India looks bigger from space than it does on map: Shubhanshu Shukla tells PM Modi
Jun 28, 2025 06:50 PM IST
India looks grand and bigger from space than it does on map, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla told PM Modi during a video conference on Saturday. HT Image
The Axiom-4 Mission, carrying Group Captain Shukla and three other crew members, docked with the ISS on June 26.
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The Hindu
24 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Kombucha can rebalance gut ecosystem in people with obesity: study
From Instagram reels to supermarket shelves, kombucha — the fizzy, fermented tea drink — has found a growing audience among health-conscious consumers in India. Promoted as a probiotic powerhouse, it's touted for its supposed benefits to digestion, immunity, and metabolism. According to one estimate provided by Indian company Sbooch, the kombucha market in India grew from $45 million in 2020 to $102 million in 2024. Yet much of the enthusiasm has outpaced science. While kombucha's traditional use and composition suggest potential health benefits, few rigorous studies have tested these claims in humans. Most research until now has focused on kombucha's biochemistry or has been limited to animal models. This is why a recent study in The Journal of Nutrition stands out: it takes a closer look at kombucha's effects on the human gut microbiome and how they matter for human health. The study followed 46 healthy adults in Brazil — 23 with obesity and 23 of normal weight — over eight weeks in a pre-post trial. The participants were classified using (World Health Organisation cut-offs of) BMI and waist circumference. Every day, each participant consumed 200 ml of kombucha that had been prepared in the lab using black tea and fermented with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). All participants were otherwise healthy and had no recent history of drugs, antibiotics or supplements. Stool samples were collected at the beginning and end to assess gut microbiome changes. The researchers used genomic tools to profile bacterial and fungal communities. They also measured fasting blood glucose, insulin, and proteins linked to gut barrier integrity since a weakened gut lining can allow harmful molecules to enter the bloodstream, trigger low-grade inflammation, and ultimately engender insulin resistance. What we know, what changed After eight weeks, the overall microbial diversity was largely unchanged but the abundance of certain bacteria had changed in ways that suggested kombucha may help positively rebalance the gut ecosystem. Notably, the population of Akkermansiaceae bacteria had increased in individuals with obesity. Previous research has linked this shift with better blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. The levels of Prevotellaceae also increased, specifically in the obese group. Certain strains of Prevotella copri have similarly been linked to improved insulin sensitivity, hypertension, and inflammation. Both groups also reported higher abundance of Bacteroidota, which play significant roles in digesting complex carbohydrates. Bacteria associated with less favourable outcomes including Ruminococcus and Dorea declined, becoming similar to the normal-weight group by the eighth week. Ruminococcus gnavus has been positively associated with inflammatory bowel disease and liver fat accumulation, while Dorea with high BMI and cholesterol markers. In normal-weight participants, Parabacteroides increased modestly. Parabacteroides goldsteinii has been known to reduce tissue inflammation, ameliorating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Helicobacter pylori infections. The populations of Exophiala and Rhodotorula, two fungi associated with cystic fibrosis and obesity respectively, decreased as well. While the study offers promising clues about kombucha's influence, especially for individuals with obesity, the researchers urged caution. The microbial shifts were modest and didn't improve metabolic markers like blood glucose, insulin, or inflammatory proteins. The team also pointed out that microbial responses vary by diet, genetics, and overall health, thus reducing the generalisability of the findings. And with a short duration and a modest sample size, the findings remain a proof-of-concept. The results are still valuable in what they reveal, however: kombucha does appear to nudge the gut microbiome in directions associated with better metabolic health after two months. Kombucha and India Whether the effects will hold for Indian populations remains an open question. Studies have indicated gut microbiota in India are unique. Indian guts, particularly among those consuming traditional plant-based diets, harbour more Prevotella, an inversion of the typical Western microbial pattern. Since consuming kombucha increased Prevotellaceae abundance in the study, it may not drive the same degree of change in local populations. Even within India, while North Indians have more Prevotella, South Indians carry a higher load of Bacteroides and Ruminococcus. Women from rural high-altitude areas have greater gut diversity than their urban counterparts. Ethnic tribes from Ladakh, Jaisalmer, and Khargone can be differentiated based on their gut microbiomes alone. Taken together, the new study is proof that no single brand of kombucha can claim to be 'good' for all consumers across geographies. The drink may support gut health but whether that translates to long-term metabolic benefits remains to be seen. Anirban Mukhopadhyay is a geneticist by training and science communicator from Delhi.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'You may be far, but hearts of 140cr Indians beat with you, it's start of new era': PM Modi to Shukla on ISS
NEW DELHI: 'Earth looks borderless and gives feeling of oneness, and Bharat looks big from space,' Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla told PM Narendra Modi on Saturday during his first interaction with the PM through a video link from the International Space Station while 'orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 km". Cheering the astronaut, Modi told him that 'you may be far from us but the hearts of 140 crore Indians beat with you'. 'The first thing I saw was Earth — it looks perfectly unified. No borders are visible. India looks so large from here, far more prominent than on a map. From up here, there are no countries, no divisions — just one home. That is our ethos: unity in diversity. Just a while ago, when I saw from the window of ISS, I could see Hawaii,' Group Captain Shukla told the PM while informing him, 'I have hoisted the tricolour on ISS. India has reached ISS. ' Modi said Shukla's name carries the word 'shubh' (meaning auspicious) and that his journey marked the auspicious 'beginning of a new era'. The Indian astronaut told the PM that his space sojourn was 'not my journey alone but also our country's'. 