Latest news with #18thInternationalOlympiadonAstronomyandAstrophysics
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Tradition Meets Innovation: PM Modi Highlights Indias Astronomy Legacy At 18th International Olympiad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation during the ongoing 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, highlighting its significance as "tradition meeting innovation, spirituality meeting science, curiosity meets creativity." Welcoming the gathering from across 64 countries, PM Modi said, "It is a joy to connect with more than 300 shining stars from 64 countries. I warmly welcome you." "The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in India (means) tradition meets innovation. Spirituality meets science. Curiosity meets creativity," PM Modi said in a virtual address. #WATCH | During the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, PM Modi says, "India is deeply committed to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering young minds. Over 10 million students are understanding STEM concepts through hands-on experimentation in Atal… — ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2025 Referring to India's rich astronomical heritage, he noted, "For centuries, Indians have been observing the skies and asking big questions. For example, in the fifth century, Aryabhatta invented zero. He was also the first to say that the Earth rotates on its axis. Literally, he started from zero and made history." Apprising the gathering about India hosting the world's highest astronomical observatories in Ladakh, PM Modi also talked about the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune, which he said was one of the world's most sensitive radio telescopes that has helped decode the mysteries of pulsars and galaxies. "Today, we host one of the world's highest astronomical observatories in Ladakh. At 4,500 meters above sea level, it is close enough to shake hands with the stars. Our Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune is one of the world's most sensitive radio telescopes. It is helping us decode the mysteries of pulsars and galaxies. India proudly contributes to global mega-science projects like the Square Kilometre Array, and LIGO India made history. We were the first to successfully land near the moon's south pole. We have also set our sights on the sun with Aditya-L1 solar observatory," the Prime Minister said. He also expressed pride over the completion of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's "historic mission" to the International Space Station. "Last month, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed his historic mission to the International Space Station. It was a proud moment for all Indians and an inspiration for young explorers like all of you," PM Modi said.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics inaugurated in Mumbai
India is ensuring that technology is the priority for Viksit Bharat, Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, said at the opening ceremony of the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) held on Tuesday (August 12, 2025) in Mumbai. 'The participants should return to their country with new ideas, inspiration, and enriched thought processes,' Prof.. Sood said, referring to the Olympiad as a 'science sport'. Over 300 high school students from 64 countries have participated in the 10-day Olympiad hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Astronomy is not only a study of the cosmos, Prof. Sood said in his inaugural speech, it is an ecosystem where extremely sensitive instruments involving computation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and more are used, offering many avenues to pursue in future. This is the second time that India is hosting the IOAA, after the 2016 edition in Bhubaneswar. This year's theme is 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam', the 'ancient Indian idea of world is family under the one sky'. The future lies in the hands of young minds, solving real time problems, and India believes in international collaboration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a video message to the participants. 'The next scientific breakthrough could be at the hands of these young minds, who knows?' Mr. Modi said, highlighting India's achievements in the field of science. Participants from Classes 10 to 12 are selected after a rigorous process to compete at the international level of the Olympiad. During the 10-day event, students have to appear in several challenging exams. The dignitaries present at the opening ceremony included Ajit Kembhavi, former vice president of the International Astronomical Union. 'There is a possibility that your entire professional journey could be shaped here as you will get inspired to do great things in life,' Mr. Kembhavi said, stressing on inspiration. The IOAA was conceived in 2006 to meet the growing global interest in astronomy among high school students, with the first edition held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2007. According to the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, the IOAA's curriculum is designed to challenge students in theoretical, observational, and data analyses. 'The questions should be fun and challenging. In a way, a best student should have something to think in every question. Secondly, students who are less prepared should get inspired to study better, and thirdly, the questions should make students go back and check why they couldn't answer,' Jayram Chengalur, Director, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research said.
