Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), said his experience will aid India’s Gaganyaan mission. He flew aboard SpaceX’s Axiom-4 mission, launching on June 25 and returning on July 15. Speaking at a press meet with ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, Shukla said, “The benefit of executing a human space mission is more than the training. The knowledge I have collected will be extremely useful for Gaganyaan and future Indian space missions.” He thanked the government, ISRO, and researchers for supporting the mission. 

India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile, with a range of up to 5,000 km, can reach almost the entire Asian continent, including northern China, and parts of Europe. The Defence Ministry said the test was carried out under the Strategic Forces Command and met all technical and operational requirements. Powered by a three-stage solid-fuel rocket, Agni-5 can carry nuclear warheads with high accuracy. The test, held three months after Operation Sindoor, highlights India’s growing military strength and makes Agni-5 a vital part of its nuclear deterrence. (PC: HT)

Bhanu Attri, a 39-year-old from Himachal Pradesh, has become the first Hindu and non-Christian chaplain in the British Royal Navy. Attri grew up in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, before moving to the UK, where he served as a Hindu priest in London. He completed tough naval training, including survival exercises and time aboard HMS Iron Duke, before graduating from Britannia Royal Naval College. As a chaplain, he will provide spiritual support and conduct Hindu prayers for personnel. His appointment has been welcomed by the Hindu Council UK and praised by Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu as a proud moment for India. (PC: X)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission, said his journey was a mission for the whole nation. At a press briefing with ISRO chief Dr V. Narayanan, Shukla said spaceflight was very different from ground training and thanked ISRO, the government, and researchers for their support. He served as mission pilot and carried out experiments designed by Indian scientists. Shukla said the first days in space were tough but rewarding. ISRO chief Narayanan called the mission historic and highlighted India’s rapid growth in space technology in the past decade. (PC: X)

Kerala Youth Congress chief and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil resigned after harassment allegations by Malayalam actor Rini Ann George and writer Honey Bhaskaran. Rini said a youth leader had sent her offensive messages and invited her to a hotel. Though she did not name him, BJP accused Rahul and staged a protest. Soon after, Honey directly named him and alleged repeated unwanted messages. Rahul denied wrongdoing but said he resigned so the party could focus on elections. He added no leader asked him to quit, calling it his personal choice. Congress has promised to review the complaints. (PC: India Today)

A Pune court has summoned actors Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and director Subhash Kapoor over their upcoming film Jolly LLB 3. The summons came after lawyer Wajed Rahim Khan filed a petition claiming the film insults the judiciary. He alleged that some scenes mock judges and lawyers, including one where the word “mama” is used for the bench. The court has directed the three to appear on October 28. The complaint was first filed in 2024 after the teaser was released. Jolly LLB 3, set to release on September 19, reunites Kumar and Warsi in the courtroom comedy. (PC: The Hindu)

Malayalam actor and former journalist Rini Ann George has accused a young politician of harassment. She said he sent her offensive texts and even invited her to a hotel. Rini demanded strict action from his party, saying complaints against him are common. Soon after her statement, BJP staged a protest in Kerala, demanding the resignation of Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil. Writer Honey Bhaskaran also accused Rahul of sending her unwanted messages on social media. Rini said she spoke out after seeing many women share similar issues online but remain silent. She added women deserve better protection. (PC: News18)

Cindy Rodriguez Singh, 40, one of the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives,” has been arrested in India for the murder of her 6-year-old son, Noel. Singh fled the US in March 2023 with her husband and six children, leaving Noel behind. She later lied that he was in Mexico. Interpol issued a Red Notice in 2024, and the FBI placed her on its list, offering a $250,000 reward. Singh was captured with help from Indian authorities and brought back to the US. She faces charges of capital murder and unlawful flight. The FBI said “justice has no borders.” (PC: NDTV)

Judge Frank Caprio, known as the “nicest judge in the world,” passed away on August 20 at the age of 88 after battling pancreatic cancer. Caprio became famous for his kind and compassionate rulings on the TV show Caught in Providence, which earned him global love and millions of followers. His court hearings, blending justice with empathy, often went viral online. Tributes poured in from fans worldwide, praising his humanity and warmth. In his final days, Caprio asked for prayers and thanked people for their support. He will be remembered as a devoted family man and an inspirational judge. (PC: X)

Palestinians are leaving parts of Gaza City after Israel began the first stages of a ground assault. Israeli troops have entered areas like Zeitoun and Jabalia following days of heavy bombing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aim is to capture “the last terror strongholds” in Gaza. Defence Minister Israel Katz has called up 60,000 reservists for the operation. The UN and world leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, have warned of massive civilian suffering and regional instability. Hamas accused Israel of targeting civilians and ignoring ceasefire efforts. Hundreds of thousands may be forced to evacuate to southern Gaza. (PC: BBC)