'We trained for a year and I learnt about different after coming here, everything even small things are different because there is no gravity in by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Livguard Lithium-X: The Future of Power Backup Livguard Shop Now Undo here is a big challenge...I can even sleep on the roof. It takes some time to get used to this environment,' Shukla told the PM, while adding, 'Right now, we are travelling at a speed of 28,000 kmph and I am talking to you with my legs tied. ' 'This speed reflects how fast our nation is progressing and now, we must go even beyond this,' he said. The astronaut said the space station orbits Earth 16 times a day and that he is privileged to witness 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day. While referring the astronaut as 'Shux', PM gave him 'homework', telling him to learn as much as possible because the lessons learnt from this Axiom-4 mission 'will have to be extensively used in the Gaganyaan mission , our own Bharatiya Antariksh Station and also for landing an Indian on the Moon.' Shukla told Modi that he is 'absorbing experiences at ISS like a sponge'. When the PM asked about Indian delicacies he carried to space and whether he shared them with his space mates, Shukla said he is carrying 'gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras into orbit'. 'I wanted my fellow crew members from other countries to taste India's heritage. We all sat together and enjoyed it. They loved it,' Shukla said. Shukla shared his reflections from space — on science, struggle, and the boundless dreams of a rising nation. The call was more than ceremonial. It was a glimpse into how India's spacefaring ambitions have matured. Modi described Shukla's journey not as a solitary voyage but as India's own orbit of progress. 'When I was a child, I never imagined I could become an astronaut. But today, modern India enables the realisation of such dreams,' Shukla said. When asked by Modi about microgravity tests he will carry out on ISS, especially from the medicine and agriculture sectors, Shukla said, he 'will do seven experiments'. 'Today, I am going to do a test on stem cells. I am doing a test on supplements to see if such supplements can help prevent muscle loss. This will help people in old age who are losing muscle due to ageing,' he said. Another test explores the cultivation of nutrient-rich microalgae, which could boost food security back home. 'The advantage of space,' he said, 'is that processes happen quickly. That accelerates research and inspires children back home to say, 'I can go there too'.' PM Modi asked what message he would send to India's youth. Shukla responded with clarity and conviction: 'Never stop trying. Whether today or tomorrow, success will come if you don't give up. This is just the first chapter of India's space story. We'll build our own space station. We'll land Indian astronauts on the Moon. And, I'm documenting everything—every lesson I learn will help others fly sooner.' His final words struck a chord destined to echo across classrooms, command centres and quiet corners of the country: 'The sky is never the limit—not for me, not for you, and not for India.' 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chant filled up the space station as the PM raised the slogan towards the end of the 18-minute conversation, which was reciprocated by Shukla.
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
"We are feeling very proud": Parents of Group Captain Shukla on his interaction with PM Modi
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 28 (ANI): Parents of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS), expressed immense pride and gratitude following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with their son on Saturday evening. The Group Captain's parents shared their emotions after witnessing the conversation, which highlighted Shubhanshu's role in Axiom Mission 4 and his representation of India in space. Asha Shukla, the mother of the Group Captain, stated that they felt 'very good' after the PM conveyed his best wishes to her son for the mission. 'We felt very good as PM Modi extended best wishes to my son and also took a lot of information from him regarding space... He took gajar ka halwa and moong dal ka halwa along with him to space... We are feeling very proud,' she said. Shambhu Dayal Shukla, the father of the Group Captain, echoed his wife's sentiments, noting that it was a moment of pride for the parents. 'We felt very good as PM Modi blessed and motivated him... This is a moment of pride for us... We thank PM Modi and the entire nation for extending best wishes to my son,' he stated. Union Minister for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh also lauded the Group Captain Shukla's interaction with PM Modi stating, 'PM Sh Narendra Modi 's conversation with Shubhanshu Shukla has not only energised the entire crew onboard International Space Station #ISS, but is also a huge motivation for the entire Team #ISRO,' in a post on X. Earlier, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, during his interaction with the PM, said that India looks 'very big and grand' from Space. 'Jab pehli baar Bharat ko dekha, Bharat sach mein bohat bhavya dikta hain, jitna ham map pe dekhten hain, usse kahin jyada bada (When we saw India for the first time, we saw that India looks very grand, very big, much bigger than what we see on the map),' Group Captain Shukla said during his interaction Speaking aboard the ISS, Group Captain Shukla also said that it looks from space that no borders exist on Earth. 'The first view was of the Earth and after seeing the Earth from outside, the first thought and the first thing that came to mind was that the Earth looks completely one, no border is visible from outside. When we see the Earth from outside, it seems that no border exists, no state exists, and no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it,' he said. Captain Shukla, who is the second Indian to reach Space, said he feels very proud as India has reached the International Space Station, and it is a collective achievement of the country. He said he is feeling very emotional and happy after the conversation with PM Modi. He also urged youth to work hard and never stop trying and said, 'the sky is never the limit.' Group Captain Shukla said Indian scientists have prepared seven unique experiments for the mission. 'I can say with great pride that for the first time Indian scientists have prepared seven unique experiments which I have brought here to the station. The first experiment, which is scheduled today, is on stem cells... My experiment focuses on how we can prevent or delay muscle loss in space by taking a specific supplement. We will also see if these supplements can be beneficial for older people on Earth as well,' he said. PM Modi also congratulated Group Captain Shukla for hoisting the Tricolour in space and said, 'While you are away from our motherland, you are the closest to the hearts of Indians.' 'Today, you are away from our motherland, but you are the closest to the hearts of Indians... Aapke naam mein bhi shubh hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai,' PM Modi said. Group Captain Shukla is serving as Mission Pilot on the four-member Axiom Mission 4, which launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and docked with the ISS on Thursday. Axiom 4 mission aboard the Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the ISS on Thursday, ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. The Ax-4 crew was welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team at the ISS and took part in a safety briefing. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the crew for the Axiom 4 mission. The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. (ANI)
