Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has docked with the ISS as part of Axiom‑4, marking India’s renewed entry into space after 41 years. In a warm 18‑minute call, PM Modi asked if he’d brought “gajar ka halwa” Shukla confirmed he and international colleagues are enjoying Indian desserts like gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras. Shukla described microgravity life: fluid sleeping, 16 sunrises and sunsets daily, and witnessing Earth’s borders vanish from orbit. Modi hailed Shukla as “farthest from India, closest to our hearts,” calling this mission the dawn of a new space era and a stepping stone to Gaganyaan.

India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has “taken complete responsibility” for his underwhelming performance in the first Test at Leeds, where he conceded over 220 runs across both innings. In the first, he leaked 128 runs in 20 overs at an economy of 6.40 among the worst for an Indian bowler over that span. Although he claimed five wickets, the lengths were off, with pitches, slope, wind, and outfield speed cited as contributing factors. At a press conference, Prasidh acknowledged his inability to maintain ideal lengths and pledged to analyze his shortcomings, improve his control, and significantly reduce his economy next time. (PC: NDTV Sports)

India Women's cricket team posted a commanding 210‑5 in Trent Bridge’s opening T20I vs England, propelled by stand‑in captain Smriti Mandhana’s maiden T20I century. The southpaw blazed 112 off 62, laced with 15 fours and three sixes, reaching the milestone in just 51 balls and becoming only the second Indian woman after Harmanpreet Kaur to score a T20I hundred. Partnerships of 77 (with Shafali Verma) and 94 (with Harleen Deol) anchored the formidable total. England’s bowling fightback saw Lauren Bell snare 3/27. The series continues July 1 in Bristol, before three ODIs from July 16 in Southampton.

Air India flight AI 639, en route from Mumbai to Chennai on June 27, returned safely to Mumbai after crew detected a burning odour in the cabin, prompting a precautionary reversal, the airline said. The aircraft landed without incident, and passengers were transferred to a replacement plane. Mumbai ground staff promptly assisted travellers, minimizing disruption. No further details were disclosed. In a statement, Air India reaffirmed its prioritization of passenger safety and security. This incident adds to recent aviation concerns, including a non-specific security alert on an Air India aircraft and a technical diversion of an Air India Express flight between Delhi and Jammu. (PC: Reuters & The Indian Express)

Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the ISS on the Axiom‑4 mission, spoke with PM Modi on June 28, declaring “Sky is never the limit, neither for you, nor me, nor for India.” Shukla emphasised that building individual futures strengthens the nation’s future, voiced pride in representing India, and described seeing the Earth and India “grander, bigger than on the map” from space. He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the journey a shared success. Shukla called the experience of floating “magical” and anticipates a valuable 14‑day stay involving scientific research aboard the ISS. The interaction aimed to inspire students to explore space.

Five tigers, a tigress and her four cubs were discovered dead on June 27 in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara Hills sanctuary from suspected mass poisoning. Wildlife officials believe villagers laced a cow carcass with pesticide, specifically phorate, to retaliate after the tigress killed their livestock. This marks India’s highest single‑day tiger mortality in one sanctuary. Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre called the deaths “unnatural,” launching a criminal investigation. A Central‑state Special Investigation Team was formed, including NTCA and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau officers, and three suspects have been arrested. Experts are urging a judicial inquiry into broader wildlife fatalities across the state amid recurring electrocutions, snares, and poisonings. (PC: NDTV)

At the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s global legacy of non‑violence, crediting saints and acharyas for its immortal philosophy. He issued a veiled warning to Pakistan, alluding to “those who tease us” and noting India would not tolerate meddling, referencing Operation Sindoor the nation’s military response after the Pahalgam terror attack blamed on Pakistan-backed militants. Modi praised government welfare schemes like PM Awas, Jal Jivan and Ayushman Bharat as rooted in service. He also hailed the elevation of Prakrit to classical-language status and announced a drive to digitize Jain manuscripts, as part of eradicating a “slavery mindset.”(PC: NDTV)

Manojit Mishra “Mango Da”, a 31‑year‑old former student leader of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) at Kolkata’s South Calcutta Law College, stands accused of orchestrating the brutal gang‑rape of a first‑year law student on June 25 inside the campus guard room. The victim alleges he proposed marriage, videotaped the assault, and struck her with a hockey stick, while two student accomplices—Zaib Ahmed (19) and Pramit Mukherjee (20) watched. Mishra had pervasive influence on campus, even after graduation, and held a contractual staff position following prior suspensions. A fourth suspect, the security guard, was also arrested. The case has sparked widespread outrage and intensified scrutiny of Mishra’s political ties. (PC: News18)

In a historic interaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a live call. Shukla, part of India’s Gaganyaan mission training in the U.S., shared his awe, saying, “India looks bigger from space than it does on the map.” PM Modi expressed national pride, calling the conversation “unforgettable” and a proud moment for 140 crore Indians. The discussion also touched on India’s strides in space exploration and the astronaut’s ongoing NASA-led ISS expedition. PM Modi emphasized India's growing global stature and technological advancement, inspiring the nation with this milestone moment.

A Russian drone strike hit a 21‑storey residential building in Odesa overnight on June 28, killing two and wounding at least 14, including three children, one in critical condition, regional Governor Oleh Kiper said. Emergency teams evacuated residents amid blaze damage. Video shows firefighters guiding people down dark stairwells. This attack is part of a recent surge in Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, occurring as stalled diplomatic efforts mean the conflict now in its nearly three-and-a-half-year phase continues unabated.