Karnataka's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Madhu Bangarappa, outlined his vision of setting up a Government-run Karnataka Public School in every gram Panchayat across the state, amounting to a total of nearly 6,000 such schools. Speaking at the 'WION AI Edu Summit 2026' in the state capital Bengaluru, Minister Bangarappa elaborated that there were 309 Karnataka Public Schools when he took over the portfolio, and that another 1,000 schools would be added in the coming years, with the eventual goal being a Karnataka Government-run public school in every Gram Panchayat.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Karnataka Government began the Public School project from the year 2018-19, with a vision of providing quality education from pre-primary to class 12 with the administrative, academic and functional integration of existing schools. This is in line with the Government policy of “Every child should be in school and learn well”. Kannada and English medium of instruction have been adopted in these schools, where quality Education for children would be provied from LKG to PUC.&nbsp;"At these Government-run Public schools, students can study from LKG to 12th&nbsp;grade(for 14 years) in one premises and even go back home to their parents, as opposed to staying in Government hostels and being away from their families," Bangarappa said. He added that such Public schools made access to education easier for students in rural regions, where primary and secondary schools would be several kilometers apart, which makes it logistically challenging and time-consuming for the parents and students.&nbsp;On the Congress Government's vision for adapting to AI, Bangarappa stated that Congress MP and India's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had written to then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about introducing AI in all schools. He outlined that the goal is to make AI available for the last child in a Government school. As part of this, he said that Karnataka had made computer education compulsory from Grade 1 and that this would students gear up for AI. Further, he also spoke about the efforts to install Smart Boards and Smart TVs in all schools, how 50pc of the schools in the state have moved to to Bi-lingual medium of instruction: Kannada and English. He also said that free tectbooks were being provided in both languages.&nbsp;"The SSLC pass percentage in Karnataka was about 80% when I took over, back then webcasting of exams was not there... The sanctity of exams were compromised. To completely eradicate copying and malpractices, we were the first to introduce webcasting of exams and now the pass percentage has risen to 98% in the latest academic year," Bangarappa said.&nbsp;However, he also acknowledged that his Ministry does face challenges ranging from lack of adequate teachers, lack of computers and other issues. To tackle this, he said that his Ministry is working on recruiting over 70,000 teaching faculty, while also taking efforts to provide access to computers for all Karantaka Public Schools. He also said that AI would be made accessible to all students across the Government-run schools and that these efforts would take time and adequate funding.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Karnataka Government began the Public School project from the year 2018-19, with a vision of providing quality education from pre-primary to class 12 with the administrative, academic and functional integration of existing schools.

Karnataka's Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Madhu Bangarappa, outlined his vision of setting up a Government-run Karnataka Public School in every gram Panchayat across the state, amounting to a total of nearly 6,000 such schools. Speaking at the 'WION AI Edu Summit 2026' in the state capital Bengaluru, Minister Bangarappa elaborated that there were 309 Karnataka Public Schools when he took over the portfolio, and that another 1,000 schools would be added in the coming years, with the eventual goal being a Karnataka Government-run public school in every Gram Panchayat. The Karnataka Government began the Public School project from the year 2018-19, with a vision of providing quality education from pre-primary to class 12 with the administrative, academic and functional integration of existing schools. This is in line with the Government policy of “Every child should be in school and learn well”. Kannada and English medium of instruction have been adopted in these schools, where quality Education for children would be provied from LKG to PUC. "At these Government-run Public schools, students can study from LKG to 12th grade(for 14 years) in one premises and even go back home to their parents, as opposed to staying in Government hostels and being away from their families," Bangarappa said. He added that such Public schools made access to education easier for students in rural regions, where primary and secondary schools would be several kilometers apart, which makes it logistically challenging and time-consuming for the parents and students. On the Congress Government's vision for adapting to AI, Bangarappa stated that Congress MP and India's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had written to then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about introducing AI in all schools. He outlined that the goal is to make AI available for the last child in a Government school. As part of this, he said that Karnataka had made computer education compulsory from Grade 1 and that this would students gear up for AI. Further, he also spoke about the efforts to install Smart Boards and Smart TVs in all schools, how 50pc of the schools in the state have moved to to Bi-lingual medium of instruction: Kannada and English. He also said that free tectbooks were being provided in both languages. "The SSLC pass percentage in Karnataka was about 80% when I took over, back then webcasting of exams was not there... The sanctity of exams were compromised. To completely eradicate copying and malpractices, we were the first to introduce webcasting of exams and now the pass percentage has risen to 98% in the latest academic year," Bangarappa said. However, he also acknowledged that his Ministry does face challenges ranging from lack of adequate teachers, lack of computers and other issues. To tackle this, he said that his Ministry is working on recruiting over 70,000 teaching faculty, while also taking efforts to provide access to computers for all Karantaka Public Schools. He also said that AI would be made accessible to all students across the Government-run schools and that these efforts would take time and adequate funding.

The Karnataka Government began the Public School project from the year 2018-19, with a vision of providing quality education from pre-primary to class 12 with the administrative, academic and functional integration of existing schools.&nbsp;

Will setup a Karnataka Public School in every Gram Panchayat: Edu Minister Madhu Bangarappa

Reaffirming Europe's and India's commitment to expanding cooperation in space, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an exchange of letters extending their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for five more years, until January 2032. The exchange between ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher took place in Paris on the margins of the International Space Summit earlier this month.&nbsp;The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities. Last year, the two sides also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation through a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration. This comes as India is working on sending its astronauts to space and returning them safely on homegrown rocket and spacecraft technology as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-has-lost-control-of-its-diesel-industry-calls-for-end-to-ridiculous-never-ending-war-1789999050401">Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war</a>&nbsp;"The partnership between ISRO and ESA has delivered tangible benefits for India and Europe and has demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities. The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of ISRO and ESA to pursue innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Cooperative Agreement, which entered into force in January 2002, provides the framework for cooperation between ESA and ISRO across a broad range of space activities. Over the years, ESA and ISRO have worked together on a range of programmes and initiatives spanning Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international cooperation remains essential. ESA and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades, and this renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions together while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead,” stated ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.&nbsp;This extension of collaborative efforts reaffirms the commitment of both agencies to continue building on their established partnership and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in support of scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of space.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;When Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla trained at ESA facilities&nbsp;&nbsp;In late-2024, Indian astronaut candidate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 mission crewmates had trained at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for their 2025 spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. EAC is the main training hub for all European-built Space Station hardware and serves as a centre of excellence for astronaut selection, training, medical support, and surveillance, while also providing essential preparation for astronauts and their families throughout their missions.&nbsp;&nbsp;At EAC, the crew had familiarised themselves with ESA systems, including the Columbus module, Europe’s science laboratory on the Space Station. The Columbus laboratory is ESA’s largest contribution to the International Space Station and the first permanent European research facility in space. This lab, spanning 75 cubic metre, is fully equipped with research tools and autonomous facilities that support diverse scientific experiments in biology, physiology, fluid science, and more.&nbsp;Group Captain Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates undertook a commercial space mission from American soil, lasting nearly three weeks across June-July 2025. Shukla was the second Indian to travel to space, and his mission on the American Axiom-4 flight was meant to serve as a precursor and a hands-on spaceflight training ahead of India's own Gaganyaan crewed missions and related in-space experiments.

The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities.

Reaffirming Europe's and India's commitment to expanding cooperation in space, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an exchange of letters extending their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for five more years, until January 2032. The exchange between ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher took place in Paris on the margins of the International Space Summit earlier this month. The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities. Last year, the two sides also expressed their intention to deepen cooperation through a Joint Statement of Intent on human exploration. This comes as India is working on sending its astronauts to space and returning them safely on homegrown rocket and spacecraft technology as part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Also Read: Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war "The partnership between ISRO and ESA has delivered tangible benefits for India and Europe and has demonstrated the value of international cooperation in advancing space activities. The renewal of this agreement reflects the shared ambition of ISRO and ESA to pursue innovation and scientific progress for the benefit of our societies," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India. The Cooperative Agreement, which entered into force in January 2002, provides the framework for cooperation between ESA and ISRO across a broad range of space activities. Over the years, ESA and ISRO have worked together on a range of programmes and initiatives spanning Earth observation, satellite navigation, space science and mission operations support. "As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international cooperation remains essential. ESA and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades, and this renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions together while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead,” stated ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher. This extension of collaborative efforts reaffirms the commitment of both agencies to continue building on their established partnership and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in support of scientific discovery, technological innovation and the sustainable use of space. Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report When Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla trained at ESA facilities In late-2024, Indian astronaut candidate Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow Axiom-4 mission crewmates had trained at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for their 2025 spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. EAC is the main training hub for all European-built Space Station hardware and serves as a centre of excellence for astronaut selection, training, medical support, and surveillance, while also providing essential preparation for astronauts and their families throughout their missions. At EAC, the crew had familiarised themselves with ESA systems, including the Columbus module, Europe’s science laboratory on the Space Station. The Columbus laboratory is ESA’s largest contribution to the International Space Station and the first permanent European research facility in space. This lab, spanning 75 cubic metre, is fully equipped with research tools and autonomous facilities that support diverse scientific experiments in biology, physiology, fluid science, and more. Group Captain Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates undertook a commercial space mission from American soil, lasting nearly three weeks across June-July 2025. Shukla was the second Indian to travel to space, and his mission on the American Axiom-4 flight was meant to serve as a precursor and a hands-on spaceflight training ahead of India's own Gaganyaan crewed missions and related in-space experiments.

