A powerful rocket is carrying four NASA astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day trip around the Moon before returning to Earth. Although they will not land and will remain thousands of miles away at their closest approach, the mission is a crucial step toward future lunar landings. It will test life-support and other key systems of the Orion spacecraft, designed to carry humans into deep space.

NASA aims to land astronauts on the Moon in upcoming missions, possibly as early as 2028, with support from private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The last time humans walked on the Moon was during Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. After that, lunar exploration lost momentum, and NASA shifted focus to projects closer to Earth, such as the space shuttle programme and the International Space Station.

The Artemis programme was revived during the presidency of Donald Trump and continued under his successor, with Artemis I successfully completing an uncrewed flight around the Moon in 2022.

The astronauts launched aboard the Space Launch System rocket, which stands 322 feet tall and weighs 5.75 million pounds when fully fuelled. Once in space, they will continue their journey in the Orion capsule.

During the mission, the crew will travel up to about 43,000 miles from Earth, potentially setting a record for the farthest distance humans have travelled—surpassing the achievement of Apollo 13. The astronauts also carried personal items: Glover brought his Bible, Hansen carried family pendants, Wiseman took a notepad and pencil, and Koch brought handwritten messages from loved ones.

Selected by NASA in 1998, the Indian-origin astronaut spent a total of 608 days in space across three missions, the second-highest cumulative time logged by a NASA astronaut. She also ranks sixth for the longest single spaceflight by an American astronaut, tied with fellow NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, with both spending 286 days in space during NASA’s Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9 missions.

“Suni Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration through her leadership aboard the space station and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Her work advancing science and technology has laid the foundation for Artemis missions to the Moon and advancing toward Mars, and her extraordinary achievements will continue to inspire generations to dream big and push the boundaries of what's possible. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your service to NASA and our nation.”

Sunita completed nine spacewalks lasting a combined 62 hours and 6 minutes — the most by any woman astronaut and the fourth-highest overall in NASA history. She also made history as the first person to run a marathon in space.

Her first spaceflight began on December 9, 2006, aboard space shuttle Discovery as part of the STS-116 mission. Serving as a flight engineer for Expedition 14/15, she set a then-world record by completing four spacewalks totalling 29 hours and 17 minutes.

Her second mission launched on July 14, 2012, from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome for a 127-day stay on the ISS as a member of Expeditions 32/33. During this mission, Williams carried out three spacewalks to fix an ammonia leak and replace a critical power system component connected to the station’s solar arrays.

Her third and longest mission began in June 2024, when she and Wilmore flew aboard the Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test. They later joined Expeditions 71/72 and returned to Earth in March 2025.

The PSLV-DL rocket, weighing 260 tonnes, lifted off at 10:17 AM and worked normally during the first two stages. The launch looked perfect and was watched by people across the country.

"The performance of the vehicle at the end of the third stage was nominal, and then a disturbance in roll rates and a deviation in flight path was noticed. We are analysing the data, and we will come back with more updates," Isro chief V Narayanan confirmed.

But soon after the third stage started, communication broke down. Mission control received no data, confirming that the rocket could not enter its intended orbit. This failure was similar to the PSLV-C61 failure the previous year. The mission was supposed to place DRDO’s main satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha) — meant for monitoring the seas — along with 15 smaller satellites from Indian students, private companies, and a Spanish re-entry experiment, into a 505 km sun-synchronous orbit.

The rocket separated its boosters correctly, but something went wrong in the third stage about eight minutes after liftoff. This issue was similar to C61’s problem, where a drop in chamber pressure caused EOS-09 to be lost.

ISRO confirmed that the rocket had drifted off its planned path. A Failure Analysis Committee will now investigate what went wrong, but the cause has not yet been revealed. This is PSLV’s second failure in eight months, harming its strong success record of 94% across 63 earlier flights — the same launcher family that sent Chandrayaan-1 and Aditya-L1 into space.

Since ISRO never publicly released the full C61 failure report, questions about transparency were already being raised. The repeated third-stage issue in C62 has increased concerns about problems in the solid-fuel motor, nozzle, or casing, especially with ISRO’s packed 2026 launch schedule.

