🚀 India's space launch costs surprisingly high, says study

A new peer-reviewed analysis indicates that India has the highest per-unit cost for space launches among major nations. The study, conducted by Alessio Terzi and Francesco Nicoli, estimates it costs $13,302 to send one kilogram to low-earth orbit on Indian rockets by 2025. This figure is significantly higher than China's $5,809 and the U.S.'s $3,225. The authors attribute this high cost to ISRO predominantly using smaller rockets, spreading fixed launch costs across minimal payload. They note that India lacks the frequent launches needed to achieve a statistically significant experience curve like the U.S. and Europe.

🚀 Indian-origin man survives H-1B rejections for US stay

An Indian-origin national named Sohan Sethi faced three H-1B lottery rejections while trying to stay in the US. Sethi, who is from Mumbai, was living in the US since January 2022 after graduating from the University of Illinois Chicago. He compiled over 700 pages of evidence and spent $13,000 to pursue an O-1 visa pathway. This was necessary because his STEM OPT was set to expire on July 5, leaving him a short window to stay legally. Eventually, his O-1 visa was approved, allowing him to continue managing an analytics team. 📈

🛰️ India's space launch cost is surprisingly the highest

A new peer-reviewed analysis shows India's per-unit space launch cost is highest among major spacefaring nations. The study estimates it costs $13,302 to reach low-earth orbit on Indian rockets in 2025, more than the U.S. or China. This high cost results from ISRO mostly flying small rockets, spreading fixed costs thinly across small payloads. Only the U.S. and Europe have shown a significant cost-reduction curve since 2010, as India lacks sufficient launch frequency. This dependency is pushing Indian operators abroad, like NewSpace India using a Falcon 9 in November 2024. 🛰️

🚆 238 new metro-like trains coming to Mumbai 🚆

238 metro-like trains are set to enter service on Mumbai’s suburban railway starting in 2027. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this during an MMRDA project launch in Mumbai. The government aims to convert the entire suburban fleet by March 2030. These new trains will feature AC, automatic doors, and better amenities for millions of daily commuters. The upgrade could boost the local network while potentially challenging existing Metro ridership.

🌍 Home is complicated for Indians abroad

A personal reflection explores the complex meaning of 'home' for Indians living outside India. The author, who grew up in India and lived in Sweden, faced this question while in New York. This feeling of belonging is further complicated by the author's recent move to Texas. Another migrant, Yuriy, shared feeling like an outsider despite his U.S. citizenship. Ultimately, the piece suggests identity is stitched from multiple experiences, not one place.

🚨 Multiple spots hit by bomb threats before Independence Day

Several key locations in the capital received bomb threats on Friday, leading to widespread security checks across Delhi. The threats targeted places like the Delhi High Court and Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3. These incidents occurred just one day before India's Independence Day celebrations. Authorities deployed bomb disposal teams and sniffer dogs to investigate the claims. Currently, officials suspect the threats might be a hoax while ongoing verification continues. 🚨

😅 Alvarez admits transfer 'mistake' to teammates

Julian Alvarez reportedly admitted to his Atletico Madrid teammates that his public pursuit of a move was a mistake. The Argentine forward, who was linked with a Barcelona transfer, has since committed to the club. This happened after the Atletico hierarchy refused to strengthen a La Liga rival during the transfer window. The 26-year-old promised total commitment to the Rojiblancos for his three-year contract. Alvarez will now undergo a tailored fitness programme before joining team activities.

🏏 Gill wants more prep time before Sri Lanka Tests

India captain Shubman Gill stated the team requires sufficient preparation before the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. He highlighted the need for players to adapt to red-ball conditions, especially when traveling overseas for the World Test Championship. India faces a challenging two-Test series starting in Galle this Saturday, aiming for the WTC final. Gill stressed that a week or ten days of prep significantly helps players adjust to different conditions. The team hopes to build momentum, overcoming past underwhelming records in the WTC cycle.

📜 Arunachal scraps 80:20 job quota rule

The Arunachal Pradesh government has officially scrapped the old 80:20 reservation arrangement for state jobs. This decision was approved by the Cabinet following recommendations from the High Power Committee. Previously, 80% of posts were reserved for APST candidates since 1991. Now, uniform eligibility criteria are implemented, mandating PRC, APST status, and language proficiency. These new rules apply immediately to all Group A, B, and C posts.

💥 Iran borrows Ukraine war tactics against US air defenses

Iran employed improvised tactics, mirroring Russia's use of diverse weaponry during the Ukraine war. The nation launched waves of drones and multiple missiles against three US bases in Jordan over five days. On July 17, one missile bypassed defenses, resulting in three US soldiers killed and over 100 wounded. This strategy strains US air defense systems, which have used over 1,500 Patriot interceptors. Iran continues to leverage these mixed tactics while hiding assets underground to complicate the conflict. 💥

🔍 Search for missing IIT techie called off; digital hunt begins

The intense search for 31-year-old cybersecurity professional Advait Upadhyay on Shivagange Hill has been officially called off. The operation took place in Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka, after a major combing effort failed to locate him. Over 100 personnel from NDRF, SDRF, and local police were involved in the search starting August 7. Authorities are now concentrating on his digital footprint, phone activity, and online accounts to find answers. The Kadugodi police will continue investigating whether his disappearance was deliberately staged.