logo
Shubhanshu's SpaceTime moment: Astronaut gives cosmic tour to kin

Shubhanshu's SpaceTime moment: Astronaut gives cosmic tour to kin

Time of India13 hours ago
Lucknow: In his first video interaction with his family after reaching the International Space Station, astronaut
shared the excitement and intrigues of his cosmic sojourn and showed them a sunrise from space.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"He showed us the sunrise from the spacecraft window, his sleeping spot, and the food he eats. I feel so proud that my son has reached this milestone. It's a beautiful feeling," said a beaming Asha Shukla.
Shubhanshu spoke to his parents and sisters Shukla over a video call setup through laptop, making it a virtual gathering through tele bridge connection.
"It was a sunrise like no other, seen not from a hilltop or a plane, but from miles away above the Earth.
Watching it from the window of the spacecraft was something he wanted to share with us. It was not just a view, it was a moment that made us realise how far he has gone, how much he has achieved, and how connected we still are despite the distance. It's a feeling I cannot put into words, but it fills us with pride and wonder," said his father Shambhu Dayal Shukla.
"Initially, he had some problems adjusting, but now he seems completely fine.
He told us about all the important work he's doing. We never imagined our son would reach such heights. We feel blessed," added Shambhu Dayal.
The Lucknow boy gave his family a tour of the space station. "It was absolutely mesmerizing. We were awe-struck seeing Earth's curved horizon, its peripheral glow, and that deep, rich blue shade you just cannot imagine until you see it. It was not just a view, it was this emotional moment of realising his success. We are happy to see he is healthy," said his sister Shuchi Mishra.
The family members said they are eagerly waiting for his return. Shubhanshu, an alumnus of City Montessori School, is the second Indian astronaut after Rakesh Sharma to go in space.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Intertidal' by Indian writer Yuvan Aves longlisted for 2025 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing
‘Intertidal' by Indian writer Yuvan Aves longlisted for 2025 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing

Scroll.in

time2 hours ago

  • Scroll.in

‘Intertidal' by Indian writer Yuvan Aves longlisted for 2025 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing

Indian writer and naturalist Yuvan Aves has been longlisted for the 2025 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing for his book Intertidal: A Coast and Marsh Diary. He is the first Indian to be nominated for the award. The longlist comprises 12 titles. Over two years and three monsoons, Yuvan Aves paid scrupulous attention to the living world of a coastal city. The result was a diary of deep observation of the coast and wetland, climate and self. Set in beaches and marshes, and the wild places of the mind, Intertidal comprises daily accounts of being in a multispecies milieu. The shortlist will be announced on August 5, and the winner on September 10. Now in its 12th year, the Wainwright Prizes are named after nature writer Alfred Wainwright. The Prizes recognise books that shape a greener future and help readers see the natural world, and their place within it, more clearly. From personal journeys through wild landscapes to bold investigations into environmental challenges, these are the stories that connect people and planet. This year, the Prizes will be awarded in six categories

Indian Raga therapy: How IIT Mandi study links classical music to brain and emotional health
Indian Raga therapy: How IIT Mandi study links classical music to brain and emotional health

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Indian Raga therapy: How IIT Mandi study links classical music to brain and emotional health

