Author: News Desk

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…

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS) was a crucial step in advancing human spaceflight. Their journey aboard Boeing’s Starliner was designed to test the spacecraft’s capability in transporting astronauts to and from the ISS, an important milestone in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. By expanding the role of private companies like SpaceX and Boeing, NASA can focus on deep-space exploration, paving the way for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Scientific Research with Real-World Applications While on the ISS, Sunita and her team conducted over 150 experiments, covering topics such as microgravity’s effect…

NASA has detailed the physical struggles astronauts face when they return to Earth after a long stay in space. Officials explained that Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and their fellow Crew-9 astronauts may experience dizziness, balance issues, and cardiovascular adjustments as their bodies readapt to Earth’s gravity. Impact on the Inner Ear and Circulation Steve Stich, a NASA official, highlighted that the vestibular system, which controls balance, is affected in space due to the absence of gravity. This can make astronauts feel disoriented and unsteady when they land. Additionally, their muscles and heart have worked less in microgravity, meaning they require…

The family of Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams expressed their joy and relief as she safely returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay in space. Her sister-in-law, Falguni Pandya, described the moment as “surreal” as Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore successfully landed off the coast of Florida aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule. Plans for an India Visit Ms. Pandya confirmed that Sunita Williams plans to visit India soon, though exact dates are yet to be finalized. Williams shares a deep connection to India, particularly Gujarat, her father’s ancestral home. “She feels the love from India and Indians, and I…

After an uncertain and extended stay of nine months in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth. The duo landed safely aboard the SpaceX Dragon Crew-9 capsule at 3:40 AM IST, marking the completion of their prolonged space mission. Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, Nick, Suni, Butch, and Aleks! pic.twitter.com/M4RZ6UYsQ2— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 18, 2025 Safe Landing in the Gulf of Mexico The SpaceX Dragon Crew-9 capsule, which also carried fellow astronauts Nick Hague and Alexander Gorbunov, made a successful landing in the Gulf of Mexico near the coast of…