Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is set to launch Vikram-1 from Sriharikota, marking a significant milestone for India’s growing private space industry.

India is set to witness a landmark moment in its space journey as Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as a “historic new frontier” ahead of the scheduled liftoff on Saturday.

PM Modi praises Vikram-1 mission

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Vikram-1 mission reflects the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth. He noted that the launch vehicle has been developed by Skyroot Aerospace to provide rapid and on-demand launch services, calling it a major step in India’s expanding space ecosystem.

Mission Aagaman set for liftoff from Sriharikota

The launch, named Mission Aagaman, is scheduled to lift off at 11:30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The mission is expected to become a defining moment for India’s private space sector, highlighting the increasing participation of domestic startups in satellite launch services.

Rocket to carry PM’s ‘Vande Mataram’ message into space

Vikram-1 will carry a commemorative card featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message, “Vande Mataram”, into space. The rocket will also transport hundreds of commemorative cards carrying wishes and aspirations submitted by people from around the world.

Former ISRO chief extends best wishes

Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath wished the Skyroot Aerospace team success ahead of the mission. He described the launch as an important milestone for India’s fast-growing private space industry and expressed confidence in the team’s efforts.

The United States launched military strikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night on Friday, while Tehran warned it could significantly expand its offensive if the attacks continue for several more days.

According to the US Central Command, American forces carried out another round of strikes aimed at “continuing to degrade Iranian military capabilities.” The latest attacks come amid an escalating conflict that has seen both countries exchange drone and missile strikes across the region.

Iran warns of wider offensive

Iranian officials accused the United States of targeting civilian infrastructure, including an airport, a railway station and two bridges. Tehran also claimed it had carried out strikes against US military assets across the region.

Major General Mohsen Rezaei, a senior military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, warned that Iran would resume “full-scale offensive operations” if US attacks continue for another two or three days.

He said Iran would no longer restrict itself to proportional retaliation and warned that “no political border will be safe” if the conflict escalates further.

US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that Iranian infrastructure could become a target, although there was no official confirmation from Washington that such infrastructure had been struck during Friday’s operations.

UN expresses concern over escalation

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the intensifying conflict and said attacks targeting civilian infrastructure were unacceptable.

The current round of hostilities began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran responded by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and launching attacks against Israel and US interests across the Gulf region.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards aerospace force commander Majid Mousavi said operations against US targets would continue until Washington halted military action around Iran’s southern coastal areas and the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional tensions widen

The conflict has increasingly spread across the Middle East.

Iran said it targeted US military positions in Kuwait, where authorities reported damage to a power and water facility. Kuwait’s military also said several personnel were injured in drone attacks on military bases.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for strikes on US radar systems and military aircraft in Qatar. Qatari authorities said they successfully intercepted a missile attack.

Iran also claimed to have attacked two US radar sites in Oman and the Al-Tanf military base in Syria. However, a Syrian military source denied any attack on the base, while US officials said American troops had already withdrawn from Al-Tanf earlier this year.

Jordan’s military said it intercepted three Iranian missiles, while Bahrain reported precautionary measures after Iranian state media claimed US aircraft and helicopters stationed at an airbase there had been targeted.

Civilian impact and diplomatic efforts

The conflict has also affected civilian infrastructure and essential services.

Iran’s energy ministry urged citizens to reduce electricity consumption after it said US strikes placed pressure on the country’s energy facilities and power grid.

In Iraq’s Kurdistan region, the exiled Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan said drone and rocket attacks killed nine of its members, blaming Iran for the strikes.

Iran’s health ministry said at least 38 people have been killed and more than 400 injured since the latest phase of fighting began.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continued. China and Pakistan called on both Washington and Tehran to halt military operations and return to negotiations.

The wider regional crisis has also disrupted maritime security. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said a commercial tanker was struck by a projectile overnight off the coast of Oman as attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continued.

    Delhi Police said the activist was moved for medical treatment following the Delhi High Court’s directions and expert medical advice as his health reportedly deteriorated during the prolonged fast.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday after remaining on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 20 days at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Wangchuk has been observing the fast while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Police cite High Court order and medical advice

According to Delhi Police, the decision to move Wangchuk to a hospital was taken in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions and based on expert medical advice due to his worsening health condition.

In an official statement, the police said Wangchuk had been shifted for essential medical care. Authorities also appealed to protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar to vacate the protest site peacefully.

Police further stated that while implementing the High Court’s orders, some protesters allegedly attempted to obstruct the process, leading to a brief commotion. However, officials said maximum restraint was exercised during the operation.

High Court had ordered regular health monitoring

The police action came ahead of a scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court regarding Wangchuk’s health.

Earlier this week, the court directed authorities to conduct daily medical examinations of the activist. Stressing that every citizen’s life is valuable, the High Court instructed authorities to ensure regular health monitoring and provide all necessary medical intervention to safeguard his life.

Doctors warned of serious health risks

Medical updates issued during Wangchuk’s fast had repeatedly raised concerns about his health.

Doctors who examined him on Friday reportedly described his condition as an emergency and expressed fears of possible organ failure if his condition continued to worsen. Earlier medical bulletins had also stated that the 59-year-old activist had lost more than eight kilograms during the prolonged hunger strike.

Opposition leaders express support

Over the past few days, several Opposition leaders visited Wangchuk at the protest site and appealed to him to end his fast in view of his declining health.

Among those who met him were Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, who expressed solidarity with his demands while urging him to prioritise his health.

Protest organisers plan Parliament march

The protest at Jantar Mantar was organised by the online satirical movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke. The group is seeking educational reforms and has demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister over the alleged NEET paper leak, arguing that he should accept moral responsibility for the controversy.

The protesters have also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the first day of the Monsoon Session, and have appealed to political parties to participate.

Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan had earlier criticised the CJP and its supporters, describing them as a “B-team of disruptive elements” that, according to him, does not have faith in the country’s progress.