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The Print
a day ago
- Business
- The Print
Sriharikota, start-ups to space cities: Naidu govt aims for the cosmos with ambitious space policy
The policy, which leverages Sriharikota's strategic location on Andhra Pradesh's southern coast, aims to attract investments worth Rs 25,000 crore in the sector over the next 10 years, and create 5,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs in high-technology, space-linked sectors. The Chandrababu Naidu government's Andhra Pradesh Space Policy (4.0), unveiled Sunday, seeks to build on the country's progress and plans in satellite constellation, next-generation technology missions, planetary and interplanetary exploration, and human spaceflight and space station development. Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh, home to India's only operational spaceport at Sriharikota, has unveiled an ambitious space policy aimed at attracting massive investment and creating thousands of jobs in the state. The five-year policy's strategic goals include the establishment of an enabling eco-system by developing indigenous research and testing infrastructure to reduce dependency on external agencies, and fostering international collaborations and partnerships in critical space technologies, satellite applications and launch logistics. The policy outlines plans to build an enabling ecosystem by developing indigenous research and testing infrastructure to reduce reliance on external agencies, while promoting international collaboration in critical areas, such as space technology, satellite applications, and launch logistics. For the purpose, the government is planning two dedicated Space Cities at Lepakshi (close to Bengaluru), and Tirupati (close to Sriharikota), to make them hubs for space tech, R&D and manufacturing. To implement the policy, the state government will establish a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle called Andhra Pradesh Space City Corporation, according to government orders issued Sunday. 'The corporation serves as the central agency to coordinate infrastructure development, raise startup funds, attract investments, facilitate industry partnerships, build partnerships to attract global demand and liaise with all Government of India entities for domestic demand. It will also facilitate investors to ensure streamlined execution of space-related projects,' N. Yuvaraj, the industries and commerce department secretary, said while issuing the policy. Operating under the Department of Space, the three key organisations responsible for research, regulatory functions and commercial operations in the space sector are the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Also Read: What's next as ISRO pulls off short-duration 'hot tests' for Gaganyaan module propulsion system Financial incentives The policy offers several incentives to encourage start-ups and attract investors in the fast-expanding sector. Start-ups could get a grant of up to Rs 15 lakh in a phased manner, an interest subsidy and seed funding with equity of up to Rs 50 lakh, based on an equity sharing model. Large enterprises are eligible for 15 percent of the eligible fixed capital investment with a maximum cap of Rs 75 crore, disbursed over three years. Enterprises successfully entering technology transfer agreements with national or international organisations are eligible for a technology transfer subsidy and can receive 50 percent of the technology acquisition cost, up to a maximum of Rs 1 crore. The state is offering other incentives, such as rebate on land cost, net SGST reimbursement payable on the sale of final products for five years, a de-carbonisation subsidy and stamp duty reimbursement. However, the overall incentive claim should not exceed 100 percent of the fixed capital investment in the state. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can also claim these benefits, along with power subsidies, skill development assistance, branding and marketing support, although the the overall incentive claim cannot exceed 75 percent of the fixed capital investment. Geographical advantage Officials say Andhra Pradesh has a geographical advantage in the national space ecosystem, being home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota—India's only operational launch site. With over 90 successful launches to date, the facility anchors the state's strategic relevance in the country's space programme. 'The development of a third launch pad at Sriharikota further reinforces Andhra Pradesh's role in supporting future strategic, commercial, and crewed space missions. Additionally, the State's proximity to key aerospace hubs such as Bengaluru and Chennai offers significant logistical and technical advantages for component sourcing, talent access, and cross-sector collaboration,' the policy says. The Lepakshi Space City in Sri Satya Sai District (along the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor) would be situated close to Bengaluru, home to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) R&D hub and prominent aerospace clusters. The Tirupati Space City could boast of direct road access to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) launch pad, facilitating efficient launch operations. 'Both locations have vast land banks available, providing ample scope for development and growth,' the policy says. Recognising the need to target distinct sub-sectors within the space industry, the policy is categorised into two broad areas. The first focuses on design and development, including spacecraft and payload design, avionics and embedded systems, space applications and downstream services. The second covers manufacturing and launch logistics, such as the production and assembly of launch vehicles, propulsion systems, satellites, mechanical and precision components and support infrastructure. India's space sector accounts for about two percent ($8-$10 billion) of the global space economy valued at over $500 billion. The policy notes that the Centre has set an ambitious target to raise this share to $44 billion by 2030. The domestic space ecosystem comprises more than 700 firms supporting ISRO missions, in addition to over 200-250 space-focused startups that contribute to a vibrant and rapidly evolving innovation landscape. The Indian Space Policy 2023 marks a pivotal shift by liberalising access to space technologies and infrastructure, while permitting 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route for satellite component manufacturing and related services. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: Elon's Starlink gets nod from India's space regulator but data privacy, space debris concerns abound
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
TNPL 2025: A Essakimuthu, iDreamer and cricketer