IIT Mandi conducted a study that connects ancient India's musical heritage with modern neuroscience. Research led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, has shown how listening to Indian classical Ragas can influence brain activity by enhancing levels of attention, emotional regulation, and mental stability. The researchers, however, say that translating Raga Therapy into a clinical or commercial offering will require further systematic investigation. Research procedure The study, conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, involved 40 participants who were exposed to Indian Ragas. These 40 right-handed male participants were aged between 19 to 29 years, with a mean age being 23.10. They had no formal musical training and were recruited via an electronic announcement. All the participants were healthy college students. Exclusion criteria included neurological or hearing disorders and recent use of psychotropic medication. Each participant was exposed to approximately nine minutes of music, standardised across the cohort to ensure consistency in data collection and comparability of results. The research spanned over 2.5 years, with each participant undergoing a single experimental session. The study is ongoing, and follow-up experiments with 15 female participants have shown consistent results. The study utilised advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) microstate analysis, a real-time brain-mapping technique that captures momentary yet significant patterns of neural activity. Participants' brain activity was recorded using EEG under two conditions: listening to Indian classical ragas and resting silence. 'This design allowed for a clear comparison of the neurological impact of music versus a passive, quiet baseline', the researchers said. The EEG test employs small metal electrodes, known as Microstates, that often last only a few milliseconds and are used to represent the brain's transient modes of operation, such as attention, emotional engagement, or mind-wandering. Brain cells communicate through electrical impulses, and this activity is represented as wavy lines on an EEG recording. The researchers chose two Raagas: Raga Darbari and Raga Jogiya. Raga Jogiya is associated with deeper, reflective emotions, based on their emotional profiles in the Nav Rasa framework. Darbari is known to enhance focus and tranquility, while Jogiya is known to activate emotion regulation and introspection. The participants were not informed of the study's intent, minimising expectation bias. Additionally, in another study, a control experiment was conducted with noise instead of music. Unlike Indian classical music, noise did not lead to significant improvements in attention or reduction in mind-wandering, reinforcing the specific effects of Raga therapy. What the study showed Following the experiment, the research revealed that Raga Darbari, known for its soothing qualities, was found to increase attention-related microstates while reducing those associated with mind-wandering, indicating deeper focus and cognitive clarity. In contrast, Raga Jogiya, a melancholic melody, not only enhanced attentional networks but also activated emotion-regulation microstates, enabling listeners to process emotions with calm and composure. It was concluded that listening to traditional compositions, such as Raga Darbari and Raga Jogiya, can alter EEG microstates, fleeting but powerful neural patterns that reflect attention, emotion, and cognitive processing. The researchers say, longer durations of musical exposure are likely to further stabilise EEG microstates. Even in the limited-time protocol, significant increases in microstate duration and stability were observed. The researchers say these results are consistent and can be replicated. 'We experimented on three separate occasions with different participant groups, and each time the results have consistently pointed to the same conclusions. This consistency reinforces the reliability and replicability of our findings regarding the positive impact of Indian Ragas on attention and emotional regulation', the researchers said. Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, informed, 'EEG microstates offer a window into how the brain operates at the moment, attention, mind-wandering, or emotional engagement. What we found was that Ragas don't just evoke feelings, they actually reprogram the brain in real-time.' Dr. Ashish Gupta, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi and first author of this study, emphasized that the shifts observed in neural activity were not random, stated, 'The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the Ragas, suggesting Indian Classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness. EEG data consistently showed how music exposure, compared to silence, shifted the brain into more stable and functional patterns'. Prof. Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur is also the co-author of the study. Health benefits? The researchers conducted a similar study in 2018. That early research primarily demonstrated that listening to Indian Ragas can significantly enhance cognitive performance. The researchers cite several independent studies that have reported the beneficial effects of Raga therapy in managing hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Rao and Nagendra (2014) demonstrated that both active and silent music interventions positively influenced energy fields in type 2 diabetes patients using electron photonic imaging. 'While these studies do not claim a definitive cure, they do demonstrate the therapeutic value of Raga listening as a secondary or supplementary intervention', the researchers said. The way forward The research team suggests that listening to Raga Darbari before exams or important meetings may improve focus, while Raga Jogiya could help manage emotional overwhelm or grief. The study doesn't just underscore how people feel in response to music; it demonstrates how the brain structurally responds, offering new potential for music-based interventions in cognitive and emotional health. The researchers say translating Raga Therapy into a clinical or commercial offering will require further systematic investigation. The next steps involve designing and validating structured, music-based therapeutic modules—tailored for diverse settings such as educational environments, workplace wellness programs, emotional support, and clinical treatment. Rigorous clinical trials will be essential to optimise dosage (duration, frequency), select the most effective Ragas for specific conditions, and establish standardized protocols before broad implementation for patient care. In comparison with Western classical music The researchers say several studies on Western classical music have reported similar outcomes. They conducted a follow-up investigation using Western classical music with international participants. The findings revealed comparable effects on EEG microstate modulation, reinforcing the idea that structured classical music—whether Indian or Western—has a cross-cultural capacity to positively influence brain dynamics. Researchers say, however, that Indian Ragas offer a uniquely emotionally structured and mood-specific experience. Rooted in the Nav Rasa framework, each Raga is crafted to evoke a particular emotional landscape. The therapeutic use of Raga, often termed 'Raga Chikitsa,' has existed in India for centuries. While these results are promising, more rigorous and systematic scientific studies are needed in this domain, researchers say. Both studies have been peer-reviewed and published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, a global journal.

Think Big Cities Can't See Stars? Kolkata's Night Sky Will Blow Your Mind!
Think Big Cities Can't See Stars? Kolkata's Night Sky Will Blow Your Mind!

India.com

time2 hours ago

  • India.com

Think Big Cities Can't See Stars? Kolkata's Night Sky Will Blow Your Mind!

