Watch: Sai Akhil Anand on his solo art exhibition ‘Morphogenesis'
By
The Hindu Bureau
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
5 hours ago
- India Today
Isro targets 2029 to ready the third launch pad for India's next-gen rockets
India's space capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the ongoing development of Isro's Third Satellite Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, development is moving smoothly as the government is awaiting bidding on tenders for multiple developmental works in and around the launch project received financial sanction in March 2025, marking a critical step towards expanding the country's launch infrastructure to support next-generation launch Following the sanction, Isro completed geotechnical investigations and topographic surveys of the site by May 2025. Currently, offers for essential road and electrical works are under evaluation, with multiple work packages identified to establish the sophisticated facilities required for the launch development timeline outlines four major milestones: completion of civil works by May 2028, installation of fluid systems and propellant storage by July 2028, establishment of launch pad facilities by September 2028, and commissioning of the facility projected for March to handle heavier payloads, the TLP will support Isro's Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and the LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages, enhancing India's capacity to launch payloads of up to 30,000 tonnes into low Earth orbit. This is a substantial increase compared to the current capabilities of existing launch the project emphasises collaboration with Indian private industry and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These partnerships, selected through a transparent tendering process, aim to maximise indigenous manufacturing and expertise, reinforcing the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, provided these updates, stressing the strategic importance of the TLP for India's ambitious space new launch pad will not only enhance launch frequency and redundancy but is instrumental for upcoming human spaceflight missions and interplanetary exploration efforts, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station planned for 2035 and a crewed lunar landing by 2040.- EndsMust Watch
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
National Space Day celebrated at KSOU
The Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) on Wednesday observed National Space Day, commemorating the historic success of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission and soft landing on the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. The event was held to bring together students, scientists, and academicians on a common platform in a bid to create greater awareness about India's space programmes, and the various space missions and explorations to be undertaken in the future. Jaswinder Singh Khoral, Chairperson of the National Space Day (NSpD) main committee, said that although the global success rate for lunar landings was low, India had achieved a remarkable milestone with Chandrayaan-3, which successfully touched down on the lunar surface, with the landing point being named as the Shiv Shakti Point. 'This day is not just about ISRO's success, but about how the student community and the nation, together, celebrate the possibilities that space offers,' he added. Mr. Khoral said that the National Space Day is not about celebrating ISRO's past success, but to co-opt students, academicians, and all stakeholders, and think of the future, as space science and technology had already impacted every aspect of life. He said that space is no longer a domain of pure application, but was the new frontier — whether it is telecommunications, education, infrastructure, or asteroid mining. The race to the moon and beyond has already begun, said Mr. Khoral. He underlined the need to prepare the younger generation for the rapidly evolving space sector. 'Whether you are in engineering, policy, or management, you will be contributing to the space sector, directly or indirectly,' he said, urging students to see National Space Day not just as a celebration of past glory but a call to be a part of India's space future. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore, N.K. Lokanath, said that the event provided students with an opportunity to understand India's journey in space science, and the groundwork that goes into such missions. He pointed out that space science in India has always had deep roots, even in ancient times, where mathematics and calculations formed the basis of astronomical observations. The theme of the event 'Aryabhata to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities', encapsuled India's timeless pursuit of knowledge, said Mr. Lokanath. He said India's quest for understanding the cosmos did not begin in recent decades but could be traced to the days of Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara, etc. Mr. Lokanath said that India's space programmes have been notable not just for its orientation towards developmental outcomes for the benefit of society, but also for addressing terrestrial challenges like disaster management, weather forecasting, communication, educational outreach, etc. Sharanappa V. Halse, Vice-Chancellor, KSOU, and others were present. There was interaction between students and ISRO scientists, and talks on various aspects of space by resource persons to mark the event.
