Digest for 28 July, 2025
ISRO and NASA to Launch Joint Earth Observation Satellite NISAR on July 30
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is scheduled for launch on July 30 from Sriharikota. The landmark joint mission, a first between the two space agencies, will use dual-frequency L-band and S-band radar to monitor Earth's surface with unprecedented detail. Weighing 2,392 kg, NISAR will track changes in ecosystems, ice sheets, and the planet's crust, providing crucial open-access data for climate change research, disaster management, and resource monitoring, with data made freely available within days of observation.
TCS to Lay Off 12,000 Employees in Restructuring Amid AI Shift
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT firm, plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 2%, affecting around 12,000 jobs in the 2026 fiscal year. The company states the move is part of a major restructuring to become a "future-ready" organization, not a cost-cutting measure. The layoffs will primarily impact mid and senior-level employees whose roles are difficult to redeploy as TCS shifts focus towards artificial intelligence and new technologies, reflecting a significant transformation in the IT sector.
Stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi Temple Kills Six, Injures 28
A stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar killed at least six devotees and injured 28 others on Sunday. The incident occurred during a heavy rush of pilgrims when panic was allegedly sparked by a rumour of an electric current leak on the staircase route. The Uttarakhand government has ordered a magisterial probe into the tragedy and announced compensation for the victims. The event has once again highlighted the persistent challenges of crowd management and safety at major religious sites across India.
Cambodian and Thai Leaders Meet for Ceasefire Talks Amid Deadly Border Clashes
Leaders from Thailand and Cambodia are meeting in Malaysia for urgent talks aimed at halting five days of deadly border clashes. The conflict, which has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 260,000, prompted international calls for peace. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is hosting the negotiations as ASEAN chair. The violence marks a rare military confrontation between the member states, with both sides trading blame for initiating the hostilities. An immediate ceasefire is the primary goal of the talks.
CII Demands Central Law to Ensure Time-Bound Government Services for Businesses
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for a new central legislation to guarantee the time-bound delivery of government services to businesses. The industry body argued that procedural delays and uncertainty over approval timelines hurt operational efficiency and investment. The proposed law would mandate timelines for approvals and refunds, impose penalties for delays, and establish a robust grievance redressal system. The move aims to enhance predictability and improve the overall ease of doing business in India.