World

SpaceX made history on Sunday by successfully "catching" the first-stage booster of its Starship megarocket as it returned to the launch pad after a test flight. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the company's quest for rapid reusability. The Super Heavy booster launched alongside the Starship rocket and executed a controlled descent back to the Texas launch pad, where large mechanical "chopsticks" from the launch tower securely halted its descent. Liftoff occurred at 7:25 AM (1225 GMT), and while the booster returned, the upper stage of Starship was set to splash down in the Indian Ocean. SpaceX engineers dedicated years of preparation and extensive testing to make this catch attempt a reality. The success of this mission underscores SpaceX's leadership in the aerospace industry, furthering its goal of making humanity a multiplanetary species.

Rafael Nadal, one of tennis's greatest players, has announced his retirement in an emotional video, marking the end of an era. The 22-time Grand Slam champion expressed his farewell to the sport that made him a beloved figure worldwide. Last month, Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup 2024, intended as his final professional event, raising concerns about his future. He holds a 12-7 match record this season and recently faced Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics, where he was eliminated in the second round. Known as the 'King of Clay,' Nadal's remarkable legacy includes numerous battles against the world's top players. As he departs, he leaves behind a lasting impact on tennis and its fans.

Israel has begun a solemn day of commemoration to mark the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks. Hundreds gathered at the Nova festival site to honor the victims, with a memorial service later held at Kibbutz Nir Oz, where many residents were killed or abducted. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 41,000 deaths and triggered a humanitarian crisis. As tensions escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that the country faces war on seven fronts, including threats from Iran and its proxies. Recent airstrikes have intensified, particularly against Hezbollah in Beirut, while a rocket attack by Hezbollah on Haifa injured five people, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advocate for a ceasefire in the escalating Gaza conflict. Highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis, Owaisi stated, "Though 12-15 lakh Palestinians have lost their homes, they are not afraid of death." He condemned the actions of the Israeli government, labeling Netanyahu a "devil" and a "war criminal," and emphasized the need for solidarity with the Palestinian people. Recent reports indicate significant casualties in the Jabalia refugee camp due to intense Israeli bombardment, raising urgent concerns over the humanitarian situation in the region.

US President Joe Biden has ordered the military to assist Israel in countering Iranian missile attacks. The White House National Security Council announced that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are closely monitoring the situation from the White House. In their statement, they affirmed the US commitment to Israel's defense, emphasizing the directive to shoot down missiles targeting the nation. This move follows previous US military support during an Iranian retaliatory attack in April, underscoring ongoing regional tensions.