The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the flight-acceptance hot test of a CE20 cryogenic engine that is set to power the upper stage of the upcoming LVM3-M7 mission, marking a significant step in preparations for India's next heavy-lift launch. The test was conducted on July 6, 2026, at the Main Engine and Stage Test facility of the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. During the test, the CE20 engine initially operated at a thrust level of 19.5 tonnes for 45 seconds before being raised to 22 tonnes for another 25 seconds. ISRO said the engine systems and the Nozzle Protection System performed satisfactorily throughout the test.

The engine will now undergo refurbishment before being integrated into the C32 flight stage being prepared for the LVM3-M7 launch vehicle. The CE20 is an indigenous cryogenic engine developed by ISRO for the upper stage of the LVM3 rocket. The engine is designed to operate in the 19-22 tonne thrust range and has powered multiple LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and commercial launches.

The latest hot test is particularly significant because ISRO is working to establish the CE20's operation at the higher 22-tonne thrust level for future LVM3 missions. Increasing the thrust of the upper-stage engine is expected to contribute to improvements in the launch vehicle's payload capability. ISRO had earlier conducted a major sea-level test of the CE20 at 22-tonne thrust on March 10, 2026. The engine was operated for 165 seconds during that test using a Nozzle Protection System and a multi-element igniter. The test was aimed at demonstrating the engine's performance at the higher thrust level under sea-level conditions.

Testing a large cryogenic engine at sea level presents technical challenges because of the large-area-ratio nozzle used by the CE20. The low pressure at the nozzle exit can lead to flow separation, which may cause excessive vibration and thermal loads. ISRO's Nozzle Protection System was developed to address this challenge and enable extended engine testing under sea-level conditions.

The CE20 has undergone an extensive testing programme as ISRO continues to improve the reliability and performance of the LVM3 propulsion system. Previous testing has demonstrated technologies including multi-element ignition, higher-thrust operation, indigenous turbopump bearings and sensors, as well as bootstrap-mode engine start-up.

The successful flight-acceptance test of the engine assigned to LVM3-M7 brings the mission another step closer to launch. Once refurbishment is completed, the engine will be integrated into the C32 flight stage and subsequently into the LVM3 vehicle. The development of the 22-tonne CE20 configuration is also important for India's wider space programme. Improved upper-stage performance could give the LVM3 greater flexibility for future missions involving heavier spacecraft and more demanding orbital requirements. With the latest test successfully completed, ISRO is continuing its efforts to strengthen the LVM3's capabilities and build greater reliability into India's heavy-lift launch operations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Pioneer.

Thousands of passengers, including Indians travelling between India and the United Kingdom, faced disruption after a major technical failure in the UK's air traffic control system led to more than 2,000 flight cancellations and widespread delays. The disruption was linked to a technical problem in the flight-processing system operated by National Air Traffic Services (NATS), which manages air traffic control across the UK. Although the immediate fault was resolved, its effects continued to disrupt airline schedules as aircraft and crew were left out of position following the cancellations and diversions.

Major airports, including London Heathrow and Gatwick, were among those affected. Passengers reported long delays, cancelled services, missed connections and problems with baggage and rebooking as airlines attempted to clear the backlog. The disruption also affected flights connecting India with the UK. Air India and IndiGo services were among the India-UK operations hit by the situation, while other international carriers also made changes to their schedules. Some flights were cancelled or delayed, while others were diverted because of the disruption at UK airports.

The impact was not limited to passengers who were travelling on flights cancelled during the initial outage. As aircraft and flight crews were unable to reach their planned destinations, subsequent services were also affected. This created a knock-on effect across airline schedules, making it difficult for carriers to return to normal operations immediately after the technical issue was fixed.

NATS said the incident was caused by a technical failure and not a cyberattack. The UK government has ordered an investigation into the incident, while the country's aviation regulator is also reviewing what happened. The failure has renewed concerns about the resilience of critical air traffic control infrastructure after previous technical problems have caused significant disruption to UK air travel.

For Indian passengers currently travelling to or from the UK, airlines have advised checking flight information before leaving for the airport. Travellers whose services have been cancelled or significantly delayed may need to contact their respective airlines for rebooking and other assistance. While the air traffic control system has returned to operation, the disruption is expected to take time to fully clear because airlines must reposition aircraft and crews and accommodate passengers affected by cancelled services. The incident has demonstrated how a technical failure in a key aviation system can quickly spread across international routes, affecting passengers far beyond the country where the original problem occurred.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Students living in paying guest accommodations around Delhi’s Satya Niketan area have started vacating their rooms following the collapse of a nearby building that left seven people dead, including five Delhi University students. The incident has triggered fresh concerns over the safety of buildings being used as student accommodation in the densely populated locality. The five-storey building, which was being used as a boys’ PG, collapsed on September 6. Seven people were killed and several others were injured in the incident, prompting a large-scale rescue and relief operation. The tragedy has since raised questions about the structural condition of other buildings in the neighbourhood, which has a high concentration of PGs and private hostels because of its proximity to Delhi University’s South Campus.

