Author: News Desk
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Wednesday that the government will soon introduce a revised toll policy for national highways, aiming to provide reasonable concessions to commuters. Need for Toll Charges Responding to queries in the Rajya Sabha, Gadkari emphasized that the government is making significant investments in road infrastructure, necessitating toll collection. “It is the policy of the department that if you want good roads, you have to pay for them,” he stated. The minister highlighted that the government is actively developing major highways, including four-lane and six-lane roads, along with multiple bridges over the Brahmaputra River in Assam. He noted that an estimated…
Space travel may soon be within reach not just for astronauts but for ordinary people as well. In a recent interview with Fox News, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared his ambitious vision of sending humans to Mars. He stated that the company is working toward a future where not just trained astronauts but anyone willing to travel could embark on this historic journey within the next 20 to 30 years. “We will be able to take astronauts to Mars. In fact, we want anyone who wishes to go,” Musk said, underlining SpaceX’s long-term goal of making interplanetary travel a reality.…
After Sunita Williams’ return from space, India is set to witness another historic moment with Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot, preparing for his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Scheduled for spring 2025, this mission will make Shukla the first Indian astronaut to fly on a private space mission. He will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shukla, who is also part of India’s Gaganyaan program, will spend around 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting scientific research and outreach activities alongside an international…
Michael J. Williams is the husband of renowned NASA astronaut Sunita Williams. Despite his wife’s global recognition, Michael has chosen to maintain a low public profile. The couple has been married for over two decades, sharing a deep bond built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a passion for service. A Career in Law Enforcement and Aviation Michael serves as a U.S. Marshal, a prestigious role responsible for law enforcement and the protection of the judiciary. His background as a helicopter pilot has given him valuable expertise in risk assessment, discipline, and high-pressure decision-making, qualities that resonate with Sunita’s adventurous…
India has achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful launch of ‘Nila’, the country’s first private payload hosting satellite. Developed by Hex20, a Technopark-based satellite manufacturing company in Kerala, ‘Nila’ represents a major step forward in India’s growing private space sector. Seamless Launch and Deployment After four months of development, ‘Nila’ was launched on March 15 at 12:13 PM IST aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission. The satellite, deployed by Berlin-based company Exolaunch, successfully separated from the launch vehicle at 1:07 PM IST. By March 16, Hex20’s satellite control center confirmed the reception of its first beacon signal, marking…
The Indian Army has signed a ₹197.35 crore contract with Ashok Leyland Defence Systems Ltd for 500 pre-fabricated short chassis buses. Designed for rugged mountainous terrains, these buses will improve the Army’s mobility and operational reach. Advanced Features for Tough Terrains Built with reinforced structures and modern safety features, these 4×2 configuration buses are powered by a 105 kW engine, capable of reaching speeds of 80 km/h. With a gross vehicle weight of 9,440 kg, they offer reliable performance in challenging environments while meeting the Army’s logistical needs. Boosting Indigenous Defense Manufacturing This procurement falls under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category,…
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is in discussions with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding the introduction of long-term bonds with durations of 50 and 100 years. This move is part of the insurer’s strategy to ensure it can honor its long-term contractual obligations, as explained by LIC’s CEO and Managing Director, Siddhartha Mohanty. Speaking at the 25th Global Conference of Actuaries in Mumbai, Mohanty shared that while RBI has typically issued bonds with durations of 20 to 30 years, there have been instances of 40-year bonds being offered. He expressed optimism that the RBI may soon introduce…
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has once again proven his dominance, not just in cinema but also in financial contributions. The 82-year-old superstar earned an impressive ₹350 crore during the 2024-25 financial year, making him the highest tax-paying celebrity in India. Reports reveal that he paid ₹120 crore in income tax, a substantial 69% increase from the previous year’s ₹71 crore. Multiple Income Streams Bachchan’s earnings stem from a variety of sources, including his long-standing hosting role on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 16, brand endorsements, and major Bollywood projects. His immense popularity ensures that he remains a top choice for film…
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth after an unexpectedly long nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned as a short one-week mission, their return was repeatedly delayed due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Instead, they finally splashed down in the ocean aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, marking the end of their prolonged journey. Extended Stay and NASA’s Compensation Policy Despite spending 287 days in space, Williams and Wilmore will not receive traditional overtime pay for their extended mission. NASA follows a structured salary system, and astronauts do not…
NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov were among the crew members who successfully returned to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, alongside Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Their mission played a crucial role in the much-anticipated return of the astronauts who had been stranded in space for nine months. Nick Hague: Experienced NASA Astronaut and Mission Commander Nick Hague, a U.S. Space Force Colonel, was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering…