Decoding the Universe, One Discovery at a Time: Your Daily Dose of Indian Science From ISRO's groundbreaking missions propelling India to new heights in space exploration, to indigenous innovations tackling pressing climate challenges, abtak.com brings you the latest in science and technology shaping our nation and the world. Are Indian scientists unlocking the secrets of personalized medicine? How are advancements in AI impacting our daily lives, from agriculture to healthcare? Dive into cutting-edge research, breakthroughs in biotechnology, and the minds revolutionizing our understanding of the planet and beyond. Stay informed about the implications of scientific advancements, ethical considerations, and the future of technology right here in India. Explore the mysteries of the cosmos, delve into the intricacies of the human body, and witness the transformative power of scientific inquiry. Join us as we unravel the complexities of science and its impact on our future. What breakthroughs await us tomorrow?
Chennai: In a groundbreaking achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully grown crops in space, marking a significant leap in space biology and food production for long-duration human space missions. This remarkable feat, which saw the cultivation of crops under microgravity conditions, is expected to play a crucial role in future human missions to space, where food sustainability is a major concern. The experiment, conducted aboard the PSLV-C60 mission, involved the use of the Orbital Plant Studies (OPS) compact research module developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Through this experiment, ISRO scientists demonstrated how seeds could sprout and grow into plants in the zero-gravity environment of space, offering a promising solution to the challenges of food production during extended space travel. ISRO's space biology research has now achieved a key milestone by growing beans in space. The study of plant development in microgravity is not only pivotal for the survival of astronauts during deep space missions but also plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of plant growth in non-Earth environments. The ability to cultivate crops in space has long been considered an essential step for human missions to the Moon, Mars, or beyond. For astronauts on long-term missions, such as those on planned missions to Mars, sustainable food sources are critical. This breakthrough paves the way for astronauts to have a steady supply of fresh food grown right in the spacecraft or on extraterrestrial colonies. The plant growth experiment conducted by ISRO under microgravity conditions offers a promising solution for future space exploration. The growing of crops in space reduces the dependency on pre-packaged food supplies, making long-term human habitation in space more feasible. It also helps mitigate the logistical challenges of storing and transporting food over long periods. Space biology research has always been a critical field in the study of how living organisms behave in the space environment. The microgravity environment of space provides a unique setting to observe and understand biological processes that cannot be studied on Earth. The growth of crops like beans in space serves as an important part of the broader field of biological space research, contributing to the understanding of plant growth, genetic expression, and adaptation to space conditions. ISRO's experiment involved monitoring the growth of bean plants over a set period, noting how they developed under the influence of microgravity. The research team tracked the emergence of leaves and other plant features, providing valuable insights into how plants grow and respond to the absence of gravity. Also Read | ISRO Set to Launch ESA's Proba-3 on December 4: A Mission to Unlock Sun's Secrets This achievement by ISRO marks a major advancement in human space exploration. Growing food in space allows for better sustainability of astronauts during long missions, eliminating the need for constant resupply missions from Earth. It also opens up new possibilities for establishing permanent human settlements on other planets, where space agriculture could play a pivotal role in providing food and oxygen. With this successful experiment, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, showcasing India's growing capabilities in space technology and biological research. The development of space agriculture and sustainable life-support systems is critical for the future of human exploration beyond Earth. In summary, ISRO's successful cultivation of crops in space has brought us a step closer to making long-term human space missions more feasible. This achievement represents a giant leap in space biology research, offering the promise of food sustainability for astronauts during extended missions, and paving the way for future space colonies and exploration.
