Group captain Shubhanshu Shukla returns to Earth after historic mission to space

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July 15, 2025

Group captain Shubhanshu Shukla returns to Earth after historic mission to space

Srinagar, July 15: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s Gaganyatri, has safely returned to Earth after a historic space mission. The SpaceX crew capsule Grace, carrying Group Captain Shukla and fellow astronauts, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, shortly after 3 PM IST. Nearly 50 minutes later, he emerged from the spacecraft, marking the end of a landmark journey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he “inspired a billion dreams”. “I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission – Gaganyaan,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Group Captain Shukla is scheduled to return to Delhi on August 17.

An accomplished Indian Air Force pilot, Shukla becomes only the second Indian to travel into space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s mission in 1984. However, he makes history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), a $150-billion orbital research facility.

His mission is being hailed as a moment of national pride, inspiring countless Indians with his courage, determination, and contribution to India’s growing presence in space exploration.

This mission also positions India as a serious contender in the global space community. Sharma spent a little over seven days in space aboard the Soviet space station Salyut-7. During his stay aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted seven India-specific microgravity experiments, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in space science and technology. These experiments are designed to generate critical data for future planetary missions and long-duration space habitation. Group Captain Shukla will now undergo a medical rehabilitation of about a week to adjust to the gravity.

Greater Kashmir

J&K Cadets conquer Mt Everest

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July 15, 2025

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From the Valley to the Summit: J&K Cadets conquer Mt Everest

Srinagar, July 15: In an extraordinary feat for National Cadet Corps (NCC), cadets from the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (JK&L) Directorate have successfully scaled the Mount Everest- world’s highest mountain peak in Nepal- during the NCC Mt Everest Expedition 2025, officials said.

According to a press statement issued to the Greater Kashmir, officials said, “In a moment of pride and glory for the nation, cadets from the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (JK&L) Directorate scaled new heights – literally – as they conquered the world’s highest peak during the NCC Mt Everest Expedition 2025.”

As per the statement, on 18 May 2025, Junior Under Officer Abida Afreen and Cadet Mohit Knathia, representing the JK&L Directorate, stood triumphantly atop Mount Everest (8,848.86 m). Their courageous ascent marked a landmark achievement for the NCC and showcased the indomitable spirit of the youth from the Union Territory.

To commemorate this historic feat, a memento was presented on behalf of Maj Gen Anupinder Bevli, VSM, ADG NCC JK&L Directorate, to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, by Group Commander NCC Srinagar on 14 July 2025.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to the cadets and applauded their bravery and determination. “Their extraordinary achievement is a shining example of what our youth are capable of. This summit is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of the limitless potential of J&K’s young generation,” he stated. He further added that the success would serve as an inspiration for thousands of NCC cadets and youth across the country.

Officials said that during the meeting, key matters concerning the growth and strengthening of NCC infrastructure and youth engagement in the region were also deliberated upon.

“This landmark summit underscores the NCC’s mission to instill discipline, leadership, and a spirit of adventure among India’s youth, especially in challenging terrains like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.” They added.

Greater Kashmir

136 sheep stolen in midnight heist in south Kashmir’s Kulgam

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July 15, 2025

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136 sheep stolen in midnight heist in south Kashmir’s Kulgam

Kulgam, July 15: In a brazen act of livestock theft, unknown thieves stole 136 sheep from a shepherd’s enclosure in the Zirh Chak Yurkhoshpora area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district during the dead of night, sending shockwaves through the local pastoral community.

The sheep belonged to Saddam Gujjar, a shepherd from Churt village, who was tending to the livestock when the theft occurred under the cover of darkness. Local sources said that the incident took place silently and swiftly, with the thieves managing to flee with the herd without raising suspicion.

Following the theft, three of the stolen sheep were later recovered from the Sangran, Nawa, and Bonigam areas. According to locals, these sheep likely escaped from the custody of the thieves during transit.

The stolen livestock includes animals owned by several residents of Churt village, including Shiraz Ahmad Bhat, Waheed Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, Rafiq Ahmad Shah, Hamidullah Teli, Hamidullah Bhat, Rasikh Ahmad Lone, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, and others.