The renewed agreement reflects the evolving priorities of both sides in the space sector: space weather, human and robotic exploration of space, while also recognising the growing importance of sustainable outer space activities.

ISRO, European Space Agency to focus on space weather, human & robotic exploration

The government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka has approved its Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026–2031, a five-year policy framework designed to establish the state as a globally competitive, sustainable and well-connected destination for Data Centre investments. According to the Government, the policy seeks to strengthen Karnataka’s digital infrastructure backbone at a time when the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, IoT, 5G, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), FinTech and other emerging technologies is driving unprecedented demand for computing capacity.&nbsp;&nbsp;This Sustainable Data Centre policy is being unveiled at a time when there are growing debates over the water and power consumption, heat-generation, noise-generation pertaining to data centers and their larger environmental impact. Commenting on the need for a Sustainable Data Centre policy, Karnataka's IT and E-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that Karnataka was among the early states to recognise the importance of data centres and create a policy framework to support their growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;"But the technology landscape has changed significantly, particularly with the rapid growth of AI, and we have also become more conscious of the environmental footprint of this infrastructure. The Sustainable Data Centre Policy is therefore an important course correction, one that allows us to continue attracting the data infrastructure that the digital economy needs, while making sustainability, energy efficiency and responsible use of water central to how we plan and develop this sector.”<h2>'Creating opportunities beyond Bengaluru'</h2>The state Government's policy brings together investment facilitation, digital infrastructure, sustainability and ecosystem development, with a focus on attracting domestic and international investments across the data centre value chain. Further, it seeks to expand data centre infrastructure beyond&nbsp; Bengaluru, strengthening emerging regional digital corridors and supporting Karnataka’s broader beyond Bengaluru vision.&nbsp;“Our objective is not simply to add more capacity, but to build the right capacity, in the right locations and with the right infrastructure. This means greater use of renewable energy, newer cooling technologies, better water management and stronger connectivity, while also creating opportunities beyond Bengaluru. Karnataka has the technology ecosystem and talent to lead India’s next phase of digital infrastructure, and this policy is designed to ensure that this growth is both globally competitive and sustainable,” minister Priyank Kharge added.&nbsp;<h2>Key features and policy implementation roadmap</h2>The Karnataka government has envisaged a ₹1,300.45 crore revised budget framework for implementation of the five-year policy and plans to have 1 GW cumulative Data Centre IT load by 2031, with an ambition to account for 10–12% of India’s AI-ready Data Centre capacity.&nbsp;While the state would take efforts to attract investment across the Data Centre ecosystem, including Data Centre Units, Data Centre Parks, Data Centre Operators, Edge Data Centres, cable landing stations and allied infrastructure, there would be an emphasis on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, advanced cooling, water management, carbon emission mitigation, and monitoring of Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE).&nbsp;The government would undertake Data Centre Resource Heat Mapping to enable evidence-based planning around water and energy availability and support sustainable site selection. Further, it would offer support for Data Centre development beyond Bengaluru, including emerging regional corridors, helping create a more distributed digital infrastructure ecosystem across the State. Performance-linked sustainability incentives would be provided to encourage efficient power and water usage and the adoption of sustainable operating practices.&nbsp;

This Sustainable Data Centre policy is being unveiled at a time when there are growing debates over the water and power consumption, heat-generation, noise-generation pertaining to data centers and their larger environmental impact

The government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka has approved its Sustainable Data Centre Policy 2026–2031, a five-year policy framework designed to establish the state as a globally competitive, sustainable and well-connected destination for Data Centre investments. According to the Government, the policy seeks to strengthen Karnataka’s digital infrastructure backbone at a time when the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, IoT, 5G, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), FinTech and other emerging technologies is driving unprecedented demand for computing capacity. This Sustainable Data Centre policy is being unveiled at a time when there are growing debates over the water and power consumption, heat-generation, noise-generation pertaining to data centers and their larger environmental impact. Commenting on the need for a Sustainable Data Centre policy, Karnataka's IT and E-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that Karnataka was among the early states to recognise the importance of data centres and create a policy framework to support their growth. "But the technology landscape has changed significantly, particularly with the rapid growth of AI, and we have also become more conscious of the environmental footprint of this infrastructure. The Sustainable Data Centre Policy is therefore an important course correction, one that allows us to continue attracting the data infrastructure that the digital economy needs, while making sustainability, energy efficiency and responsible use of water central to how we plan and develop this sector.” 'Creating opportunities beyond Bengaluru' The state Government's policy brings together investment facilitation, digital infrastructure, sustainability and ecosystem development, with a focus on attracting domestic and international investments across the data centre value chain. Further, it seeks to expand data centre infrastructure beyond Bengaluru, strengthening emerging regional digital corridors and supporting Karnataka’s broader beyond Bengaluru vision. “Our objective is not simply to add more capacity, but to build the right capacity, in the right locations and with the right infrastructure. This means greater use of renewable energy, newer cooling technologies, better water management and stronger connectivity, while also creating opportunities beyond Bengaluru. Karnataka has the technology ecosystem and talent to lead India’s next phase of digital infrastructure, and this policy is designed to ensure that this growth is both globally competitive and sustainable,” minister Priyank Kharge added. Key features and policy implementation roadmap The Karnataka government has envisaged a ₹1,300.45 crore revised budget framework for implementation of the five-year policy and plans to have 1 GW cumulative Data Centre IT load by 2031, with an ambition to account for 10–12% of India’s AI-ready Data Centre capacity. While the state would take efforts to attract investment across the Data Centre ecosystem, including Data Centre Units, Data Centre Parks, Data Centre Operators, Edge Data Centres, cable landing stations and allied infrastructure, there would be an emphasis on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, advanced cooling, water management, carbon emission mitigation, and monitoring of Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE). The government would undertake Data Centre Resource Heat Mapping to enable evidence-based planning around water and energy availability and support sustainable site selection. Further, it would offer support for Data Centre development beyond Bengaluru, including emerging regional corridors, helping create a more distributed digital infrastructure ecosystem across the State. Performance-linked sustainability incentives would be provided to encourage efficient power and water usage and the adoption of sustainable operating practices.

This Sustainable Data Centre policy is being unveiled at a time when there are growing debates over the water and power consumption, heat-generation, noise-generation pertaining to data centers and their larger environmental impact

Karnataka unveils Sustainable Data Centre Policy for efficient water, power use

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the Indian government-owned shipbuilder, which built and delivered the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier, has commenced construction of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) for the Navy. The primary role of the NGMV is to provide offensive capability against enemy warships and land targets. These ships will be capable of conducting Maritime Strike Operations and Anti-Surface Warfare Operations and would be a potent instrument of sea denial at choke points. In their defensive role, NGMVs would be employed for local naval defence operations and seaward defence of offshore development areas.&nbsp;The keel laying ceremony for the first NGMV (temporarily designated as BY 531) was conducted in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition from Integrated Headquarters (Indian Navy); Jose V J, Chairman &amp; MD, CSL, Rear Admiral Kapil Mehta, ACWP &amp; A; senior officers from the Indian Navy, government officials, among others. The keel is the bottom-most structural backbone of a vessel that runs from its front to the back. The keel forms the base upon which the rest of the ship's frame and hull are built.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-successfully-launches-earth-observation-satellite-eos-05-from-sriharikota-1788485713930">ISRO stages comeback with GSLV-F17/EOS-05 success; targets six more launches</a>&nbsp;As per its 2023 contract with the Indian Navy, CSL has received orders for building and delivering six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV). According to the shipbuilder, this marks their foray into the construction of advanced weapon-intensive platforms for the Indian Navy in line with the Government’s initiative of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’(self-reliant India).&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skyroot-plans-2nd-launch-by-2026-end-future-launches-from-ap-tn-1789149916558">Skyroot plans 2nd launch by 2026-end; future launches from AP &amp; TN</a><h2>Capabilities of Indian Navy's NGMVs</h2>&nbsp;NGMV-class ships are envisaged as high-speed vessels (with a maximum speed of 33knots or 61kmph), carrying a formidable array of weapon and sensors, including Surface to Surface Missile system, Anti-Missile Defence System, Air Surveillance and Fire Control Radars.&nbsp;The vessels will also be equipped with advanced integrated platform management systems, propulsion machinery, auxiliary machinery, power generation and distribution machinery and damage control machinery, etc. The ship is meant to accommodate a complement of 80 personnel. &nbsp;

Cochin shipyard has laid the keel for the Indian Navy's first next generation missile vessel (NGMV) under a ₹9,800 crore defence contract, boosting indigenous warship production. 

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the Indian government-owned shipbuilder, which built and delivered the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier, has commenced construction of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) for the Navy. The primary role of the NGMV is to provide offensive capability against enemy warships and land targets. These ships will be capable of conducting Maritime Strike Operations and Anti-Surface Warfare Operations and would be a potent instrument of sea denial at choke points. In their defensive role, NGMVs would be employed for local naval defence operations and seaward defence of offshore development areas. The keel laying ceremony for the first NGMV (temporarily designated as BY 531) was conducted in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition from Integrated Headquarters (Indian Navy); Jose V J, Chairman & MD, CSL, Rear Admiral Kapil Mehta, ACWP & A; senior officers from the Indian Navy, government officials, among others. The keel is the bottom-most structural backbone of a vessel that runs from its front to the back. The keel forms the base upon which the rest of the ship's frame and hull are built. Also read: ISRO stages comeback with GSLV-F17/EOS-05 success; targets six more launches As per its 2023 contract with the Indian Navy, CSL has received orders for building and delivering six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV). According to the shipbuilder, this marks their foray into the construction of advanced weapon-intensive platforms for the Indian Navy in line with the Government’s initiative of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’(self-reliant India). Also read: Skyroot plans 2nd launch by 2026-end; future launches from AP & TN Capabilities of Indian Navy's NGMVs NGMV-class ships are envisaged as high-speed vessels (with a maximum speed of 33knots or 61kmph), carrying a formidable array of weapon and sensors, including Surface to Surface Missile system, Anti-Missile Defence System, Air Surveillance and Fire Control Radars. The vessels will also be equipped with advanced integrated platform management systems, propulsion machinery, auxiliary machinery, power generation and distribution machinery and damage control machinery, etc. The ship is meant to accommodate a complement of 80 personnel.

