India's Shubhanshu Shukla and Axiom-4 Crew Begin Journey Back to Earth After Historic ISS Mission 2
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with the rest of the Axiom-4 crew, boarded the SpaceX Dragon Grace spacecraft on Monday to begin their return journey to Earth following an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla, who served as the mission pilot, was joined by mission commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The crew suited up and entered the capsule, closing the hatch at 2:37 PM IST. Final checks were underway ahead of undocking, scheduled for 4:35 PM IST.
NASA streamed the departure procedures live, with the spacecraft set for a fully autonomous descent. After detaching from the ISS, Dragon will execute a sequence of engine burns to distance itself from the station before atmospheric re-entry. The capsule’s trunk will be jettisoned, and the heat shield positioned to withstand temperatures reaching 1,600°C.
As the spacecraft re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, parachutes will deploy in two stages—stabilizers at about 5.7 km altitude, followed by main chutes at around 2 km—to ensure a safe ocean landing.
Splashdown is expected off the coast of California at approximately 3:01 PM IST on Tuesday. A recovery vessel will retrieve the capsule shortly after.
The Axiom-4 mission was launched on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from Florida, marking a major milestone in commercial spaceflight and international collaboration, with Shukla’s participation representing a proud moment for India’s growing space ambitions.
National Herald Case Heats Up: Delhi Court Reserves Order on ED Chargesheet Against Gandhis 4
A Delhi court on Monday reserved its order on whether to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet in the high-profile National Herald case involving top Congress leaders. Special Judge Vishal Gogne said the matter will next be heard on July 29.
The ED has named Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, deceased Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, as well as Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and two companies — Young Indian and Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd — in its chargesheet.
The agency has accused the Congress leadership of criminal conspiracy and money laundering linked to the alleged fraudulent takeover of assets worth ₹2,000 crore from Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publisher of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper.
According to the ED, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi jointly controlled 76% of Young Indian, which acquired AJL’s massive assets in lieu of a ₹90 crore loan, an act the agency claims was a sham to usurp prime properties under the guise of debt clearance.
Maharashtra Public Safety Bill: A Ruthless Blueprint to Bulldoze Democracy? 6
As the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly begins, the state stands on the brink of a dangerous descent into authoritarianism. The Maharashtra Public Safety Bill, 2024, introduced under the pretext of protecting public safety, is a deeply flawed, repressive, and unconstitutional piece of legislation that seeks not to safeguard citizens but to suffocate democracy. The BJP-led government, which itself is mired in accusations of electoral manipulation and misuse of democratic institutions, now wants to codify fear, surveillance, and state control into law. This bill, already passed in the lower house and likely to pass in the upper house, grants unchecked and sweeping powers to the police and state authorities to label any organisation or individual as unlawful, seize properties, detain without bail, suppress media platforms, and criminalise dissent — all under elastic and vague terms like “urban Naxal” or “anti-constitutional activity.” These terms have not been defined and are instead left to the discretion of those in power, making the law a blunt weapon to crush critics, muzzle journalists, destroy independent voices, and delegitimise peaceful protests. It is a law not made for justice, but for vengeance.
Despite more than 13,000 submissions from concerned citizens and organisations, the final version of the bill reflects no meaningful change. The so-called joint committee that reviewed it functioned more as a facade of democratic process than a genuine attempt at inclusivity. Not a single major amendment was made to address the fundamental issues raised by civil society. The Maharashtra government has shown deliberate contempt for public participation, transparency, and accountability. This is not governance; it is executive arrogance wearing a constitutional mask.
If this bill is truly about public safety, then why has the government not acted against violent right-wing elements who openly abuse minorities, threaten journalists, strip and assault women, burn the Constitution, and glorify communal hatred? What about those who lynch in the name of religion, troll dissenters with state-sponsored impunity, or bulldoze homes of the marginalised under false pretexts? What about the hate mongers who defame Ambedkar, insult Mahatma Gandhi, brand every protest as sedition, and carry out orchestrated campaigns of misinformation and communal division? If these acts are not threats to public safety, then what is?
This law is not even pretending to be neutral. It is targeted, it is political, and it is vengeful. It sends a clear message — that to question the government is to risk your freedom, to protest is to risk your life, and to speak is to invite punishment. The idea of democracy is built on dissent. The right to oppose, to question, to resist, and to hold power accountable is the cornerstone of any functioning republic. By criminalising dissent, the Maharashtra government is not protecting citizens — it is protecting itself from them. And in doing so, it is betraying the very soul of the Constitution it claims to defend.
On June 30, when the Assembly reconvenes, thousands of citizens, activists, students, and rights defenders will gather at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. This protest is not merely a march — it is a cry for sanity, a demand for justice, and a resistance against this assault on civil liberty. The Anti-Public Safety Bill Committee, which emerged from widespread grassroots anger, has been organising protests across 78 locations in 36 districts for over a year. Their message is clear: withdraw this bill, scrap this law, and stop dismantling democracy one act at a time.
