NASA and Boeing are preparing to announce important details regarding the delayed return of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station. The Boeing Crew Flight Test, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, has faced technical challenges that postponed their return. The mission, which began on June 6 with the launch of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, is crucial for certifying the spacecraft for future ISS missions. Recent tests of the Starliner's thrusters have been conducted to ensure a safe return, with an announcement on initial findings expected soon.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, met with a delegation of farmers on Wednesday to discuss their demand for a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Gandhi assured the farmers that the Opposition alliance would pressure the central government to ensure this guarantee. He criticized the initial denial of entry to the Parliament Complex for the farmer leaders, which was later resolved. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced intensified protests, including a nationwide tractor rally on August 15 and additional rallies in Punjab and Haryana.

The Indian Navy successfully evacuated a critically injured Chinese mariner from the bulk carrier Zhong Shan Men, about 370 km from Mumbai. The 51-year-old sailor, who suffered severe blood loss, was rescued early Wednesday by a Sea King helicopter despite challenging weather conditions, including 45-knot winds and heavy rolling of the ship. The operation, coordinated by Mumbai's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, involved the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samrat. The injured sailor was airlifted from the ship’s bridge wing, transported to the air station, and then transferred to a hospital for further treatment.

Congress MP P Chidambaram humorously criticized the BJP-led government for allegedly borrowing ideas from the Congress manifesto in the 2024-25 Budget. During the Lok Sabha session, Chidambaram suggested that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had drawn from specific pages of the Congress manifesto, urging her to explore more ideas from it. He quipped, “Copying is not prohibited in this House; in fact, copying is encouraged and rewarded.” The Opposition has criticized the Budget as “discriminatory,” leading to a walkout in the Lok Sabha. They argued the Budget favored NDA-ruled states over opposition-led ones.

Bangladesh has eased a curfew imposed during deadly student protests over civil service employment quotas, allowing garment factories and banks to reopen. The unrest, which began last week, resulted in at least 186 deaths. Thousands of troops are patrolling the streets, and internet access remains limited. Despite the disruption, factory worker Khatun expressed support for the student demands, calling for government reforms. The garment industry, vital to Bangladesh's economy, resumed operations with government clearance, while the curfew remains in effect for most citizens for 19 hours daily.

A surprised Londoner, Charlotte Webb, captured footage of a tope shark swimming in the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge on July 22. Initially mistaken for a bean bag, the shark's fin was later identified as belonging to a tope shark, a critically endangered species. Webb, 25, shared the video online, noting the sighting's unusual nature. Experts confirm that tope sharks, one of five shark species in the Thames, are harmless to humans and use the river as a nursery. Despite the startling encounter, there is no danger to the public.

A Saurya Airlines plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing 18 people. Among the victims were Manuraj Sharma, his wife Priza Khatiwada, and their 4-year-old son Adhiraj Sharma. The plane, carrying 17 technicians and two crew members, veered off the runway and caught fire. The co-pilot, Sushant Katuwal, also perished, while pilot Manish Shakya survived and was hospitalized. The aircraft was en route to Pokhara for maintenance. Firefighters and local residents promptly initiated rescue operations. The cause of the crash remains unclear.

A 25-year-old Australian woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men in Paris, just days before the Olympics. The incident occurred near the Moulin Rouge on July 19. CCTV footage shows the victim seeking refuge in a kebab shop, partially dressed and distressed. One of the attackers followed her into the shop but fled after being confronted. French prosecutors are investigating the case. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance. The Australian Olympic team has urged athletes to exercise caution. Paris authorities are on high alert, deploying 35,000 police officers daily for the upcoming Games.

Congress MP P Chidambaram posed five demands to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman following the Union Budget announcement. He called for a daily minimum wage of ₹400, a legal guarantee for MSP, the abolition of the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, the waiver of unpaid education loans till March, and the scrapping of the NEET exam for states that oppose it. Chidambaram criticized the government’s employment policies, referencing the high unemployment rate and the rush for limited private sector jobs. He urged the government to provide credible data on job creation and warned against potential empty promises.

Actor Salman Khan has accused gangster Lawrence Bishnoi of orchestrating the April 14 firing outside his Mumbai residence, aiming to kill him and his family. In a statement recorded by the Mumbai Crime Branch, Khan detailed ongoing threats from Bishnoi and his gang. "I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members, carried out the firing on my balcony," said Khan. The police have filed a 1,735-page chargesheet, revealing that two bike-borne men fired multiple rounds at Khan’s Galaxy Apartments. Six arrests have been made, including alleged shooters Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal. A Rs 25 lakh contract was placed on Khan's life, leading to heightened security measures for the actor and his family.