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India and the US are leveraging the upcoming NASA-ISRO joint mission featuring Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a significant outreach initiative between their democracies. A mission readiness review on Wednesday may finalize the launch date, currently set for June 8, 2025. During the 14-day mission to the International Space Station, Shukla will conduct seven India-specific experiments alongside five human biology experiments in collaboration with NASA. Notably, there will be live interactions with students in India, enhancing public engagement. Shukla, a decorated test pilot and astronaut designate for India's Gaganyaan program, will pilot the Axiom Mission 4 aboard a new SpaceX Dragon capsule. The mission aims to provide vital experience for India's crewed space ambitions, with costs estimated at Rs 550 crores. The potential for a live dialogue between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shukla adds to the excitement surrounding this historic endeavor. 
Published: May 21 2025, 12 ameznews.inDonald Trump has unveiled a $175 billion proposal for a "golden dome" missile defense system aimed at enhancing U.S. protection against aerial threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles. Announced on Tuesday, the system is designed to integrate ground, sea, and space-based technologies, drawing inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome. Trump emphasized the necessity of such a defense mechanism, stating that it would rival Israel's capabilities and reinforce America's military strength. The proposed system will feature multi-tiered defenses, including the Space-Based Infrared System for early missile detection, Ground-Based Midcourse Defense for intercontinental threats, and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense deployed on naval vessels. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over missile threats globally, with existing systems like Israel's Iron Dome and India's integrated air defense network demonstrating the critical importance of missile defense in modern warfare. 
Published: May 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA woman's body was discovered in a blue suitcase near a railway bridge in Bengaluru, prompting an investigation into her identity and the circumstances of her death. The suitcase was found by local residents near the old Chandapura railway bridge, and police believe it may have been discarded from a moving train. Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman was likely murdered elsewhere, as no identification or personal belongings were found with the body. Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police CK Baba confirmed that while such cases typically fall under railway police jurisdiction, local authorities are involved due to potential ties to their area. The body has been sent for a post-mortem, and a first information report (FIR) is being registered. This incident echoes a similar case from March, when the body of 32-year-old Gauri Anil Sambekar was found in a suitcase, leading to her husband's arrest. 
Published: May 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to Uber for allegedly encouraging users to pay an advance tip to secure quicker cab services, a practice Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has described as "unethical" and "exploitative." Joshi expressed concern over the "Advance Tip" practice, stating that tips should be voluntary tokens of appreciation, not mandatory for service. Users booking rides on the Uber app are prompted to pay tips ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 100 for faster confirmation and pick-up. This notice follows previous allegations against Uber and Ola regarding differential pricing based on users' mobile operating systems, which both companies denied. Joshi emphasized the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability in consumer interactions, urging the CCPA to investigate the tipping practice further. Uber has yet to respond to the CCPA's notice. 
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee accused of submitting forged certificates to gain advantages in the Civil Services Exam. The court's ruling allows her release on bail, contingent upon a cash surety of Rs 35,000, should she be arrested during the ongoing investigation by Delhi Police. Khedkar, who previously faced allegations of deceit regarding her physical disabilities and the use of a backward class certificate, has been warned against tampering with evidence. The Supreme Court criticized a November 2024 Delhi High Court order that denied her bail, questioning the assertion that she had not cooperated with authorities. Khedkar maintains her innocence, claiming her disability status was legitimate and arguing that her name change was minor. The case has raised concerns about potential collusion involving her family in the alleged fraud, which could have broader implications. 
Published: May 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe Indian government defended the Waqf Amendment Act in the Supreme Court, asserting that while Waqf is an Islamic concept, it is not fundamental to Islam and does not constitute a fundamental right. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized the government's role as custodian of public property and dismissed claims that the Act would lead to illegal property diversion. He argued that Waqf boards serve secular functions and that including non-Muslims in these bodies would not affect religious activities. Addressing concerns about property ownership, Mehta clarified that inquiries would determine whether properties are government-owned, but the government would need to file a title suit for ownership claims. He distinguished Waqf from Hindu endowments, noting that Waqf includes secular institutions. Mehta also contended that the law respects Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, highlighting precedents in Hindu law codification. 
Published: May 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha addressed the Asian Leadership Conference in South Korea, emphasizing India's commitment to peace while firmly opposing terrorism. He highlighted the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives, and discussed Operation Sindoor, India's counterstrike against terrorism. Chadha urged global leaders to unite against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, stating, "India is all for peace, but we will not spare terrorist infrastructure." He underscored India's dual legacy of non-violence from Mahatma Gandhi and the revolutionary spirit of Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose, calling for a global alliance to eradicate terrorism. In a social media post, he reiterated the need for collective action, asserting that terrorism poses a threat to peace worldwide. Chadha's remarks reflect India's evolving stance on counterterrorism and its resolve to protect its citizens. 
Published: May 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed a Delhi court on Wednesday that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi allegedly benefitted from Rs 142 crore linked to the National Herald money laundering case. The agency asserted that a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had been established, as it sought the court's acknowledgment of its prosecution complaint against the Gandhis and others. This complaint originated from a 2014 criminal complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, prompting the ED's investigation in 2021. The defence, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, requested additional time to review the extensive case documents. The ED's complaint names several individuals and entities, claiming that Young Indian Pvt Ltd was created to control Associated Journals Limited, the publisher of the defunct National Herald, and convert public donations into private assets. The agency noted that asset attachments occurred in November 2023, with the accused allegedly enjoying the proceeds until then. 
Published: May 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inNEW DELHI: The recent arrest of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra for allegedly leaking military secrets to Pakistan echoes a similar espionage case involving Madhuri Gupta, a former Indian diplomat. In 2010, Gupta, stationed in Islamabad, was accused of leaking sensitive information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) amid heightened tensions following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Initially flagged by India's Intelligence Bureau, she was placed under surveillance, during which investigators discovered she had fallen victim to a honeytrap orchestrated by Pakistani operatives. Gupta reportedly communicated with her handlers through email and was infatuated with one of them, leading her to disclose crucial intelligence, including details about Indian officials and secret routes to India. Arrested on April 22, 2010, under the Official Secrets Act, Gupta was convicted in 2018 and died in 2021 while her appeal was still pending. 
Published: May 21 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, while criticizing his social media comments regarding Operation Sindoor. The court highlighted the necessity of responsible free speech, questioning the professor's motives for seeking "cheap popularity" during a time of national distress. Mahmudabad, who was arrested for allegedly promoting enmity and threatening national integrity, faced two FIRs, including one from the Haryana State Commission for Women for his remarks about female military officers involved in the operation. The court ordered a special investigation team to examine the language used in his post, emphasizing the importance of duty alongside rights. While Mahmudabad's legal team argued there was no criminal intent, the court imposed conditions on his bail, prohibiting him from discussing the case or related topics. Ashoka University expressed relief at the ruling, stating it brings comfort to the professor's family and the university community. 
Published: May 21 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA conversation between travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra and a Pakistani intelligence officer has emerged, raising concerns about her alleged espionage for Pakistan's ISI agency. Malhotra, who was arrested last week in Haryana, reportedly maintained close contact with Ali Hasan, an ISI operative. WhatsApp chats revealed personal exchanges, including a message where she expressed a desire to marry in Pakistan, indicating her emotional ties to the country. Investigators discovered several bank accounts linked to her, with transactions traced to Dubai, prompting further scrutiny of her financial activities. Malhotra, who has over 100,000 Instagram followers, had visited Pakistan twice and was introduced to intelligence operatives by a Pakistan High Commission official. She is one of several individuals arrested recently amid increased surveillance due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with others detained including a student and a security guard. 
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