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New Delhi: Forty-one years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma captured the world's imagination with his now-iconic reply to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's question, "Saare Jahan Se Achha," India's space odyssey has come full circle with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the commercial Axiom Mission-4. On Saturday, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's heartfelt tribute from aboard the International Space Station (ISS) echoed across a more confident and space-ambitious India. His reply to PM Modi, "Jab pehli baar Bharat ko dekha, Bharat sach mein bohot bhavya dikhta hain", wasn't just a poetic observation but was a moment that rippled through Indian memory, evoking the pride and emotion of a landmark echo from 41 years ago. Back in 1984, it was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, who famously replied to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's question, "Upar se Bharat kaisa dikhta hai?", with words that have since been etched in the Indian consciousness: "Saare Jahan Se Achcha." That iconic phrase, drawn from poet Allama Iqbal's stirring patriotic verse, became symbolic of India's early ambitions in space. Sharma's presence aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 space station during a joint Indo-Soviet mission turned him into a national hero overnight. His words inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and schoolchildren dreaming of the stars. Shukla's mission marks a generational leap for India, from piggybacking on the Soviet space programme to becoming a trusted partner in cutting-edge global missions. The year 2025 delivers that India is no longer an aspiring space participant; it is a nation actively shaping the future of human spaceflight. Plans for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first manned spaceflight, are underway. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is eyeing its own space station and even lunar missions. Amidst this, Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot, has become the first Indian to reach the ISS, as part of a NASA-Axiom Space commercial mission. His reflections, shared during an 18-minute video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offered not just technical insight but emotional resonance. "From here, you don't see borders. You see one Earth," Shukla said. "India looks huge from here, bigger than on any map." In his call with PM Modi, Shukla spoke about the challenges of living in zero gravity, how even drinking water or sleeping requires effort and adaptation. He humorously described strapping his feet down during the call to avoid floating mid-sentence. To which PM Modi responded with, "Today you are farthest from the motherland but closest to the hearts of 140 crore Indians." The Indian astronaut also spoke about sharing carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras with international crewmates aboard the ISS. "Everyone liked it," he said, adding, "They now want to visit India someday." While Sharma's 1984 journey was a moment of symbolic pride, Shukla's 2025 mission is also a strategic milestone. It reflects India's transition from observer to active participant in global space exploration. As India prepares to launch its own human spaceflight mission (Gaganyaan) and develop a Bhartiya Antariksha Station, Shukla's journey reinforces national confidence. The two astronauts, under two Prime Ministers, now bookend four decades of Indian space ambition. Where Sharma's reply was poetic, Shukla's is declarative. Where Sharma flew under Soviet wings, Shukla carries India's flag to the ISS in collaboration with America. Shukla's message to the country carried the weight of history and the promise of the future. "This is not just my achievement. This is a collective leap for our country," he said, before concluding with the words: "Bharat Mata ki Jai."
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) The Assam Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal stone mining in Karbi Anglong district in violation of a Supreme Court order. Addressing a press conference here, former Rajya Sabha member Ripun Bora also alleged that Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allowing illegal activities in the district in nexus with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Large-scale illegal stone mining is taking place in the hills of Karbi Anglong in violation of the Supreme Court order. The SC had banned mining in and around K ...Read More >
Katra (J-K) | Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate on Friday the world's tallest bridge over Chenab river ahead of dedicating to the nation the much-awaited Kashmir rail service here. After his arrival at the Air Force station in Udhampur, the prime minister left in a chopper to inaugurate the bridge over Chenab. A multi-tier security setup has been put in place for the prime minister's visit, his first to the Union Territory post Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Armed Forces across the border to hit terrorist infrastructure during the intervening night on May 6 and 7 in ...Read More >
Nainital (Uttarakhand) [India], June 7 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 27 development projects of Nainital district worth about 126 crore 69 lakhs in a program organised at Lalkuan, Nainital on Saturday. These projects include schemes related to education, road, medical, irrigation, sewerage, urban development, beautification and destitute cow protection. During this, 9 schemes were inaugurated at a cost of 25.93 crores and foundation stone were laid for 18 schemes at a cost of 100.76 crores. The Chief Minister said in his ad ...Read More >
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) faced a potential hazard when an unusual odor was detected after opening the hatch of the Progress MS-29 cargo spacecraft. The crew quickly sealed off the affected area, initiated air-scrubbing systems, and wore personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety. NASA confirmed that air quality aboard the ISS returned to normal, and no risks remained for the crew. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the smell. The spacecraft will remain docked for six months, with the two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, ...Read More >
Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], December 13 (ANI): Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Friday expressed support for the 'One Nation, One Election' and questioned the opposition's protests against the proposal. Narayanaswamy said that 'One Nation, One Election' will ease the government's financial burden and reduce election costs, urging everyone to support the initiative. Also Read | Telangana Handcuffing Controversy: Tribal Farmer Taken To Sangareddy Hospital in Handcuffs by Police, CM Revanth Reddy Orders Inquiry (Watch Video). Speaking to ANI, Chalavadi Narayanaswa ...Read More >