Cochin shipyard has laid the keel for the Indian Navy's first next-generation missile vessel (NGMV) under a ₹9,800 crore defence contract, boosting indigenous warship production.&nbsp;

Cochin shipyard starts building Indian Navy's next-gen missile vessels

Indicating the growing India-Taiwan technology partnership, the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) inked a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), marking a step towards deeper collaboration between Taiwan's Internet, Communications, and Technology (ICT) sector and India's innovation ecosystem. The agreement lays the groundwork for a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance technology, innovation, and the digital economy between Taiwan and Karnataka.&nbsp;At the ongoing 'Electronica 2026', an electronics industry trade fair in Bengaluru, the LoI was signed by TCA Manager Hsin-Lun Tsai and IIIT-B Registrar Cmde. SR Sridhar, in the presence of witnesses Stephen Hsu, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Chennai, and Dr Dennis Hu, CEO of Foundation for Commerce and Culture Interchange (FCCI) and Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM).&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-stock-exchange-of-india-using-ai-to-track-curb-malpractices-1789228630943">'National Stock Exchange of India using AI to track &amp; curb malpractices'</a>&nbsp;Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, said the LOI between Taipei Computer Association (TCA) and IIIT Bangalore marks an important milestone in strengthening Karnataka’s technology ecosystem and expanding global partnerships in innovation and the digital economy. The collaboration opens new opportunities for knowledge exchange, business matchmaking, academic-industry engagement and ecosystem development across AI, electronics, smart manufacturing, smart cities, cybersecurity and GCCs. We look forward to supporting initiatives that foster innovation, accelerate industry collaboration and further position Karnataka as a leading global technology hub.&nbsp;TECC, which facilitated this initiative, called it the "first technology cooperation LOI between Taiwan and South India. Of the more than 300 Taiwanese firms operating in India across sectors, approximately 75 per cent operate in Southern states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Established in 2012, the TECC in Chennai serves as a de facto Taiwan Consulate and as a bridge connecting Taiwan with all five Southern Indian states, three Union Territories, and the island nation of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zeiss-opens-innovation-hub-at-iit-m-research-park-1st-outside-germany-1788448756172">Zeiss opens Innovation Hub at IIT-M Research Park; 1st outside Germany</a> &nbsp;Commenting on the strategic importance of the collaboration, Director General Stephen Hsu of TECC said, Taiwan possesses a robust industrial foundation in ICT, semiconductors, and electronics manufacturing, while Karnataka, centred around Bengaluru, serves as one of India’s vital technology and innovation hubs. The two sides share complementary strengths with deep cooperative potential. The signing of this LoI marks an important milestone as we transition from bilateral exchanges toward institutionalised collaboration. We look forward to leveraging our respective advantages and resources to progressively yield tangible and sustainable outcomes in the future.Under the agreement, both organisations will explore joint initiatives across key high-tech domains, including AI, electronics, smart manufacturing, smart cities, and cybersecurity. The framework includes ongoing knowledge sharing, policy dialogues, business matchmaking, joint seminars and conferences, and bilateral delegation exchanges to support closer institutional and commercial ties.&nbsp;Highlighting the scope of the collaboration, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said that the Letter of Intent provides an opportunity for IIIT-Bangalore and the Taipei Computer Association to explore meaningful cooperation across technology, innovation, and the digital economy. The proposed areas of collaboration, including artificial intelligence, electronics, smart manufacturing, smart cities, and cybersecurity, offer scope for knowledge exchange and mutually agreed initiatives. We look forward to developing this engagement further through a future Memorandum of Understanding, he added. &nbsp;

Karnataka has inked a tech pact with Taiwan to boost collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the digital economy, strengthening India-Taiwan tech ties.

Indicating the growing India-Taiwan technology partnership, the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) inked a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), marking a step towards deeper collaboration between Taiwan's Internet, Communications, and Technology (ICT) sector and India's innovation ecosystem. The agreement lays the groundwork for a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance technology, innovation, and the digital economy between Taiwan and Karnataka. At the ongoing 'Electronica 2026', an electronics industry trade fair in Bengaluru, the LoI was signed by TCA Manager Hsin-Lun Tsai and IIIT-B Registrar Cmde. SR Sridhar, in the presence of witnesses Stephen Hsu, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Chennai, and Dr Dennis Hu, CEO of Foundation for Commerce and Culture Interchange (FCCI) and Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM). Also read: 'National Stock Exchange of India using AI to track & curb malpractices' Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, said the LOI between Taipei Computer Association (TCA) and IIIT Bangalore marks an important milestone in strengthening Karnataka’s technology ecosystem and expanding global partnerships in innovation and the digital economy. The collaboration opens new opportunities for knowledge exchange, business matchmaking, academic-industry engagement and ecosystem development across AI, electronics, smart manufacturing, smart cities, cybersecurity and GCCs. We look forward to supporting initiatives that foster innovation, accelerate industry collaboration and further position Karnataka as a leading global technology hub. TECC, which facilitated this initiative, called it the "first technology cooperation LOI between Taiwan and South India. Of the more than 300 Taiwanese firms operating in India across sectors, approximately 75 per cent operate in Southern states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Established in 2012, the TECC in Chennai serves as a de facto Taiwan Consulate and as a bridge connecting Taiwan with all five Southern Indian states, three Union Territories, and the island nation of Sri Lanka. Also read: Zeiss opens Innovation Hub at IIT-M Research Park; 1st outside Germany Commenting on the strategic importance of the collaboration, Director General Stephen Hsu of TECC said, Taiwan possesses a robust industrial foundation in ICT, semiconductors, and electronics manufacturing, while Karnataka, centred around Bengaluru, serves as one of India’s vital technology and innovation hubs. The two sides share complementary strengths with deep cooperative potential. The signing of this LoI marks an important milestone as we transition from bilateral exchanges toward institutionalised collaboration. We look forward to leveraging our respective advantages and resources to progressively yield tangible and sustainable outcomes in the future. Under the agreement, both organisations will explore joint initiatives across key high-tech domains, including AI, electronics, smart manufacturing, smart cities, and cybersecurity. The framework includes ongoing knowledge sharing, policy dialogues, business matchmaking, joint seminars and conferences, and bilateral delegation exchanges to support closer institutional and commercial ties. Highlighting the scope of the collaboration, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said that the Letter of Intent provides an opportunity for IIIT-Bangalore and the Taipei Computer Association to explore meaningful cooperation across technology, innovation, and the digital economy. The proposed areas of collaboration, including artificial intelligence, electronics, smart manufacturing, smart cities, and cybersecurity, offer scope for knowledge exchange and mutually agreed initiatives. We look forward to developing this engagement further through a future Memorandum of Understanding, he added.

Karnataka has inked a tech pact with Taiwan to boost collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the digital economy, strengthening India-Taiwan tech ties.

India-Taiwan Tech ties: Karnataka inks cooperation pact on AI, digital economy

We are trying to build a dedicated space city that brings together industry, R&amp;D, talent, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, a whole ecosystem where companies can build, test and scale. Telangana's Minister for IT, Electronics &amp; Communications, Industries, mentioned at the 'Architects of Viksit Bharat' hosted by ZEE Media and SAP in Hyderabad. "Our space tech guys are very young... Recently, I interacted with them and appreciated their drive to do something great. They are not trying to imitate what the West is doing, they want to innovate. They want to host data centres in space and create science labs in space. Skyroot Aerospace is India's first space sector unicorn, and the company emerged from our city, Hyderabad. We see the capabilities coming together in the space sector. Space is the next emerging pillar of our economy," Sridhar Babu highlighted during his ministerial keynote address.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Indian government envisions a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047, and projects that our country will have a $30 trillion economy by the centenary year of our Independence. At present, a small state like Telangana contributes about 5 per cent to the national GDP. By the year 2047, we envision that Telangana should contribute 10 per cent ($3 trillion) of the country's $30 trillion economy. It may look like a herculean task for observers and economists, but we have a dream and goal; we trust our talent and infrastructure. We believe we can do it, emphasised the minister.&nbsp;Sharing a major insight gained from their 'Telangana Rising' delegation's visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Minister Babu quoted the WEF Future of Jobs report of 2025: By the year 2030, 170 million jobs will be created globally, and 92 million jobs will be displaced; 39% of existing skills will change. The minister touched upon how the nature of work would keep changing in the coming years due to the disruption caused by emerging and cutting-edge tech including AI and quantum computing, among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the Minister Sridhar Babu's keynote, a panel discussion themed ‘Hyderabad Hyperscales India’s Ascent into Space’ was moderated by WION's Sidharth MP, which explored Hyderabad’s growing deep-tech, aerospace, and innovation ecosystem and its role in advancing India’s ambitions in the global space economy. The discussion brought together leading voices from India’s emerging private space sector: Dr Chiranjeevi Phanindra B, Founder &amp; CEO, Cosmoserve Space, Dr Pramod Konugurthi, Founding Member &amp; CPO, XDLINX Space Labs, Nirvik Choudhury, Co-Founder, AnduraX, and Ashwin Mahavadi, Senior Vice President, Skyroot Aerospace.&nbsp;The panel examined the opportunities emerging from India’s expanding private space ecosystem, including satellite technology, launch systems, deep-tech innovation, and the growing participation of Indian enterprises in the global space economy. The panelists also put forth their specific sectoral requests and the support required from the Telangana government and their expectations from the upcoming Space City project.The Telangana edition of the Architects of 'Viksit Bharat' by ZEE Media and SAP brought together some of the state’s most accomplished business leaders and entrepreneurs, recognising their exemplary contribution to the larger mission of building a technology-driven, innovative and resilient India. Delivering a keynote at the event, Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana's Minister for Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies, shared his perspective on the state's growing prominence in the startup ecosystem and IT services sector. His keynote highlighted the state’s expanding entrepreneurial landscape and the opportunities emerging for businesses and innovators as Telangana continues to strengthen its position as a technology and enterprise hub.&nbsp;ZEE Media CEO Raktim Das felicitated Minister D Sridhar Babu with the ‘GCC Leadership Award for FY 2025,’ recognising his leadership and contribution to Telangana’s evolving GCC and technology ecosystem and Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana's Minister for Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies, was felicitated for his contribution to the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. &nbsp;