Deccan Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
India investing billions of dollars in research ecosystem: PM Modi
Addressing the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Mumbai via video link, Modi also said that in India, tradition meets innovation.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India investing billions of dollars in research ecosystem: PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's significant investments in its research ecosystem and its commitment to international collaboration in science, addressing the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. He emphasized India's accomplishments, including the successful landing near the Moon's south pole and initiatives to promote STEM education, while encouraging young minds to explore the universe and solve real-world problems. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India is investing billions of dollars in the research ecosystem, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Mumbai via video link, Modi also said that in India, tradition meets innovation."India has one of the world's highest astronomical observatories in Ladakh. At 4,500 metres above sea level, it is close enough to shake hands with the stars," Modi said."India believes in the power of international collaboration," the PM India's accomplishments in science, Modi said, "We were the first to successfully land near the Moon's south pole." "India is deeply committed to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering young minds. Over 10 million students are understanding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts through hands-on experimentation in Atal Tinkering Labs "This is creating a culture of learning and innovation. To make access to knowledge more democratic, we have launched 'One Nation One Subscription' scheme. It provides access to reputed international journals free of cost to millions of students and researchers," Modi is a leading country in the participation of women in STEM domains, he said."Under various initiatives, billions of dollars are being invested in the research ecosystem. We invited young minds like you from across the world to study, research and collaborate in India. Who knows, the next big scientific breakthrough may well be born from such partnerships," he said."As we explore the universe, we must also ask how can space science further improve the lives of people on earth, how can farmers be provided even better weather forecasts, can we predict natural disasters, can we monitor forest fires and melting glaciers, can we build better communication for remote areas," Modi said."The future of science is in your hands, it is in solving real world problems with imagination and compassion. I urge you to ask, what is out there?" Modi also lauded Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from a successful 18-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS)."Last month, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed his historic mission to the International Space Station. It was a proud moment for all Indians and an inspiration for young explorers like all of you," he said."India believes in the power of international collaboration. This Olympiad reflects that spirit. I have been told that this Olympiad is the largest so far," he said."Aim high, dream big and remember that in India, we believe the sky is not the limit, it is just the beginning," he International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) is an annual competition in astronomy and astrophysics for secondary school 18th IOAA is being held at Mumbai from August 11 to event is organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education , a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, an autonomous institution under the umbrella of the Department of Atomic Energy, as well as a Deemed University.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Mumbai hosts International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics with 12 countries as first time participants
Mumbai: The city welcomed the world's brightest young stargazers as it hosts the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA). Explaining the aim of the Olympiad, Aniket Sule, president of the IOAA, said it provides a platform for young students from across the globe to share their love for astronomy, make friends, and build lasting networks. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE) Over 300 high school students from a record 64 countries will take part in the 10-day event, organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. The opening ceremony was held on at 4pm Tuesday at the Jio World Convention Centre. This year, 12 countries are joining the competition for the first time, including Algeria, Australia, Bolivia, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Hong Kong, Italy, Laos, Moldova, Palestine, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Turkmenistan. Ghana is participating as an observer nation. Four countries are returning after a three-year break. War-affected nations like Ukraine, Iraq, Palestine, and Ghana are also competing, showing that the passion for astronomy can cross borders and overcome challenges. A total of 288 participants — including 57 women, the highest number so far — will compete in theory, data analysis, observational exams, and an innovative team competition. Sky observation sessions will be held at the Nehru Planetarium. Aniket Sule, president of IOAA, said the event's growing reach was encouraging. 'We are able to connect with more and more countries and are seeing increasing participation from every continent,' he said. Russia is not participating this year, while the Belarus team will compete under the IOAA flag. Pakistan, which initially planned to attend, withdrew after the Pahalgam attack, citing security concerns followings discussions with organisers. Explaining the aim of the Olympiad, Sule said it provides a platform for young students from across the globe to share their love for astronomy, make friends, and build lasting networks. Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya, HBCSE Director and Chair of the Local Organising Committee, said this will be the largest IOAA ever. 'It is an opportunity for students to learn, compete, and experience India's hospitality,' he said. Since its launch in 2007 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the IOAA has been hosted by countries in Asia, Europe, and South America, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Greece, Hungary, and Iran. Prof. Anwesh Mazumdar, Chair of the Academic Committee, said the competition's academic side is as exciting as its cultural exchange. 'From solving tough theory problems to observing the skies, the students will face a range of challenges that test both their knowledge and teamwork,' he said.
