
SpaceX Starship Crashes Into Indian Ocean After Mid-Flight Fuel Leak
SpaceX Starship Crashes Into Indian Ocean After Mid-Flight Fuel Leak | Vantage with Palki Sharma
SpaceX Starship Crashes Into Indian Ocean After Mid-Flight Fuel Leak | Vantage with Palki Sharma
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX's ambitious Starship programme suffered another blow as its upper stage crashed into the Indian Ocean following a mid-flight failure during its ninth test launch. About 30 minutes into the mission, SpaceX lost control of the spacecraft due to a fuel tank leak. Although the vehicle successfully reached orbit, it failed to deploy simulated Starlink satellites after the payload bay door did not open. This marks the third consecutive test flight setback for Starship.
Also on Vantage Shots:
• Over a million pilgrims begin arriving in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the annual Hajj.
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• On this day in 1998, Pakistan became a nuclear power. It conducted five simultaneous underground nuclear tests. Islamabad began developing nukes after the 1971 war with India. Their tests came a few weeks after India's Pokhran test.
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Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Power shift: How Tesla's turmoil is steering global capital towards India
In the high-stakes arena of global business and politics, few collisions make markets tremble like the fallout between a tech titan and a political juggernaut. This is exactly what unfolded in early June 2025 when Elon Musk , the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, clashed publicly with former U.S. President Donald Trump . The result? This was a devastating blow to Tesla's stock, which plunged by over 14% in a single day, wiping out an estimated $150 billion in market capitalisation. This was not just a stock market blip; it was the most severe single-day loss for Tesla since its listing and one of the most dramatic wealth erasures in corporate history. The catalyst? Trump's verbal attacks on Musk during a campaign rally, accusing him of being "disloyal" and threatening to cut off federal contracts and regulatory support for Tesla and SpaceX if he regains the presidency, were also included. Investors responded with a swift selloff, and Tesla's valuation fell below the trillion-dollar mark. Global markets watched in shock as this political-personal feud spilled over into financial chaos. However, amid this volatility lies a powerful truth: in global disruption, emerging markets like India often find their greatest opportunities. As the U.S. grapples with political instability and tech industry turbulence, India stands poised to benefit from capital reallocation, tech realignment, and supply chain diversification. While damaging to U.S. markets, the Tesla shockwave could become a springboard for India's clean-tech and high-growth sectors. India's EV Ecosystem: Charging Ahead as Tesla Slows Down India has been on an accelerated path toward electrification, and Tesla's current struggles have only sharpened the global spotlight on India's domestic electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. As Tesla faces regulatory headwinds and reduced investor confidence, India's homegrown EV sector is booming, powered by market demand and policy incentives. In the fiscal year 2024–25, India's EV market crossed a new milestone with over 1.7 million electric vehicles sold, reflecting a 96% year-on-year increase. Leading the charge are Indian companies such as Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, and Ola Electric, which have committed billions of rupees to expand their EV product lines, charging infrastructure, and battery assembly capabilities. The Indian government's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles(FAME-II) scheme and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage worth ₹18,100 crore have further catalysed industry momentum. States such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have introduced EV-specific policies offering land, tax exemptions, and power subsidies to manufacturers. 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India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Who is Peggy Whitson? Legendary astronaut leading India's Shubhanshu Shukla
On June 10, 2025 Whiston will lead the Ax-4 mission to Space Station aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft piloted by India's astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. (Photo: SpaceX) Kshitija Ghanshyam Gosavi Peggy Whitson will lead Ax-4 mission to space Peggy joined NASA in 1986 as a research scientist She has conducted research on stem cells in microgravity When Peggy Whitson was nine years old, she watched the Apollo-11 Moon landing on TV and something inside her changed. Standing barefoot on the soil of her family farm in Iowa, she looked up at the night sky and decided she wanted to go there too. More than 50 years later, she's not only been to space, she's broken almost every record along the way. On June 10, 2025 Whiston will lead the Ax-4 mission to Space Station aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft piloted by India's astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. "For me, having Shubhanshu as my pilot in the dragon capsule is great. He is already operational-savvy, and he is just wicked smart when it comes to spacecraft technologies," Whitson said, ahead of launch. EARLY LIFE: A DREAM THAT TOOK FLIGHT Peggy Annette Whitson was born on February 9, 1960, in the quiet town of Mount Ayr, Iowa. She grew up on a farm in nearby Beaconsfield, helping with chores and riding horses, but