Telangana IT & Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu announced the state is evaluating plans for a dedicated 'Space City' near Hyderabad to boost space-tech testing, manufacturing, and deep-tech innovation. 

We are trying to build a dedicated space city that brings together industry, R&D, talent, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, a whole ecosystem where companies can build, test and scale. Telangana's Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, Industries, mentioned at the 'Architects of Viksit Bharat' hosted by ZEE Media and SAP in Hyderabad. "Our space tech guys are very young... Recently, I interacted with them and appreciated their drive to do something great. They are not trying to imitate what the West is doing, they want to innovate. They want to host data centres in space and create science labs in space. Skyroot Aerospace is India's first space sector unicorn, and the company emerged from our city, Hyderabad. We see the capabilities coming together in the space sector. Space is the next emerging pillar of our economy," Sridhar Babu highlighted during his ministerial keynote address. The Indian government envisions a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047, and projects that our country will have a $30 trillion economy by the centenary year of our Independence. At present, a small state like Telangana contributes about 5 per cent to the national GDP. By the year 2047, we envision that Telangana should contribute 10 per cent ($3 trillion) of the country's $30 trillion economy. It may look like a herculean task for observers and economists, but we have a dream and goal; we trust our talent and infrastructure. We believe we can do it, emphasised the minister. Sharing a major insight gained from their 'Telangana Rising' delegation's visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Minister Babu quoted the WEF Future of Jobs report of 2025: By the year 2030, 170 million jobs will be created globally, and 92 million jobs will be displaced; 39% of existing skills will change. The minister touched upon how the nature of work would keep changing in the coming years due to the disruption caused by emerging and cutting-edge tech including AI and quantum computing, among others. Following the Minister Sridhar Babu's keynote, a panel discussion themed ‘Hyderabad Hyperscales India’s Ascent into Space’ was moderated by WION's Sidharth MP, which explored Hyderabad’s growing deep-tech, aerospace, and innovation ecosystem and its role in advancing India’s ambitions in the global space economy. The discussion brought together leading voices from India’s emerging private space sector: Dr Chiranjeevi Phanindra B, Founder & CEO, Cosmoserve Space, Dr Pramod Konugurthi, Founding Member & CPO, XDLINX Space Labs, Nirvik Choudhury, Co-Founder, AnduraX, and Ashwin Mahavadi, Senior Vice President, Skyroot Aerospace. The panel examined the opportunities emerging from India’s expanding private space ecosystem, including satellite technology, launch systems, deep-tech innovation, and the growing participation of Indian enterprises in the global space economy. The panelists also put forth their specific sectoral requests and the support required from the Telangana government and their expectations from the upcoming Space City project. The Telangana edition of the Architects of 'Viksit Bharat' by ZEE Media and SAP brought together some of the state’s most accomplished business leaders and entrepreneurs, recognising their exemplary contribution to the larger mission of building a technology-driven, innovative and resilient India. Delivering a keynote at the event, Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana's Minister for Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies, shared his perspective on the state's growing prominence in the startup ecosystem and IT services sector. His keynote highlighted the state’s expanding entrepreneurial landscape and the opportunities emerging for businesses and innovators as Telangana continues to strengthen its position as a technology and enterprise hub. ZEE Media CEO Raktim Das felicitated Minister D Sridhar Babu with the ‘GCC Leadership Award for FY 2025,’ recognising his leadership and contribution to Telangana’s evolving GCC and technology ecosystem and Captain N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana's Minister for Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies, was felicitated for his contribution to the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Telangana IT &amp; Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu announced the state is evaluating plans for a dedicated 'Space City' near Hyderabad to boost space-tech testing, manufacturing, and deep-tech innovation.

Telangana is building a dedicated Space City: Industries Minister Sridhar Babu

AI surveillance is being used to determine behavioural patterns, detect manipulation and insider trading in the stock market, said Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer(CBDO) at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). "For the last two or three years, we have been using homegrown algorithms mainly as a means of detecting and preventing malpractices in the market," he added, while refusing to disclose statistics on the malpractices it has prevented or detected. He said that the NSE does not publish such statistics, as "it would not be in the interest of the market". On the extent of AI use for surveillance of malpractices, he said it was an evolving process.The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) Initial Public Offering (IPO) will open for public subscription on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and close on Monday, September 21, 2026. After regulatory approvals, National Stock Exchange of India Limited has fixed the price band of Rs 1,700/- to Rs 1,785/- per Equity Share of face value Rs. 1/- each for its initial public offer. Investors can bid for a minimum of 8 Equity Shares and in multiples of 8 Equity Shares thereafter.National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) began its operations in 1994 and was the first exchange in India to implement electronic or screen-based trading. NSE is ranked third in the world in the equity segment by number of trades (electronic order book) in 2025, as per the statistics maintained by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).<h2>NSE's IPO comes amid growing pressure on Indian market</h2>When queried about NSE's IPO coming at a time when the Indian markets are facing sustained pressures due to high oil prices, falling value of Indian Rupee, geopolitical tensions, Krishnan replied that the NSE IPO is not meant to "time the market" and that this IPO is only meant to facilitate price discovery. "Investors who commit to NSE are very long-term oriented. They don't look at the current environment. Foreign Investors told us that buying NSE is like buying the India growth story, and that NSE will do well as India continues to develop," he cited.<h2>Why FPIs are pulling out of Indian stock market</h2>On the trend of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulling out of the Indian stock market and opting to invest in overseas markets, NSE's CBDO explained that FPIs have the choice to invest anywhere they find suitable. "For example, a fund manager in San Francisco would prefer to invest in an AI firm delivering 2000% returns, given that India does not have such AI-centric options for investment. They are free to invest anywhere in the world. However, they also reallocate their investments every few months. All this depends on the choice of the fund managers. If they feel India is lacking in AI and that there are risk factors in India, they might go elsewhere. On the contrary, when the AI bubble bursts, or there is a market correction, they will come back to India," he elaborated.<h2>Potential for growth in the Indian stock market</h2>Citing data from recent years, NSE officials pointed out that India's unique registered investor base (tracked via PAN) on the National Stock Exchange surged from approximately 3.1 crore (31 million) in March 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and crossed the 13 crore (130 million) milestone by April 2026. They said that at least 20-30 lakh (2-3 million) new DMAT accounts(for holding investments digitally) were being opened every month over the last five years. &nbsp;Further, they also highlighted that such growth is sustainable, given that only 13.3 crore Indians out of the country's 140 crore population are trading in the capital markets.Our job is to bring good firms to the trading platform after checking their history and antecedents, track record, trust quotient, among others. To facilitate such growth of investors in the Indian market, we will also need to invest in the technology infrastructure that can help 40-50 crore people trade online, while also having the mechanism to deal with cybercrime and related threats.<h2>Market cap of NSE-listed firms could hit $11 trillion in a decade</h2>Quoting projections, NSE officials said that India's nominal GDP is estimated to climb toward the $10 trillion mark in a decade, which is more than double the present $4.3 trillion. Likewise, they expressed hope that the total market capitalisation of all NSE-listed firms could double from the present $5.1trillion to almost $11-12trillion in a decade. They believe that such growth can be achieved when India's startups, unicorns, and small-medium enterprises transition to public exchange listings. Citing the consistent growth of firms getting listed in the stock market, they pointed out that more than 250 firms have been getting listed every year over the last two years. Citing such numbers, an NSE official expressed hope that it would be possible to add about 3,000 firms to the stock market in about a decade.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) Initial Public Offering (IPO) will open for public subscription on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and close on Monday, September 21, 2026.