This failure may also impact NSIL’s commercial satellite launch business and reduce trust among customers, affecting the growth of India’s private space sector.

The back-to-back failures could slow down ISRO’s plans for 2026, including launching 100 satellites, expanding NavIC, and preparing for Gaganyaan, especially with competition from private space companies growing.

Although PSLV’s design allows for quick fixes, lack of transparency could invite parliamentary scrutiny, like in 2025.

ISRO chairman V. Narayanan said the team will work quickly to recover from this setback, and may rely more on LVM3, while continuing efforts to strengthen India’s self-reliant space capabilities.

In Delhi, many users confirmed that both the desktop version and the Android and iOS apps were not functioning properly. While the homepage was loading, none of the feeds were accessible. Instead, users were met with an error message that read: “Something went wrong. Try reloading.”

The cause of the disruption remains unclear. More details are awaited.

Elon Musk had acquired Twitter (now X) on October 27, 2022, in a $44 billion deal, equivalent to approximately Rs 3.84 lakh crore today. Immediately after taking over, Musk fired four top executives: CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal, Legal Head Vijaya Gadde, and General Counsel Sean Edgett.

On June 5, 2023, Linda Yaccarino took over as CEO of X. Before joining the company, she served as the Global Advertising & Partnerships Chairperson at NBCUniversal.

The indigenously developed satellite is India's heaviest communication satellite to date, weighing around 4,400 kg. The launch took place from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Station in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 5:26 pm. 

Kudos Team #ISRO!

India’s #Bahubali scales the skies, with the successful launch of #LVM3M5 Mission!

“Bahubali” as it is being popularly referred, LVM3-M5 rocket is carrying the CMS-03 communication satellite, the heaviest ever to be launched from the Indian soil into a… pic.twitter.com/ccyIPUxpIX

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 2, 2025

The satellite would enhance the Navy's space-based communications and maritime domain awareness capabilities with indigenous, state-of-the-art components developed specifically to meet the Indian Navy's operational requirements.

"This satellite is India's heaviest communication satellite to date, weighing approximately more than 4,400 kg, and includes many indigenous state-of-the-art components developed specifically to meet the Indian Navy's operational requirements," the Indian Navy said.

CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass, according to ISRO.

The satellite will be launched by the famous LVM3 launch vehicle, which successfully landed India on the lunar South Pole in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This will be the vehicle's fifth operational flight."CMS-03, weighing about 4400kg, will be the heaviest communication satellite to be launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil. The previous mission of LVM3 launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission, in which India became the first country to land successfully near the lunar south pole," ISRO said in a statement.

As per a release by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the departure operations will begin with hatch closing at 4:30 am EDT or 2:00 PM IST on Monday, with the crew entering the spacecraft at 4:55 am EDT or 2:25 PM IST, followed by hatch closing.

From there, undocking will begin at approximately 6:45 am EDT or 4:15 PM IST, with the actual undocking approximately at 7:05 am EDT or 4:30 PM IST.

The whole process will be telecast by NASA on NASA , and the coverage will end approximately 30 minutes after undocking.

Following this, Axiom Space and SpaceX, via axiom.space/live and SpaceX's website, will continue the coverage of the Dragon Grace spacecraft re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere and subsequent splashdown off the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean at around 3 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15.

As per Axiom Space, the crew's return journey will take approximately 22.5 hours back to Earth, marking the conclusion of their nearly mission aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Earlier on Sunday, Group Captain Shukla delivered a stirring farewell speech from the ISS as the Ax-4 crew prepares for its journey back to Earth.

With a modern twist, he quoted the iconic words of Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, saying, "Aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se acha dikhta hai" (Today's India is still more splendid than the entire world).

"Aaj ka bharat space se mahatvakaanshi dikhta hai, aaj ka bharat space se nidar dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat garv se poorn dikhta hai aur inhi sab kaarano ki vajah se aaj mai fir se keh sakta hoon ki aaj ka bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se acha dikhta hai" (Today's India looks ambitious from space. Today's India looks fearless, confident, and full of pride)," he added.

