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India Today
a day ago
- Science
- India Today
A classroom in space: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla speaks to students from ISS
Students from Lucknow's City Montessori School in Lucknow and other institutions participated in a live video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS).The session, part of Isro's Vidyarthi Samvad Programme, brought space science directly into classrooms, sparking awe, curiosity, and a renewed sense of national pride among many young attendees, the session was more than an interaction—it was a transformational experience. Hearing from an Indian astronaut orbiting hundreds of kilometers above Earth made space exploration feel immediate and real. Shukla's stories about life in space inspired students to think beyond limits and imagine their place in the future of science and discovery. advertisement Students posed a range of questions, eager to know how astronauts live aboard the ISS. Shukla described sleeping in microgravity using anchored sleeping bags, adding humorously that if not strapped down, 'you might drift away and wake up in a different spot.'He also shared how astronauts eat pre-packaged meals in space, but made a special mention of carrying Indian sweets like Gajar ka Halwa and Aam Ras to add a touch of home comfort to his meals aboard the asked about medical emergencies in space, Shukla assured the students that the crew is well-trained and the ISS is equipped with necessary medicines and emphasised that astronauts prepare for a range of scenarios and safety is taken very seriously. On a more emotional note, he spoke about the experience of viewing Earth from space. 'It's peaceful and beautiful. A moment of quiet reflection we all cherish,' he said. Shukla also explained how the human body reacts to microgravity. (Photo: Axiom) Shukla also explained how the human body reacts to microgravity, noting that while the body adapts over time in space, returning to Earth brings its own challenges. 'Our muscles and balance systems need to be retrained. It's a slow and careful process,' he made history on June 26, 2025, during the Axiom Mission 4, Shukla's presence on the ISS marks a significant milestone in India's space journey. His words, 'Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,' during the mission symbolised not only personal triumph but also a leap forward for the session, attended in Lucknow by Group Captain Angad Pratap, reinforced India's mission to inspire its youth and stake its claim among the stars as it gets ready for the Gaganyaan Mission.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla answers students' questions about life on the ISS: From eating to floating in space
Shubhanshu Shukla 's interaction with students: In a landmark moment for Indian space education, students from City Montessori School and other institutions participated in a live interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Organised under ISRO's Vidyarthi Samvad Programme, the session offered a rare opportunity for young minds to engage directly with a spacefarer orbiting hundreds of kilometres above Earth. This initiative not only allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of life in space but also aimed to ignite their curiosity about science, technology, and India's growing role in space exploration. For the students who participated, the interaction was nothing short of transformational. Hearing directly from an Indian astronaut in space made science tangible, real, and deeply exciting. It was more than a Q&A—it was a moment that connected generations through culture, science, and national pride. Through his stories and insights, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla brought the mysteries of space closer to Earth and reminded young Indians that even the stars are within reach. Shubhanshu Shukla interacts from ISS: Students ask about daily life in space From the very beginning of the interaction, students were eager to understand what life is like beyond Earth. Their questions were diverse, ranging from everyday routines to more complex biological and scientific phenomena. They wanted to know how astronauts adapt to zero gravity, how daily hygiene works in space, and what happens during emergencies. The curiosity extended to space food, physical training before launch, and even mental health support while in orbit. This genuine inquisitiveness reflected the excitement of young minds witnessing history, speaking directly to an astronaut who had experienced the marvels and challenges of life in space firsthand. A. How do astronauts sleep in space Shukla responded with enthusiasm, explaining that without gravity, there's no concept of "up" or "down." Astronauts don't sleep on beds like on Earth—instead, they use sleeping bags secured to the walls or ceiling inside the ISS. 'It's fun, actually. You can float and tie yourself anywhere—on the walls, even the ceiling. But to avoid drifting away, we anchor our sleeping bags in place. Otherwise, we might not be in the same spot in the morning,' Shukla said with a smile. B. Eating in space: Food, nutrition, and a taste of home Food was another hot topic among students. Shukla explained that astronauts rely on pre-packaged meals specially designed to meet nutritional needs in microgravity. However, food also plays an important psychological role in space. 'Food is one of the few pleasures in space. So we get to choose from a variety of options,' he said. Adding a personal touch, Shukla shared that he carried a few favorite Indian sweets like Gajar ka Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa, and Aam Ras to space. This not only offered comfort but also connected him to his cultural roots while far from home. C. Health and emergencies in orbit One of the more serious student questions was about medical emergencies. What happens if someone falls ill on the ISS? Shukla explained that astronauts undergo rigorous health training before their mission and the station is stocked with adequate medical supplies. Although there is no doctor on board, astronauts are trained to handle most common issues. 