The Indian cultural center Kolkata attracts recognition for its glorious heritage combined with its artistic energy and deep intellectual traditions. Apart from its crowded streets and preserved historical sites Kolkata has magnetic power over sky watchers as well as astronomy fans. Despite its unexpected status as a nighttime observing location Kolkata provides special features and possibilities to those who wish to study the night sky. Stargazers looking for an ideal place should consider Kolkata because of seven distinguishing factors that make it a prime location for astronomy enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. 1. Strategic Geographical Location Kolkata occupies a geographical location that spreads across 22.57° N, making it fall within the northern hemisphere and near to the equatorial zone. The city's geographical position enables people living there along with visitors to see both northern and southern celestial objects through the skies. The city's equator location gives citizens and visitors opportunities to view Southern Cross (Crux) and other celestial objects that northern latitudes cannot observe at certain times each year. Locals in Kolkata benefit from excellent conditions to watch both solar eclipses together with lunar events and planetary transits. 2. Moderate Climate Favorable for Night Sky Observation Kolkata resides in an area with a tropical wet-and-dry climate that divides into clearly defined seasons. The post-monsoon period from October to February provides Kolkata residents with perfect conditions to perform stargazing because it features clear skies combined with good weather. This time period brings low humidity rates which results in decreased atmospheric disturbances that create superior visibility of space objects. The cool wintry air and peaceful conditions at night create ideal circumstances for people to watch stars, planets as well as meteor showers. 3. Presence of Renowned Astronomical Institutions The city of Kolkata maintains multiple centers of astronomy study and space research which support an exciting environment of educational development. Among all the astronomical institutions in Kolkata the Birla Planetarium stands as the most famous because it maintains its status as Asia's largest planetarium. As an Asian largest planetarium the structure is situated close to the Victoria Memorial and takes in educational workshops together with sky shows for enthusiasts from novice to expert astronomers. The Indian Centre for Space Physics (ICSP) operates as a key institution that pursues state-of-the-art astrophysics research while running public engagement projects. Organizations in the city offer important educational platforms combined with valuable resources that help aspiring space enthusiasts learn more about celestial bodies. 4. Active Amateur Astronomy Community The stargazing community in Kolkata actively organizes public sessions combined with workshops alongside lectures for astronomy enthusiasts. The scientific forums of West Bengal Science Forum and local units from national astronomy associations partner for astronomy events which are held at communal spaces including parks and open leisure zones. These gatherings unite enthusiasts who can both share knowledge and pass along tips as well as gather together to observe the night sky through telescopes. The initiatives enable all people from different age brackets and ability levels to share the excitement of observing space within supportive spaces. 5. Historical Contributions to Indian Astronomy The city of Kolkata stands foremost in forming the milestones of Indian astronomical expansion. Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose established his scientific career at the city where he conducted foundational experiments that still guide modern radio astronomy. The establishment of the Asiatic Society in 1784 by Sir William Jones created one of the earliest scientific institutions in that particular region. Current astronomical research and educational projects in the city are motivated by its historical records which establish Kolkata as an important center for space exploration. 6. Accessibility to Affordable Equipment Enthusiastic stargazers require affordable options for high-quality telescopes together with necessary accessories in their exploration journey. There are multiple shops throughout Kolkata which sell budget-friendly astronomy equipment together with retailers who operate their stores online. The renowned Brands Celestron and Sky-Watcher along with Orion have easy access in the market to enable astronomy enthusiasts access quality equipment needed to enhance their viewing abilities. Local astronomy clubs enable member sharing of telescopic equipment and accessories to help beginning stargazers obtain needed equipment at reasonable costs. 7. Opportunities to Witness Rare Celestial Events Totally eclipsed solar events alongside supermoons and meteor showers become possible to observe from Kolkata because of its Earth location. The partial solar eclipse of annular type on June 21, 2020 offered visible showings to Kolkata residents who came together to watch the celestial sight in a safe manner. People attracted to the Perseids yearly meteor shower in August and Geminids in December travel to areas near Kolkata that minimize light pollution to catch meteor showers. These astronomical phenomena create both perfect observer opportunities while sparking stronger excitement about cosmic marvels. Conclusion Kolkata lacks remote observatories or pristine dark skies but its particular location with suitable climate and spirited astronomy institutions together with local community interest balance for an ideal stargazing destination. Both beginners who want to learn how to observe the stars and experienced astronomers who look for additional challenges can find plenty of ways to explore their space interests throughout Kolkata. People who want to study the night sky can discover multiple activities ranging from institution visits and astronomical organizations to planetarium programs. Kolkata will continue to draw star enthusiasts because of its status as an esteemed location that offers the joy of stargazing underneath the celestial vaults.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store