Here’s a look at five underrated iOS 18 features you might not be using yet. These features are compatible with iPhones that support iOS 18 and come with the TrueDepth camera system.

Vehicle motion cues – Fight motion sickness on the go

For those prone to motion sickness while using their iPhone in moving vehicles, iOS 18 has introduced a helpful visual feature. By enabling Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots appear on the screen’s edges, providing visual stability when your body feels motion but your eyes don’t.

You can turn this on by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Show Vehicle Motion Cues. It also includes an automatic option that activates the feature only when the device detects vehicle movement.

Music haptics – Feel the beat like never before

A new Music Haptics setting makes listening to music more immersive. Found under Settings > Accessibility > Hearing, this feature syncs haptic feedback with music playback, making your device vibrate in rhythm with the beat.

The vibrations varies with the intensity and pace of the music, enhancing the overall listening experience. If you're holding your phone, it turns music into something you can feel, not just hear.

Charge limit control – Extend battery lifespan on iPhone 15 and newer

Excessive charging to 100% can degrade battery health over time. With iOS 18, users of iPhone 15 and later can now set a charging limit to prevent overcharging.

Visit Settings > Battery > Charging and set a limit between 80% to 95%. Most users are opting for 85% or 90% to strike a balance between battery longevity and daily usage.

Ambient sound shortcuts – One-tap relaxation from control centre

Need to unwind after a long day? With iOS 18.4, Apple added Ambient Music to the Control Centre, offering calming background sounds like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Well-being.

Just go to Control Centre > Customise Controls, add Ambient Music, and select a mood-based sound profile. It’s perfect for meditation, studying, or winding down.

App lock with biometrics – Better privacy control

Concerned about privacy when handing your iPhone to others? iOS 18 allows users to lock apps using Face ID or Touch ID. Long-press any app icon and tap "Require Face ID" or "Require Touch ID" (depending on your device). You can also choose to hide the app behind biometrics for extra security. This makes it easier to protect apps like Notes, Photos, or Banking apps without relying on third-party tools.

The #Ax4 crew—commander Peggy Whitson, @ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, @ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and mission specialist Tibor Kapu—emerges from the Dragon spacecraft and gets their first look at their home in low Earth orbit. pic.twitter.com/5q0RfoSv4G

— NASA (@NASA) June 26, 2025

The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is sending the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.

Earlier, in a live interaction from aboard the spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the mission pilot, described the launch as "magical" and reflected on his journey.

"I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts--what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical," Shukla said.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre at noon IST on Wednesday with Shukla, Whitson, Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Kapu onboard.

The Ax-4 team will remain aboard the ISS for up to 14 days, engaging in science experiments, outreach, and commercial work. This marks Axiom Space's most research-intensive mission yet, with NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) jointly conducting experiments on muscle regeneration, edible microalgae growth, survival of aquatic microorganisms, and human interaction with digital displays in microgravity.

The crew, piloted by India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the company's Falcon 9 rocket. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am EDT on Thursday or 4 pm IST.

The four-member crew which has been in quarantine in Florida will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight. The mission specialists are ESA project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

The Ax-4 mission will "realize the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, with each nation's first government-sponsored flight in more than 40 years. While Ax-4 marks these countries' second human spaceflight mission in history, it will be the first time all three nations will execute a mission on board the International Space Station.

For Group Captain Shukla this will be an opportunity to emulate fellow Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Sharma spent seven days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station.

To access this feature, simply save the number 1-800-ChatGPT to your contacts and begin chatting, or click a direct link that opens a conversation with ChatGPT on WhatsApp.

How to use ChatGPT to generate images in WhatsApp

Start a conversation by either saving the number or clicking the direct chat link.

Type a prompt describing the image you want to create. For example:

Create an anime-style flying horse in a battlefield background.

ChatGPT will respond, letting you know it’s working on the image.

Within a few minutes, the AI-generated image will be delivered directly to your WhatsApp chat.

You can save, share, or forward the image as you like.

