DIG Ashish Mehrotra is new Commander of Coast Guard District No.4 (Kerala and Mahe)
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ashish Mehrotra assumed the duties of Commander, Indian Coast Guard District No.4 (Kerala and Mahe) on Monday (April 28), taking over from the outgoing District Commander, DIG N. Ravi.
The new ICG Commander for the region graduated in electronics from Lucknow University and holds a Master's degree in Nautical Science from the Navigation and Direction School of the Indian Navy. He joined the Indian Coast Guard service in 1998. An alumnus of the National Defence College, New Delhi, he has commanded many ICG ships and the Coast Guard Workup Team (East).
His important appointments include serving as Navigating Officer of the Western Fleet ship INSUdayagiri as the first Indian Coast Guard deputationist, secondment to the Information Sharing Centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia as Manager (Research), and advisor to the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. He is also a recipient of the DG ICG 'Sword of Honour' for overall performance during training courses.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
ISS team with Shubhanshu Shukla, studies cancer cells in microgravity: ‘Could lead to better treatment on Earth'
The Axiom-4 mission crew, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has begun active research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) following their successful arrival. Their initial focus includes 'microgravity acclimation' as they engage in a series of experiments aimed at advancing medicine, agriculture, and space science. India's Shubhanshu Shukla with three other astronauts and International Space Station (ISS) crew after the Axiom-4 mission's Space-X Dragon spacecraft docked to the ISS, as part of the mission.(@SpaceX) Among the key investigations is the 'Cancer in LEO-3' study, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. This research explores how cancer cells behave in microgravity, with a specific focus on tumour organoids and a new model of triple-negative breast cancer. Scientists are analysing how these cells respond to drug treatments in space, with the objective of confirming previous findings and paving the way for innovative cancer therapies — both for patients on Earth and astronauts on extended space missions. The four astronauts launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25 and arrived at the ISS on June 26. Research on cancer could lead to better treatment on Earth In collaboration with Axiom Space, the Cancer in LEO project from the Sanford Stem Cell Institute will examine tumour organoids in microgravity, aiming to detect early indicators of cancer to improve prediction and prevention. The study is part of the expanded ISSCOR initiative, a joint effort by the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space, which leverages microgravity research to better understand stem cells, cancer progression, and aging—with the goal of enhancing disease prediction and developing new treatments for patients on Earth. Also Read | American woman applauds India's space programme after Shubhanshu Shukla enters ISS: 'Top space power' The Cancer in LEO-3 investigation builds upon data gathered during earlier Axiom missions focused on how cancer develops in space. This latest study will not only validate past findings on tumor organoids but also assess how a new triple-negative breast cancer model reacts to drug treatments in low Earth orbit (LEO). The research holds significant value for space exploration, as it evaluates the effects of microgravity and space radiation on cancer cell development compared to their behaviour on Earth. Insights from this work could lead to more effective cancer therapies by identifying how metastatic cancer cells respond differently in space, potentially unlocking new therapeutic targets. Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla scripts history, becomes first Indian to enter ISS; will spend 14 days researching microgravity What role are Shubhanshu Shukla and others playing? Shubhanshu Shukla worked inside the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) to support the Myogenesis experiment, which investigates the biological processes behind skeletal muscle loss in space – a major concern for long-term spaceflight. By identifying the pathways responsible for muscle degradation, the research aims to develop targeted therapies that could benefit both astronauts and patients on Earth with muscle-wasting conditions. Shukla also participated in an outreach event, speaking directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a conversation that underscored growing global cooperation in space exploration and inspired audiences back home. Tibor Kapu deployed the Rad Nano Dosimeter, a compact device used to track radiation exposure aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Understanding space radiation's impact on the human body is vital for planning future missions to destinations like the Moon and Mars. The data gathered may also enhance Earth-based radiation safety tools in fields such as healthcare and environmental monitoring. Tibor also began setup for the Vitapric experiment, which studies how plant growth enhancers affect the development of microgreens in microgravity. The goal is to increase the nutritional content—such as vitamins, proteins, and minerals—of crops grown in space, contributing to sustainable food solutions for long-duration missions. In parallel, the Ax-4 crew launched the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, completing its initial session after installing necessary software. Using ultrasound technology, the study examines how microgravity affects blood flow in the brain. Insights from this research may help improve cardiovascular health in space and inform treatments for stroke and hypertension on Earth. Meanwhile, Peggy Whitson and Sławosz 'Suave' Uznański-Wiśniewski are preparing to join Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low in a dedicated session on space radiation. The discussion will focus on the radiation experiments underway during Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) and how these findings could improve astronaut safety on future deep space journeys.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
