NASA has successfully launched its fourth all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), involving astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. Led by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the mission marks India's first astronaut mission to the ISS and is a result of collaboration between NASA and ISRO. With five joint science experiments and two STEM demonstrations, the mission highlights the value of international partnerships in advancing scientific research and education in space. This partnership also aligns with NASA's strategy of shifting towards commercial partnerships and focusing on future space missions.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has assured compliance with domestic laws and international obligations for the analysis of data from the black boxes recovered from the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad. A multi-disciplinary team, including representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is in charge of the investigation. The black boxes were recovered soon after the accident and kept under 24x7 surveillance and police protection before being brought to Delhi by Indian Air Force aircraft. The data extraction process began on June 24, highlighting the government's prompt and efficient response to the unfortunate incident.
Bata India plans to expand its successful Floatz brand with a new range and continue building on the success of its Power apparel line. In its annual report, the company stated its focus on extending the presence of its top six brands, including Bata Core, in order to drive same-store sales growth and overall retail expansion. With over 1,850 stores in its retail network and a growing distribution to over 1,500 towns, Bata India is taking strategic steps to maintain its growth and momentum in the market.
The Income Tax Department has been collecting and integrating an overwhelming amount of data from various sources, making it challenging for taxpayers to reconcile it with their income tax returns. Inaccuracies in data are becoming increasingly common, and now taxpayers are being held responsible for providing feedback to the reporting sources and sharing responses. This added step could have serious consequences for taxpayers, such as notices and further scrutiny. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to file a revised or updated return with correct information to avoid future discrepancies.
A recent study found that many popular contact lens brands contain high levels of PFAS, or "forever chemicals", which have been linked to cancer and other health issues. This is concerning for contact lens wearers who may be unknowingly exposing themselves to these harmful substances. Notably, these chemicals are also found in other household items and can contribute to water pollution.
Bud Light faces backlash and boycotts after partnering with transgender TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney, with some Nashville residents expressing their anger and others saying the backlash is overblown. The beer brand's parent company, Anheuser-Busch, has lost $5 billion in value and some believe the controversy has given them unwarranted publicity. However, others argue that this is a sensitive issue and recommend honoring veterans and first responders instead of influencers.
Indian equities are expected to open positively following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. The ceasefire will begin in six hours, with Iran initiating it for 12 hours followed by Israel. This development comes after 12 days of war between the two countries and could bring relief to markets as the India VIX index also edged higher.
A former employee of Zepto, a popular quick commerce company in India, has come forward with startling claims about the company's operations. The individual, who previously worked at Zepto for three years, revealed a number of unethical practices, including delivering rotten groceries and working in unsanitary conditions. The post quickly went viral, sparking reactions from users and raising further concerns about the company's commitment to consumer safety. The revelation comes after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended Zepto's license for multiple food safety violations.
Global investors are feeling unnerved as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically the US's involvement in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, have caused Asian and US stock futures to fall. Analysts predict that the Nifty will find crucial support at 24,850, but a further rise in volatility is expected due to the escalating situation in the Middle East. Foreign Institutional Investors were net buyers on Friday, while the rupee snapped its three-day losing streak and oil prices surged.
Hope, a small town in British Columbia, is set to see economic growth with the announcement of two new light-industrial projects. The first project, a nearly 27,000-square-foot building on Flood Hope Road, will bring in 10 new units. The second project on Corbett Street will be 4,500 square feet and will provide storage for ambulances, equipment, and trucks for a safety services company. These projects align with the town's community plan and will bring new job opportunities for residents.