Following the collapse, a number of students staying in nearby properties began leaving with their belongings. The atmosphere in the area remained tense as residents and students expressed concern about the condition of buildings surrounding the collapsed structure. Some parents have also reached Delhi to help their children move to safer accommodation.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has meanwhile started the controlled demolition of an adjoining building that was declared unsafe. The structure, identified as Property No. 13, was being used as a girls’ PG and was evacuated after the neighbouring building collapsed. Civic officials ordered its demolition after determining that it posed a potential danger to occupants and nearby properties.

Demolition workers began by removing parts of the structure, including the water tank and tin roofing, as authorities moved to reduce the risk of another structural failure. The demolition operation was later halted and is expected to continue as the civic authorities assess the site and surrounding buildings. The incident has also prompted authorities to examine other structures in Satya Niketan. The MCD has issued evacuation directions for some buildings considered potentially dangerous and is carrying out inspections in the locality. Officials are also looking at the condition of PG accommodations and the number of people staying in buildings that may not have been designed for such high occupancy.

Satya Niketan has become a popular residential area for students because of its location close to several Delhi University colleges. Over the years, many residential properties in the area have been converted into PGs and hostels to meet the growing demand for student housing. The collapse has now put renewed focus on whether such buildings are being properly maintained and whether structural and safety requirements are being followed.

The Delhi government is also considering tighter rules for PG and hostel operators. The proposed regulatory framework is expected to include requirements related to licensing, police verification, structural safety and fire-safety clearances. Authorities are also looking at ways to improve monitoring of PG establishments so that students and their families can have greater access to information about the safety and approval status of accommodation.

The investigation into the Satya Niketan building collapse is continuing. Authorities are examining the condition of the structure, construction and renovation work carried out at the property and other factors that may have contributed to the collapse. Action has also been taken against individuals and officials as part of the wider investigation into the incident.

With students leaving nearby PGs and demolition work underway, attention in Satya Niketan has shifted toward preventing another tragedy. The incident has highlighted concerns surrounding ageing buildings, increasing occupancy and the rapid conversion of residential properties into student accommodation in parts of Delhi.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said Delhi Police have arrested all eight people allegedly involved in the assault that led to the death of 54-year-old Manipuri musician and music teacher Chongtham Vikram Singh in South Delhi. He said the investigation is being pursued quickly and that a strong chargesheet will be filed to ensure those found responsible face strict punishment.

Calling the incident deeply distressing, Rijiju said he had spoken with senior Delhi Police officials, including the IGP of the South Delhi range, the DCP and the Joint Commissioner of the Special Police Cell dealing with matters concerning the Northeast community. He said the police have also met Singh’s family and assured them of action in the case.

According to the minister, all eight individuals allegedly connected to the incident have been arrested. He said police have collected information about their backgrounds and found that the accused worked at local dhabas and as delivery workers. The dispute, he said, reportedly began late at night over loud music and noise before escalating into a physical confrontation.

Singh, who was from Manipur, was reportedly at his home in Kilokari village in the Ashram area when he objected to shouting and disturbances allegedly involving delivery workers and dhaba employees outside his residence. Police said the situation escalated after Singh came downstairs to raise his objection, following which he was allegedly assaulted with punches and blows. After the attack, Singh’s son Yaiphaba took him to Holy Family Hospital for medical treatment. Despite efforts to treat him, the musician later died from the injuries he had sustained in the alleged assault.

Rijiju said Delhi Police have assured him that the chargesheet would be submitted to the court shortly. While he referred to a timeline of around two weeks at one point, he also said police had indicated that the legal paperwork could be completed within a shorter period in an effort to speed up the judicial process. He stressed that the chargesheet must be comprehensive and supported by strong evidence.

“The chargesheet has to be watertight,” Rijiju said, adding that the punishment should be severe if the accused are found guilty. He said the death had resulted from an altercation that took place late at night and that the police acted quickly after Singh’s son contacted the police control room. Although some of the suspects had reportedly left the area, police were able to trace and arrest them.

The Union minister also responded to criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging political leaders not to turn the incident into a political controversy. Rijiju said the immediate priority should be justice for Singh and appropriate legal action against those responsible. He also emphasised that people from the Northeast are Indian citizens and should receive the same protection and support as anyone else living in the capital.

Rijiju further pointed to the role of the North-East Special Police Cell within the Delhi Police, saying the mechanism has been established to respond quickly to incidents involving people from the region. He said the authorities remain in contact with the Northeast community and that the system is intended to ensure prompt intervention when complaints are received.

Singh’s death has sparked concern within the Manipuri and wider Northeast community in Delhi. As the investigation progresses, the focus will now be on the evidence collected by police, the individual roles of those arrested and the charges included in the final chargesheet. The courts will ultimately determine the guilt of the accused based on the evidence presented during the legal proceedings. Arrangements are being made to take Singh’s mortal remains to Manipur. His death has left his family, friends and members of the music community mourning, while authorities face pressure to ensure that the investigation is completed swiftly and that the case proceeds through the judicial system without delay.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a broad set of initiatives covering family support, housing, technology and Singapore’s national resilience. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak to SMU School of Law Associate Professor Eugene Tan about the major measures, their significance for Singaporeans and what they reveal about the Government’s priorities for the country’s next stage of growth.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.