India and the rest of the world witnessed a remarkable confluence of historical accomplishments, economic transformations, and cultural landmarks on July 15, 2025. As Shubhanshu Shukla safely disembarked from the International Space Station (ISS), the day started with an exciting space milestone that was a proud moment for India’s growing commercial space exploration presence.
Shubhanshu Shukla undocks from ISS and heads home
The Axiom-4 mission’s Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla formally disembarked from the ISS on July 14, 2025, capping an incredible journey of more than 310 orbits and roughly 1.3 crore km, or 33 round-trips to the Moon. On July 15, the crew will splash down at 3 PM IST after a 22½-hour return journey.
With this mission, India’s growing presence in commercial spaceflight reaches yet another significant milestone. Joining the growing number of Indian astronauts who are advancing humankind’s efforts to explore space is a personal triumph for Shukla.
Testing new life-support systems, conducting scientific experiments, and strengthening international collaboration in space were among the mission’s objectives. Nationwide celebrations of his safe return will highlight India’s support for space projects led by the private sector.
India's first Tesla showroom debuts in Mumbai
An important turning point in India’s EV development: On July 15, 2025, Tesla formally opened its first showroom in India at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai.
The debut introduces the Model Y, Tesla’s globally bestselling SUV, to India at a sticker price around ₹42.75 lakh (~US $70 k), factoring in import duties and freight
This strategic entry, despite high tariffs, is in line with the Indian government’s 15% import duty reduction, provided that local manufacturing investments total more than $500 million. Tesla has no immediate plans to build a factory in India and will initially import from its Shanghai Gigafactory, but the move capitalizes on an emerging EV market, with electric vehicles currently accounting for about 2.5% of Indian auto sales and expected to grow significantly through 2030.
The showroom inauguration may also include unveiling Tesla’s Starlink satellite internet service in India. For now, the Model Y showcases premium features like a panoramic glass roof, large touchscreen, and electric liftgate. It sets a new bar in India’s luxury EV segment.
SBI cuts lending rates to support borrowers
The State Bank of India reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR) from 8.20–9.10% to 7.95–8.90% on July 15, 2025, by a maximum of 25 basis points.
This adjustment directly lowers Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) for borrowers with MCLR-linked home, education, or vehicle loans. Though other benchmarks like EBLR and RLLR weren’t touched, the move gives borrowers immediate relief—especially beneficial amid inflation cooling. Deeper financial indicators like CIBIL scores and processing charges remain critical considerations.
Inflation cooling amid global trends
According to a new SBI report, India’s retail inflation (CPI) is expected to reach a record low in July 2025, and the RBI’s prediction may be surpassed by the FY26 CPI average.
This downtrend could encourage more accommodative monetary policy, making loans cheaper and bolstering consumption and investment.
Savings can grow stronger with lower inflation, but policymakers will keep a keen eye on global Shubhanshu Shukla commodity prices, exchange rate swings, and monsoon outcomes—all key to maintaining control over price stability.
GOP lawmaker criticizes SJSU trans athlete decisio
Republican Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) condemned San Jose State University’s involvement in a legal battle involving trans athlete Blaire Fleming, a Shubhanshu Shukla flashpoint in American collegiate athletics. According to reports, the Mountain West Conference has hired the same legal team that defended Fleming’s eligibility for the tournament, Shubhanshu Shukla which is why Kiley called the situation “extremely troubling.”
This incident adds fuel to a heated national debate over trans participation in sports, raising questions on fairness, inclusivity, and the https://24dsnews.com/michelle-trachtenberg-the-buffy-the-vampire/complexities of Title IX reforms. The matter is expected to escalate in public forums and courtrooms alike.
Monsoon relief in New Delhi
New Delhi is currently experiencing a shift in weather, with rainfall and milder temperatures ushering in the city’s monsoon season
This pattern helps ease the summer heat but also introduces unpredictability, including potential flash floods and traffic disruptions.
For residents, it’s a time to carry umbrellas, check weather alerts, and prepare for possible road or waterlogged conditions, keeping updated via meteorological forecasts.
Nagpur launches a cultural bhajan contest
From July 15–18, Nagpur hosts its inaugural Khanjiri Bhajan Contest, spotlighting this devotional folk tradition from Vidarbha
With 283 registered groups, including 124 from across Vidarbha, the contest melds spirituality with musical heritage.
Prizes are generous: ₹1 lakh for 1st place, ₹71,000 for 2nd, ₹51,000 for 3rd, and ₹5,000 consolation awards to ten more acts. The event honors Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj’s legacy and aims to rejuvenate folk devotional music as a medium for social harmony.
Melania Trump influences Trump’s stance on Putin
An increasingly prevalent narrative in U.S. foreign policy holds that former President Trump’s recent tougher stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to former First Lady Melania Trump, who is of Slovenian descent and has personal ties to Eastern Europe.
Her moral opposition to Russian aggression and her personal connection to war-torn Ukraine have reportedly influenced Trump’s policymaking, as evidenced by his decision to support Ukraine with Patriot missiles. This tale demonstrates how unofficial influences and individual beliefs can affect high-level diplomatic negotiations.
Sports spotlight: a global action-packed week
Wimbledon finals, India vs. England Test cricket (July 13–14), Major League Cricket Finals, FIM MXGP in Finland, World Triathlon Championships in Hamburg, and the BWF Japan Open in badminton are just a few of the sporting events that will take place during the week of July 11–17.
Indian cricket fans are glued to the England trip, which is part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. Overseas viewers can catch the action via JioCinema and Star Sports.
Yemen postpones execution of Indian nurse
Shubhanshu Shukla Yemen has delayed the planned execution of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse found guilty of a 2017 murder, in a sensitive humanitarian development.
The stay brings relief to concerned families and goodwill advocates Shubhanshu Shukla, while diplomatic negotiations, legal appeals, and media attention continue in hopes of a lasting resolution.