Growing plants in space, once a distant dream, is now vital for long-duration missions. Astronauts have successfully cultivated zinnias, sunflowers, and wheat on space stations, offering fresh food, psychological comfort, and life-support benefits. NASA's Veggie project and earlier Soviet experiments demonstrate the feasibility of space farming, paving the way for sustainable deep space exploration and reducing reliance on Earth-based supplies.
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Despite Trump's August 1st deadline, US negotiators will visit India later in August, aiming for a bilateral trade agreement by Fall. Sticking points remain, particularly regarding American agricultural and dairy access, which India resists. India seeks gains in textiles, footwear, and auto parts. Trump's insistence on agricultural concessions and opaque deal-making with other nations are also concerns.
Young Indian chess player Divya Deshmukh triumphed over compatriot Harika Dronavalli in a thrilling tie-break, securing a spot in the FIDE Women’s World Cup semifinals on Monday. Her victory sets up a clash with former world champion Tan Zhongyi of China. Grandmaster Koneru Humpy also advanced, guaranteeing India two players in the semifinals and a historic moment for Indian chess.
IPL cricketer Yash Dayal faces a second FIR, this time in Jaipur, alleging repeated sexual assault of a minor in 2023 and again in April. This follows a previous rape complaint filed in Ghaziabad.
In Delhi, a 14-year-old boy was allegedly sexually assaulted in a school washroom, leading to the apprehension of a classmate. The incident, reported on July 24th, prompted police investigation, medical examination, and counselling for the survivor.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely married Melanie Guevara. The private ceremony happened at San Francisco City Hall. The couple has been together since 2022. Likely shared the news on Instagram. NFL players and teammates congratulated the couple. Pat Ricard and Ar'Darius Washington sent good wishes. D'Jordan Strong referred to them as "The Likelys".
PM Narendra Modi will visit the UK this week. He will meet Keir Starmer to discuss trade, technology, defence, and education. A free trade agreement is expected to be formalised. Modi will also visit Maldives as guest of honour on their Independence Day. This marks a turnaround in relations since President Muizzu assumed office.
BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, has restricted employee device usage in China due to rising US-China tensions. Staff must now use temporary phones and cannot use company laptops. This policy enhancement, effective July 16, reflects growing corporate anxiety after incidents involving Western executives being prevented from leaving China.
Artificial Intelligence tools can speed up tasks. However, Accenture's Ramine Tinati says it doesn't guarantee productivity. Companies need to redesign workflows for real gains. Some Asian firms are lagging in AI adoption. Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft are investing heavily in AI. Nvidia's Jensen Huang and OpenAI's Sam Altman believe AI will change jobs.
Deepak Malhotra's Bollywood dream, launched by Yash Chopra's 'Lamhe' alongside Sridevi, turned sour due to a single scene and the repetitive utterance of "Pallo." The backlash derailed his career, costing him roles in films like 'Chamatkar' and 'Darr.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated he lacks information regarding Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as Vice President, suggesting it's a matter between Dhankhar and Prime Minister Modi. Kharge noted Dhankhar's consistent support for the government and his reluctance to allow discussions on farmer issues, poverty, and social injustices in the Rajya Sabha.