Nasa to launch four astronauts just 16 days after returning India's Shubhanshu Shukla
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will carry a four-member international crew: NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui from Japan, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov from Russia.The spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS around on August 2.This mission is the 11th crew rotation flight to the ISS and the 12th human spaceflight using SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft since 2020. It underscores not only NASA's commitment to continuous human presence in space but also the strength of international cooperation.While aboard the ISS, the crew will participate in a series of cutting-edge scientific experiments, including studies on the effects of microgravity on the human body, biological systems, and advanced materials.These experiments contribute to both space exploration goals and practical technologies back on Earth.The launch follows the successful return of the Axiom-4 mission on July 15, which was historic for India due to ISRO's involvement and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's participation. That mission marked a major milestone in India's expanding role in space exploration.As Crew-11 prepares for launch, the world is once again reminded that the future of space isn't about one nation, it's about shared missions, global teamwork, and the united pursuit of knowledge beyond Earth.- EndsMust Watch
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India Today
43 minutes ago
- India Today
Nasa astronaut Butch Willmore, stuck with Sunita Williams in space, retires
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Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Checkmating limits: How chess shapes young minds
Chess, often perceived merely as a recreational activity, has emerged as a powerful tool in enhancing cognitive and academic development among schoolchildren. International research emphasizes its efficacy in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic performance. According to International Chess Federation more than 25 million kids worldwide are involved in scholastic chess. This article delves into the varied benefits of chess in education, explores how schools can implement chess programs, and highlights the rise of young Indian chess prodigies who exemplify the game's impact. The cognitive and academic benefits of chess Numerous studies have demonstrated that chess training significantly boosts students' cognitive abilities and academic achievements. A meta-analysis encompassing 24 studies revealed that chess training enhances primary and middle school students' performance in mathematics and reading. Additionally, research indicates that chess training improves working memory, processing speed, and meta-cognitive skills, all of which are crucial for academic success. In India, a study focusing on rural middle school children found that chess training led to significant improvements in academic performance, particularly in subjects requiring logical reasoning and concentration. These findings suggest that chess can serve as an effective educational tool, especially in regions with limited access to advanced learning resources. Implementing chess programs in schools To harness the educational benefits of chess, schools can adopt several strategies: 1. Curriculum Integration: Incorporate chess into the regular curriculum, dedicating specific periods each week to chess coaching. 2. fter-School Clubs: Establish chess clubs that meet after school hours, providing students with a platform to practice and compete. 3. Teacher Training: Train sports teachers to teach chess by offering them special courses and workshops. 4. Partnerships with Chess Organizations: Collaborate with established chess institutions to organize tournaments, workshops, and exhibitions. Implementing these initiatives can create a chess-friendly environment that nurtures students' intellectual growth and fosters a culture of strategic thinking. The rise of young Indian chess prodigies India has witnessed a surge in young chess talents who have made significant strides on the international stage. These prodigies often begin their chess journey at an early age, benefiting from structured training programs and a supportive ecosystem. • R. Praggnanandhaa: Achieved the title of Grandmaster at the age of 14, becoming the youngest Indian to do so. He has since defeated world-renowned players, showcasing his exceptional talent and preparation from a young age. • Gukesh Dommaraju: At 18, Gukesh became the youngest chess player to win the World Chess Championship. He began his training at the age of seven, demonstrating the long-term commitment required to reach the pinnacle of chess.A current World Champion Gukesh recently, defeated Magnus Carlsen in a classical chess game for the first time in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. • Divya Deshmukh: A rising star in women's chess, Divya clinched the World Junior Championship title and has been instrumental in India's success at international tournaments. Her journey began in her early teens, reflecting the impact of early and consistent training . These examples highlight the importance of early exposure and dedicated training in achieving excellence in chess. Conclusion Integrating chess into school programs offers more than just a recreational activity; it serves as a catalyst for cognitive development and academic excellence. By adopting structured chess initiatives, schools can prepare students with valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. The success of young Indian chess prodigies highlights the potential of chess as an educational tool. As the global chess community continues to grow, fostering chess programs in schools can contribute to the development of future leaders and thinkers.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Shubhanshu Shukla's homecoming: PM Modi to felicitate India's first four astronauts on Chandrayaan-3 anniversary
India's second National Space Day on August 23 will be marked by a special homecoming — the country's first four astronauts will be felicitated in the Capital by the Prime Minister, including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from the International Space Station (ISS). The celebration, to be held at Bharat Mandapam, will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to meet astronauts Prashanth Nair (48), Ajith Krishnan (43), Angad Pratap (43), and Shubhanshu Shukla (39). National Space Day commemorates India's historic Chandrayaan-3 mission, which in 2023 achieved the first-ever landing on the Moon's south pole. This year, the event will also double up as a welcome ceremony for Shukla, who splashed down off the coast of California on July 15 after an 18-day mission aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 crew. Since then, he has been in Houston, Texas, re-acclimatising to Earth's gravity — with videos showing him struggling to regain balance, a common post-mission phenomenon. Post-mission debriefing sessions with NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are underway through early August, with some already held in the presence of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials, sources said. While on board the ISS, Shukla had a live interaction with PM Modi, telling him, 'My friends here have asked when we can go on Gaganyaan.' During the Axiom-4 farewell ceremony, he reflected on India's transformation, saying: 'Forty-one years ago, an Indian came to space and told us how India looks from up above. I think we all want to know how today's India looks from space. I will tell you. Today's India looks ambitious from space, today's India looks fearless, today's India looks confident, today's India looks full of pride — and because of these reasons, I want to say again that today's India still looks saare jahan se achha.' According to sources, the decision to include all four astronauts in the August 23 ceremony — and not just Shukla — was deliberate. 'It was felt that the ceremony should include not just Shubhanshu but all four astronauts instead, as all of them are equally trained and qualified,' said one official. The astronauts are part of India's human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, under which ISRO will undertake three uncrewed missions (G1, G2, and G3), two crewed missions (H1 and H2), and three precursor missions leading to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (G4, BAS-1, and G5). The first uncrewed flight is expected in the last quarter of this year, with the first crewed flight by early 2027. BAS-1, the mission that will launch the first module of India's own space station, is planned for 2028. The goal is to complete a five-module space station by 2035. The inaugural National Space Day last year was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, and showcased India's space achievements and the societal impact of space exploration. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