Kanpur, January 27: Due to the massive influx of devotees for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Varanasi's District Magistrate in Uttar Pradesh has announced that all schools in the district will be closed from Monday, January 27, 2025, to Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and managing traffic congestion caused by the large number of pilgrims arriving in Varanasi for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Despite the school closures, online classes will continue as usual to maintain the academic schedule, News18 reported. This directive applies to all CBSE, ICSE ...Read More >
New Delhi, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The pilots of the IndiGo plane, which was damaged in rough weather en route to Srinagar, were denied permission by the Lahore ATC to venture briefly into Pakistan airspace to escape the hailstorm, in complete violation of humanitarian norms. India's civil aviation regulator, the DGCA, said the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of approximately 36,000 feet near Punjab's Pathankot when it ran into a thunderstorm and hailstorm. Experiencing severe turbulence, the crew first requested the Northern ATC of the Indian Air Force to allow the flight to deviate to ...Read More >
Katra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate on Friday the world's tallest bridge over Chenab river ahead of dedicating to the nation the much-awaited Kashmir rail service here. After he arrived at the Air Force station in Udhampur, the prime minister left in a chopper to inaugurate the bridge over Chenab. A multi-tier security setup has been put in place for the prime minister's visit, his first to the Union Territory post Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Armed Forces across the border to hit terrorist infrastructure during the intervening night on May 6 and 7 in retaliat ...Read More >
Itanagar, Jun 7 (PTI) The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh improved on Saturday with water levels of most rivers receding, even as 33,000 people in 24 districts remained affected, officials said. Twelve people lost their lives and one person went missing in rain-related incidents, including landslides, after the monsoon set in, they said. In its daily report, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said 33,200 people in 215 villages remained affected due to floods and landslides in the state. The water levels of most major rivers and their tributaries were showing a receding trend o ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) David Lammy, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, conveying the UK's strong interest in further enhancing cooperation across key sectors and also expressing support for India's fight against cross border terrorism while strongly condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. "Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary Mr. David Lammy. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. ...Read More >
Russian cosmonauts on the International Space Station (ISS) briefly sealed off a section of the station after noticing an unusual odor coming from the uncrewed Progress 90 spacecraft. NASA confirmed the odor was likely caused by "outgassing" from materials inside the spacecraft, a common occurrence when objects leave Earth's atmosphere. Despite initial concerns, there were no safety issues, and the crew continued their tasks. NASA's air scrubbing equipment cleared the air, ensuring normal conditions aboard the ISS. The Progress spacecraft had delivered nearly three tons of supplies, and the in ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26. It has raised the MSP for paddy by 3 per cent to Rs 2,369 per quintal for the season. The support price for common and A grade varieties has been increased by Rs 69 per quintal to Rs 2,369 and Rs 2,389 per quintal, respectively, for the forthcoming kharif season of 2025-26 crop year (July-June). Among pulses, support price for tur has been raised by Rs 450 to Rs 8,000 per quintal, while t ...Read More >
Srinagar: Railway stations across the Kashmir Valley have been beautifully decked out as preparations peak for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to flag off the inaugural Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express -- the first-ever train connecting the valley directly to the rest of India. This landmark train will depart from Delhi and travel through Katra, the gateway to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, before reaching Srinagar. The event marks the successful culmination of one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects, featuring two engineering marvels: the world's highest railway bridge o ...Read More >
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 6 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday attended a 'Kisan Chaupal' event at Pav Wala Soda village in the Raipur block of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The programme was held as part of the 'Developed Agriculture Resolution' campaign aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector in the state. During the event, Chouhan interacted with local farmers and praised the success stories shared by them, especially in the areas of organic farming and coarse grain production. He also showed strong support for promoting Uttarakhand's organic produce at both n ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Congress leader Jignesh Mevani on Saturday questioned the government over the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, alleging foreign pressure and demanding clarity on its terms. Mevani accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of backing down under US influence and asked why the remaining terrorists haven't been caught. 'It's been a month since the government launched Operation Sindoor and claimed to have caught a terrorist. The Prime Minister boasts of a 56-inch chest, says India is a Vishwa Guru, and speaks of vermilion running through our veins. Then why haven't the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others are set to embark on the Axiom Space's fourth human spaceflight from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10 and are likely to dock at the International Space Station on June 11 at about 10 PM IST, after a nearly 28-hour journey. Shukla, the mission pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax4) commercial mission to the ISS, will be accompanied by mission commander Peggy Whitson and specialists Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland. Also Read | JP Nadda Slams Rahul Gandhi's 'Match-Fixing' Claims A ...Read More >
Belagavi (Karnataka) [India], December 13 (ANI): Karnataka Legislative Council LoP Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Friday expressed support for the 'One Nation, One Election' and questioned the opposition's protests against the proposal. Narayanaswamy said that 'One Nation, One Election' will ease the government's financial burden and reduce election costs, urging everyone to support the initiative. Speaking to ANI, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said, "Why are they (opposition) protesting (One Nation One Election)? Indira Gandhi was also doing the same. One Nation One Election will not put a burden on ...Read More >