'Looks Easy, But My Head Is...': Shubhanshu Shukla, Astronaut No. 634, On Reaching Space Station
Last Updated: NASA Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew docked at the ISS, marking India's return to human spaceflight. They will conduct over 60 experiments in 14 days. As the Axiom-4 crew created history after entering the International Space Station, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Thursday described his experience, saying it looked easy standing on camera, but his head felt a little heavy. Shukla, who officially got a Space Station pin, becoming astronaut number 634, said the next two weeks will be exciting. During his welcome remarks, along with his Axiom-4 crewmates, Shukla said it was a privilege to be amongst the few who have had a chance to see the Earth from a vantage point. Shukla said that in the next 14 days, he and the other astronauts will conduct scientific experiments and interact with people on Earth. 'This is also a phase of India's space journey. I will keep talking to you. Let us make this journey exciting. I am carrying the Tiranga, and I am carrying all of you with me. The next 14 days will be exciting," he said. The Ax-4 crew, launched on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, successfully docked at the ISS's Harmony module after a 28-hour journey. Shukla, as mission pilot, flew alongside mission commander Peggy Whitson (US), and mission specialists Sawosz Uznanski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). This achievement marks India's triumphant return to human spaceflight, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's historic mission in 1984. In a message to the people of India, Shukla said, 'By your love and blessings, I have reached the Space Station. It looks easy standing here, but my head is a little heavy. However, it's all good now. It's the first phase, and now we will do a lot of science studies. Let's make this journey exciting, and I am carrying the Tiranga (tricolour) and I am carrying all of you with me." The Ax-4 team will spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, collaborating with the Expedition 73 crew and conducting more than 60 scientific experiments and educational outreach activities – the most ambitious research agenda of any Axiom mission to date. The crew's work will encompass projects such as cancer research, DNA repair, and advanced manufacturing, highlighting the increasing importance of commercial and international collaborations in space exploration. First Published: June 27, 2025, 08:51 IST
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Shubhanshu Shukla return date from ISS: When will the Indian astronaut come back?
Indian Air Force test pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history by becoming the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS) after the docking of their spacecraft at the end of a 28-hour journey around the earth. Shukla, who is the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma, reached the International Space Station on Thursday along with three other astronauts as part of the Axiom-4 mission for a 14-day stay during which the crew will be part of a series of science experiments. On reaching the ISS, Shukla and the other three astronauts were greeted with warm hugs and handshakes. 'With your love and blessings, I have reached the International Space Station. It looks easy to stand here, but my head is a little heavy, facing some difficulty; but these are minor issues,' he said in brief remarks in Hindi at the formal welcome ceremony at the ISS. 'I am astronaut 634. It is a privilege to be here,' he added. Shukla is scheduled to return to Earth on July 10, exactly 14 days after his arrival at the ISS. Before docking with the ISS, as the Dragon spacecraft circled the Earth, Shukla shared his early experiences in space. He said he was learning to live in microgravity 'like a baby' and described the feeling of floating in space as amazing. In his first message aboard the International Space Station, Shukla thanked the mission commander and said he feels 'privileged' to be here. 'Thank you Peggy (Whitson, the mission commander). I am number [Astronaut Number] 634, that's a privilege (laughs). But, to be fair, it is a privilege to be among the few who have got a chance to see the earth from a vantage point that I have been able to see now. 'It has been a wonderful ride. It has been great. I was looking forward to come to space. It is something to look forward to. But the minute I entered the International Space Station… this crew (points at the Expedition-73 crew already aboard the ISS) made me feel so welcome. You literally opened the doors to your house for us. It was fantastic. I feel even better. Shukla said that his head felt heavy upon reaching ISS but the tricolour on his shoulder reminded him that the Indians were with him. In an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ISS, Shukla said he was scheduled to conduct an experiment on the growth of microalgae, which are highly nutritious, in microgravity conditions. The astronaut also said he was studying whether specific supplements can delay muscle loss in microgravity conditions, which could help develop medicines for muscle degeneration in elderly people. The Prime Minister encouraged Shukla to carefully document all his observations, saying they would be of great value for India's future space missions. 'India must move forward with Mission Gaganyaan, build its own space station, and achieve the landing of an Indian astronaut on the Moon,' Modi said. In his message for the youth, Shukla said, 'The sky has never been the limit, not for me, not for you, and not for India.' He urged youngsters to hold onto this belief. Shukla's mission marks a major step in India's growing role in international space exploration and signals a new era for Indian astronauts on the global stage.