Tips for better image results

To ensure high-quality visuals, be very specific with your prompt. Mention elements like the art style, characters, background, lighting, camera angle, and even mood or tone.

Here are seven important things to know about Apple’s evolving iPhone plans:

Standard iPhone 18 may not launch in 2026

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and a report from The Information suggest that Apple will skip the base iPhone 18 in 2026. Instead, only the premium models — iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly a new iPhone 18 Slim (or iPhone Air) — are expected to be introduced during the annual launch window.

Base iPhone 18 and 18e expected in early 2027

Leaks indicate that the standard iPhone 18, along with a more budget-friendly variant dubbed iPhone 18e, may launch in early 2027. This would mark a significant departure from Apple’s usual September timeline, potentially delaying these models by up to six months.

Apple may hold two Separate iPhone launch events

With the shift in timelines, Apple is expected to host two distinct iPhone launch events — one in late 2026 for premium models, and another in early 2027 for the standard and budget variants. This split could help Apple strategically position its products across the calendar year.

A move to counter Android flagship momentum

One reason behind this new launch strategy could be competition from Android manufacturers. Brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo, and iQOO often release their flagship devices between December and January. By shifting the base iPhone releases to the first half of the year, Apple may be aiming to counter that cycle and stay relevant year-round.

Foldable iPhone likely to debut in late 2026

Apple is also rumoured to be working on its first foldable iPhone, which could debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in late 2026. This would further reinforce Apple’s premium-focused event strategy and diversify its high-end offerings.

Dedicated spotlight for premium models

By separating the launches, Apple could provide its Pro and foldable models with more focus. Without the standard versions sharing the stage, premium iPhones may receive more marketing emphasis, helping Apple reinforce its high-end brand identity.

Delayed base models may affect consumer sentiment

While this staggered launch might make business sense for Apple, it could frustrate some consumers. Many buyers opt for the standard iPhones due to their balance of performance and price. A delayed release could push potential customers to explore Android alternatives that may offer similar or better value during that period.

Apple has yet to confirm any of these changes officially, but if the leaks are accurate, 2026 will mark a significant departure from the company’s traditional iPhone launch strategy — with big implications for both fans and competitors alike.

What’s in the leaked database?

This unprecedented breach contains usernames and passwords for a broad spectrum of platforms and services, including: Major email providers Social media sites like Facebook, Google, and Telegram; developer tools such as GitHub and some government and institutional portals.

The data is meticulously structured, often showing direct website URLs followed by login details, making it extremely easy for cybercriminals to exploit.

Why this breach is particularly dangerous

What sets this leak apart is its scale and accessibility. Security researchers confirm that this is not an outdated compilation of past breaches; rather, it’s a massive trove of newly stolen credentials. Experts estimate the leak to include around 30 separate datasets, collectively amounting to over 16 billion login details.

Worryingly, this sensitive data is now available for sale on dark web forums at affordable rates, making it accessible to even low-skilled cybercriminals. This greatly increases the risk of phishing scams, identity theft, and large-scale account takeovers across the globe.

In light of this breach,Google has urged users to move away from traditional passwords and adopt passkeys—a more secure, phishing-resistant method of authentication.

The FBI has issued renewed warnings to avoid clicking on suspicious links sent via email or SMS, especially those requesting login information.

Steps you should take immediately

Cybersecurity professionals are advising users to take proactive steps to safeguard their digital presence

Change your passwords for all major accounts, especially if reused across platforms

Use strong, unique passwords for each account

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever available

Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure credentials

Utilise dark web monitoring tools to check if your credentials have been exposed. These services can alert you if your email or password is part of a known breach

Earlier, Axiom Space had stated that NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX were targeting no earlier than June 22 for the launch of their fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS, known as Axiom Mission 4. However, NASA has opted to delay the launch to allow more time to assess station operations, particularly after recent maintenance in the aft section of the Zvezda service module.

Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom Space's director of human spaceflight, will command the mission. ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to serve as the pilot. The mission specialists include Sawosz Uznaski-Winiewski, a European Space Agency project astronaut from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

In the meantime, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft remain ready at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Due to the complexity of ISS systems, NASA is proceeding with caution to ensure the station is fully ready to host the incoming crew.

