Hamas frees 8 more hostages as Gaza truce holds. Israel is set to release 110 prisoners

European leaders are facing pressure to increase military spending amidst the conflict in Ukraine and an isolationist U.S. presidency, as outdated equipment and undersized forces pose significant challenges. With Trump's push for a 5% GDP spending on defense and rising costs, European nations are considering shifting funds from social programs to enhance military capabilities against emerging threats. The debate over reallocation of resources highlights the necessity for European countries to strengthen their defense capabilities in...

The appointment of Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar has sparked a rift in the Kinnar Akhada, prompting founder Rishi Ajay to take action, potentially removing Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi. The announcement is expected today at noon, causing tensions and differing opinions within the religious community and leading to internal conflict within the influential Akhada. Full Article

Hamas confirmed the death of military leader Mohammed Deif and top commanders in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis on July 13. Israel's military provided intelligence verifying Deif's death, while also releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli and Thai hostages amid ceasefire negotiations. Full Article

The Cochin Shipyard Ltd has commenced construction of the seventh Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft for the Indian Navy, which will replace the existing Abhay-class ASW Corvettes, bolstering India's coastal defense capabilities significantly. The first ship is scheduled for completion by March 2025, marking a milestone in the modernization efforts of the Indian Navy and showcasing the country's commitment to enhancing its maritime security. Full Article

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to go to space on the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station in spring 2025, selected by ISRO and NASA. Peggy Whitson will command the mission, with Shukla as the pilot, as part of a diverse team that includes private astronauts from previous Axiom missions. The team has been training for months, with Shukla expressing excitement and confidence in their ability to...

Indian Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), marking India's first crewed ISS mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in spring 2025. Commanded by Peggy Whitson, the international crew will conduct scientific research and commercial activities, showcasing India's growing role in global space exploration alongside NASA, ESA, Poland, and Hungary. As NASA focuses on private astronaut missions, Shukla's historic flight represents a milestone for ISRO and...