AI surveillance is being used to determine behavioural patterns, detect manipulation and insider trading in the stock market, said Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer(CBDO) at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). "For the last two or three years, we have been using homegrown algorithms mainly as a means of detecting and preventing malpractices in the market," he added, while refusing to disclose statistics on the malpractices it has prevented or detected. He said that the NSE does not publish such statistics, as "it would not be in the interest of the market". On the extent of AI use for surveillance of malpractices, he said it was an evolving process. The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) Initial Public Offering (IPO) will open for public subscription on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and close on Monday, September 21, 2026. After regulatory approvals, National Stock Exchange of India Limited has fixed the price band of Rs 1,700/- to Rs 1,785/- per Equity Share of face value Rs. 1/- each for its initial public offer. Investors can bid for a minimum of 8 Equity Shares and in multiples of 8 Equity Shares thereafter. National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) began its operations in 1994 and was the first exchange in India to implement electronic or screen-based trading. NSE is ranked third in the world in the equity segment by number of trades (electronic order book) in 2025, as per the statistics maintained by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE). NSE's IPO comes amid growing pressure on Indian market When queried about NSE's IPO coming at a time when the Indian markets are facing sustained pressures due to high oil prices, falling value of Indian Rupee, geopolitical tensions, Krishnan replied that the NSE IPO is not meant to "time the market" and that this IPO is only meant to facilitate price discovery. "Investors who commit to NSE are very long-term oriented. They don't look at the current environment. Foreign Investors told us that buying NSE is like buying the India growth story, and that NSE will do well as India continues to develop," he cited. Why FPIs are pulling out of Indian stock market On the trend of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulling out of the Indian stock market and opting to invest in overseas markets, NSE's CBDO explained that FPIs have the choice to invest anywhere they find suitable. "For example, a fund manager in San Francisco would prefer to invest in an AI firm delivering 2000% returns, given that India does not have such AI-centric options for investment. They are free to invest anywhere in the world. However, they also reallocate their investments every few months. All this depends on the choice of the fund managers. If they feel India is lacking in AI and that there are risk factors in India, they might go elsewhere. On the contrary, when the AI bubble bursts, or there is a market correction, they will come back to India," he elaborated. Potential for growth in the Indian stock market Citing data from recent years, NSE officials pointed out that India's unique registered investor base (tracked via PAN) on the National Stock Exchange surged from approximately 3.1 crore (31 million) in March 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and crossed the 13 crore (130 million) milestone by April 2026. They said that at least 20-30 lakh (2-3 million) new DMAT accounts(for holding investments digitally) were being opened every month over the last five years. Further, they also highlighted that such growth is sustainable, given that only 13.3 crore Indians out of the country's 140 crore population are trading in the capital markets. Our job is to bring good firms to the trading platform after checking their history and antecedents, track record, trust quotient, among others. To facilitate such growth of investors in the Indian market, we will also need to invest in the technology infrastructure that can help 40-50 crore people trade online, while also having the mechanism to deal with cybercrime and related threats. Market cap of NSE-listed firms could hit $11 trillion in a decade Quoting projections, NSE officials said that India's nominal GDP is estimated to climb toward the $10 trillion mark in a decade, which is more than double the present $4.3 trillion. Likewise, they expressed hope that the total market capitalisation of all NSE-listed firms could double from the present $5.1trillion to almost $11-12trillion in a decade. They believe that such growth can be achieved when India's startups, unicorns, and small-medium enterprises transition to public exchange listings. Citing the consistent growth of firms getting listed in the stock market, they pointed out that more than 250 firms have been getting listed every year over the last two years. Citing such numbers, an NSE official expressed hope that it would be possible to add about 3,000 firms to the stock market in about a decade.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) Initial Public Offering (IPO) will open for public subscription on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and close on Monday, September 21, 2026.

'National Stock Exchange of India using AI to track & curb malpractices'

Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian rocket-making firm that succeeded in reaching orbit in its first attempt in July 2026, is now targeting its second launch by the year-end. "We have shipped the first stage of the (four-stage) Vikram-1 rocket to the ISRO Spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. "It'll take a few more months... We are targeting year-end... However, it depends on the improvements that we are going to do from the first launch. We are just about to complete post-flight analysis to understand our first flight fully and make the necessary changes for the second flight. Based on that, the second launch schedule will come, but we are targeting year-end, hopefully," Skyroot's Co-Founder and CEO Pawan Chandana told this author during an exclusive conversation at the Bengaluru Space Expo.Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket is the first privately designed and developed spacefaring vehicle from India to reach orbit and deploy satellites. Until this feat, only the Government-run space agency ISRO had been designing, developing, and launching rockets to space from India. The successful execution of Vikram-1's mission on July 18th 2026, made India the third nation after the USA and China to demonstrate private orbital launch capability.While Pawan did not reveal whose satellites would fly on the second mission of Vikram-1, he said that the specific information would be shared closer to launch. Further, he mentioned that there is quite a lot of interest in launches after the first mission. "In global launches, there is a lot of gap...There is a lot of increased interest in launches," he added.<h2>Skyroot's Rs 250 cr investment in Tamil Nadu</h2>Queried about Skyroot's recent MoU with the Tamil Nadu Government to invest Rs 250 cr (approx $26mn) in Thoothukudi, Pawan explained that it was meant to set up infrastructure for rocket testing and integration near the upcoming spaceport. This investment in infrastructure is meant to support Skyroot's future launches from Kulasekarapattinam, which is located barely 100 kms away from mainland India's southernmost tip, where the Indian government is building its second spaceport.This 2300-acre Kulasekarapattinam facility is meant for efficiently launching small rockets on southward trajectories. This includes rockets such as ISRO's SSLV and those being built by private firms such as Skyroot.While launching southwards from Sriharikota, rockets would need to perform a turn manoeuvre to avoid overflying the island nation of Sri Lanka. Such a manoeuvre expends fuel and curbs the rocket's lifting ability. In the case of smaller rockets, such turn manoeuvres could drastically cut down their lifting ability. India is building the spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam to facilitate direct southwards launches of small rockets at their maximum lifting ability.<h2>Will Skyroot build its own launchpad?</h2>Given the company's goal to provide quick and frequent launches to meet customer needs, Pawan was asked if they would build a launchpad at either Sriharikota or Kulasekarapattinam. Further, this author also asked if Skyroot would continue launching from Sriharikota on the East Coast or whether Skyroot would move launches to the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam. To this, Pawan replied that the firm would launch low- and mid-inclination missions from the Sriharikota spaceport, while the high-inclination, southward missions would be launched from Kulasekarapattinam. He added that the launch site would depend on the preferences of their customers and the specific orbit requirements of the passenger satellites."As of now, both spaceports have good launch capacity... As we keep launching further, we will think about having our independent launch pad, but the existing launchpads are good enough for a large number of launches," Pawan replied.<h2>How does Skyroot view its competition?</h2>Pawan says that the competition is that the launch market is global. However, he also pointed out that there are only two firms launching regularly, and both are doing so from the US. Though he did not name the firms, the reference is obvious: SpaceX and RocketLab. "The world needs more launch capacity. If it can come from more Indian firms, it is good for the ecosystem. We are gearing up for more launches and hope to create good launch capacity for the global space sector.. 70-80% of our market is global. As a company, Skyroot got to orbit in its first attempt. We will keep doing more launches," he concluded.<h2>Global launch statistics from 2025</h2>Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches. In a good year, India does about five or seven space launches. In 2025, the Indian space agency ISRO had done five launch missions, and private firms had not done any.<h2>About Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket</h2>Vikram-1 is a seven-storeys-tall, four-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit, about 500 km above Earth.

Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches.

Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian rocket-making firm that succeeded in reaching orbit in its first attempt in July 2026, is now targeting its second launch by the year-end. "We have shipped the first stage of the (four-stage) Vikram-1 rocket to the ISRO Spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. "It'll take a few more months... We are targeting year-end... However, it depends on the improvements that we are going to do from the first launch. We are just about to complete post-flight analysis to understand our first flight fully and make the necessary changes for the second flight. Based on that, the second launch schedule will come, but we are targeting year-end, hopefully," Skyroot's Co-Founder and CEO Pawan Chandana told this author during an exclusive conversation at the Bengaluru Space Expo. Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket is the first privately designed and developed spacefaring vehicle from India to reach orbit and deploy satellites. Until this feat, only the Government-run space agency ISRO had been designing, developing, and launching rockets to space from India. The successful execution of Vikram-1's mission on July 18th 2026, made India the third nation after the USA and China to demonstrate private orbital launch capability. While Pawan did not reveal whose satellites would fly on the second mission of Vikram-1, he said that the specific information would be shared closer to launch. Further, he mentioned that there is quite a lot of interest in launches after the first mission. "In global launches, there is a lot of gap...There is a lot of increased interest in launches," he added. Skyroot's Rs 250 cr investment in Tamil Nadu Queried about Skyroot's recent MoU with the Tamil Nadu Government to invest Rs 250 cr (approx $26mn) in Thoothukudi, Pawan explained that it was meant to set up infrastructure for rocket testing and integration near the upcoming spaceport. This investment in infrastructure is meant to support Skyroot's future launches from Kulasekarapattinam, which is located barely 100 kms away from mainland India's southernmost tip, where the Indian government is building its second spaceport. This 2300-acre Kulasekarapattinam facility is meant for efficiently launching small rockets on southward trajectories. This includes rockets such as ISRO's SSLV and those being built by private firms such as Skyroot. While launching southwards from Sriharikota, rockets would need to perform a turn manoeuvre to avoid overflying the island nation of Sri Lanka. Such a manoeuvre expends fuel and curbs the rocket's lifting ability. In the case of smaller rockets, such turn manoeuvres could drastically cut down their lifting ability. India is building the spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam to facilitate direct southwards launches of small rockets at their maximum lifting ability. Will Skyroot build its own launchpad? Given the company's goal to provide quick and frequent launches to meet customer needs, Pawan was asked if they would build a launchpad at either Sriharikota or Kulasekarapattinam. Further, this author also asked if Skyroot would continue launching from Sriharikota on the East Coast or whether Skyroot would move launches to the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam. To this, Pawan replied that the firm would launch low- and mid-inclination missions from the Sriharikota spaceport, while the high-inclination, southward missions would be launched from Kulasekarapattinam. He added that the launch site would depend on the preferences of their customers and the specific orbit requirements of the passenger satellites. "As of now, both spaceports have good launch capacity... As we keep launching further, we will think about having our independent launch pad, but the existing launchpads are good enough for a large number of launches," Pawan replied. How does Skyroot view its competition? Pawan says that the competition is that the launch market is global. However, he also pointed out that there are only two firms launching regularly, and both are doing so from the US. Though he did not name the firms, the reference is obvious: SpaceX and RocketLab. "The world needs more launch capacity. If it can come from more Indian firms, it is good for the ecosystem. We are gearing up for more launches and hope to create good launch capacity for the global space sector.. 70-80% of our market is global. As a company, Skyroot got to orbit in its first attempt. We will keep doing more launches," he concluded. Global launch statistics from 2025 Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches. In a good year, India does about five or seven space launches. In 2025, the Indian space agency ISRO had done five launch missions, and private firms had not done any. About Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket Vikram-1 is a seven-storeys-tall, four-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit, about 500 km above Earth.

Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches.

Skyroot plans 2nd launch by 2026-end; future launches from AP & TN

Ultimate Frisbee, one of the world’s fastest-growing flying disc sports, is steadily establishing itself as a competitive sporting discipline in India. What began as a niche sport has evolved into a vibrant national community, with players, clubs, and state teams emerging across the country and an increasing number of Indian athletes earning the opportunity to represent the nation on the international stage. Testament to the rapid growth of the sport is the fact that India is presently ranked 18th in the beach format and 20th in the grass format among 127 competing national federations, officials managing the sport emphasized at the recently concluded Bharat Trophy 2026—India’s premier national Ultimate Frisbee championship and the flagship event of the Flying Disc Sports Federation (India)—which was held in the southern Indian city of Chennai.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rival-driver-loek-hartog-saves-fellow-racer-ollie-millroy-from-burning-car-in-daring-rescue-at-china-gt-1788757114246">Rival driver saves fellow racer from burning car in daring rescue at China GT</a>Organized by the Flying Disc Sports Federation (India) in association with the Senthamizh Flying Disc Association, the three-day national championship was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Nehru Park in Chennai, bringing together leading Ultimate Frisbee athletes representing state teams from across India. The event featured 11 state teams, 255 players, and more than 40 support staff, making it the biggest Bharat Trophy and the largest national interstate championship in the history of Indian Ultimate.Karnataka was crowned National Champions at the Bharat Trophy 2026 after defeating defending champions Tamil Nadu 11–10 in a thrilling final, while Gujarat finished third. The closely contested match brought three days of high-voltage competition to a close at India’s premier Ultimate Frisbee event.Notably, Karnataka was also adjudged the "Spirit of the Game" Champions of the Bharat Trophy 2026. Spirit of the Game is central to Ultimate, which remains a self-officiated sport even at the highest levels of competition. Players are responsible for making and resolving calls on the field, with a core emphasis on rule knowledge, fair-mindedness, communication, and mutual respect.“The Bharat Trophy is about much more than finding a national champion. Seeing 11 state teams and more than 250 athletes come together shows us what is possible as we strengthen the sport across the country. Our ambition is to build strong state structures, create more opportunities for athletes to represent where they come from, and establish a national competition pathway that players can aspire to be part of,” said Sangeetha Manoharan, President of the Flying Disc Sports Federation (India). FDSFI is the governing body for Ultimate Frisbee in India, recognized by the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF).FDSFI also acknowledged the support of the Tamil Nadu government's Sports Development Authority (SDAT) in facilitating venue access and providing administrative backing for the tournament.

Karnataka won the Bharat Trophy 2026 Ultimate Frisbee title, defeating Tamil Nadu 11–10 in Chennai. The historic 11-state event highlighted India’s rise to 18th in beach and 20th in grass formats worldwide.

Ultimate Frisbee, one of the world’s fastest-growing flying disc sports, is steadily establishing itself as a competitive sporting discipline in India. What began as a niche sport has evolved into a vibrant national community, with players, clubs, and state teams emerging across the country and an increasing number of Indian athletes earning the opportunity to represent the nation on the international stage. Testament to the rapid growth of the sport is the fact that India is presently ranked 18th in the beach format and 20th in the grass format among 127 competing national federations, officials managing the sport emphasized at the recently concluded Bharat Trophy 2026—India’s premier national Ultimate Frisbee championship and the flagship event of the Flying Disc Sports Federation (India)—which was held in the southern Indian city of Chennai. Also Read - Rival driver saves fellow racer from burning car in daring rescue at China GT Organized by the Flying Disc Sports Federation (India) in association with the Senthamizh Flying Disc Association, the three-day national championship was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Nehru Park in Chennai, bringing together leading Ultimate Frisbee athletes representing state teams from across India. The event featured 11 state teams, 255 players, and more than 40 support staff, making it the biggest Bharat Trophy and the largest national interstate championship in the history of Indian Ultimate. Karnataka was crowned National Champions at the Bharat Trophy 2026 after defeating defending champions Tamil Nadu 11–10 in a thrilling final, while Gujarat finished third. The closely contested match brought three days of high-voltage competition to a close at India’s premier Ultimate Frisbee event. Notably, Karnataka was also adjudged the "Spirit of the Game" Champions of the Bharat Trophy 2026. Spirit of the Game is central to Ultimate, which remains a self-officiated sport even at the highest levels of competition. Players are responsible for making and resolving calls on the field, with a core emphasis on rule knowledge, fair-mindedness, communication, and mutual respect. “The Bharat Trophy is about much more than finding a national champion. Seeing 11 state teams and more than 250 athletes come together shows us what is possible as we strengthen the sport across the country. Our ambition is to build strong state structures, create more opportunities for athletes to represent where they come from, and establish a national competition pathway that players can aspire to be part of,” said Sangeetha Manoharan, President of the Flying Disc Sports Federation (India). FDSFI is the governing body for Ultimate Frisbee in India, recognized by the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF). FDSFI also acknowledged the support of the Tamil Nadu government's Sports Development Authority (SDAT) in facilitating venue access and providing administrative backing for the tournament.

Karnataka won the Bharat Trophy 2026 Ultimate Frisbee title, defeating Tamil Nadu 11–10 in Chennai. The historic 11-state event highlighted India’s rise to 18th in beach and 20th in grass formats worldwide.

India in global Top 20 in Ultimate Frisbee; sport sees growth across states

Emphasising the need for jointness between the Indian tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force), the country's Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan told newly commissioned Indian Army officers that 'tomorrow's wars will demand the combined strength of all Services and all domains. Quoting from the Rig Veda, he said, 'Samano Mantrah' - Our purpose is one. Irrespective of the colour of our uniforms, we must train together, operate together, and when called upon to do so, prevail together, he added while addressing the young Lieutenants who had formally been commissioned into the Army after 11-months of gruelling training. The Navy Chief was the Reviewing officer of the Passing out Parade(PoP) held at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the event, 313 Officer Cadets(Men) and 29 Officer Cadets (Women) were commissioned into various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. Additionally, seven Officer Cadets(Men) and ten Officer Cadets (Women) from Friendly Foreign Countries (Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Bhutan and Lesotho) successfullycompleted their training at the OTA Chennai, fostering bonds of camaraderie and cooperation across international borders.&nbsp;Tracing the ever-changing nature of warfare, Admiral Swaminathan highlighted that the battlefield that he entered as ayoung Naval officer(Back in 1987) is significantly different from the one that the newly-commissioned officers will see&nbsp;today and in the future. "Warfare has transformed dramatically! Weapons strike farther and with astonishingPrecision... sensors see clearer and deeper...operations unfold quicker and simultaneously across domains, and combat is shaped by technologies of previously unimagined sophistication, capability and versatility," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;While highlighting the changing nature of warfare, he also shared his firm belief that 'the character of warfare may havechanged in many ways, but fundamentally, war still remains a profoundly human endeavour'. Combat operations may see new weapons being used across new domains, but their outcomes shall continue to be determined by the men andwomen who fight, lead, inspire, persist and persevere, he added.&nbsp;In a profound message about authority and loyalty, Admiral Swaminathan told the young Army Officers: "Your rank may give you authority. Your character will give you credibility. But only your leadership will earn you loyalty. Never confuse the three. You will wear stars on your shoulders. But the men and women you command will look beyond those stars and ask themselves:- Will this officer stand by me when things go Wrong? Will he or she take responsibility when the situation becomes difficult? Will he or she live and die by the value system we collectively hold dear, or expect me to do something he or she wouldn’t do himself or herself? More importantly, can I trust him or her with my life and the future of my family if things go wrong for me ?"&nbsp;Your answers to these questions will define you far more than any promotion, annual confidential report, commendation or gallantry award ever can, he concluded.

India's Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan shared his firm belief that 'the character of warfare may have changed in many ways, but fundamentally, war still remains a profoundly human endeavour'. 