'We carry sufficient medicines and are prepared for various scenarios. Safety and health protocols are strictly followed,' he reassured. D. Emotional joy of gazing at Earth Beyond the technical and physical challenges, students were also curious about the emotional side of space travel. One asked what astronauts do during their free time. Shukla admitted that astronauts have very limited leisure time, but when they do, they enjoy watching Earth from space—something he described as profoundly moving. 'The view of Earth from the ISS is incredible. It's so peaceful and beautiful. We all look forward to that quiet time of reflection,' he said. Astronauts also engage in light recreational activities like watching shows or playing simple games when time permits. E. Adapting the human body to microgravity and back again Another fascinating aspect covered during the interaction was how the human body copes with microgravity. Shukla explained that initially, the body feels disoriented in the absence of gravity, but over time, it adjusts. 'Right now, I feel much better than I did on my first day here. The body learns to adapt,' he said. However, he added that returning to Earth brings its own challenges, as the body has to re-learn how to function under gravity. 'Readjusting after returning to Earth is a process. We need specific training and support because re-entry impacts muscles, balance, and overall functioning,' he explained. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla becomes first to enter ISS during Axiom Mission 4 Shukla also shared his experience of the launch during the interaction. As part of Axiom Mission 4, he lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25, 2025, along with three other astronauts. After orbiting the Earth for 28 hours, their spacecraft docked with the ISS. On June 26, Shukla made history as the first Indian to step into the ISS, receiving warm welcomes and handshakes from fellow astronauts. He marked the occasion by declaring: 'Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.' With this, Shukla became the 634th astronaut in the world and the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma, who ventured into orbit in 1984. Shukla is not only the first Indian to reach the ISS but also one of the four astronaut-designates for India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the country's maiden manned spaceflight programme. During the interaction, Group Captain Angad Pratap, another key figure in Gaganyaan, was present in Lucknow to promote awareness about India's space initiatives. His presence added weight to the educational event and further inspired students to dream big. Also Read | Earth's faster spin may cause shorter days, scientists warn — should you be concerned
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cold weather drives up dry fruits demand
ISLAMABAD: The demand for dry fruits has surged in the federal capital as the winter season continues to become cooler with each passing day. Some people use dry fruits in dishes specially prepared in the winter season, like 'Gajar ka Halwa' (a sweet dish made of carrots), sohan halwa (a sweet made with all-purpose flour, milk and dry fruits) etc. Bakeries and sweet shops also incorporate dry fruits in sweets to make them tasty and healthy. Regardless of price, the demand for dry fruits was at its peak as a rush of customers was spotted at several dry fruit shops. A dry fruit seller, Pervaiz Khan, said, "The demand for dry fruit is at its peak" because people love to eat them in winter, and it also reduces the effect of cold air on the body. He also said that as compared to last year, the prices of most items have increased due to an increase in the prices of services used for the cultivation of dry fruit and also to reach the end users, like transport, labour, etc. On inquiry of prices, the shopkeeper said that prices of dry fruits vary depending on quality and origin. As almonds range from Rs4,800 to Rs5,600 per kg, while walnuts cost Rs1400-1,800 per kg, Khan said adding that cashews, figs, and pine nuts are priced at roundabout Rs3,600, Rs4,000, and Rs14,000 per kg, respectively. He specifically called peanuts the most affordable and best-selling product whose prices depend on the type of area where they were produced. He said peanuts were produced in mainly three regions of the country including Parachinar, Chakwal, and Gujjar Khan, with prices of Rs1200, Rs720, and Rs640 per kg, respectively. A customer, Muhammad Ahmed, said that winter was the best season to consume these dry fruits as they gave enough energy and also reduced the effect of the cold weather. A female customer said, "I want to purchase these dry fruits so that I can use them in deserts, taste and health perspective. The sale of sweets in which these dry fruits were used was also enhanced due to the effect of the season. The online sale of dry fruits has also seen a boost, with e-commerce platforms offering competitive prices. However, some online sellers face challenges with cancelled orders and increased costs. An online store owner said, "Online selling of dry fruits is very appealing during winter." Adding, "We offer very affordable and competitive prices." "Most customers order online but when goods reach the addresses people usually cancel the order which raises the cost of the goods," the owner added. The supply of dry fruits involves sourcing from various regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Punjab. Suppliers have reported increased costs due to transportation and farming expenses reason behind the rise in the prices of dry fruit. Supplier of dry fruit from Gilgit Baltistan, Wazir Hashmat told APP that he supplied dry fruit items from all parts of the country and sent them to Lahore, where the main market of dry fruits exists. He also said that prices of dry fruit items increased at farmers' end while other costs associated with transportation also enhanced its value.
