July 14, 2025 – The journey back to Earth has begun for Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s representative aboard the Axiom-4 space mission. Alongside his international crewmates, the Group Captain from the Indian Air Force departed the International Space Station (ISS) today aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon “Grace” after an eventful 18-day orbital mission. The return leg will take roughly 22 hours, culminating in a Pacific Ocean splashdown on July 15. This mission not only marked India’s first human presence in space in over four decades, but also highlighted the increasing role of private and global collaborations in shaping the future of space…
Author: Anjali Singh
Patna, July 11, 2025 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed that over 74.39% of eligible voters in Bihar have submitted their enumeration forms as part of the state-wide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. This drive, which began on June 24, has seen the submission of approximately 5.87 crore forms out of a total 7.90 crore registered electors—just 17 days into the 32-day operation scheduled to end on July 25. Officials believe that at the current pace, the revision campaign will not only meet but likely exceed its completion targets well before the final date.…
A massive outcry has erupted in Gujarat following the collapse of the Gambhira Bridge near Padra in Vadodara district. At least 11 people lost their lives, and more remain missing, after the 40-year-old structure gave way, plunging multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar River below. The bridge, a known risk among locals, has long been a subject of safety complaints — complaints that, according to residents, fell on deaf ears. Locals React: ‘They Didn’t Listen’ Angry villagers and commuters have staged impromptu protests at the site of the collapse. Many held up signs that read “Bridge of Death” and “Ignored Warnings…
contesting the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Bihar electoral rolls. The petitioners claim that the process is flawed, discriminatory, and could disenfranchise over 4 crore voters—nearly half the state’s electorate—through an overly restrictive and poorly timed verification process. Petitioners’ Main Arguments: Who’s Involved? The petitions have been filed by a range of individuals and organizations including: Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Gopal Sankaranarayanan are arguing the case, urging the Court to intervene to prevent mass disenfranchisement. What Could Happen in Court? On July 10, a two-judge…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires on July 4–5, 2025, embarking on a two‑day bilateral visit — the first by an Indian PM in 57 years. This visit marks the third leg of his ambitious five‑nation tour across Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Arrival & CeremonyTouching down at Ezeiza International Airport on Friday evening (local time), PM Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour. From the onset, his arrival exuded warmth and camaraderie — notably, a heartfelt welcome from Argentina’s Indian diaspora at the Alvear Palace Hotel, despite their relatively small size (around 3,000 people).…
In a major shift of policy, the Delhi government has decided not to enforce mandatory scrapping of old vehicles, following a groundswell of public anger and widespread criticism. The controversial rule, which had banned refueling of petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years from July 1, was met with swift backlash across the city, forcing authorities to reconsider. Background: The Policy That Sparked a Storm The initial directive, backed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aimed to curb vehicular pollution in India’s most polluted capital. It prohibited fuel stations from refueling vehicles…
July 1, 2025 — Washington & New Delhi — A trade deal that once symbolized a new era of cooperation between the world’s largest democracies is now in danger of slipping away. The proposed India–U.S. trade agreement—branded by leaders as “historic,” “transformative,” and “beautiful”—has been delayed again, and insiders say a final agreement is unlikely in 2025. Negotiations, which started with high hopes in early 2024, have bogged down over familiar friction points. Sources close to the talks describe the environment as “tense” and “deeply political.” Three Core Fault Lines 1. Agriculture: The U.S. wants expanded access to India’s market…
Russia escalated its military campaign against Ukraine with the single largest aerial assault since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, launching 537 air-launched weapons in a coordinated overnight offensive that left widespread destruction across multiple regions. Amid Ukraine’s desperate defense efforts, an F-16 fighter jet — one of the country’s most advanced Western-supplied aircraft — was shot down, and its pilot, Lt. Col. Maksym Ustimenko, was confirmed killed in action. The attack targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, overwhelming air defense systems across at least ten Ukrainian regions and causing mass blackouts, fires, and dozens of casualties. Largest Aerial Attack…
Puri, Odisha — June 27, 2025The ancient coastal town of Puri witnessed an overwhelming surge of spiritual energy today as devotees from across India and beyond flocked in their millions to witness the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. The sacred chariot festival—one of Hinduism’s most venerated processions—brought the city to a standstill, with exuberant crowds lining the 3‑kilometer route from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. A Pilgrimage of Faith and Unity Rath Yatra, which translates to “chariot journey,” symbolizes the divine visit of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra to their aunt’s shrine. The…
Indian Railways, the backbone of India’s public transport system, is set to increase passenger fares marginally from July 1. The move is designed to align with growing operational demands, support ongoing modernization projects, and improve customer service across one of the world’s most complex rail networks. This is the first fare adjustment in over two years, and authorities have ensured that the hike remains modest, preserving affordability while enabling essential upgrades. What to Expect in the Fare Change The fare hike is small, ranging from ₹2 to ₹40 depending on the travel class and distance: There will be no change…