Times of India

India's space agency, Isro, has successfully tested a crucial solid motor for a new sub-orbital vehicle supporting the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. This vehicle will test the crew module's parachute system by lofting it to high altitudes. Modified from a PSLV motor, this test marks a significant step towards safely returning astronauts from space.

During his visit, Jaishankar met Qatari prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and "reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with a focus on energy, trade, investments and people to people ties. They also discussed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest". The technical talks are expected to take place on July 11, although a final decision on the venue has yet to be made.

America's dominance over cutting-edge AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic is a major point of contention as NATO leaders gather. The US, under the Trump administration, is restricting access to powerful AI models, sparking concerns among European allies about potential "kill switches." In response, Europe is bolstering its own AI defense capabilities through partnerships like the one between Germany's Helsing and France's Mistral, aiming to reduce reliance on American technology.

Carolina Panthers' first-round pick Xavier Legette is generating trade buzz, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens emerging as potential destinations. Following the arrivals of new receivers, Legette's role in Carolina has diminished. Both the Chiefs and Ravens could benefit from his size, speed, and affordable contract, offering him a fresh start in offenses led by Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson respectively.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said debris from intercepted missiles and drones caused fires and damage in at least two districts of the capital. Air raid sirens had sounded across the city shortly before the explosions. The latest bombardment came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing another large-scale attack.

The Ram Temple trust's bylaws present a challenge to structural changes, even with potential CEO appointments. Existing provisions require a majority vote to amend, with specific conditions for trustee resignation or termination. Internal dynamics and trustee support will be crucial as members convene to discuss temple management and potential structural adjustments, adhering to the original constitution.

FIFA's recent decision to rescind Folarin Balogun's red card has sparked controversy, enabling the US talent to compete against Belgium. This unusual action came after US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Belgium has expressed outrage and is seeking legal recourse. Meanwhile, the US coach supported the outcome, emphasizing the previous challenges faced by his team. Balogun's participation revives American aspirations for the quarter-finals.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 campaign ended in a shock 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway at MetLife Stadium, marking a heartbreaking farewell for Neymar, who confirmed his international retirement after scoring a stoppage-time penalty. The 34-year-old leaves as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, closing a 16-year career spanning four World Cups and Olympic glory.

Indonesia is set to integrate with India's UPI, aiming to build its own digital ecosystem inspired by India's public infrastructure. This collaboration extends beyond cross-border payments, with Indonesia looking to India's models for commerce, digital identity, and public services. The partnership, highlighted during PM Modi's visit, also encompasses food security, healthcare, and defence cooperation, fostering deeper bilateral ties.

India's fertilizer stocks are set to receive a significant boost as 15 out of 20 ships carrying vital cargo have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. This, coupled with three months of exceeding domestic urea production targets, ensures ample supply for farmers during the crucial kharif season. The government's proactive approach in securing alternative routes and fostering international partnerships has strengthened the nation's fertilizer availability.

A recent National Statistics Office survey reveals that childcare and household duties sideline nearly 69% of women in India's largest cities from the workforce, underscoring a persistent gender bias in caregiving responsibilities. While women earn 23% less than men in these urban centers, the quality of their employment shows improvement compared to smaller towns. The survey also highlights variations in female labor participation across different cities.

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the final World Cup of his legendary career, saying he will retire from football’s biggest stage “with a clear conscience” after giving everything for Portugal. The 41-year-old made the announcement ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash with Spain, insisting his focus remains on extending his farewell by reaching the quarter-finals.

OPEC+ has approved an additional 188,000 barrels per day production increase for August, aiming to boost global crude availability and ease price pressures, particularly for importing nations like India. This move, part of a broader unwinding of production cuts, comes as global benchmark Brent crude nears pre-conflict levels. While oil firms anticipate breaking even on petrol and diesel soon, cooking gas sales continue to incur losses.

Government has issued a stern directive to Meta, demanding the immediate removal of all paid advertisements and content on Instagram promoting child sexual abuse material. Authorities are demanding a detailed explanation within seven days regarding how such ads were permitted and what safeguards are being implemented to prevent future occurrences. This action follows reports of Instagram ads being used to direct users to illegal content.

A significant majority of NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, are no longer active, with over 72% having their licenses cancelled or expired. Since 2012, out of 52,159 granted licenses, only 14,455 currently hold active status, enabling them to receive foreign funding. This tightening of regulations aims to enhance accountability and transparency among these organizations.

Motorists with traffic violations will soon face mandatory driving tests for license renewal. The government also plans to empower tribunals to grant interim compensation to accident victims, speeding up relief. These proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, approved by a Group of Ministers, aim to curb errant drivers and enhance road safety. The bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament soon.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce just had the wedding of the year as billions across the world cheered them on throughout the world across countries. While the wedding pictures have been kept strictly private, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds remained missing from the party. At a time when Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce publicly distanced themselves from the Hollywood power couple, it seems both Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are furious at this.

Egypt has unveiled its colossal new State Strategic Command headquarters, dubbed "Octagon," dwarfing the US Pentagon in size. This sprawling complex, covering approximately 22,000 acres, will centralize Egypt's military leadership, operations, and intelligence. President El Sisi inaugurated the "towering national edifice," highlighting its advanced technological infrastructure designed to manage military situations and confront national challenges. The Octagon represents a significant advancement in Egypt's command and control capabilities.