Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s second astronaut in space and first to visit the ISS, concludes his 18-day Axiom-4 mission today. The collaborative effort between Axiom Space, NASA, and ISRO, dubbed Mission Akash Ganga marks a pivotal step toward India’s Gaganyaan program. Shukla conducted seven India-specific microgravity experiments aboard the ISS, contributing vital data for future planetary missions. His return journey begins July 14, with splashdown expected near California on July 15 at 3 PM IST. ISRO confirms Shukla is in good health. With ₹33,000 crore allocated for Gaganyaan, India aims to land an astronaut on the moon by 2040. Shukla’s reflections from space underscore India’s confidence, pride, and global ambition. (PC: Money Control & News Arena)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report on the Air India crash suggests fuel cutoff switches were manually triggered seconds after takeoff, causing engine failure. However, the cockpit voice recording reveals confusion between pilots, with one denying the action. The report lacks full CVR transcripts and fails to clarify who operated the switches. Aviation experts and pilot unions reject the pilot error theory, citing possible mechanical faults and referencing FAA advisories on switch malfunctions. The report’s tone and lack of transparency have drawn criticism, with calls for a fair, fact-based investigation. Speculative media narratives, including insinuations of pilot suicide, have been condemned as irresponsible and insensitive. (PC: The Tribune & The New York Times)

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya faces execution in Yemen on July 16 for the 2017 murder of a Yemeni national. The Supreme Court heard a plea urging government intervention, but the Centre stated its diplomatic reach is limited due to Yemen’s sensitivity and lack of formal recognition. Petitioners seek blood money negotiations with the victim’s family, the only remaining option under Sharia law. Despite offers exceeding ₹8.6 crore, the family refuses, citing honor. The Attorney General confirmed efforts to suspend the execution have failed. The Court will hear the matter again on July 18. Justice Mehta expressed concern, calling Priya’s potential execution “very unfortunate”. (PC: Outlook India)

A recent study reveals that a 10-day heatwave across 12 European cities caused approximately 2,300 deaths, with 1,500 directly linked to climate change. Temperatures soared past 40°C in Spain, triggering wildfires in France. Researchers from five European institutions found climate change increased heatwave temperatures by up to 4°C. Vulnerable groups including elderly, children, outdoor workers faced heightened risks, especially in urban areas. Most deaths occurred in homes and hospitals, often unreported. The EU’s Copernicus service confirmed June 2025 as Western Europe’s hottest on record. Experts warn that heatwaves will intensify unless fossil fuel emissions are curbed. The findings underscore the deadly impact of rising global temperatures. (PC: Deccan Herald & The Guardian)

India pacer Mohammed Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the fourth day of the third Test against England at Lord’s. The incident occurred when Siraj dismissed Ben Duckett and celebrated excessively close to the batter, violating Article 2.5, which prohibits provocative gestures post-dismissal. Siraj admitted the offence, avoiding a formal hearing. This marks his second demerit point in 24 months. On-field umpires and match referee Richie Richardson issued the charge. India, chasing 193, ended Day 4 at 58/4 on a deteriorating pitch, with tensions high and the match finely poised. (PC: ESPNCricInfo & AP)

San Rechal Gandhi, 26, former Miss Puducherry and anti-colourism advocate, died by suicide in Karamanikuppam, Puducherry. She allegedly overdosed on blood pressure tablets and passed away at JIPMER hospital. Facing severe financial distress, she had sold her jewellery and was denied help by her father. Married a year ago, police are probing potential marital stress. A suicide note stated no one was responsible. Gandhi, known for challenging beauty standards, held titles like Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu 2019 and Queen of Madras 2022. With 180K Instagram followers, she championed inclusivity for dark-skinned models. Tributes poured in as Puducherry police launched a full inquiry into her death. (PC: NDTV)

During ISKCON Toronto’s 53rd annual Rath Yatra, eggs were hurled at Indian devotees chanting bhajans on Toronto’s streets. Instagram user Sangna Bajaj shared footage of broken eggs and described the incident as racist, questioning why joy and faith provoked hostility. Despite being stunned and hurt, participants continued the procession, asserting that “hate can never overpower faith.” The video sparked online debate, some condemned the attack as xenophobic, while others criticized public religious displays as disruptive. Bajaj emphasized that Lord Jagannath’s presence on the streets was unshakable. The incident has ignited conversations around multicultural tolerance, religious expression, and racism in Canada.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report on the June 12 Ahmedabad crash found no mechanical or maintenance faults in the Boeing 787-8 aircraft or its engines. All mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed, and post-crash inspections of the fleet revealed no issues. Wilson urged against premature conclusions, noting the report identified no cause or recommendations. He emphasized continued cooperation with investigators and reassured staff of the airline’s commitment to safety. The crash, which killed 260 people, remains under investigation. The CEO’s internal message aimed to clarify speculation while acknowledging the report’s unanswered questions. (PC: PTI)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS in 41 years, is returning to Earth today via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule after an 18-day Axiom-4 mission. The capsule will undock at 4:35 pm IST and splash down off California on July 15 at 3:00 pm IST. The journey spans 22.5 hours, involving orbital maneuvers for safe re-entry. The crew brings back 580 pounds of cargo, including data from 60 experiments, seven shortlisted by ISRO. Shukla’s emotional farewell echoed Rakesh Sharma’s iconic words, reaffirming India’s pride. Post-landing, the crew will undergo medical checks and a 10-day quarantine. ISRO invested ₹550 crore in the mission. (PC: News18 & The Daily Guardian)

Air India replaced the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s throttle control module (TCM) twice—once in 2019 and again in 2023—before the June 12 crash that killed 260 people. The TCM houses the fuel cutoff switches, which investigators say inexplicably activated seconds after takeoff, shutting both engines. Despite the replacements, Boeing and the US FAA maintain the design is safe, requiring no urgent action. Air India did not follow a 2018 FAA advisory inspection as it wasn’t mandatory. Cockpit recordings revealed confusion over the fuel cutoff. Investigations continue, with a full report expected soon. Boeing advises no immediate action. (PC: India Today)