The police have begun investigating the matter, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the theft. [KNT]

Greater Kashmir

SC refuses premature release of terror convict, asks him to challenge remission policy

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July 15, 2025

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Pegasus row: What's wrong if country using spyware against terrorists? SC asks

New Delhi, Jul 15: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to order the premature release of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a convict in a triple murder case allegedly linked to a terrorist act.

A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and SVN Bhatti, however, allowed Bhat to challenge the remission policy of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by filing an application in another pending case.

The bench heard Bhat’s plea for early release on the ground that he had served 27 years in prison.

While senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appeared for Bhat, additional solicitor general K M Nataraj represented the union territory.

Bhat allegedly entered the residence of an Army informer and opened fire with an AK-47 rifle, killing three persons.

Explosive devices, including a Under Barrerl Grenade Launcher grenade, were also reportedly recovered from the scene, the prosecution alleged.

Nataraj submitted killing civilians for allegedly providing information to the Army amounted to a terrorist act and therefore Bhat was disentitled from availing benefits of premature release.

“The act was intended to create fear and deter cooperation with lawful authorities. This goes beyond a simple murder,” he said.

Agreeing with the contention, the bench said “If the act was committed to create fear, to ensure that no one dares to side with the law, then it certainly carries the characteristics of a terrorist act.”

The top court continued, “Even if TADA was not invoked during trial, that doesn’t automatically disentitle the court from assessing the true nature of the offence for the purposes of remission.”

Gonsalves, however, argued Bhat was convicted only under Section 302 IPC (murder) and the Arms Act, and not under any anti-terror legislation TADA.

“Nothing was proved in court to attract the provisions of TADA. The trial court or the high court never found it to be a terrorist act,” he said, citing precedents of similarly-situated convicts who were granted premature release.

The bench remained unconvinced and added, “We tentatively agree that the act appears aimed at sending a message that those who cooperate with authorities will face lethal consequences. We cannot turn a blind eye to such implications.”

When the counsel for Bhat referred to other premature release cases, the bench noted the absence of a comparable remission policy.

“We don’t have the remission policy before us. Without it, how can we draw analogies?” it asked.

Gonsalves then sought liberty to challenge the J&K remission policy within the ongoing proceedings.

The bench allowed him to file an interim plea in a pending matter challenging the same policy.

Greater Kashmir

Torrential monsoon rain, flash floods leave 111 dead in Pakistan

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July 15, 2025

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Torrential monsoon rain, flash floods leave 111 dead in Pakistan

Islamabad, July 15: At least 15 more people died following a fresh spell of torrential monsoon rain in Pakistan on Monday, bringing the total death toll since late June to 111, local media reported on Tuesday.

Torrential rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, flash floods, and high-velocity winds, as of Monday night, claimed at least nine lives in Punjab alone and injured more than 60, as devastation swept from Rawalpindi to Rajanpur and other areas, the leading Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune, reported.

Reports suggest that the emergency service Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad confirmed that Punjab alone has reported nine deaths and 62 injuries as a result of heavy downpours and strong winds since Monday morning.

On the other hand, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported six fatalities — one man, one woman, and four children — across the districts of Khyber, Malakand, Kohat, and Bajaur in the province.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan, since the beginning of the monsoon season in late June, as many as 111 people, including 53 children, have died due to electrocution, flash floods, building collapses, and lightning strikes.

In Lahore, a 20-year-old Faisal lost his life when the roof of his house collapsed and injured four others. While in Manga Mandi’s Jagiyan area, a similar incident occurred when a roof fell, injuring two children.

Additionally, a tragedy hit a nearby village when a roof collapsed, leaving residents buried in the debris, while two children were rescued alive from the rubble and taken to the nearby hospital.

Also, a fatal accident occurred in Rawalpindi, on the M2 Motorway near Chakri Interchange, when a passenger bus lost control on a rain-slick road and overturned, killing four people on the spot, while 22 others were injured.

Meanwhile, in Okara’s Naeemabad, lightning struck and killed two teenagers and left the third one critically injured.

