Kamna Shubha Shukla, wife of Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, shared an emotional behind-the-scenes video of his journey to space aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom Mission 4. In the video, she highlights his intense preparation, the sacrifices involved, and the pride the family felt. Describing the experience as “truly high,” she captured both the technical and emotional aspects of his mission. Shukla, who conducted several ISRO-backed experiments during his 18-day stay in space, is being hailed as a national hero and a key figure in India’s upcoming Gaganyaan space program.   

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services provider, will lay off 12,000 employees about 2% of its global workforce during FY2026. The move targets mid- and senior-level roles, as the company adapts to AI-led disruptions, economic uncertainty, and evolving client demands. TCS is retraining and redeploying staff to become “future-ready,” but confirmed that some roles are no longer feasible. Affected employees will receive severance packages, extended insurance, and career support. The decision follows backlash over revised internal policies limiting bench time and billable days. CEO K Krithivasan called it a “difficult call” aimed at building a leaner, more agile organization. (PC: Forbes & TCS)

Thailand’s acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian PM Hun Manet will meet in Malaysia on July 28 for peace talks, hosted by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim under ASEAN’s chairmanship. The meeting follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention, warning of trade freezes unless hostilities end. The conflict, now in its fourth day, has killed at least 34 people and displaced over 168,000. Cambodia has agreed to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” while Thailand expressed cautious support, demanding “sincere intention.” Despite diplomatic efforts, shelling and troop movements continue along the disputed border, with both sides trading blame and recalling ambassadors. (PC: The Statesman & Firstpost)

New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani hosted a lavish three-day wedding celebration at his family’s fortified estate in Uganda’s upscale Buziga Hill. The event featured masked guards, phone-jamming systems, and luxury convoys, drawing criticism for its extravagance and timing, held during local mourning for a Supreme Court judge. Mamdani, who eloped with artist Rama Duwaji earlier this year, addressed guests over a microphone while locals questioned the optics of such a high-security bash amid his socialist political stance. The celebration, largely hidden from public view, ignited curiosity and resentment, with some calling it culturally insensitive and politically contradictory. (PC: Times Now & The Indian Express)

A determined teenager in Muzaffarpur, Bihar has built a fully functional aircraft from scrap materials—thermocol, discarded parts—without formal education, lab access, or funding. The self-taught inventor spent minimal money yet managed to fly the craft, drawing widespread attention as onlookers cheered in amazement . His creation demonstrates ingenuity, creativity, and passion, inspiring viewers across the country. The viral video shows the makeshift plane taking off and landing smoothly, highlighting what raw dedication and smart improvisation can achieve. The boy’s story serves as a powerful message of possibility against the odds.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services firm, plans to cut nearly 2% of its global workforce—about 12,000 jobs—by FY2026. The decision stems from challenges like AI-led role disruption, skill mismatches, and economic uncertainty. Most affected employees will be in middle and senior-level roles. TCS aims to reskill some staff while offering severance, insurance extensions, and placement support to those exiting. The move follows backlash over TCS’s strict 35-day bench policy, which has caused job insecurity among unassigned employees. TCS says the restructuring is vital to building an agile, future-ready organization. (PC: The Economic Times)

Thailand has confirmed initiating ceasefire talks with Cambodia following deadly border clashes that killed dozens and displaced thousands. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signaled readiness for “immediate and unconditional” peace, while Thailand stressed the need for verifiable commitment. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he played a role in prompting the ceasefire, drawing parallels to his past mediation efforts between India and Pakistan. Despite initial diplomatic progress, skirmishes reportedly continued near the disputed Preah Vihear temple. The international community, including ASEAN and the UN, has urged restraint, with Malaysia offering to mediate the de-escalation efforts. (PC: Mint)

Reports claim Israel is marketing the jointly developed Barak‑8 (MR‑SAM) missile globally by excluding critical Indian‑contributed components—such as the DRDO‑developed dual‑pulse rocket motor—from export versions . The system, developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries since 2006, offers medium‑range air defence capabilities with ranges from 70 to 100 km (extended up to 150 km) . Indian stakeholders feel sidelined as Israeli firms present it as entirely their own technology in overseas deals, raising concerns over strategic equity and the integrity of future defence collaboration. (PC: Defence.In)

Six devotees died and over 25 were injured in a stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple on Sunday. A viral video shows chaotic scenes as a man yells “peeche jaao” to control the crowd. The incident occurred on the stairway route amid a massive rush. Five injured were shifted to AIIMS. An eyewitness claimed panic started after an electric current was felt near a pole, but police ruled out electrocution. Rescue operations are ongoing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured support to victims’ families. Authorities are probing the cause as thousands continue visiting the temple during the pilgrimage season. (PC: India Today)

Eurasian otters, once believed extinct in Kashmir, have resurfaced with three sightings since 2023, exciting conservationists and locals. A video captured by a teen in Hugam, Anantnag, shows one otter paddling in the Lidder River before vanishing into the bushes. Wildlife officials confirm sightings in two locations, suggesting improved habitats or reduced poaching. Biologist Nisarg Prakash says their return signals healthier ecosystems. Protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, otters were once common in Himalayan waters but disappeared due to construction and habitat loss. Now, their reappearance offers hope for the region’s fragile aquatic biodiversity and renewed focus on conservation. (PC: X)