her dreams stretched far beyond the fields. After the Moon landing in 1969, young Peggy decided she wanted to become an astronaut. It was a bold dream, especially for a small-town girl with no background in space exploration. She studied biology and chemistry at Iowa Wesleyan College, graduating in 1981, and later earned a PhD in biochemistry from Rice University in 1985. The Ax-4 crew will be led by astronaut Peggy Whitson to space. (Photo: SpaceX) BREAKING BARRIERS AT NASA Peggy joined NASA in 1986 as a research scientist, and by 1996, she was selected as an astronaut. That's when the real adventure began. Peggy Whitson's space missions not only changed the course of her life but also reshaped history. Her journey began with Expedition 5 in 2002, where she became NASA's first-ever ISS Science Officer during her maiden trip to the International Space Station. She made history again with Expedition 16 (2007–2008) as the first woman to command the ISS, leading five spacewalks and critical assembly operations. Nearly a decade later, during Expeditions 50/51/52 (2016–2017), she broke yet another barrier â€' at age 56, she became the oldest woman in space, with her mission extended to a record-setting 289-day stay, the longest single spaceflight by a woman at the time (a record now surpassed by Sunita Williams with 608 days). Beyond missions, Whitson's records speak volumes. She has logged 665 days in space, the most by any American astronaut; completed 10 spacewalks totaling over 60 hoursâ€'the most by a female astronaut and third-most overall; and became the first female, nonmilitary Chief of NASA's Astronaut Office, leading astronaut training and mission planning. Peggy Whitson didn't just reach the starsâ€'she redefined our limits. A SCIENTIST AMONG THE STARS While in orbit, Peggy Whitson played a crucial role in advancing space science by leading several groundbreaking experiments. She conducted research on stem cells in microgravity, aiming to better understand aging and healing processes without the influence of Earth's gravity. She also worked on plant growth experiments, successfully cultivating lettuce and Chinese cabbage aboard the ISSâ€'a vital step toward sustainable food production for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Additionally, her involvement in combustion studies helped scientists analyse how fire behaves in space, providing insights that could lead to safer spacecraft and more energy-efficient technologies on Earth. Astronaut Peggy Whitson has been on multiple space missions. (Photo: Axiom) LIFE AFTER NASA: LEADING THE FUTURE OF SPACE TRAVEL Peggy retired from NASA in 2018, but her space story wasn't over. She joined Axiom Space as Director of Human Spaceflight, taking the lead in training and launching private space missions. In 2023, she made history once again by commanding Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) â€' the first private mission to the ISS led by a woman. Now, she's preparing to lead Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) as mission commander, taking astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the ISS, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla. It's another giant leap for international space cooperation and Peggy's right at the helm. HONOURS AND LEGACY Peggy Whitson's extraordinary journey through space has earned her numerous accolades that reflect her groundbreaking achievements. Among her many honors, she received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for her exceptional contributions to space exploration. In 2017, she was named one of the BBC's 100 Women, celebrating her as a global role model. Her record-breaking accomplishments have also been recognized by the Guinness World Records, including titles for the most time spent in orbit by an American astronaut and the most spacewalks by a female astronaut. Whitson's legacy is etched not just in science, but in history. She isn't just America's most experienced astronaut, she's one of space exploration's most powerful role models. And as she prepares to fly again, her mission continues to inspire a new generation to look up and believe. The stars were never the limit. For Peggy Whitson, they were just the beginning. When Peggy Whitson was nine years old, she watched the Apollo-11 Moon landing on TV and something inside her changed. Standing barefoot on the soil of her family farm in Iowa, she looked up at the night sky and decided she wanted to go there too. More than 50 years later, she's not only been to space, she's broken almost every record along the way. On June 10, 2025 Whiston will lead the Ax-4 mission to Space Station aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft piloted by India's astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. "For me, having Shubhanshu as my pilot in the dragon capsule is great. He is already operational-savvy, and he is just wicked smart when it comes to spacecraft technologies," Whitson said, ahead of launch. EARLY LIFE: A DREAM THAT TOOK FLIGHT Peggy Annette Whitson was born on February 9, 1960, in the quiet town of Mount Ayr, Iowa. She grew up on a farm in nearby Beaconsfield, helping with chores and riding horses, but her dreams stretched far beyond the fields. After the Moon landing in 1969, young Peggy decided she wanted to become an astronaut. It was a bold dream, especially for a small-town girl with no background in space exploration. She studied biology and chemistry at Iowa Wesleyan College, graduating in 1981, and later earned a PhD in biochemistry from Rice University in 1985. The Ax-4 crew will be led by astronaut Peggy Whitson to space. (Photo: SpaceX) BREAKING BARRIERS AT NASA Peggy joined NASA in 1986 as