5 people died and 10 others were injured after a blast and fire at a firecracker factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday. The factory was suspected to be operating illegally. Firefighters and police quickly reached the spot and rescued the injured. They were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police have started an investigation to find the cause of the blast. They are also checking if the factory broke safety rules. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced financial help for the victims' families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains under close medical observation at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital after being admitted on the 21st day of his hunger strike. Hospital sources said he is suffering from dehydration, low potassium levels and rising ketone levels, and doctors are urging his family to allow treatment without delay. However, his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, alleged a lack of transparency, claiming the hospital refused to provide medical reports or allow independent testing. Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity, while Delhi Police increased security at Jantar Mantar.

Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, has become a symbol of determination after leading the successful launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately built orbital rocket. Despite scoring just 51 marks in mathematics during school, Chandana pursued engineering at IIT Kharagpur, worked as an ISRO scientist, and later co-founded Skyroot in 2018. Under his leadership, the company built India’s largest private rocket manufacturing facility and achieved a historic milestone with Mission Aagaman. His journey highlights how perseverance, innovation, and ambition can overcome early academic setbacks to reshape India’s private space industry.  (PC: India Today)

Tensions escalated at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after a woman allegedly hurled an ink-like liquid at CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke while he was addressing protesters. The incident briefly disrupted the gathering, triggering confusion among supporters before order was restored. The protest continued despite the disruption, with Dipke remaining at the venue and reaffirming his commitment to the ongoing agitation following Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the woman's motive or confirmed any legal action. The episode highlighted the heightened tensions surrounding the continuing protest and renewed concerns over security at the demonstration site.

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has confirmed that the planned July 20 march to Parliament will go ahead despite growing concerns over his deteriorating health during his prolonged hunger strike. She urged supporters to remain peaceful and determined, saying the movement would continue regardless of challenges. The protest seeks accountability over alleged examination irregularities and demands action from the Centre. Organisers have called for large public participation while stressing non-violence. As Wangchuk’s condition remains under close medical observation, the march is expected to become a major focal point of the ongoing nationwide campaign. (PC: ANI)

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)