WarmUp Ventures Founders L to R - Rajendra Lora ,Yogesh Chaudhary , Sharad Bansal Athera Venture Partners has roped in HDFC AMC's fund of funds as an LP for its Fund IV, while Warmup Ventures is launching its second fund. HDFC AMC invests in Athera's Fund IV Tech-focused venture capital fund Athera Venture Partners, formerly known as Inventus India, on Wednesday said that HDFC's fund of funds has invested in its Fund IV, which is scheduled to close in 2025. HDFC AMC's Select AIF FoF I Scheme will be a dominant LP in Athera's Rs 900-crore fund to be invested into fast-growing tech startups ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh on Saturday left for France to lead a high-level Indian delegation at the International Meet on Oceans. The event will be held at the French city of Nice, as part of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) from June 8 to 13. "Looking forward to representing India at the French picturesque coastal city of Nice, in the United Nations Ocean Conference," Singh shared in a post on X. At the general debate at UNOC3, Singh will articulate India's stance on ocean policy, highlighting the coun ...Read More >
Chennai, June 8 (UNI) Setting the timeline for landing of four crew members on board the Axiom Mission 4 at the International Space Station (ISS), NASA said the crew would dock after a flight journey of 28 hrs. NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX mission will take off at 8:22 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, June 10, as part of the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS Axiom Mission 4. The mission will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew, including those from India, US, Poland and Hungary, will travel to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon space ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, Jun 26 : In a proud and historic moment for the nation, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today lauded the successful docking of the Dragon spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS), carrying aboard Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with three other crew members. Living up to the spirit of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Vishwabandhu Bharat" envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, all the experiments to be carried out by Shubhanshu Shukla have been indigenously developed w ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India's Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts entered the International Space Station (ISS) to warm hugs and handshakes on Thursday as the Dragon spacecraft docked to the orbital laboratory after a 28-hour journey around Earth. The new spacecraft -- fifth in the Dragon series, named Grace -- achieved a soft capture with the Harmony module of the space station at 4:01 pm IST over the North Atlantic Ocean and it took another two hours to establish communication, power links and pressure stabilisation. This is the first time an Indian astronaut has travelled to the ISS. "The ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday congratulated the crew members of the Axiom 4 mission and said it was 'absolutely thrilling' to watch Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his team safely reach the International Space Station (ISS). The West Bengal Chief Minister praised the young Axiom 4 pilot and said that his mission is a monumental step forward for India's space science efforts, solidifying the country's position as a formidable space-faring nation. 'Absolutely thrilled to see our astronaut, Group Captai ...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 >
New Delhi, Jun 26 (PTI) India's Shubhanshu Shukla became the 634th astronaut to travel to space as he entered the International Space Station on Thursday after a 28-hour journey. Shukla and three other astronauts were formally welcomed on the space station by the members of Expedition 73 with warm hugs and handshakes. Axiom mission commander Peggy Whitson handed out astronaut pins to Shukla, Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungarian Tibor Kapu, who marked their maiden voyage to space. "I am astronaut 634. It is a privilege to be here," Shukla said in brief remarks at the fo ...Read More >
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 26 (ANI): The family members of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) pilot and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Thursday evening. Shukla's father Shambhu Dayal Shukla, mother Asha Shukla, sister Shuchi Mishra, and brother met the Chief Minister, who felicitated them and presented them with a token of appreciation in honour of Shukla's selection for the space mission. Also Read | 8th Pay Commission To Triple Medical Allowance and Raise Minimum Salary to INR 27,000? Check Details. Speaking t ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, criticising General Education Minister V Sivankutty for walking out of a function held at Raj Bhavan on June 19. The Governor described the incident as a breach of protocol and an insult to the constitutional office. The letter, dated June 26, refers to an awards ceremony for the Bharat Scouts and Guides, where Sivankutty -- who also serves as President of the Association's Kerala chapter -- objected to the presence of a garlanded portrait of Bharat Mata on the stage, ...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, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission slated for Wednesday has been rescheduled to Thursday. The space agency has attributed the decision to the detection of an anomaly in Proba-3 spacecraft. The space agency, however, has not clarified the anomaly. The launch, initially set for Dec. 4, 2024, at 4:06 p.m. (local time), will now take place on Dec. 5 at 4:12 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, off the Bay of Bengal coast located in the southern Indian state of Andhra ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...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 >