a research scientist, and by 1996, she was selected as an astronaut. That's when the real adventure began. Peggy Whitson's space missions not only changed the course of her life but also reshaped history. Her journey began with Expedition 5 in 2002, where she became NASA's first-ever ISS Science Officer during her maiden trip to the International Space Station. She made history again with Expedition 16 (2007–2008) as the first woman to command the ISS, leading five spacewalks and critical assembly operations. Nearly a decade later, during Expeditions 50/51/52 (2016–2017), she broke yet another barrier â€' at age 56, she became the oldest woman in space, with her mission extended to a record-setting 289-day stay, the longest single spaceflight by a woman at the time (a record now surpassed by Sunita Williams with 608 days). Beyond missions, Whitson's records speak volumes. She has logged 665 days in space, the most by any American astronaut; completed 10 spacewalks totaling over 60 hoursâ€'the most by a female astronaut and third-most overall; and became the first female, nonmilitary Chief of NASA's Astronaut Office, leading astronaut training and mission planning. Peggy Whitson didn't just reach the starsâ€'she redefined our limits. A SCIENTIST AMONG THE STARS While in orbit, Peggy Whitson played a crucial role in advancing space science by leading several groundbreaking experiments. She conducted research on stem cells in microgravity, aiming to better understand aging and healing processes without the influence of Earth's gravity. She also worked on plant growth experiments, successfully cultivating lettuce and Chinese cabbage aboard the ISSâ€'a vital step toward sustainable food production for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Additionally, her involvement in combustion studies helped scientists analyse how fire behaves in space, providing insights that could lead to safer spacecraft and more energy-efficient technologies on Earth. Astronaut Peggy Whitson has been on multiple space missions. (Photo: Axiom) LIFE AFTER NASA: LEADING THE FUTURE OF SPACE TRAVEL Peggy retired from NASA in 2018, but her space story wasn't over. She joined Axiom Space as Director of Human Spaceflight, taking the lead in training and launching private space missions. In 2023, she made history once again by commanding Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) â€' the first private mission to the ISS led by a woman. Now, she's preparing to lead Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) as mission commander, taking astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the ISS, including India's Shubhanshu Shukla. It's another giant leap for international space cooperation and Peggy's right at the helm. HONOURS AND LEGACY Peggy Whitson's extraordinary journey through space has earned her numerous accolades that reflect her groundbreaking achievements. Among her many honors, she received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for her exceptional contributions to space exploration. In 2017, she was named one of the BBC's 100 Women, celebrating her as a global role model. Her record-breaking accomplishments have also been recognized by the Guinness World Records, including titles for the most time spent in orbit by an American astronaut and the most spacewalks by a female astronaut. Whitson's legacy is etched not just in science, but in history. She isn't just America's most experienced astronaut, she's one of space exploration's most powerful role models. And as she prepares to fly again, her mission continues to inspire a new generation to look up and believe. The stars were never the limit. For Peggy Whitson, they were just the beginning. Join our WhatsApp Channel
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Redmi Pad 2 India launch set for June 18: What to expect from Xiaomi's tab
Xiaomi-owned Redmi is expanding its tablet lineup in India with the launch of the Redmi Pad 2 on June 18. The company has teased the device on X (formerly Twitter), revealing key specifications while keeping the pricing under wraps. The tablet will be powered by the MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra processor and run on Xiaomi HyperOS 2. Redmi Pad 2: Key features The Redmi Pad 2 boasts an 11-inch LCD display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels (2.5k), offering a 90Hz refresh rate and up to 360Hz touch sampling rate (240Hz with stylus). The panel achieves 600 nits of peak brightness and supports wet touch technology, alongside TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light, Flicker Free, and Circadian Friendly certifications. Camera Rear camera: 8MP, f/2.0 Front camera: 5MP, f/2.2 Both support 1080p and 720p recording at 30fps and include modes like Photo, Video, Document, HDR, and Teleprompter. Battery The tablet is powered by a 9000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, though it includes a 15W charger in the box. Charging is via USB Type-C, supporting PD2.0 and QC2.0 standards. Redmi Pad 2: Specifications Display: 11-inch LCD, 16:10 aspect ratio, 2560x1600 resolution, 274 ppi, up to 90Hz refresh rate, up to 360Hz touch sampling (240Hz with pen), 500 nits typical brightness, 600 nits outdoor brightness,Wet touch RAM: Up to 8GB LPDDR4X Storage: Up to 256GB UFS 2.2 Processor: MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra GPU: Mali-G57 MC2 GPU OS: Xiaomi HyperOS 2 Rear camera: 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p/720p at 30fps Front camera: 5MP, f/2.2, 1080p/720p at 30fps Battery: 9000mAh Charging: 18W fast charging support, 15W inbox charger, USB Type-C port, supports PD2.0 and QC2.0 Dimensions: 254.58 x 166.04 x 7.36 mm Weight: 510g