News18
14 hours ago
- News18
Floods, Lightning And More: UP Seeks Its Own Satellite For Real-Time Alerts
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to prepare a proposal for a dedicated state-specific satellite mission. Why does Uttar Pradesh want its own satellite? On Tuesday, a devastating cloudburst near Dharali in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, triggered flash floods that swept away 20–25 hotels and homestays, left about 50 people missing and many feared dead. However, to ensure such tragedies do not catch UP unprepared, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to prepare a proposal for a dedicated state-specific satellite mission designed to provide real-time alerts for flash floods, lightning, and other climate hazards. At the same meeting, the Chief Minister also gave the green signal to ISRO's Village Vaigyanik Karyakram (VVK) — a pioneering rural space education initiative that aims to nurture scientific curiosity and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers from the state's villages. The directive to ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, came during a recent high-level review meeting in Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi, while expressing concern over the frequent deaths due to flash foods or lightning, said, 'The state needs advanced tools to safeguard lives and livelihoods from recurring climate threats." He urged ISRO officials to submit a formal proposal without delay. Dr Nilesh M Desai, Director of SAC, briefed the Chief Minister about the scope of the proposed mission, explaining how advanced satellites equipped with lightning-mapping systems and real-time flood monitoring capabilities could provide timely warnings to vulnerable populations. SAC is already piloting such systems in states like Bihar and Gujarat. For UP, officials say the proposed satellite could become a game-changer, especially in disaster-prone eastern districts where monsoon floods and lightning claim hundreds of lives each year. Why UP Wants Its Own Satellite Lessons from Uttarkashi tragedy: Not only in Uttarkashi, in UP, the flashfloods claims several lives in UP every year, hence there is a need for real-time early-warning systems. Recurring floods in UP: Over 400 villages in 17 districts were submerged last month, affecting more than 80,000 people in 24 hours. Lightning deaths highest in India: Uttar Pradesh records over 300 lightning-related fatalities annually — the highest in the country. Geography demands special monitoring: With its vast river plains, dense population, and vulnerable rural settlements, UP requires a dedicated satellite to forecast disasters specific to its terrain. Village Vaigyanik Karyakram: Space Science at Doorstep Alongside the disaster-monitoring satellite, Uttar Pradesh is set to witness a quiet revolution in science education. The Village Vaigyanik Karyakram (VVK), developed jointly by ISRO's SAC and the Vyomika Foundation, will bring space science directly to rural classrooms. The programme will feature 'Space on Wheels" — mobile buses carrying interactive science models and exhibits — as well as seminars and webinars conducted by ISRO scientists. Officials said that the Meritorious students will be taken on study tours to ISRO's Ahmedabad facilities, while a national-level student-led satellite payload project will involve 75 Basic Education schools from each district of the state. In addition, rural space laboratories will be set up in government schools to ensure that children from villages get access to the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. 'Our primary focus will be on 47 Chief Minister Model Composite Schools, 18 Atal Awasiya (Residential) Schools across all commissionerates, and PM Shri Schools, all of which are dream projects of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister," Dr Desai said. Raj Bhawan to Host a Space Lab Governor Anandiben Patel, who also met the ISRO team, requested the establishment of a space lab at the primary school inside the Raj Bhawan premises. The SAC team inspected the site and identified an area for the lab. She further recommended that the students of this school be taken on an exposure trip to SAC Ahmedabad to inspire them from an early age. Astronaut Training Centre on the Cards Another significant proposal came from ISRO Group Director Darshan K Patel, who suggested setting up North India's first Astronaut Training Centre in Uttar Pradesh. Such a facility, he said, would not only inspire the youth but also strategically place the state at the forefront of India's growing space-tech ecosystem. The Chief Minister responded positively, asking SAC to prepare a feasibility report for the ambitious project. Engaging the Private Sector In line with the Indian Space Policy 2023, ISRO has been actively involving private players in the space ecosystem. Dr. Desai underoted that under the aegis of INSPACe, startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel, and Bellatrix Aerospace are contributing meaningfully to the national agenda. 'We are enabling access to government infrastructure, satellite data, and launch services through programmes like SBaaS (Space-Based as a Service), GSaaS (Ground Segment as a Service), and a Rs500 crore Technology Adoption Fund to de-risk innovation and fast-track commercialization," he said. Towards a UP State Space Policy ISRO officials also recommended formulating a dedicated Uttar Pradesh State Space Policy, similar to those already in place in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. The Chief Minister welcomed the idea, seeing it as a way to boost space-tech startups, academic research, and industry collaboration in the state. First Rural Lab Already a Success The push for VVK builds on the success of India's first Rural Space Education Lab at Hasudi Ausanpur village in Siddharth Nagar district, set up in 2021 in collaboration with the Vyomika Space Academy. The lab, equipped with telescopes, VR-enabled learning tools, and working satellite and rocket models, has already inspired thousands of children. According to Gram Pradhan Dilip Tripathi, more than 10,000 students across 15 districts have benefited from such rural space labs. 'Our children, who once barely had exposure to basic science models, now dream of becoming scientists," he said. Linking Space with Governance top videos View all The ISRO team also briefed the CM on the Indo-US NISAR satellite mission, highlighting its potential applications in agriculture monitoring, water resource planning, and rural development — areas crucial for Uttar Pradesh's growth. Observers say the twin initiatives — the proposed disaster-monitoring satellite and the VVK programme — reflect a strategic shift in how Uttar Pradesh is seeking to integrate space technology into everyday governance. 'These efforts have the potential not only to save lives but to open a galaxy of opportunities for rural youth," said Vyomika Foundation Chairman Govind Yadav. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : ISRO UP floods uttar pradesh Yogi Adityanath view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: August 06, 2025, 12:49 IST News india Floods, Lightning And More: UP Seeks Its Own Satellite For Real-Time Alerts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