AP EAMCET Result 2025: APSCHE has declared the results for AP EAPCET today, June 8, 2025. AP EAMCET Result 2025: The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has declared the results for Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (AP EAPCET) 2025 today, June 8, 2025. Candidates who appeared for the examination can login and check their results on the official website, cets.apsche.ap.gov.in. AP EAMCET is now called as AP EAPCET. AP EAMCET Result 2025: How To Download Your Result? Visit the official website, cets.apsche.ap.gov.in.Click on "AP E ...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 [India], June 8 (ANI): Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, addressing the Monaco Marine Conference on Sunday, reiterated India's commitment to a resilient Blue Economy and pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about it twice in his two consecutive Independence Day addresses. In a symbolic show of global cooperation for ocean sustainability commemorating the 'World Ocean Day' today, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and Norway's Minister of International Development, Asmund Grover Aukrust, jointly hosted a high-level event on Marine Spatial Planning ...Read More >
New Delhi: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday said he was learning to live in microgravity conditions "like a baby" and it was an amazing experience to float in vacuum as the Dragon spacecraft circled the Earth in its journey to dock at the International Space Station. Sharing his experience via a videolink from the spacecraft, Shukla said after remaining in quarantine for 30 days, where he was far away from all the excitement, ahead of the launch of the Axiom-4 mission on Wednesday, "the only thought in my mind was to let us just go". ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Axiom-4 mission piloted by Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with the other crew, docked at the International Space Station at around 4:01 pm on Thursday. Upon successful docking and opening of the hatch, Shubhanshu was seen greeting the crew members with hugs and handshakes. As the crew entered the space station after opening the hatches of the spacecraft successfully, they greeted themselves by hugging and handshaking after eagerly waiting for their safe arrival from Earth onboard the Dragon spacecraft. On June 25, the Axiom-4 crew successfully lifted o ...Read More >
New Delhi: Alleging "blatant misuse" of agencies to defame its leaders, AAP on Thursday questioned why the first information report filed against former Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain was being kept under wraps and "selective" press notes were being leaked to the media.Bharadwaj, who is Delhi AAP convener, alleged that only two former ministers were named in the case without any reasonable cause while all the officers of the health and public works departments, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, were spared. "Is the FIR so baseless that BJP ...Read More >
Chennai, Dec 2: The countdown for the launch of the European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission on ISRO’s PSLV-C59 rocket begins on December 3, ahead of its scheduled launch on December 4. The mission will deploy two satellites—the 200 kg Occulter Spacecraft (OSC) and the 340 kg Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC)—to study the Sun’s outer corona. The satellites will fly in precision formation, creating an artificial solar eclipse to study the Sun’s faint outer layer. This groundbreaking mission showcases ISRO’s expertise in complex orbital deliveries and formation flying technologies, reinforcing its rel ...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 >
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 >
NEW DELHI: The Axiom-4 crew members, who successfully floated into International Space Station on Thursday, were joined by a fifth member on their mission. It wasn't a human or a pet, but a toy. A toy swan called Joy.But it's not just a toy. It has its roots in traditions of the scientific world. The practice of taking a toy into space to signal the onset of weightlessness started with Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space, and has since evolved into a longstanding tradition in space missions.Joy is a zero gravity indicator aboard the Axiom-4 mission. It was chosen by the astronauts as a tri ...Read More >
Chennai, June 26 (UNI) Creating history, the Four astronauts have started their research mission after entering the International Space Station (ISS) today. In an update NASA said at 8:14 a.m. EDT (around 6.00 pm IST) on Thursday, the hatch opened between the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and the International Space Station following the arrival of Axiom Mission 4. The spacecraft docked at 6:31 a.m. EDT (1600 hrs IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA ...Read More >
Lucknow: The family of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) pilot and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Thursday evening. Shukla's parents, father Shambhu Dayal Shukla, mother Asha Shukla, and sister Shuchi Mishra, will meet the Chief Minister in celebration of his selection as the mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4. Shukla is the first Indian to journey to the International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Earlier in the day, the family, along with friends and relatives, gathered at Shukla's form ...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 >
Morama oil is derived from the seeds of the morama bean, and it holds a special place in African communities for its skin and hair beautifying properties. Bursting with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it delivers intense hydration and promotes a healthy skin glow. Its unique composition combats dryness, increases elasticity, and imparts a youthful radiance, establishing it as a highly coveted natural ingredient for beauty care. Morama oil has a high nutritional content, containing significant amounts of oleic acid (up to 80%), linoleic acid (up to 20%), and vitamin E. These elements a ...Read More >
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 26 (ANI): The family of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) pilot and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Thursday evening. Shukla's parents, father Shambhu Dayal Shukla, mother Asha Shukla, and sister Shuchi Mishra, will meet the Chief Minister in celebration of his selection as the mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4. Shukla is the first Indian to journey to the International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Also Read | 'Dreamer and Disciplined': School Teache ...Read More >