Putting man in space is India's next giant leap: AS Kiran Kumar
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
He was speaking during an event titled 'Igniting the future: Isro's legacy and beyond' organised by the Ramakrishna Mission Mangaluru and Samatha Mahila Balaga at the Ramakrishna Math hall on Sunday.
"Visionaries like Vikram Sarabhai and Homi J Bhabha laid the foundation for Isro. Today, Isro plays a pivotal role in India's development. While other countries have used space activities for military purposes, India initially focused on non-military objectives like finding solutions to its problems such as weather monitoring, communication, broadcasting, and navigation.
After centuries of foreign rule, providing basic necessities like shelter and housing for all citizens was a major challenge in India.
In such a context, many naturally questioned whether priority should be given to the development of space technology," he explained.
"By the time we reach 100 years of Independence, and when we aspire to reach the topmost, we also need to build capacity and capability. Putting man in space is one such capability.
Originally, the plan was, by the 75th year of Independence, we should have put humans into orbit and brought them back. However, because of Covid-19 and other reasons, it got delayed," he said.
On the Gaganyaan programme, he said probably within a year or two, we will have Indian astronauts going around the orbit. "The ambitious
— to send a human to space — is India's next giant leap. The Gaganyaan programme requires large vehicles to be human-rated.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Once we achieve this mission, we will become the fourth country in the world, beyond America, Russia, and China. It is an essential requirement because the world recognises only those who demonstrate capability," he said.
"Apart from launching its own satellites, India has successfully launched over 450 satellites from more than 34 countries. Through landmark missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya, India's capabilities have gained global recognition," he noted.
He called upon students to engage in space research and become scientists to contribute to the nation's growth. Swami Jitakamanandaji, secretary of Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru, graced the event. The programme was inaugurated by Sumana Ghate, general manager, Karnataka Bank. The session was presided over by Katyayini Bhide, president of Samatha Mahila Balaga, Mangaluru. MM Nayak, former director of Isro's INSAT programme, Vijayalakshmi Rao, honorary president of Samatha Mahila Balaga, and MLC Manjunath Bhandary were present.
'Space on Wheels' exhibition
A mobile scientific exhibition titled 'Space on Wheels', curated by UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, was also held. A specially designed exhibition bus arrived from Bengaluru. The exhibition, which presented the history, achievements, and future vision of Isro, attracted more than 1,000 students from various schools and colleges.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
16 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Tech Wrap July 3: OPPO Reno 14 series, Vivo X Fold5, Google Pixel 6a update
OPPO Reno 14 series launched. Vivo X Fold5 and X200 FE to launch on July 14. Google Pixel 6a battery overheating. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Apple's iOS 26. Honor Magic V5. Nothing Phone 3 BS Tech New Delhi OPPO has unveiled its Reno 14 series in India, which includes the Reno 14 and Reno 14 Pro models. Both phones come equipped with MediaTek Dimensity chipsets and highlight AI-centric functionalities, along with a 50MP main camera. Additionally, the Pad SE tablet has been introduced alongside the new phones, starting at Rs 13,999. Vivo has announced that it will release two new smartphones in India on July 14—the X Fold 5 and the X200 FE. These devices represent the brand's latest book-style foldable and the first 'FE' version in its X-series lineup. Both feature camera systems developed in collaboration with German optics firm Zeiss. Beginning July 8, Google will roll out an Android 16 update for all Pixel 6a users to address concerns related to battery overheating. As per an update on the Pixel support page, units affected by this issue will experience reduced battery life and slower charging speeds following the mandatory patch. Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for July 9, where the company is expected to introduce its latest foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung was the pioneer in bringing foldable smartphones to Indian consumers in 2019. Although the original device didn't carry the 'Galaxy Z' label, it set the stage for the Galaxy Z Fold series. A new privacy feature in Apple's iOS 26 beta will reportedly enable FaceTime to freeze video calls if nudity is detected. As noted by 9to5Mac, this tool is part of Apple's Communication Safety suite and is intended to help filter out inappropriate visuals during video calls. Honor has debuted the Magic V5 foldable smartphone in China, touting it as the slimmest foldable device currently available. The phone measures 8.8mm when folded and just 4.1mm when unfolded, though these dimensions apply only to the Warm White variant. Other color options, including Black, Ivory White, Dawn Gold, and Reddish Brown, measure 9mm when folded. During the launch event for Phone 3 and Headphone 1, Nothing CEO Carl Pei