash hasn't recommended actions for Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators, pending further investigation. Data analysis continues, with collaboration from the NTSB, Boeing, GE, FAA, and UK officials. Early media reports suggested fuel control switch issues, but no FAA airworthiness directive has been issued, offering relief to Boeing.
Pakistan, nearing the end of its UNSC presidency, plans an open debate on global disputes, aiming for a resolution promoting peaceful settlement mechanisms. While seemingly intended to spotlight Kashmir, the resolution will likely be generic to avoid vetoes, focusing on broad principles. Islamabad will also host an event to bolster UN-OIC cooperation, seeking support for its Kashmir stance.
A tragic accident in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the death of five people after their SUV plunged into a deep gorge on Friday evening. One person died at the scene, while others succumbed to injuries en route to or at hospitals.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan criticized Bihar's deteriorating law and order following a series of murders, including a hospital worker in Nalanda. Political tensions escalated as Congress leaders blamed the central government, while the ruling coalition pointed fingers at the opposition.
Samba district police in Jammu have dismantled an illegal arms trade network, arresting a Central University of Jammu student from Bihar. Kaif Ahmad was apprehended with a country-made pistol, revealing his involvement in smuggling firearms from Bihar to sell to criminals in J&K. Police are investigating further, vowing to continue cracking down on illegal arms dealing.
The Dalai Lama arrived in Ladakh on Saturday for a month-long visit, greeted by enthusiastic crowds. He urged the Himalayan region's residents to preserve and promote Buddhist teachings. Senior officials and religious leaders welcomed him at Leh airport, with thousands of devotees lining the route to Jivetsal Choglamsar to celebrate his arrival.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have prohibited visits to the Srinagar graveyard of “July 13 Martyrs,” continuing restrictions since Article 370's abrogation in 2019. This prevents political figures like Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti from paying tributes to those killed in the 1931 uprising against Dogra rule.
Suvendu Adhikari's advice against visiting Kashmir due to its Muslim majority has sparked outrage in J&K. His own party, the BJP, has refuted the statement, emphasizing the patriotism and sacrifices of Kashmiris for India's unity. The National Conference has equated Adhikari's comments with terrorism, highlighting the contradiction to efforts aimed at reviving tourism in the region.