In Punjab’s Bahawalnagar, the roof of a madrassa collapsed, claiming the lives of two children and injuring 14 others, and 12 of them were transported to the nearby hospital.

Greater Kashmir

Woman rescued in time before committing suicide in north Kashmir’s Baramullah

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July 15, 2025

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Set to be deported, Pak national dies of cardiac arrest in Amritsar

Srinagar, July 15: After the extremely tragic incident of drowning at LJHP canal in Gantmulla, a woman was rescued live in time by locals before jumping into the canal in the Gantmulla area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla.

They said, “the woman in her 40s attempted to commit suicide, but locals noticed and saved her in the nick of time.”

Meanwhile, the police have taken cognizance and launched an investigation into the incident.

Greater Kashmir

Jairam Ramesh after Trump repeats India-Pak ceasefire claim

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July 15, 2025

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65 days, 22 times: Jairam Ramesh after Trump repeats India-Pak ceasefire claim

New Delhi, July 15: With US President Donald Trump reiterating his claim that he stopped the conflict between India and Pakistan, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said the same claim keeps getting repeated “22 times in 65 days”.

Trump Monday reiterated his claim that he stopped the conflict between India and Pakistan, which could have turned into a “nuclear war”, through trade.

“We’ve been very successful in settling wars. You have India, (and) Pakistan. You have Rwanda and the Congo that was going on for 30 years,” Trump said during his meeting with NATO Secretary General Rutte in the Oval Office.

Tagging a video of Trump’s remarks, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Ramesh said, “65 days. 22 times. The same claim. It keeps getting repeated.”

In his remarks, Trump said, “India, by the way, Pakistan would have been a nuclear war within another week the way that was going. That was going very badly, and we did that through trade. I said, ‘we’re not going to talk to you about trade unless you get this thing settled’, and they did, and they were both great, great leaders, and they were great.”

Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a long night of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim more than a dozen times on several occasions that he helped settle the tensions between India and Pakistan.

However, India has been consistently maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries.

In a nearly 35-minute phone call with Trump last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly stated that India does not and will “never accept” mediation and that the discussions between Indian and Pakistani militaries on cessation of military actions were initiated at Islamabad’s request.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

Greater Kashmir

Three Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza tank blast

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July 15, 2025

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Three Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza tank blast

Gaza, July 15: Three Israeli soldiers were killed in a tank explosion during a ground offensive in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said.

Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, said on its Telegram channel that three died after “the resistance targeted their tank during the battles in the Gaza Strip.”

The military identified the soldiers as Staff Sergeant Shoham Menahem, 21, Sergeant Shlomo Yakir Shrem, 20, and Sergeant Yuliy Faktor, 19, all from the 52nd Armored Corps Battalion of the 401st Brigade. An officer was also seriously wounded in the incident, Xinhua news agency reported.

It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion. Army Radio reported that the initial investigation pointed to an operational accident, in which one of the tank’s shells detonated inside, though the possibility of an anti-tank missile strike by Palestinian militants had not been ruled out.

The military said the incident was under investigation.

Since the start of the war in October 2023, 893 Israeli soldiers have been killed. According to Gaza’s health authorities, at least 58,386 Palestinians have died in Israeli attacks.

Hamas said on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “does not want to reach any agreement” over the Gaza ceasefire.

“Netanyahu is adept at thwarting negotiation rounds, one after another, and does not want to reach any agreement,” it said in a statement.

The continuation of Israel’s war in Gaza threatens the lives of Israeli hostages and soldiers, Hamas said, adding that “the ‘absolute victory’ that Netanyahu promotes is a great illusion to cover up a devastating field and political defeat.”

While Gaza peace talks were ongoing in Doha, Hamas and Israel have in recent days blamed each other as the obstacle to a final deal. Their positions on Israeli army withdrawal from Gaza have reportedly emerged as a major source of disagreement.

Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) said on Sunday that the ongoing indirect negotiations with Israel must lead to an end to the war, full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, opening of the crossings, and reconstruction.

Greater Kashmir