Latest news with #Kapu
The Wire
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
Andhra's U-turn on Appealing Tuni Arson Verdict Spotlights Clout of Kapu Community
New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh government has quickly reversed its decision to appeal the 2023 acquittal of 41 people in the 2016 Tuni train arson case. This sudden reversal, made within 24 hours, throws into sharp relief the political sensitivity surrounding the Kapu community. Events began Monday (June 2), when the Home (Courts-B) Department issued a government order (G.O. Rt. No. 852). The order directed the public prosecutor at the Andhra Pradesh high court to appeal the May 1, 2023 judgment of Vijayawada's VII Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court for Railways. That judgment had acquitted all accused in the Tuni arson case. By Tuesday, however, another order, G.O. Rt. No. 869, formally withdrew the earlier directive. The public prosecutor was instructed not to proceed with the appeal. The initial G.O. reportedly prompted concern among political leaders. Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, president of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and a prominent Kapu leader, was reportedly displeased by the move to reopen a case affecting Kapu sentiments. The decision to withdraw the G.O. drew public statements from Kapu community representatives. Chinamilli Venkatarayudu, Kapunadu West Godavari district president, was quoted by South First saying the initial move was intended to 'persecute the Kapus'. Bandi Srinivasa Rao, a Kapu Ikya Vedika leader from Eluru district, reportedly called the initial decision 'vendetta politics', adding that the government had 'hurt the feelings of the Kapus'. The Tuni incident, central to these government orders, occurred on January 31, 2016. During a 'Kapu garjana ' ('roar of Kapus') rally in Tuni in East Godavari district, led by former minister Mudragada Padmanabham, to demand OBC status for the Kapu community, protesters allegedly stormed the Tuni railway station. Four coaches of the Ratnachal Express were set on fire and other public property was damaged. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) later filed cases against 41 individuals, including Padmanabham (accused #1) and Dadisetti Raja (accused #3), then a Kapu leader and now Tuni MLA, under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Railways Act. On May 1, 2023, the Vijayawada railway court acquitted all 41 accused, citing insufficient evidence and procedural lapses in the investigation. The court also ordered disciplinary action against three RPF officials for a flawed investigation. The Wire has reached out to Padmanabham. We shall update the copy once he responds. Why is the Kapu community politically so important? The Kapu community forms an estimated 15-17% of Andhra Pradesh's population, concentrated in coastal districts, particularly East and West Godavari. This demographic strength translates into considerable electoral influence. For decades, some Kapus have persistently demanded inclusion in the OBC list, similar to agitations by Jats, Marathas and Patels elsewhere in India. This demand often accompanies a sense of historical underrepresentation in political power compared to the Kamma and Reddy communities, which respectively provide much of the leadership and support for the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress Party. Kapu community leaders assert large population figures to bolster these claims for political power and resources. Historical analyses show various cultivating sub-groups (Munnurukapus, Balijas, Telagas) consolidated under the broader 'Kapu' identity, a term originally meaning cultivator. Pressures from the post-liberalisation economy also intensify these socio-political dynamics and demands. There have been previous attempts to politically mobilise the Kapu community. In 2009, Chiranjeevi, a popular Telugu actor and Pawan Kalyan's elder brother, launched the Praja Rajyam Party. Stating 'social justice' as its motto, it won about 18% of the vote and around 20 assembly seats. However, the party was merged into the Congress immediately after the elections. Pawan Kalyan, himself a major film star, began his political journey in 2014, initially backing the National Democratic Alliance. He later distanced himself, aligning with Left parties and the Bahujan Samaj Party for the 2019 elections, before later embracing a more pronounced Hindutva stance. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Joy,' a plush baby swan, will launch with Axiom Mission-4 crew as zero-g indicator