CHENNAI: iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans pacer A Esakkimuthu remembers the first time he held a cricket ball in his hand. It was the U16 selection trials in Tirunelveli and Esakkimuthu, a class tenth student from Kalakudi, a small village tucked away from the hassles of Tirunelveli city, who had watched T Natarajan get picked in the IPL auction the year before, wondering if he could dream of something similar. 'Will it happen to me one day?' he dreamt. He had asked his father, who runs a school van service from the neighbourhood villages to Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai, for a white t-shirt and pants. He borrowed 'bata shoes' from a school-going kid in Kalakudi before going to the trials. He had only played with a 'stumper' ball and had never touched a cricket ball before. In the trials, he somehow hit a few big shots before beating the bat with his pace and got selected. However, considering the financial situation at home and the fact that Esakki was studying well, he could not continue. 'My dad had met with an accident. The situation was not good. Dad and two brothers were all working. In all this, I could not even think of cricket. You need money to play and train. So I understood the situation and didn't go,' he recalls. It lit up a fury of fire within. 'Veri (fire of passion)' is the word he keeps repeating. So much so that when he got a chance to play for Urumu Dhanalakshmi Arts College, Tiruchy, the Bachelor of Social Work student gave his everything. Esakkimuthu impressed an opposition batter, Yuvaraj from Bishop Heber College, who would take him under his wings. Esakkimuthu shifted colleges for his PG (Library Science) and continued to train with Yuvaraj. He was introduced to a senior pacer Senthil Nathan, Veeraraghavan Ramachandran of Alchemy Academy and trainer Michael Anton.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Seven Thirukazhukundram ponds to get new life
Chennai Seven neglected ponds at Thirukazhukundram are being revived under a 5.62 crore govt initiative. The Thirukazhukundram Special Grade Municipality launched a project last year to restore 16 ponds. "Of these 16, work on Sunambu Kulam, Vannam Kulam, Seran Kulam, and Navalur Kulam was completed. Pathways are currently being laid for Vazhai Kulam and Thondanar Theertham," said G D Yuvaraj, chairman of the town panchayat. Under the 2024-25 Kalaignar Nagarpura Mempattu Thittam (KNMT), officials are restoring Andavarasan Kulam in ward 4 at an estimated cost of 57 lakh, Vella Kulam in ward 2 at 70 lakh, and Nalvar Koil Kulam in ward 6 at 93 lakh. The work involves de-silting, deepening, bund strengthening, constructing access pathways, and planting saplings around ponds. As part of KNMT 2025–26, the panchayat has proposed restoring Gangai Amman Koil Kulam in ward 8 (survey no. 21) at 54 lakh. "In addition to KNMT, the panchayat is also executing restoration projects under the Infrastructure and Amenities 2025–26 scheme," Yuvaraj added. "These include rejuvenation of Lakshmi Teertha Kulam in ward 5 with 135 lakh, Nattuvannar Kulam in ward 13 with 83 lakh, and Thandiri Kulam in ward 18 at 70 lakh. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar " Officials say the initiative is part of an effort to improve water retention, reduce dependence on external sources, and increase green cover. "It's important to strengthen bunds and manage inlet and outlet flows. Community involvement is essential, many ponds died out due to lack of public participation," said R Sreenivasan, a resident. Located in Chengalpet district, the Thirukazhukundram Special Grade Municipality spans 11.20sqkm and includes 18 wards, covering areas such as Mangalam, Rudrankoil, M N Kuppam, and Thirukazhukundram. With more than 8,300 households, the municipality consumes 24 lakh litres of water daily, primarily sourced from the Palar River and Keerapakkam Lake. The 16 ponds were once vital to groundwater sustainability, but years of neglect saw water levels plummet by 2015. The situation worsened when Palar, which once supplied nearly 50% of the municipality's drinking water, dried up due to poor rainfall.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Two get 20 years RI for sexually harassing schoolgirl
Karur : Two individuals convicted under the Pocso Act were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment by a Karur additional sessions mahila court on Thursday. The court awarded 20 years each of rigorous imprisonment to Nilavoli, 42, a Tamil teacher from Trichy district, and Yuvaraj, 41, principal of the same school, hailing from Dindigul district. Both convicts were fined and a compensation of Rs7 lakh was ordered to be paid to the survivor by the court. The survivor was a Class 10 student at a school in Karur district when she was sexually harassed by the two accused in 2022. The incident was initially registered at the Lalapettai police station and subsequently transferred to the Kulithalai all-woman police station for further investigation under the Pocso Act. Following the arrest of Nilavoli and Yuvaraj, a thorough investigation was carried out, and a chargesheet was filed. The case proceeded to trial at the Karur court, culminating in the sentencing on Thursday. Soon after the sentencing, the convicts were escorted under police protection to Trichy Central Prison to serve their sentences.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
Two die in separate accidents on Bengaluru outskirts
Bengaluru: A 22-year-old unemployed graduate and a pedestrian died in separate road accidents on the outskirts of Bengaluru first incident occurred near Mylapura Gate on Hoskote Road, where Yuvaraj, a resident of Makanahally in Hoskote taluk, died after losing control of his to police, Yuvaraj was travelling at high speed towards Narasapura when he lost balance and struck a road divider around 4.30pm. He was not wearing a being rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival. His father, a businessman, has filed a complaint with Hoskote traffic police. The body was released to the family, following a gets hit by van while crossing roadIn the other case, a man, about 40 years old, was fatally struck by a speeding minivan near Anchepalya skywalk on Tumakuru Road around 9pm. The victim, who is yet to be identified, was attempting to cross the road when he was hit by a Maruti Suzuki Omni van. He suffered severe injuries and died on the traffic police reported that the deceased carried no identification documents or mobile phone, and efforts to establish his identity are on. The van driver remained at the scene and has been charged in connection with the incident. Police confirmed the driver was not under the influence of alcohol. According to the driver's statement, the pedestrian attempted to cross the road suddenly, despite a skywalk being located nearby. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