Emphasising the need for jointness between the Indian tri-services (Army, Navy, Air Force), the country's Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan told newly commissioned Indian Army officers that 'tomorrow's wars will demand the combined strength of all Services and all domains. Quoting from the Rig Veda, he said, 'Samano Mantrah' - Our purpose is one. Irrespective of the colour of our uniforms, we must train together, operate together, and when called upon to do so, prevail together, he added while addressing the young Lieutenants who had formally been commissioned into the Army after 11-months of gruelling training. The Navy Chief was the Reviewing officer of the Passing out Parade(PoP) held at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy in Chennai. At the event, 313 Officer Cadets(Men) and 29 Officer Cadets (Women) were commissioned into various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. Additionally, seven Officer Cadets(Men) and ten Officer Cadets (Women) from Friendly Foreign Countries (Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Bhutan and Lesotho) successfully completed their training at the OTA Chennai, fostering bonds of camaraderie and cooperation across international borders. Tracing the ever-changing nature of warfare, Admiral Swaminathan highlighted that the battlefield that he entered as a young Naval officer(Back in 1987) is significantly different from the one that the newly-commissioned officers will see today and in the future. "Warfare has transformed dramatically! Weapons strike farther and with astonishing Precision... sensors see clearer and deeper...operations unfold quicker and simultaneously across domains, and combat is shaped by technologies of previously unimagined sophistication, capability and versatility," he said. While highlighting the changing nature of warfare, he also shared his firm belief that 'the character of warfare may have changed in many ways, but fundamentally, war still remains a profoundly human endeavour'. Combat operations may see new weapons being used across new domains, but their outcomes shall continue to be determined by the men and women who fight, lead, inspire, persist and persevere, he added. In a profound message about authority and loyalty, Admiral Swaminathan told the young Army Officers: "Your rank may give you authority. Your character will give you credibility. But only your leadership will earn you loyalty. Never confuse the three. You will wear stars on your shoulders. But the men and women you command will look beyond those stars and ask themselves:- Will this officer stand by me when things go Wrong? Will he or she take responsibility when the situation becomes difficult? Will he or she live and die by the value system we collectively hold dear, or expect me to do something he or she wouldn’t do himself or herself? More importantly, can I trust him or her with my life and the future of my family if things go wrong for me ?" Your answers to these questions will define you far more than any promotion, annual confidential report, commendation or gallantry award ever can, he concluded.

India's Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan shared his firm belief that 'the character of warfare may have changed in many ways, but fundamentally, war still remains a profoundly human endeavour'.&nbsp;

Future wars demand jointness of all Services: Indian Navy Chief to Army officers

Following the successful launch of India's GSLV F-17/EOS-05 space mission on Friday(4th September), employees of the Indian space agency ISRO have sought a clarification from the Indian Government over the ongoing privatisation of certain ISRO activities.This author has accessed the five-page letter which employee associations of crucial ISRO centres have jointly written to the ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as the Secretary of the Indian Government's Department of Space, which operates under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the year 2020, the Modi Government has been spearheading the "opening up of space sector to private players", a process that sections within the Government-run ISRO have been "anxious and fearful" about. The latest letter reflects the growing concerns and unease.The letter has been signed by nine representatives of various ISRO employee associations linked to major ISRO centers such as VSSC, SDSC, URSC, LPSC, SAC, NRSC, and IPRC. On the strict condition of anonymity, multiple representatives of ISRO employees' associations confirmed the authenticity of their letter with this author. They added that their associations represented the concerns of around 5,000 employees, which is around one-fourth(27%) of ISRO's 18,100 employee headcount.When this author contacted him for a response regarding the privatisation of ISRO activities and related concerns that employees had raised in the letter, Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, did not offer a comment.<h2>The trigger for the concerns – a statement by Dr. Pawan Goenka</h2>"Eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private Sector or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)," Dr. Pawan Goenka had said during a televised event in August 2026. The employee associations' letter quotes this statement and says that it had caused widespread concern among serving employees, their families, and thousands of young citizens who aspire to a career in the national space programme.Dr. Pawan Goenka has been appointed by the Modi Government to head the government agency IN-SPACE, which is meant to promote and facilitate end-to-end private participation in the ISRO-dominated Indian space sector.Dr. Goenka is an automobile industry veteran who has been heading IN-SPACE since 2021. An IITian with a subsequent Ph.D. from Cornell and a management degree at Harvard, Goenka worked at the General Motors R&amp;D Centre, Detroit, for 14 years and at India's Mahindra &amp; Mahindra(M&amp;M) Ltd. for 28 years. He retired from M&amp;M as MD &amp; CEO in the year 2021, following which he was appointed to lead the Indian Government's IN-SPACE.<h2>‘ISRO's rocket tech being transferred to private and Govt firms, without official communication to employees’</h2>The ISRO employees' association letter mentions the SSLV rocket technology and production technology being sold to Government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL), and the ongoing bidding process for technology transfer of India's largest rocket, LVM3, and similar efforts for transferring the technology of the workhorse PSLV rocket.The letter also cites reports about routine satellite manufacturing possibly being moved out of ISRO, and that operation of new launch infrastructure, including the Government's Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu being opened to private entities.In light of these developments, the employees' associations highlight that such decisions or proposals by the Government have not been accompanied by any corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees.&nbsp; It adds that there has been no communication from the Department of Space explaining the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing, or its consequences for the existing workforce.<h2>‘Why are ISRO employees anxious?’</h2>The letter cites that ISRO was built as a national scientific institution with public funds, public purpose and a public workforce. "Launch-vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations are not merely 'manufacturing contracts'. They are the core competence, institutional memory and strategic capability of the Organisation," ISRO staff association explained.The letter expresses concern that ISRO's progressive withdrawal from launch-vehicle and satellite realisation will tamper with experiments after research, shrink in-house work, freeze or reduce sanctioned strength, and close promotion and skill- development avenues in technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres.Further, it says that existing employees who are working under ISRO's own facilities may be rendered surplus, or redeployed, or left without meaningful work while the same tasks are performed by private contractors using publicly developed technology.It also said that strategic autonomy, quality assurance, safety culture and accountability that are inherent to a national space agency may be diluted if core realisation and launch operations pass out of public control."Regular recruitment to Group A, B and C posts - already constrained by vacancies and attrition - will further decline, denying opportunity to meritorious youth who look to ISRO as a career," reads the letter. This comes at a time when Indian Government data reveals that ISRO faces a human resource shortage: Indian Parliament data from February 2026 showed that ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 14,108 staff in the Science and Technology domain, of which only 12,472 are in position, which indicates an 11 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 1,261 of the 1,636 vacancies.In the Admin domain, ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 4,034 staff. However, only 3,057 are in position, which indicates a 24 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 188 of the 977 vacant posts.<h2>‘Draw a line between private participation and dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability’</h2>The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they are not hostile towards Indian industry, and they are not opposed to legitimate commercialisation through NSIL (ISRO's commercial arm) within a defined framework. "The concern is the absence of an official Department of Space policy document that draws a clear line between (i) enabling private participation and (ii) dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability," they added.Further, they agreed that private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly-owned ISRO. However, they stressed that "a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&amp;D boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands, cannot be accepted without debate".Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. On such transfer of Government-developed technology to private firms, ISRO staff associations highlighted that they have an earned right to be informed, consulted and protected. "Natural justice and good administration require that policy of this magnitude be explained to the workforce by the Department itself."<h2>Clarifications sought from ISRO Chief, Secretary, Dept of Space (Govt of India)</h2>The ISRO staff associations requested Dr. V. Narayanan, the ISRO Chief and Secretary, DoS, to issue an official, written clarification addressing their concerns in a time-bound manner.Further, it wanted the Department of Space to conduct a structured interaction with the recognised Service Associations on the future role of ISRO, staffing, recruitment, among others.The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they were submitting this representation to the Government in a constructive and democratic spirit. "Our loyalty to ISRO and to the national space programme is not in question. Precisely because of that loyalty, we consider it our duty to seek clarity before uncertainty hardens into irreversible policy," concluded the letter, which sought a written response from the government.

Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. 

