Captain Gopichand Thotakura, India’s first civilian space tourist, returned from Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 mission and met Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in Delhi. Thotakura, who embarked on the space journey as part of a milestone mission, expressed his pride and joy at representing India. Reflecting on his experience, he highlighted space tourism’s potential and its role in environmental protection. Thotakura also emphasized the importance of making space travel more accessible and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEAM fields.

Downing Street officials are drafting a media plan to announce the death of Larry the cat, the 17-year-old 'chief mouser' who has become a beloved fixture at Number 10. Known for his presence during major events, Larry's passing is anticipated to be handled with sensitivity. Sources indicate that press materials and photos are being prepared in advance. Larry, adopted by David Cameron in 2011, has outlasted five prime ministers and is cherished by the public. He is noted for his role in greeting guests and inspecting the premises.

Israeli Noa Argamani, who was kidnapped by Hamas during a music festival on October 7, celebrated her freedom with a vibrant ‘Return to Life’ party. Argamani, who was held for nearly three weeks, marked her release with a rave, sharing her joy and relief. The event aimed to highlight her campaign for the release of other hostages and raise awareness about their plight. "I want to dance again with my kidnapped boyfriend," Argamani said, emphasizing her hope for a happy reunion and her ongoing advocacy for others in similar situations.

Preliminary DNA results from the Kolkata rape and murder case show a match between the victim and the accused, Sanjay Roy, as confirmed by sources. The samples are being analyzed by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL). Roy, who confessed to strangling the victim after the assault, faces ongoing CBI scrutiny, with polygraph tests conducted on him and former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh. The Supreme Court has ordered Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) management of RG Kar Medical College’s security. The case has intensified protests in Kolkata, with clashes reported during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march.

Police in Kolkata used tear gas and water cannons to control protesters during the "Nabanna Abhijan" march on Tuesday. The demonstrators, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, broke through barricades at Howrah Bridge. Chaos erupted as the crowd clashed with police, who resorted to using force to disperse them. The protest, led by an unregistered student group, drew heavy security, with over 6,000 officers deployed. Despite the measures, tensions escalated, leading to multiple arrests and continued unrest in the area.

The Mohanlal-led governing body of the Malayalam film industry association, AMMA, resigned on August 27, 2024, following the release of the explosive Hema Committee report on rampant sexual harassment in the industry. Female actors accused several committee members of misconduct, including General Secretary Siddique, who also stepped down. AMMA's silence on these allegations had drawn public criticism. The committee’s statement expressed hope for renewed leadership, with a general body meeting scheduled in two months to elect a new governing body. The report has triggered more allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry.

The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued 11 crew members from the cargo ship MV ITT Puma, which sank 70 nautical miles south of Sagar Island due to bad weather on Sunday night. The ship was en route from Kolkata to Port Blair. Despite the rescue, three crew members are still missing. The challenging operation involved Coast Guard ships Sarang and Amogh, with support from a Dornier aircraft. The Mumbai-registered ship, capable of carrying 75 metric tons, sank around 80 km from Kolkata. The search for the missing crew continues.

Doctors at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital are protesting after a trainee doctor was raped and killed on campus. The protest highlights the unsafe conditions they face daily. "We don't even have restrooms with proper latches or bolts," said a female doctor. Many doctors, especially women, spoke of inadequate security and poor facilities, such as shared washrooms with no separate options for men and women. Despite increased security, fear persists. The doctors are demanding accountability from the hospital administration and improvements in safety measures, including better restroom facilities and overall security.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money laundering investigation into ex-RG Kar Hospital principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, days after the CBI filed a corruption case against him. The ED has obtained banking and medical procurement documents from the hospital during Ghosh's tenure. The case, initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), follows the August 9 rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital. The CBI has already booked Ghosh and three private entities for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and bribery. Summons for questioning are expected soon.

Protesters in Kolkata breached barricades and clashed with police during the Nabanna Abhijan rally on Tuesday, demanding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation over the RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case. The police responded with tear gas shells, water cannons, and lathi charges to control the crowds near Howrah Bridge. Over six thousand police officers were deployed, and drones monitored the rally. Civic volunteers greased barricades to prevent scaling, and at least nineteen barricade points were set up across the city. Protesters included students and state government employees demanding equal dearness allowance with Central government workers.