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. When an international astronaut crew lifts off on a commercial space mission this month, they will be joined by a स्वैन, a łabędź or a hattyú. Or, in English, a swan. The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) astronauts, including American commander Peggy Whitson, Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, chose a small plush swan named "Joy" as their zero-gravity indicator. The doll, attached to a tether, will be released to float aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, signaling that the Ax-4 crew safely made it into low Earth orbit. "Joy, the baby swan, embodies the shared pursuit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Hungarian to Orbit program (HUNOR) to soar high above our home planet," reads Axiom Space's description of the zero-g indicator. "In this way, Joy represents cultural unity as three nations realize the return to human spaceflight, together as one crew." The Ax-4 crew chose a swan because it symbolizes similar characteristics across their different countries. "'Joy' represents the shared aspirations of three nations united in their return to human spaceflight," said Whitson as she revealed the zero-g indicator during the crew's pre-launch press briefing on Tuesday (June 3). "This one is rich in cultural symbolism. It stands for wisdom in India, resilience in Poland and grace in Hungary. Through 'Joy,' we'll celebrate our diversity and our unity in the shared journey of space exploration." "In Indian culture, the swan is the vehicle of Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing wisdom, learning and purity," said Shukla. "It is said to have the rare ability to separate milk from water, a symbolism that is a powerful reminder of discernment in an age of distraction. To carry the symbol is to carry the essence of our mission: pursuit of knowledge, clarity of purpose and grace under pressure.""The biggest journey is about to start in just couple of days. I still do not realize how big this moment will be," said Uznański-Wiśniewski. "This will be such a joy, just as the name of our extra passenger in our Dragon and on the ISS." The Ax-4 crew arrived at a baby swan after deciding they wanted it to be an animal, as inspired by the interests of one of their children. "We wanted to go with with a dinosaur or a lion, but we just couldn't find the right one," said Kapu. "We were extremely happy when we found 'Joy.'" "Joy," as named by Kapu, is otherwise known as "Alina Swan," a part of Aurora's "Adorable Palm Pals" line of pocket-size play dolls. Measuring all of 5 inches tall (12.7 centimeters), Joy/Alina is fluffy to the touch and is filled with bean pellets, such that (in a gravity environment) it sits in your hand or wherever you chose. Flying zero-g indicators is a tradition that can be traced back to the first human spaceflight in 1961. Soviet-era cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin brought a small doll with him on his Vostok mission to see it float. Since then, the Russian crews that followed Gagarin into Earth orbit flew small dolls, often chosen by their children. The custom reached the United States with the introduction of crewed capsules after the end of the space shuttle program. Now, commercial spaceflights operated by SpaceX and Boeing, as well as NASA Artemis flights, include zero-g indicators. Once at the International Space Station, Joy will join the Expedition 53 dolls, including "Droog," a crocheted origami crane, flown by SpaceX's Crew-10 and an angel blowing a horn selected by Russia's Soyuz MS-27 crew. Related stories: — Ax-4 private astronaut mission to the ISS is 'go' for its SpaceX launch — Axiom Space: Building the off-Earth economy — Axiom Space eyes the moon while continuing to dream big in Earth orbit "A team that has joy is a team that is healthy," said Kapu. "That has become my personal motto, because it captures the essence of this crew. We are focused, we are committed, but above all, we are joyful, and the joy is a sign of trust, resilience, and in my mind, friendship. So, in the spirit of sharing that joy, we wanted to bring one more crew member with us, a symbol of what holds us together." It is believed that "Joy" is the first swan to be used as a zero-g indicator. Northrop Grumman, an aerospace company that resupplies the space station for NASA, had swan dolls made in reference to its Cygnus series of cargo vehicles, but they were not used for the same purpose. Follow on Facebook and on X at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Hans India
7 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Govt targeting Dalits, Kapus: alleges ex-MP
Rajamahendravaram: Former MP GV Harsha Kumar has come down heavily on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of targeting various social groups, beginning with the Dalits and now turning his focus towards the Kapu community. Speaking at a press conference here on Tuesday, Harsha Kumar condemned the state government's decision to reopen the Ratnachal Express train burning case, which was part of the Kapu reservation agitation in Tuni. He termed the move outrageous and politically motivated. He further criticised the YSRCP government led by Jagan Mohan Reddy for cancelling 26 welfare schemes for Dalits and expressed disappointment that the current coalition government has not reinstated even one of those schemes in the past year. Harsha Kumar also accused the present government of failing to fulfil its promise of setting up a commission to investigate false cases filed against Dalits. He questioned the rationale behind the government's persistence in pursuing cases that had already been dismissed by the judiciary, particularly the