"Standing down from tomorrow's Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post static fire booster inspections. Once complete - and pending Range availability - we will share a new launch date," the company said in a post on X.

Following the announcement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also confirmed the delay of the Axiom-4 mission, which was scheduled for launch on June 11, 2025, and was set to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS.

In a statement, ISRO said: "Postponement of Axiom 04 mission slated for launch on 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS. As part of launch vehicle preparation to validate the performance of booster stage of Falcon 9 launch vehicle, seven second of hot test was carried out on the launch pad. It is understood that LOX leakage was detected in the propulsion bay during the test. Based on the discussion on this topic by ISRO team with the experts of Axiom and SpaceX it has been decided to correct the leak and carry out necessary validation test before clearing for the launch. Hence the launch of Axiom 04 slated for 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS is postponed. With regards, V. Narayanan, Secretary DOS/ Chairman ISRO and Chairman Space Commission."

Despite the delay, the Axiom-4 mission remains significant. The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation's first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years, according to Axiom Space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be India's second national astronaut to go to space since 1984.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission (Ax-4), marking a historic moment for India's space collaboration with NASA.

Launch of Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station:

Due to weather conditions, the launch of Axiom-4 mission for sending Indian Gaganyatri to International Space Station is postponed from 10th June 2025 to 11th June 2025.

The targeted time of launch is 5:30 PM IST on 11th…

— ISRO (@isro) June 9, 2025

Originally slated for June 10, 2025, the mission is now planned for lift-off on June 11 at 5:30 PM IST from Kennedy Space Center. 

The Ax‑4 crew—comprising personnel from India, the US, Poland, and Hungary—is a joint venture by Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX and ISRO, and stands as a significant moment in India’s renewed human spaceflight efforts, occurring more than 40 years after Rakesh Sharma’s historic spaceflight in 1984.  

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—an accomplished IAF pilot and Isro-trained astronaut—will pilot the mission under the command of former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, alongside specialists from Hungary and Poland. 

The Ax-4 crew, headed by seasoned astronaut Peggy Whitson, suited up in SpaceX flight gear and carried out the entire pre-launch routine—from exiting the assembly facility to boarding the spacecraft—rehearsing all steps up to the final launch sequence.

The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon spacecraft, is scheduled to lift off on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 5:54 PM IST. The mission will transport astronauts from the US, India, Poland, and Hungary to the International Space Station for a 14-day scientific expedition.

The Ax-4 crew and SpaceX teams completed a full rehearsal of launch day activities ahead of liftoff on Tuesday pic.twitter.com/MEhuTdeuDf

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 8, 2025

This mission marks the inaugural flight of the Dragon spacecraft being used, while the Falcon 9 first stage booster will be flying for the second time, having previously supported a Starlink launch. After stage separation, the booster is expected to land at Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

While aboard the International Space Station, the crew will carry out over 60 scientific experiments and demonstrations, covering areas such as human health, Earth observation, and research in biological, life, and material sciences.

Shubhanshu Shukla described the lead-up to the Axiom-4 mission as an “amazing journey,” expressing deep gratitude for being part of something “much larger than yourself.”

Nicknamed as "Shux," Shukla will become the second Indian to travel to space, following in the footsteps of his hero Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in 1984 for an eight-day mission in orbit.

With this licence in hand, Starlink is now poised to offer its high-speed satellite internet services to Indian consumers, particularly targeting underserved rural and remote regions.

The Indian government has been cautious in granting permissions to foreign satellite communication providers. While Amazon’s Project Kuiper is still awaiting regulatory clearance, Starlink has now pulled ahead in the race to bring next-generation satellite broadband to the Indian market.

Neither Starlink nor the Department of Telecommunications has officially commented on the development as of now.

In a related move earlier this year, Bharti Airtel, one of India’s top telecom operators, revealed a strategic partnership with Elon Musk's SpaceX to facilitate the entry of Starlink in India. The agreement was contingent on Starlink receiving the necessary regulatory approvals, which now appears to have been fulfilled.

