Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handwritten postcard carrying the words “Vande Mataram” will travel to space aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 during Mission Aagaman, marking a symbolic milestone for India’s private space sector. The postcard will accompany handwritten messages from Skyroot employees, scientists, investors, policymakers, former ISRO chiefs, astronauts, and supporters worldwide. Launching from Sriharikota, Vikram-1 is India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket and aims to demonstrate indigenous launch capabilities. The mission also carries several technology demonstration payloads, highlighting the growing collaboration between India’s public and private space ecosystems while advancing the country’s commercial space ambitions. (PC: X)

India marked a historic achievement as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota under Mission Aagaman. After a brief planned hold before liftoff, the rocket successfully entered orbit carrying multiple technology demonstration payloads. The milestone highlights India's growing private space capabilities and strengthens the country's commercial space ambitions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Skyroot team, calling the mission a proud moment for Indian innovation. Vikram-1's success signals a new era of collaboration between ISRO and India's rapidly expanding private space industry.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that unidentified individuals attempted to attack climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Delhi's Jantar Mantar during his ongoing hunger strike, claiming an object was thrown but Wangchuk was unharmed. Dipke accused the government of failing to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters and warned it would be held responsible if any harm came to Wangchuk. The allegations come amid heightened tensions after Wangchuk's health deteriorated and he was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. Authorities have not confirmed the alleged attack, while security around the protest has been tightened. (PC: X)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has begun an indefinite hunger strike after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital following a deterioration in his health during a prolonged fast. Dipke accused authorities of forcibly removing Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site and vowed to continue the movement. Delhi Police said the hospitalisation followed medical advice and court directions due to Wangchuk's worsening condition. Despite the development, CJP leaders said their planned protest march on July 20 would proceed, keeping pressure on the government over their demands. (PC: The Wire)

India achieved a landmark milestone in its space journey as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The maiden mission, named Mission Aagaman, carried multiple technology demonstration payloads into low Earth orbit, proving the capabilities of India's growing private space sector. The successful launch marks a new chapter in commercial space exploration, strengthening collaboration between ISRO and private companies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, calling the achievement a proud moment that showcases India's innovation and the rising global potential of its private space industry. (PC: Skyroot)

Opposition parties strongly criticised the Central government after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following health concerns during his prolonged hunger strike. Leaders accused the government of suppressing a peaceful democratic protest and questioned the handling of Wangchuk's detention and hospitalisation. Several opposition figures described the action as undemocratic and demanded immediate dialogue with the protesters over their demands concerning alleged examination irregularities. The government and Delhi Police maintained that Wangchuk was moved solely on medical grounds after his health deteriorated, following medical advice and court directions. (PC: X)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said he has lost nearly 20% of his body weight during his prolonged hunger strike, highlighting the physical toll of his protest. Speaking from hospital after being shifted due to deteriorating health, Wangchuk questioned why governments have fallen over issues like rising onion prices but not over students' concerns. He urged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue and address demands for accountability over alleged examination irregularities. His remarks have intensified the ongoing debate, with public figures and supporters renewing calls for urgent government action and a peaceful resolution to the protest.

Actor Hrithik Roshan has expressed solidarity with climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk amid his ongoing hunger strike. Sharing a heartfelt message on social media, Hrithik described Wangchuk as a true inspiration whose courage and commitment continue to motivate millions. He urged people to stand by Wangchuk and hoped for a peaceful resolution through meaningful dialogue. Hrithik's support adds to a growing list of celebrities, including Kiran Rao and others, who have voiced concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health and appealed to authorities to engage with his demands. 

The Department of Space has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for ISRO scientists after reports that more than 100 scientific and technical personnel left the organisation in recent months. The new directive states that exit requests from scientists involved in critical missions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, will no longer be routinely approved and must receive clearance from the Department of Space. The move reverses a 2020 policy that allowed ISRO centre directors to approve such requests. Officials said the step aims to retain experienced talent and ensure uninterrupted progress of India's flagship space missions. (PC: X)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after his health deteriorated. The move followed medical concerns and a Delhi High Court directive to ensure his safety. Wangchuk has been fasting in support of student protesters demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations. Authorities said the transfer was necessary to provide urgent medical care, while supporters continued demonstrations, urging the government to engage in dialogue and address the protesters' demands. (PC: PTI)