Tuni train incident. Alleging a political vendetta, Harsha Kumar demanded to know why there was such a determination to revive these cases. He expressed confusion over the silence of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on the issue and questioned his stance on the cases filed against Kapus. Harsha Kumar stated that the entire Kapu community stood behind Pawan Kalyan, but criticised him for not delivering anything substantial for the community since assuming power. Harsha Kumar claimed that while real ganja smugglers are being let off the hook, common citizens and Dalits are being falsely implicated and subjected to injustice through fabricated cases. He alleged that ganja is readily available in prisons across the state. He called for an urgent investigation into the matter.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Axiom Space Ax-4 will launch with former NASA astronaut, a swan, and new SpaceX Dragon
A week away from their private mission to the International Space Station, four astronauts talked to the media from quarantine on June 3, showing off a plush toy they will be bringing with them into space. It's a swan named Joy, which has special significance to this Axiom crew, made up of astronauts from the United States, India, Poland and Hungary. "The swan is rich in cultural symbolism. (It) stands for wisdom in India, resilience in Poland, and grace in Hungry," said Mission commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. The four astronauts sat in front of the camera from quarantine in Florida to talk about their mission onboard a new SpaceX Dragon , which will launch no earlier than 8:22 a.m. June 10. The swan, Whitson said, symbolizes "grace and elegance." But it's more than just a fun companion to take in the new Dragon, it will also "signal our arrival in microgravity shortly after launch" signifying the crew has reached orbit. Organized by Axiom Space in partnership with NASA, the international crew is set to liftoff on an approximately two week mission to the space station. While the crew plans about 60 scientific experiments, the Axiom missions are also aimed at advancing the company's goals of building a space station that will attach to the ISS before its planned 2030 retirement. NASA plans to shift low Earth orbit activities to contracts with private space companies, and Axiom is one of the companies paving the way with planned Axiom Station. "For me, returning to space is always a special experience," Whitson said during the June 3 press briefing. "Every mission is different. Every crew brings something new to the table." Whitson said it was a joy to work with her fellow three crew members: Shubhanshu Shukla, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu. As for Joy, the swan may turn out to be even more than just a zero-g indicator, the crew suggested. It is noteworthy that the Axiom Mission 4 will be flying on a brand new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, and it's tradition that the first crew to fly in a spacecraft gets to name it. This Dragon was originally set to ferry NASA's Crew-10 to the ISS back in March, but technical delays forced NASA and SpaceX to fly Crew-10 on another Dragon spacecraft. "The reason we selected this one may become more obvious once you hear the name of the vehicle," Whitson said with a laugh when questioned about the swan. The exact name of the spacecraft has yet to be revealed, but it's expected to be announced soon. SpaceX currently has four other Crew Dragon spacecrafts in rotation: Freedom, Endeavour, Resilience, and Endurance. It was Hungarian crew member, Kapu, who came up with the name for the swan. "We are focused, we are committed, but above all, we are joyful," said Kapu. "And joy is a sign of trust, resilience, and in my mind, friendship." Kapu spoke of swans flying over Lake Balaton in Hungry. "Now one will soar a little bit higher," he said. With the mission now set to lift off no earlier than June 10 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A, here's a look at the multinational crew flying to the ISS. The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) will be Axiom Space's fourth astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The company's first mission, Axiom Mission 1, flew to the ISS in April of 2022. The last mission, Axiom Mission 3, flew to the ISS in January 2024. The crew of four will launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The crew consists of: Whitson, who is a former NASA astronaut and only crew member who has flown to space. Whitson also served as commander on Axiom Mission 2 in 2023. Whitson holds title of most time accumulated in space by an American. She was recently inducted to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla from India. India is currently creating its own human spaceflight program, with plans for two crewed and six uncrewed launches by 2028. Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland. He will be the first Polish astronaut to visit the ISS. Mission Specialist Kapu from Hungary. Kapu will be the second Hungarian to fly to space, and the first to visit the ISS. When is the next launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, Axiom, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral The mission marks the first government-sponsored spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary in more than 40 years. For this reason, it is stated to 'realize the return' to spaceflight for these countries. The crew will carry 60 scientific studies from 31 countries to the ISS. These Axiom astronaut missions are also working to pave the way for Axiom's planned space station. The first module is planned for attachment in 2027. The plan is for NASA to transition to the Axiom Station, and have SpaceX safely deorbit the aging ISS. The earliest parts of the ISS have been in orbit since 1998. A launch date for the first module of the Axiom Station has yet to be announced. Be sure to follow the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team for the latest on Axiom Mission 4. Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@ or on X: @brookeofstars. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Ax-4 astronauts reveal swan, tease name of new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Excited about impact of experiments part of the mission: Tibor Kapu
For months now, Tibor Kapu and India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla have trained side by side—navigating spacecraft systems, running emergency drills, enduring isolation simulations, and even learning to fly—preparing for a shared journey that will carry them far beyond Earth. When they launch aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8, Kapu will represent Hungary on its historic first spaceflight. In an exclusive interview to TOI, Kapu reflects on how his research-driven mindset shapes his approach to space missions, the Hungarian experiments he's taking to orbit, and the technologies he believes will redefine our future in space. Excerpts: What are the most exciting scientific experiments/innovations you hope to contribute to during the mission? I'm particularly excited about the diversity and potential impact of the Hungarian scientific experiments. One highlight is studying how microgravity affects the human microbiome — understanding its effect on bacterial, viral, and fungal communities in the body could be vital for long-term spaceflight and even medicine on Earth. We're also testing a medical device: a novel, nanofibrous eye insert without any active pharmaceutical ingredients. Another project spins a water sphere to mimic planetary dynamics—an engaging way to teach physics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar We'll also be testing microfluidic drug chips and a Hungarian-developed personal dosimetry device for radiation monitoring. How has your engineering & research background influenced your approach to space missions? My background has greatly helped me in preparation. Analytical skills and problem-solving techniques I've developed over the years have been valuable while training for space exploration. Engineering principles guide my understanding of spacecraft systems and mission protocols, while my research experience helps me appreciate scientific objectives and experiments. This combination allows me to contribute effectively to mission execution, ensuring we maximise scientific return while maintaining safety and efficiency. Given your tech background, what future advancements do you believe will impact space exploration? I believe the future lies in space radiation protection, advanced materials, and autonomous systems. These are key to long-duration missions. New materials will improve spacecraft durability, while autonomy will allow deeper exploration with less human input. These technologies will also benefit life on Earth—enhancing medicine and sustainability. Satellite constellations and on-orbit data processing are also exciting; we're beginning to shift high-energy activities into orbit, easing Earth's burden. What does it feel like to be part of a private mission like Ax-4? It's incredibly special, especially to represent Hungary on its first mission to the ISS. Growing up, I was fascinated by space. This mission is a dream come true—not just for me, but for many aspiring scientists back home. It's a proud moment that showcases Hungary's contribution to international collaboration and will hopefully inspire future generations. With your experience in high-stakes environments, how do you prepare for the challenges of living and working in space? We've undergone comprehensive training across physical, technical, and psychological domains. This includes learning spacecraft systems, practising emergency procedures, and maintaining fitness. Psychological readiness is equally crucial—we focus on resilience and effective communication. In Hungary, we had an intense two-year selection and training process: survival training, aerobatics, hyperbaric chamber testing, and private pilot licensing. We studied rocket theory, space engineering, and space health, and underwent isolation training. In the US, this was expanded with demanding simulations—from donning pressurised suits to emergency drills inside full-scale ISS mockups. Every phase has prepared us for the rigours of spaceflight.
