On July 30, 2025, Gilmour Space Technologies launched Eris Testflight 1 from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland—Australia’s first domestically built orbital rocket launch attempt . The 23‑meter rocket achieved 23 seconds of engine burn and 14 seconds of flight before crashing northeast of the pad in a plume of smoke—without injuries or damage to infrastructure . CEO Adam Gilmour hailed the mission as “a strong result,” noting that all four hybrid engines ignited successfully and the launch provided vital data for future rockets . Plans include a second test flight within six to seven months as the company advances Australia's sovereign space capability.

During the Lord’s Test, India received a replacement ball 30–35 overs old after just 10 overs, violating ICC protocol. The original Dukes ball had lost shape, but no suitable replacement was available. Indian officials claim this change shifted momentum, as Jasprit Bumrah had taken three wickets before the swap. The older ball lacked swing, allowing England’s lower order to recover and post 355, leading to India’s 22-run defeat. Officials also allege England received preferential ball selection and demand ICC rule changes for transparency. The incident has sparked controversy over fairness and match integrity, with calls for reform in ball replacement procedures and oversight. (PC: BCCI)

On July 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods and hinted at additional penalties over India’s Russian energy and defence purchases. However, he later stated that trade negotiations are ongoing, noting India’s willingness to cut its high tariffs substantially, and that “you’ll know by the end of the week” if a deal materializes . Markets interpreted the announcement as a negotiation tactic rather than a final decision, with investors seeing room for compromise . This signals potential progress toward a fair, mutually beneficial trade agreement.

On July 31, 2025, Indian stock markets opened sharply lower as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports, effective August 1, along with unspecified penalties tied to India’s trade ties with Russia . The Sensex tumbled nearly 800 points and the Nifty 50 fell over 1%, triggering an initial ₹5.46 lakh crore drop in overall market capitalization within minutes . The rupee weakened to around ₹87.74, approaching a five-month low . Although both indices soon bounced back—recovering as much as 700 points—export-driven sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and seafood bore the brunt of early losses . Market experts believe the shock may be transient, anticipating tariff negotiations and emphasizing India’s strong domestic fundamentals. (PC: Reuters)

In a first for India, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department acquired 30.41 acres of private patta land situated inside the core area of the recently established Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR). Acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013, seven landowners voluntarily surrendered their plots and were compensated ₹2.33 crore—well above standard rates. This landmark move formalized the state's commitment to wildlife protection and corridor restoration. The region, once coffee and cardamom plantations, forms a crucial corridor for tiger and elephant movements across fragmented forests. (PC: Express)

On July 30, 2025, ISRO launched the $1.5 billion NISAR satellite aboard GSLV-F16, making it the world’s most expensive Earth-imaging satellite. Jointly developed with NASA, NISAR combines L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) radar, becoming the first satellite to use dual-band synthetic aperture radar. It will orbit in a sun-synchronous path, scanning Earth every 12 days to monitor land changes, glacier melt, forest loss, and disasters with centimeter-level precision. With a five-year mission life, NISAR will significantly aid climate research, environmental monitoring, and disaster response across the globe.  

In Kathmandu’s bustling Thamel district, 57-year-old rickshaw driver Babu Tamang has found comfort and companionship in an eight-year-old stray dog named Shyam, who now accompanies him daily to work. After losing his earlier pet to a leopard attack, Tamang rescued Shyam two years ago—sparking a deep bond. The dog follows the rickshaw, hops on board after rides, and draws smiles and extra tips from tourists. Despite oil-stained fur and occasional bath-time squabbles, Shyam remains steadfast. Tamang calls him “family,” as fellow rickshaw drivers and passengers embrace the pair’s heartwarming friendship. (PC: AP)

India and the United Kingdom have unveiled a landmark Vision 2035 roadmap, a 10-year defence industrial partnership focusing on the joint development of complex weapons systems, jet engines, and warship propulsion technology . The agreement deepens bilateral defence cooperation by promoting co‑design, co‑development, and co‑production across emerging strategic sectors. It builds on earlier discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer and aligns with broader collaboration via the Technology and Security Initiative, advancing cooperation in defence, energy, and emerging technologies through 2035. (PC: The Times of India)

Born at Chester Zoo (England) on July 11, 1978, Motty was the only confirmed hybrid between an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) father, Jumbolino, and an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) mother, Sheba . Recognized by Guinness World Records, Motty displayed mixed traits—African-like long legs, ears, head shape, and body, combined with Asian-like single trunk-finger and specific toenail count (five front, four back) . Tragically premature and underweight, Motty died just 10 days later on July 21, 1978, due to necrotizing enterocolitis and E. coli infection . His preserved remains are displayed at the Natural History Museum in London, and his brief life continues to intrigue scientists about interspecies genetics and hybrid viability. (PC: Money Control)

After a protracted 17-year legal battle, a Special NIA Court in Mumbai has acquitted all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. The ruling, delivered on July 31, 2025, cited a complete lack of reliable, cogent evidence, including no proof linking Thakur’s motorcycle to the explosion and defective use of UAPA sanctions. The court underscored investigative lapses—from missing forensic data to questionable medical records—leaving doubt about the prosecution's claims. Victims' families will receive compensation as mandated by the court. (PC: HT File)