Bikaner, May 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, asserted that the country's enemies have learnt what happens when "sindoor" becomes gunpowder and lauded India's armed forces for creating such a trap that Pakistan was "forced to go down on its knees". In a public address in Rajasthan, the prime minister slammed Pakistan, and said in response to the attack on April 22, "we destroyed nine biggest terror hideouts in 22 minutes". "The world and the enemies of the country have seen what happens when sindoor (vermillion) turns into barood (gunpowder)," he said. He said India is not goi ...Read More >
After the banned CPI (Maoist)'s general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju was killed in an encounter with security forces on May 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026. In the Congress-ruled Telangana, however, B Mahesh Kumar Goud, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, says that the government should not use iron fist to wipe out Maoists but deal with them through "legal and constitutional means". He has urged the Centre to hold "peace talks" with the Maoists and declare a "ceasefire" w ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others are set to embark on the Axiom Space's fourth human spaceflight from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 10 and are likely to dock at the International Space Station on June 11 at about 10 PM IST, after a nearly 28-hour journey. Shukla, the mission pilot of the Axiom-4 (Ax4) commercial mission to the ISS, will be accompanied by mission commander Peggy Whitson and specialists Tibor Kapu from Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland. The Axiom-4 mission will mark India's return to space 41 years af ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 4: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rescheduled its European Space Agency (ESA) Proba-3 Sun observation mission to Thursday. The launch was postponed due to an undisclosed anomaly that occurred after the "countdown progressed smoothly". "Due to an anomaly detected in PROBA-3 spacecraft PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 launch rescheduled to tomorrow," ISRO posted on social media platform X. ISRO's PSLV-XL rocket was earlier expected to launch the ESA Proba-3 mission on Wednesday. The mission will now take flight on Thursday at 4:12 pm from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 12 (PTI) ISRO on Thursday said it has achieved a major milestone after its C20 cryogenic engine passed a critical test in ambient condition, featuring restart enabling systems. According to ISRO, this success was a vital step for future missions. "ISRO has successfully carried out the sea level hot test of its CE20 Cryogenic Engine featuring a nozzle area ratio of 100 at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu on November 29," the Indian space agency said in a statement. The indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre is poweri ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI): Parents of Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla were elated after their son was selected as the pilot for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Axiom-4 mission, scheduled this year. The parents credited Shubhanshu's hard work and dedication for his success and also acknowledged the contribution his wife behind his success. Expressing her immense happiness in an interaction with ANI, Shukla's mother Asha Shukla said she can't express her emotions in words. "We cannot express our feelings in words," she said. "Our joy is unlimited; we cannot p ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 5 (ANI): Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu on Thursday urged people to plant trees in their homes and avoid the use of plastic on the occasion of World Environment Day. Governor of Tripura Indrasena Reddy Nallu said, 'Today is World Environment Day. Tripura is a green land, a green state. We must always strive to maintain this greenery and take the state even further on the path of environmental progress. I would like to tell the people of the state to avoid the use of plastic. I urge everyone to plant trees in their own homes.' Tripura joined the global ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
A massive fire erupted during a rocket combustion test at a Japanese testing station on Tuesday, marking another setback for Japan's space program. The explosion, which followed an abnormality in the combustion test, has put the launch of the Epsilon S rocket in jeopardy. JAXA confirmed no injuries, but the incident raises concerns following earlier rocket failures, including a similar mishap in July 2023. Despite these challenges, Japan has made strides in space, including a successful Moon landing in January 2024. Investigations are ongoing into the causes of the explosions, as Japan works t ...Read More >
Srinagar, Dec 4 (PTI) Security forces continued their search for militants in the Dachigam forest here on Wednesday, a day after a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed in an encounter in the area, officials said. According to officials, the security forces halted their search on Tuesday night but maintained a tight cordon in the area. The search for militants in the vast mountainous and forest area of Dachigam resumed in the morning, they said. Also Read | ISRO PROBA-3 Mission Launch Delayed: Indian Space Agency Reschedules Launch of PSLV-C59 After Detecting 'Anomaly'. "The search operation ...Read More >
INDIA bloc MPs, donning black jackets with slogans like "Modi Adani Ek Hai", protested at Parliament demanding a joint probe into the Adani issue. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused PM Modi of evading discussion on the "Adani mega scam" while defending Adani's alleged corruption. Rahul Gandhi asserted that Modi won't investigate Adani as it would be like investigating himself.Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Thursday said the country's people want the "Adani mega scam" to be discussed in Parliame ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: To achieve the goal of 2047 and make India a global phenomenon, we need to follow global strategies and parameters, said Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh at the "India Economic Conclave" organised by a media house in New Delhi on Saturday. India's space, marine and Himalayan resources, which remained inadequately explored before PM Narendra Modi took over, will contribute substantially to India's future economic growth. While answering to a question on how India can unleash benefits out of its natural resources in future in terms of creative growth, the minister said that Prime Mi ...Read More >
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government's policies and decisions were aimed at boosting India's strength and unity in line with the Constitution, while the opposition Congress had "tasted blood" by repeatedly wounding it.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government's policies and decisions were aimed at boosting India's strength and unity in line with the Constitution, while the opposition Congress had "tasted blood" by repeatedly wounding it. Replying to a t ...Read More >