In a significant step towards preserving cultural heritage, the USA has returned 657 stolen antiquities to India, valued at around $14 million. These artefacts were recovered following an investigation into an international trafficking network involved in smuggling ancient objects out of the country. The items include sculptures, religious figures and decorative pieces, many of which are believed to be centuries old and hold deep historical and cultural significance.

In a boost to India’s human spaceflight ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has broadened its Gaganyaan Programme eligibility, allowing civilians to be part of the mission’s second batch of astronauts. The first batch comprised Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilots; the second batch will include six military pilots and four civilians belonging to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) domain.