hinted at the arrival of Nothing OS 4.0, which is based on Android 16. He said the update is expected to roll out in autumn, likely between September and November. Vivo is preparing to bring its X200 FE to the Indian market. While the official launch date remains unconfirmed, the company has disclosed major specs, including the MediaTek D9300+ processor, camera configuration, and battery size. Already released in places like Taiwan, the device will join Vivo's X200 and X200 Pro flagships. An Ultra variant is also available but remains exclusive to China. In an unexpected move, Rockstar Games has released a new update for Red Dead Online, adding four fresh missions. This came as a surprise after the developer had previously indicated back in 2022 that major updates for the game were unlikely, as its focus shifted toward developing Grand Theft Auto 6. The announcement was made via a blog post on July 1. Apple has already rolled out a variety of new products in 2025, such as the iPhone 16e, M4 MacBook Air, revamped Mac Studio, and updated iPads. However, its roadmap for the year is still extensive, with upcoming releases including the iPhone 17 lineup, Macs and iPads powered by M5 chips, and new Apple Watches and AirPods. CERT-In has issued a critical alert for users of Bluetooth-enabled audio devices such as TWS earbuds, headphones, and speakers. The advisory warns that devices using Airoha SoCs are vulnerable to hacking. This flaw could let attackers listen to nearby conversations, control calls, view call logs and contact details, or potentially gain full access to the device. The Reno 14 Pro from OPPO impresses with a sleek build, high-resolution screen, and flexible camera setup. It particularly excels in content creation thanks to 4K video capture, telephoto zoom, and built-in editing capabilities. A spacious screen and solid battery life further add to the experience. That said, it isn't optimized for heavy gaming, and the lack of expandable storage may be a drawback for users handling large 4K files. Nonetheless, it's a great option for visual content creators who prioritize design and performance. On June 28, Bihar marked a milestone by becoming the first Indian state to implement mobile-based e-voting during local elections. This effort was powered by two separate apps—developed by the Bihar State Election Commission and Hyderabad's C-DAC—and incorporated facial recognition technology developed by Chennai-based startup FaceTagr.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
17 minutes ago
- Business Standard
PM Modi's foreign tour aims to boost cooperation in critical minerals
On Thursday in Accra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama agreed to double bilateral trade to $6 billion in the next five years. Officials said a significant share of this increase would come from India increasing its imports of Ghanaian critical minerals. India is one of the top trading partners of Ghana, the West African country known as Gold Coast until its independence in 1957, for its gold reserves and mineral wealth. Ghana has a surplus trade balance with India, primarily due to huge imports of gold by India, which accounts for over 70 per cent of total imports from Ghana. Modi and Mahama agreed on the need for diversification of the trade basket between the two countries. In Accra, Modi promised Mahama India's assistance for Ghana's agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors. 'The leaders discussed several other areas of cooperation, but I think I would like to underline here very importantly the idea of cooperation in the area of critical minerals,' Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said in Accra. Not just Ghana, a key objective of the PM's current foreign tour, his longest in a decade, is to look at increasing cooperation in the imports and processing of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, in three of the remaining four ports of call—Namibia, Argentina, and Brazil. India's search for sourcing critical minerals, led by the PM, comes in the context of China's coercive tactics, including restricting supply and price manipulation in the sector. Modi has rarely been out of the country for eight straight days. The current foreign tour is also significant as no Indian PM has visited some of these countries in several decades. Modi's visit to Ghana is the first by an Indian PM in 30 years, to Namibia the first in 27 years, and to Argentina the first in 57 years. The PM's current eight-day, five-nation tour is his longest since July 2015. He visited six countries over eight days from July 6 to 13 in 2015, including Russia for the Brics Summit, and the five Central Asian countries. In Accra on Wednesday, Ravi said the Ghanaian President had offered India the opportunity to collaborate in harnessing critical minerals with India's investments and processing capacities. According to Indian officials, in his discussions with Modi, President Mahama mentioned that Ghana has several critical minerals still to be explored and exploited, and welcomed Indian expertise and entrepreneurship in the sector. 'We know there are many possibilities here. It requires study. It requires exploration, and then exploitation follows from there,' Ravi said. At the joint press briefing by the two leaders, Modi said Indian companies will cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals. In Namibia, India's investments are about $800 million, mostly in mineral resources like zinc and diamond processing. 