This development could reshape India's broadband connectivity landscape by bringing low-latency, high-speed internet access to areas where traditional fiber infrastructure remains unviable.

The rocket launched at 5:59 a.m. IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota but deviated from its intended path during the third-stage solid rocket motor phase, prompting ISRO to abort the mission.

The 1,696 kg EOS-09 satellite—intended to deliver all-weather imaging using C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)—was unable to reach its planned 524 km sun-synchronous polar orbit. Initial telemetry suggests the third-stage motor, powered by hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant, delivered suboptimal performance approximately 203 seconds after liftoff. This represents the third complete failure in the PSLV’s 63-launch history and its first since 2017.

ISRO Chief V Narayanan acknowledged the anomaly during the live broadcast shortly after launch.

Engineers are currently reviewing flight data to assess whether the issue was caused by irregular propellant flow, nozzle malfunctions, or structural faults. A failure analysis committee has been set up to examine the third stage’s manufacturing documentation and testing procedures.

The failure is expected to delay India’s efforts to improve SAR-based border monitoring and disaster management capabilities.

Recent leaks, including images and videos of physical mock-ups, have surfaced online and are fueling anticipation across the tech community. A notable video by Sam Kohl on the AppleTrack YouTube channel, referenced by 9to5Mac, showcases dummy units of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. These models offer an early glimpse at what is believed to be close to the final design Apple will unveil this fall.

Among the standout details is the strikingly thin profile of the iPhone 17 Air, which has sparked debate about its structural durability. While the device appears exceptionally sleek, some viewers noted what seemed like a slight bend in the unit—raising questions about whether Apple’s pursuit of thinness may impact robustness.

Refined design with minimalist appeal

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to sport a distinctive, minimalist design unlike any previous model. Compared to the Pro and Pro Max variants—both rumoured to feature prominent camera bars—the Air takes a cleaner approach. It reportedly includes a pill-shaped rear camera bump housing a single 48MP lens and flash, and may feature a matte rear finish for a premium look.

A recently leaked real-world image, shared by reliable tipster Majin Bu, shows what appears to be the iPhone 17 Air in prototype form. The device lacks an Apple logo, suggesting it’s still in early development stages. The volume rocker and the new Action Button are placed on the left, maintaining symmetry and ease of access.

Expected Specifications & Features

If leaks hold true, the iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be a powerhouse in both form and function. Here’s what’s rumoured so far:

Thickness: Ultra-slim design, potentially as thin as 5.65mm

Display: 6.9-inch LTPO panel with Dynamic Island functionality

Processor: Powered by Apple’s next-gen A19 chip

RAM & Storage: Expected to include 12GB of RAM

Ports: Transition to USB-C and redesigned speaker grilles

Cameras: Rear: 48MP main camera

Front: 24MP selfie camera

Other Features: Likely removal of the SIM card tray, embracing eSIM-only functionality

The iPhone 17 Air is likely to be officially unveiled at Apple’s annual fall event in September, alongside the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.

Initially nourished by a surrogate, the pups were soon transitioned to bottle feeding under the care of Colossal’s team. Now thriving, the young wolves are being raised in a 2,000-acre secret facility surrounded by 10-foot-high fencing and equipped with constant surveillance via drones, cameras, and on-site security.

Despite their physical health, the behaviour of these resurrected wolves sets them apart from modern wolf species. According to Time, the pups—named Romulus and Remus—exhibit none of the friendliness or excitement usually seen in wolf cubs around humans. Instead, they maintain a cautious distance, even from handlers who have been with them since birth. Their instinct to avoid contact appears to reflect a behavioural trait believed to be typical of dire wolves: a preference for solitude.

Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal, emphasised the significance of this achievement in a press statement. "This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works," he said. "Our team took ancient DNA and turned it into living, breathing animals."

Colossal has ambitious plans beyond dire wolves, with ongoing efforts to revive other extinct species like the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger. While success in these projects has been limited so far, the company remains optimistic about the future of de-extinction science.