Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the FY26 Budget outlining ten focus areas, including cleaning Yamuna, economic empowerment of women, infrastructure development, electricity, roads, and water. Describing it as a “historic budget,” CM Gupta emphasized that it serves as a blueprint to make the national capital “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliant). The first budget of the newly-formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the national capital, amounting to a record ₹1 lakh crore, reflects a significant 31.5% increase from the previous year.

“This is not an ordinary Budget, this Budget is the first step to develop Delhi which was ruined in the past 10 years. Delhi went down in every aspect of development in the past decade.” she said.

Among the major announcements, ₹2,144 crore has been allocated for the PM Jan Arogya Yojana, while ₹5,100 crore will fund the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, which provides ₹2,500 per month to eligible women. To improve connectivity in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), ₹1,000 crore has been set aside, with ₹3,843 crore allocated for road and bridge infrastructure. The government will also install 50,000 CCTV cameras across the city to enhance women’s safety. Additionally, ₹100 crore will be used to establish 100 Atal Canteens to provide affordable meals, and ₹696 crore has been reserved for developing slum clusters and JJ colonies.

A significant portion of the budget—₹9,000 crore—has been allocated for clean drinking water and sanitation. This includes ₹500 crore for repairing and upgrading sewer treatment plants (STPs) and ₹250 crore to replace old sewer lines. The long-standing issue of cleaning the Yamuna River will receive ₹500 crore, with plans to ensure only treated water enters the river through the decentralization of 40 STPs. In the education sector, ₹100 crore has been allocated to open new “CM Shri Schools,” inspired by the PM Shri Schools, while ₹750 crore will provide free laptops to 1,200 students passing Class 10.

Other key allocations include ₹210 crore for expecting mothers, offering nutrient kits and an allowance of ₹21,000. The transport sector has received ₹12,952 crore, and the government will replace pink tickets with special cards to provide free bus rides for women and curb corruption. A ₹100 crore pilot project will focus on removing overhead electrical lines and shifting high-tension power lines underground. To combat pollution, ₹300 crore has been allocated, with an additional ₹506 crore designated for the environment and forest department. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been granted ₹6,897 crore, and the government plans to construct a new jail on the city’s outskirts to ease congestion at Tihar Jail. In a cultural initiative, ₹30 crore has been set aside to host an International Film Festival in the capital.

The world cheered as Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmates safely returned to Earth after spending an unexpected nine months in space. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying Williams, Butch Wilmore, NASA’s Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down off the coast of Florida at 5:57 PM (3:27 AM IST), marking the end of their extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Sunita Lyn “Suni” Williams, a distinguished astronaut and former U.S. Navy officer, is among the most seasoned spacewalkers in history. With nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, she holds the record for the most time spent on spacewalks by a woman. Williams has played pivotal roles in multiple space missions, including serving as a flight engineer on Expedition 32 and commander of Expedition 33 in 2012.

Moments of celebration followed the intense final descent, as the Dragon spacecraft re-entered Earth’s atmosphere at speeds reaching 28,800 kmph. The friction generated extreme heat, turning the capsule into a fiery ball before it deployed its parachutes and slowed down for a safe ocean landing. The spacecraft, equipped with two drogue parachutes for stabilization and four main parachutes for deceleration, touched down at a gentle 25 km per hour, ensuring a smooth recovery operation.

Williams and Wilmore, initially assigned to a shorter mission, ended up spending 286 days in space, making their return to gravity a significant adjustment. After exiting the spacecraft, the astronauts were placed on reclining stretchers for immediate medical evaluations. Prolonged exposure to microgravity affects the human body, weakening muscles, reducing bone density, and altering cardiovascular function, necessitating careful rehabilitation.

The mission, though prolonged, was a testament to human resilience and the advancements in space exploration. Williams, an experienced astronaut with multiple spaceflights to her name, emerged smiling and waving, greeted with admiration worldwide. Back home in India, celebrations erupted as citizens and film celebrities applauded her achievement, reinforcing the nation’s deep connection to her spacefaring legacy.

The successful return of the SpaceX Dragon capsule underscores the reliability of commercial spaceflight in long-duration missions. As Williams and her team begin their recovery, their mission’s findings will contribute valuable insights into the effects of extended space travel, paving the way for future deep-space exploration.

Veteran Telugu cinema superstar Chiranjeevi was recently honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the UK government in recognition of his immense contributions to Indian cinema, his cultural influence, and his dedication to public service. The award was conferred upon him by the London-based think tank Bridge India at a grand ceremony held at the esteemed House of Commons within the UK Parliament. The event, which took place on Thursday night, marked a significant moment in Indian cinema, celebrating Chiranjeevi’s extraordinary impact on the industry as well as his remarkable philanthropic efforts.

The award ceremony at the House of Commons was a momentous occasion, attended by several distinguished personalities. British-Indian Member of Parliament Navendu Mishra hosted the event, alongside other notable dignitaries such as Sojan Joseph and Bob Blackman. The gathering saw the presence of numerous Members of Parliament, Ministers, Under Secretaries, and Diplomats, all of whom came together to honour Chiranjeevi’s enduring legacy and outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.

Widely regarded as the Megastar of Telugu Cinema, Chiranjeevi has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over four decades. With more than 150 films to his credit, he has captivated audiences with his versatility and powerful performances. His cinematic journey has been defined by an array of iconic films that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, influencing generations of actors and filmmakers. Through his artistry and dedication, he has played a crucial role in elevating Telugu cinema to a global platform, earning widespread admiration for his work.

Beyond his cinematic excellence, Chiranjeevi has made significant contributions to society through his extensive philanthropic initiatives. His humanitarian work is exemplified by the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT), which provides free medical aid and blood donation services to those in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was at the forefront of relief efforts, offering crucial assistance to thousands of people affected by the crisis. His commitment to education has also been evident through his support for various programs aimed at uplifting underprivileged students, ensuring that they have access to better opportunities. In addition to his social work, Chiranjeevi has also played an active role in public service, having served as the Minister of Tourism for the Government of India, further showcasing his dedication to national development.

Bridge India, the London-based think tank that conferred the honour, is known for recognizing individuals who have made substantial contributions across diverse fields, including cinema, public service, and global diplomacy. By acknowledging Chiranjeevi’s achievements, the organization highlighted his role in shaping Indian cinema’s global recognition. His films, rich in storytelling, cultural depth, and socially relevant themes, have resonated with audiences far beyond India’s borders. Through his powerful screen presence and ability to connect with people on an emotional level, Chiranjeevi has become an iconic figure, not only in Indian cinema but also on the global stage.