India is not a police state. Maharashtra is not a laboratory for authoritarian experiments. Public safety cannot be achieved by suppressing the public. This bill is an insult to the Constitution, a mockery of democracy, and a dangerous precedent that must be opposed with every ounce of courage and conviction. Today it is activists and students; tomorrow it could be anyone. Once the state is allowed to criminalise thought, freedom itself becomes a crime. This is a moment for Maharashtra to choose — fear or freedom. The battle is not about a bill, it is about the future of our republic.
Mahayuti's Fort Frenzy: Shivaji-Era Forts Get UNESCO Nod, Maharashtra MLAs Celebrate with Slogans 8
Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti legislators erupted in celebration on Monday at the steps of Vidhan Bhavan after UNESCO officially recognised 12 historic forts, including several associated with Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as World Heritage Sites.
Calling it a proud moment for Maharashtra and a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, legislators from the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP gathered with banners and slogans to mark the occasion ahead of the monsoon session of the state legislature.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) added the “Maratha Military Landscapes” to its World Heritage List during the 47th session of its World Heritage Committee in Paris last week.
The recognised sites include 11 forts in Maharashtra—Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijay Durg, and Sindhudurg—and the Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
Legislators expressed hope that this global recognition will not only ensure better preservation of the sites but also raise awareness about the military genius and cultural legacy of the Maratha empire.
Sambhaji Brigade founding member Pravin Gaikwad was assaulted in Maharashtra’s Solapur district on Sunday, allegedly over his remarks on Swami Samarth, a revered figure considered a reincarnation of Shree Dattatreya. A viral video shows Gaikwad being dragged from his vehicle and attacked by a group, with black ink hurled at him.
The incident triggered a political storm after visuals surfaced showing Deepak Kate, one of the accused, with BJP leaders. However, Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule quickly denied any party involvement. “The BJP has no connection to the attack on Gaikwad. It is not in our character to engage in such acts. An accused is an accused, regardless of affiliation,” Bawankule told reporters.
The police booked Kate and six others from the Shivdharm Foundation under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for rioting. They were later released after being served notices.
Gaikwad, known for his progressive stance, alleged the assault was ideologically motivated by Hindutva-aligned groups. The attackers were also reportedly angered by his casual reference to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj as just “Sambhaji” and demanded that his organisation be renamed as the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Brigade.
BJP MLC Parinay Fuke accused opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar and Sushma Andhare of politicising the event. “They see BJP’s hand in every incident. This shouldn’t be politicised, though action against the attackers is justified,” Fuke said.
Gaikwad was attending a felicitation event in Akkalkot when the incident occurred. The village is known for its spiritual association with Swami Samarth.
The Sambhaji Brigade, a Maratha rights group, has a controversial past. In 2004, it was accused of vandalising Pune’s Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute over content in American scholar James Laine’s book on Shivaji Maharaj, which the outfit found offensive.
Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap Announce Separation 12
In a surprising development from the Indian sports world, badminton stars Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap have announced their mutual separation after over five years of marriage.
Saina took to Instagram on Sunday to share the personal news, writing, “Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We’re choosing peace, growth, and healing – for ourselves and each other.”
The 34-year-old Olympic medalist and two-time Commonwealth Games champion added, “I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time.”
The couple, who trained together at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad, tied the knot in December 2018. While Saina achieved international acclaim with a world No. 1 ranking and an Olympic bronze, Kashyap also had a stellar career, notably winning the gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Their separation has left fans stunned, with many expressing support and admiration for their mature handling of the situation.
Glass in Bun Sparks Outrage: Pune's Iconic Café Goodluck Shut Down Over Hygiene Violations 14
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has temporarily suspended the licence of Pune’s iconic Café Goodluck following a shocking food safety violation involving alleged glass pieces found in a bun. The suspension came after a video showing shards of glass in a “bun muska” item at the popular eatery went viral on social media, sparking public outrage.
FDA Joint Commissioner Suresh Annapure confirmed the suspension on Sunday, stating that a swift inspection was carried out after the matter gained attention online. “We found unhygienic conditions during the inspection. The licence has been suspended until further orders, pending necessary compliance,” he said.
The controversy erupted after a couple dining at Café Goodluck claimed they found glass pieces in the food served to them. They documented the incident with a video, which was soon widely shared across platforms, prompting the authorities to act.
Café Goodluck, located on Fergusson College Road, is one of Pune’s oldest and most renowned eateries, drawing customers from across the city and beyond. The suspension has raised concerns about food safety standards even at trusted establishments.
Foreign Nationals Found in Bihar Voter List Review: EC Flags Nepalese, Bangladeshis, and Myanmar Citizens 16
A startling revelation has emerged from Bihar’s ongoing electoral roll revision process as field-level officials of the Election Commission (EC) have discovered a significant number of foreign nationals—allegedly from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar—during door-to-door verification, senior officials said on Sunday.
These findings were made by booth-level officers (BLOs) during the fourth phase of the EC’s special drive to clean up the voters’ list in Bihar, a state headed for polls later this year. Officials stated that a detailed inquiry will commence after August 1, and illegal migrants will be barred from inclusion in the final electoral roll, which is scheduled to be released on September 30.
