Is India ready for the AI revolution? The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, from generative AI tools to sophisticated machine learning algorithms, are transforming industries across the nation. From fintech's burgeoning use of AI-powered fraud detection to the agricultural sector's embrace of precision farming technologies, the impact is undeniable. This week saw a major breakthrough in indigenous 5G technology development, signaling India's growing prowess in the global tech landscape. But alongside this progress comes the crucial discussion surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI deployment. How will India navigate these challenges and harness the transformative power of technology for inclusive growth? Explore the latest developments in Indian tech, from the rise of digital payments to the burgeoning startup ecosystem, and discover how innovation is shaping the nation's future. Stay informed with Abtak.com – your gateway to understanding the tech revolution reshaping India.
Ladakh's Lunar Landscape: Protoplanet Quietly Trains ISRO Astronauts For Historic Human Space Mission Saturday, April 04, 2026 by Indian Defence News The Indian Space Research Organisation has embarked on a pioneering collaboration with Protoplanet to launch Mission Mitra, a high-altitude simulation project situated in the rugged terrains of Ladakh. This initiative is designed to replicate the extreme conditions of near-space environments, providing a rigorous training ground for India's burgeoning corps of astronauts. By utilising the unique topography and atmospheric conditions of the Himalayan plateau, the mission seeks to bridge the gap between terrestrial preparation and the unforgiving reality of orbital flight. At the heart of Mission Mitra is an intensive focus on human endurance and psychological resilience. Participants are subjected to scenarios that test their ability to collaborate under pressure, navigate complex problem-solving tasks, and maintain emotional stability in isolation. These "soft skills" are increasingly recognised as being just as critical to mission success as technical proficiency, ensuring that crews can function effectively during the long periods of confinement inherent in space travel. The choice of Ladakh is strategic, as its low oxygen levels and harsh climate offer a natural analogue for the life-support challenges faced in a spacecraft. Dr Siddharth Pandey of Protoplanet has emphasised that understanding these human factors is the cornerstone of mission safety. By monitoring how the human body and mind adapt to such stressors, the project provides invaluable data that cannot be easily replicated in a standard laboratory setting. The findings from this simulation are set to directly influence the development of ISRO's safety protocols and life-support architecture. As the nation prepares for the historic crewed launch of the Gaganyaan mission, the lessons gathered from the cold deserts of Ladakh will be integrated into the final hardware and software configurations. This ensures that when Indian astronauts finally reach the stars, they carry with them a blueprint for survival forged in the highest reaches of their own country. Beyond the immediate technical gains, Mission Mitra represents a shift towards a more holistic approach to astronaut training. It acknowledges that the synergy between man and machine is the most vulnerable link in any space expedition. Through this rigorous testing phase, ISRO and Protoplanet are not only refining their engineering but are also nurturing the mental fortitude required for the next giant leap in India's space odyssey. Agencies Comments
Rameswaram, Feb 10 (PTI) The new 2.05 kilometre Pamban Bridge will allow trains to cross the sea between mainland India and Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu in less than 5 minutes, significantly less than the previous 25-30 minutes on the old structure, railway officials said on Monday. The bridge is ready to be dedicated to the nation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate it within the next few weeks, though a date is yet to be decided, he added. "Trains used to take 25-30 minutes to cross the old colonial-era Pamban Bridge between Mandapam and Rameswaram Islands due to ...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: 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 >
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 >
Srinagar, Jun 06: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. They expressed hope that the revered occasion brings peace and prosperity to the region. Dr Farooq Abdullah National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people on Eid-ul-Adha, wishing them peace, prosperity and unity. In his message, Dr Abdullah reflected on the profound significance of the day, saying, "As the Muslim Ummah comes together in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my warmest greetings to ever ...Read More >
Srinagar: Imagine gliding effortlessly above the clouds atop the world's highest railway bridge, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and rivers carving their way through rugged mountains. This is the experience Kashmir's first high-speed train journey offers -- promising to transform travel and tourism in the region forever. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two cutting-edge Vande Bharat trains running between Katra and Srinagar, slashing travel time by hours and providing year-round, reliable connectivity to the Kashmir valley. This train ride doe ...Read More >
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday termed the inauguration of the Chenab and Anji rail bridges by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "historic moment" in the region's development journey."What a momentous day! June 6, 2025, will go down in history. Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge -- making the dream of connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari a reality," Sinha said in a post on X. Sinha declared that the long-held vision of connecting Ka ...Read More >
Srinagar: Before towering cranes and cutting-edge engineering transformed the Himalayan landscape, the monumental dream of connecting "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" by rail began with the plodding footsteps of humble mules. This extraordinary backstory underpins the official realization of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, a project crowned by the awe-inspiring Chenab Bridge. According to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the company behind the Chenab Bridge, the earliest and most formidable hurdle wasn't just the design of ...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 >
Mumbai, Jun 8 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, instead of introspecting on the defeat in the 2024 state assembly polls, has been repudiating the mandate given by the people because they rejected him. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha is preparing his excuses for future defeats in the upcoming assembly elections, including Bihar, Fadnavis said in his articles published in the Indian Express and Marathi daily Loksatta. On Saturday, Gandhi, in an article published in several newspapers and in posts on X, claimed the 2024 Maharas ...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: 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 >
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 >
Katra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, inaugurating an alternative all-weather transportation system for Kashmir by connecting the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link with the national railway network. The train will commence commercial operations from Saturday, allowing passengers to travel in the two pairs between Srinagar and Katra except on Wednesdays. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project in the tough Himalayan terrain has been referred to as a marvel. It is expected to be a game changer in the development of the mount ...Read More >
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the iconic Chenab Bridge, Anji rail bridge and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and flagged off Vande Bharat Trains, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha called it a momentous occasion that will go down in history. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for dedicating the historic railway projects to the people of Jammu Kashmir and the nation. "Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a ...Read More >
Officials say the train will help the troubled region, but many Kashmiris see it as a tool to entrench the Indian government's control. After decades of highly complex engineering work and billions of dollars in investment, India has finally connected the Himalayan region of Kashmir by rail to the rest of the country. The train link, which was officially inaugurated on Friday, fulfilled a dream dating back to the British colonial era. Indian officials called it a transformative leap for the res ...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 >
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 >