'Namibia is a very resource-rich country. It has natural resources of uranium, copper, cobalt, rare earths in large numbers, lithium, graphite, tantalum, and all of these are of interest to us,' Ravi said on Monday. India's public sector Khanij Bidesh Limited (KABIL) and National Mineral Development Corporation are actively looking at opportunities in Africa. 'In this context, the PM's visit to both Ghana and Namibia becomes very important,' Ravi had said. P Kumaran, Secretary (East), said the PM's bilateral visit to Brazil on July 8 will also have mining and critical minerals on the agenda. Modi will visit Argentina on July 4 and 5. On Wednesday, when he left New Delhi, Modi said his discussions with Argentinian President Javier Milei would focus on advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in energy and critical minerals, among other sectors. Argentina holds the world's second-largest shale gas reserves and the fourth-largest shale oil reserves, along with substantial conventional oil and gas deposits. It has rich reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, copper, and other rare earth elements. India's public sector, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), has won a few concessions in Argentina since 2024. Kumaran said Argentina is part of the Lithium Triangle, which comprises Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, and India is talking to all three of them and also with Peru to try and acquire mining concessions that hold lithium, molybdenum, and other critical minerals. He said that between KABIL and Coal India Limited, the PSUs have picked up four concessions in Argentina in Catamarca province. Indian companies are working with an Argentinian provincial PSU called CAMYEN, partnering to develop these sites and to extract lithium from there, refine it, and then bring it into India for our purposes, he said. In addition, there is also private-sector interest in rare earth minerals in Argentina. On Thursday evening, the PM left Accra for Trinidad and Tobago, the second leg of his five-nation tour.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Craft meets diplomacy: PM Modi's farewell gesture in Ghana; miniature elephant, silver filigree and more gifts to dignitaries
NEW DELHI: Before departing Ghana on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a series of exquisite Indian handicrafts to top dignitaries in Accra, underlining cultural diplomacy and showcasing India's artistic heritage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now During his official visit, PM Modi addressed Ghana's Parliament and paid tribute to the country's founding leader Dr Kwame Nkrumah at the Nkrumah Memorial Park, accompanied by Ghana's Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. 'The histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule, but our spirits have always remained free and fearless,' Modi told the Ghanaian Parliament earlier in the day. He also met with Indian diaspora representatives and wrote on X: 'It was wonderful to interact with Ghana's Members of Parliament after my address earlier today. It was gladdening to hear their kind words about India.' Following his engagements, PM Modi departed for Trinidad and Tobago, the second leg of his five-nation tour, stating on X: 'Leaving for Trinidad & Tobago… Looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages.' As he concluded his visit to Ghana, the Prime Minister presented four distinctive gifts, each representing the rich traditions of Indian craftsmanship. Gift to President of Ghana: Bidriware Vase PM Modi presented President John Mahama with a pair of Bidriware vases crafted in Bidar, Karnataka. These vases are celebrated for their black finish and fine silver inlay, a hallmark of the centuries-old metal craft. Made using a zinc-copper alloy, the vases are engraved with floral motifs and undergo a unique oxidation process to achieve their iconic appearance. They symbolise harmony and togetherness and reflect Karnataka's deep artisanal heritage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Gift to First Lady Lordina Mahama: Silver Filigree Purse To Lordina Mahama, PM Modi gifted a Silver Filigree Work Purse from Cuttack, Odisha. This intricate Tarakasi craft, refined over five centuries, features delicate floral and vine patterns created with fine silver wires. Originally used in jewellery, the craft now extends to accessories. The purse blends tradition with elegance and stands as a graceful emblem of Odisha's artisanal pride. Gift to Vice President of Ghana: Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl Ghana's Vice President received a Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl, made from the soft undercoat of the Changthangi goat. Known for its warmth and softness, the shawl features hand-embroidered floral and paisley motifs. Each piece involves labour-intensive hand-spinning and weaving, making it both a luxurious garment and a tribute to India's famed textile legacy. Gift to Speaker of Ghana's Parliament: Miniature Elephant Ambawari The Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, was presented with a Miniature Elephant Ambawari from West Bengal. Crafted from polished synthetic ivory, this decorative piece reflects India's royal heritage. Inspired by ceremonial elephant processions, it features a howdah, detailed carvings, and floral designs, honouring both India's regal traditions and ethical artisanry.