The presence of such individuals has raised serious concerns, especially as multiple states, including Assam and West Bengal, have intensified crackdowns on illegal immigrants.
The EC is preparing for a nationwide special intensive revision of electoral rolls to eliminate non-citizens by verifying individuals’ places of birth and residency status. In Bihar, the draft electoral roll will be published on August 1 and will only include individuals who submitted valid forms by July 25.
Only Indian citizens aged 18 and above, as defined under Article 326 of the Constitution, are eligible to be enrolled. Electoral officers will rigorously scrutinize all applications to ensure compliance with these criteria.
Recognised political parties will receive free copies of the draft roll, which will also be made available on the EC’s website. Electors who miss the initial deadline may still apply during the claims and objections period (August 1 to September 1) by submitting Form 6 with a declaration. Booth-level agents can continue filing up to 10 applications daily.
Objections to existing entries can also be filed during this period. Crucially, no name will be removed from the roll without a proper inquiry and a fair hearing for the individual concerned.
The EC aims to publish the final updated electoral roll on September 30, just ahead of the assembly elections.
CM War in Karnataka? Siddaramaiah Shuts Down Leadership Buzz, Says "No Vacancy" for Shivakumar 18
Amid mounting speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday made it clear there is “no vacancy” for the top post, putting to rest reports suggesting a possible mid-term power shift to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Siddaramaiah firmly stated, “I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. D.K. Shivakumar has also said the same. There is no vacancy for the CM post.” His remarks come amid rumours that he may step down in November when the Congress government completes 2.5 years, allowing Shivakumar to take over as part of an alleged power-sharing deal.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, has ruled out any change in leadership, and that the party has not held any discussions on the matter. “Surjewala has clearly said leadership is not under discussion. When the high command says there’s no change, why does the media keep speculating?” he asked.
Dismissing talks of a rotational CM agreement, Siddaramaiah added, “If there had been a deal, I wouldn’t have said I’ll be CM for five years.”
The CM and his deputy are in Delhi discussing appointments to various state boards and filling vacancies in the Legislative Council, further triggering leadership talk. However, sources say the agenda is purely administrative.
Meanwhile, several cabinet ministers met AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. Some called it a courtesy visit, while others hinted at political discussions. Despite this, ministers close to Siddaramaiah, including Satish Jarkiholi and H.C. Mahadevappa, reiterated that the leadership question has already been settled.
Siddaramaiah’s son and Congress MLC Yathindra also backed his father, stating that he would complete the full five-year term and that only the high command and MLAs have a say in leadership matters.
However, not all within the party seem content. Kunigal MLA Ranganath publicly voiced his desire to see Shivakumar become CM, praising his decades-long contribution to the Congress and his role in the party’s 2023 victory.
The BJP, quick to seize on the internal dynamics, mocked the Congress. Senior leader R. Ashoka said, “Today’s Congress is a courtroom of contenders. Siddaramaiah’s declaration only proves the real high command isn’t in Delhi—it’s in Bengaluru.”
The Congress had faced stiff internal competition for the CM post after its resounding win in the May 2023 elections. While Siddaramaiah emerged as CM, Shivakumar was placated with the Deputy CM post. With these new developments, the party now faces the challenge of containing simmering tensions while projecting unity ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
"Will Merge Sena with BJP to Become CM": Sanjay Raut's Explosive Claim Against Shinde 20
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alleging that Shinde is so desperate to become Chief Minister that he offered to merge his faction of the Shiv Sena with the BJP during a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.
Addressing reporters, Raut claimed that Shinde told Shah he was unable to function effectively because of constant interference by current CM Devendra Fadnavis, and that the BJP leader was initiating inquiries against Shiv Sena MLAs. “Shinde reportedly told Shah that efforts to unite Marathi voices—like the recent joint rally by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray—were harming his party, and that he could stop this if made CM,” Raut alleged.
According to Raut, when Shah reminded Shinde that the BJP would continue to hold the CM post, Shinde offered to merge his faction of the Shiv Sena with the BJP in return for the top position. “That’s how desperate he is,” Raut said.
The remarks were quickly dismissed by Shiv Sena (Shinde) spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre, who said, “Raut has a habit of making wild, baseless statements. Even his own party doesn’t take him seriously.”
Raut also tied the episode to the recent rollback of controversial GRs on the three-language policy in schools, a move celebrated by the Thackeray cousins in a rare joint rally titled “Awaaz Marathicha.” He suggested that the growing unity of Marathi voices threatens Shinde’s political standing.
This isn’t the first time Raut has made controversial claims about Shinde’s camp. Earlier, he alleged bizarre rituals involving buffalo horns were conducted at the CM’s official residence to secure power. He also speculated that Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant might be elevated as a third deputy CM.
Despite repeated predictions by Raut that the Shinde-Fadnavis government would collapse, the Mahayuti alliance returned to power with a thumping majority, further weakening UBT’s position in the state’s power dynamics.