Following the successful launch of India's GSLV F-17/EOS-05 space mission on Friday(4th September), employees of the Indian space agency ISRO have sought a clarification from the Indian Government over the ongoing privatisation of certain ISRO activities. This author has accessed the five-page letter which employee associations of crucial ISRO centres have jointly written to the ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, who also serves as the Secretary of the Indian Government's Department of Space, which operates under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the year 2020, the Modi Government has been spearheading the "opening up of space sector to private players", a process that sections within the Government-run ISRO have been "anxious and fearful" about. The latest letter reflects the growing concerns and unease. The letter has been signed by nine representatives of various ISRO employee associations linked to major ISRO centers such as VSSC, SDSC, URSC, LPSC, SAC, NRSC, and IPRC. On the strict condition of anonymity, multiple representatives of ISRO employees' associations confirmed the authenticity of their letter with this author. They added that their associations represented the concerns of around 5,000 employees, which is around one-fourth(27%) of ISRO's 18,100 employee headcount. When this author contacted him for a response regarding the privatisation of ISRO activities and related concerns that employees had raised in the letter, Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, did not offer a comment. The trigger for the concerns – a statement by Dr. Pawan Goenka "Eventually, ISRO will not make any launch vehicles and will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private Sector or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)," Dr. Pawan Goenka had said during a televised event in August 2026. The employee associations' letter quotes this statement and says that it had caused widespread concern among serving employees, their families, and thousands of young citizens who aspire to a career in the national space programme. Dr. Pawan Goenka has been appointed by the Modi Government to head the government agency IN-SPACE, which is meant to promote and facilitate end-to-end private participation in the ISRO-dominated Indian space sector. Dr. Goenka is an automobile industry veteran who has been heading IN-SPACE since 2021. An IITian with a subsequent Ph.D. from Cornell and a management degree at Harvard, Goenka worked at the General Motors R&D Centre, Detroit, for 14 years and at India's Mahindra & Mahindra(M&M) Ltd. for 28 years. He retired from M&M as MD & CEO in the year 2021, following which he was appointed to lead the Indian Government's IN-SPACE. ‘ISRO's rocket tech being transferred to private and Govt firms, without official communication to employees’ The ISRO employees' association letter mentions the SSLV rocket technology and production technology being sold to Government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL), and the ongoing bidding process for technology transfer of India's largest rocket, LVM3, and similar efforts for transferring the technology of the workhorse PSLV rocket. The letter also cites reports about routine satellite manufacturing possibly being moved out of ISRO, and that operation of new launch infrastructure, including the Government's Space Launch Complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu being opened to private entities. In light of these developments, the employees' associations highlight that such decisions or proposals by the Government have not been accompanied by any corresponding official communication from the Department of Space to its employees. It adds that there has been no communication from the Department of Space explaining the approved policy, its legal and administrative basis, its phasing, or its consequences for the existing workforce. ‘Why are ISRO employees anxious?’ The letter cites that ISRO was built as a national scientific institution with public funds, public purpose and a public workforce. "Launch-vehicle design, realisation, integration, testing and launch operations are not merely 'manufacturing contracts'. They are the core competence, institutional memory and strategic capability of the Organisation," ISRO staff association explained. The letter expresses concern that ISRO's progressive withdrawal from launch-vehicle and satellite realisation will tamper with experiments after research, shrink in-house work, freeze or reduce sanctioned strength, and close promotion and skill- development avenues in technical, scientific, administrative, stores, purchase, quality, safety and industrial cadres. Further, it says that existing employees who are working under ISRO's own facilities may be rendered surplus, or redeployed, or left without meaningful work while the same tasks are performed by private contractors using publicly developed technology. It also said that strategic autonomy, quality assurance, safety culture and accountability that are inherent to a national space agency may be diluted if core realisation and launch operations pass out of public control. "Regular recruitment to Group A, B and C posts - already constrained by vacancies and attrition - will further decline, denying opportunity to meritorious youth who look to ISRO as a career," reads the letter. This comes at a time when Indian Government data reveals that ISRO faces a human resource shortage: Indian Parliament data from February 2026 showed that ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 14,108 staff in the Science and Technology domain, of which only 12,472 are in position, which indicates an 11 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 1,261 of the 1,636 vacancies. In the Admin domain, ISRO has a sanctioned strength of 4,034 staff. However, only 3,057 are in position, which indicates a 24 per cent resource crunch. The Government had said it is undertaking efforts to fill 188 of the 977 vacant posts. ‘Draw a line between private participation and dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability’ The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they are not hostile towards Indian industry, and they are not opposed to legitimate commercialisation through NSIL (ISRO's commercial arm) within a defined framework. "The concern is the absence of an official Department of Space policy document that draws a clear line between (i) enabling private participation and (ii) dismantling ISRO's own realisation capability," they added. Further, they agreed that private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly-owned ISRO. However, they stressed that "a policy that reduces ISRO to a residual R&D boutique while the realisation of the nation's launch vehicles and the operation of its launch infrastructure pass out of public hands, cannot be accepted without debate". Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations. On such transfer of Government-developed technology to private firms, ISRO staff associations highlighted that they have an earned right to be informed, consulted and protected. "Natural justice and good administration require that policy of this magnitude be explained to the workforce by the Department itself." Clarifications sought from ISRO Chief, Secretary, Dept of Space (Govt of India) The ISRO staff associations requested Dr. V. Narayanan, the ISRO Chief and Secretary, DoS, to issue an official, written clarification addressing their concerns in a time-bound manner. Further, it wanted the Department of Space to conduct a structured interaction with the recognised Service Associations on the future role of ISRO, staffing, recruitment, among others. The ISRO staff associations emphasised that they were submitting this representation to the Government in a constructive and democratic spirit. "Our loyalty to ISRO and to the national space programme is not in question. Precisely because of that loyalty, we consider it our duty to seek clarity before uncertainty hardens into irreversible policy," concluded the letter, which sought a written response from the government.

Technology developed by ISRO is a national asset. Its transfer must be transparent, accountable, and consistent with strategic, safety and employment considerations.&nbsp;

Are ISRO activities being privatised? Anxious staff seek Govt response

Ending an eight-month lull, Indian space agency ISRO delivered a much-needed comeback with the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 satellite. The 52-meters-tall GSLV rocket that weighed 420-tons lifted off at 2:55am Indian time, from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying the 2,367kg Earth-imaging satellite built by ISRO. In barely 20 minutes, the three-stage rocket placed the satellite in its designated initial orbit. ISRO's launches scheduled for 2026 were halted after repeat mid-flight failures of ISRO's workhorse PSLV rockets: PSLV-C61 in May 2025 and PSLV-C62 in January 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;Announcing the launch outcome, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan said that the EOS-05 satellite was successfully and precisely injected into the required orbit. He added that the satellite's solar panels have been deployed and that the satellite's health condition is perfectly alright. While ISRO intended to place the satellite in an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit of 170kms perigee (nearest point from Earth) and 28,934kms apogee (farthest point from Earth), the rocket had delivered a better performance and placed the satellite in a 171kms perigee and&nbsp; 31,026kms apogee. He also projected that the EOS-05 satellite would have an operational life of seven to nine years.&nbsp;Tracing the 25-year operational history of the GSLV rocket, Dr. Narayanan pointed out that the EOS-05 was the heaviest satellite to be launched by this vehicle. He recalled and contrasted that GSLV had lifted a satellite weighing 1,356kg during its first launch mission; while it has lifted a 2,367kg satellite in its latest mission, which is its 19th&nbsp;flight. He elaborated that this enhancement of lifting power is a result of ISRO's efforts in constantly modifying and upgrading the the structural elements, propulsion systems of the vehicle. He pointed out that the GSLV rocket had seen almost a 50percent increase in its lifting power over these years. However, he mentioned that further enhancement of this vehicle's lifting power is ruled out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ganga-nears-danger-mark-in-varanasi-most-ghats-submerged-pm-modi-orders-relief-work-on-war-footing-1788455040726">Ganga nears danger mark in Varanasi, most ghats submerged; PM Modi orders relief work on ‘war footing’</a><h2>Watch ISRO's post here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LIFT-OFF! GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota. Livestreaming:<a href="https://t.co/uCaGCKcwuC">https://t.co/uCaGCKcwuC</a> For more information:<a href="https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY">https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/GSLVF17?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVF17</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/EOS05?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EOS05</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://x.com/isro/status/2095624179949461607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mission Success! GSLV-F17 has successfully accomplished its mission, placing EOS-05 into the intended orbit. Sharing a few memorable moments from the lift-off. For more information:<a href="https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY">https://t.co/VneB2jgZoY</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/GSLVF17?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVF17</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/EOS05?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EOS05</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/kv0zB6V5Vi">pic.twitter.com/kv0zB6V5Vi</a>&mdash; ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://x.com/isro/status/2095649303251607909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>ISRO targets 6 launches by March 2027</h2>Referring to the back-to-back, mid-flight PSLV failures, Dr. Narayanan said that ISRO had understood the reasons behind them and needed to validate their understanding via experiments. &nbsp;Without elaborating much, the ISRO Chief also mentioned that the agency is targeting six launches in the ongoing Financial year, of which the launch of Navigation satellite NVS-03 and Gaganyaan-G1 mission are planned by December 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;NVS-03 is one among five satellites that are part of India's regional navigation satellite fleet, which urgently requires replenishment of satellites to resume basic functionalities. &nbsp;Gaganyaan-G1 is the first in the series of three unmanned missions that India would carry out, before launching its crew to space on an Indian rocket, astronaut-carrying spacecraft. Gaganyaan is India's ambitious Human Spaceflight programme, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space and return them safely.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yet another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a proud moment for our nation. The successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first-ever imaging satellite from Geosynchronous orbit is a reflection of the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities that define… <a href="https://t.co/fXzwnSmwAF">https://t.co/fXzwnSmwAF</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2095701099747713393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 launches from Sriharikota as ISRO aims to enhance Earth observation, disaster warning, cyclone and agriculture monitoring

Ending an eight-month lull, Indian space agency ISRO delivered a much-needed comeback with the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 satellite. The 52-meters-tall GSLV rocket that weighed 420-tons lifted off at 2:55am Indian time, from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying the 2,367kg Earth-imaging satellite built by ISRO. In barely 20 minutes, the three-stage rocket placed the satellite in its designated initial orbit. ISRO's launches scheduled for 2026 were halted after repeat mid-flight failures of ISRO's workhorse PSLV rockets: PSLV-C61 in May 2025 and PSLV-C62 in January 2026. Announcing the launch outcome, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan said that the EOS-05 satellite was successfully and precisely injected into the required orbit. He added that the satellite's solar panels have been deployed and that the satellite's health condition is perfectly alright. While ISRO intended to place the satellite in an initial elliptical(egg-shaped) orbit of 170kms perigee (nearest point from Earth) and 28,934kms apogee (farthest point from Earth), the rocket had delivered a better performance and placed the satellite in a 171kms perigee and 31,026kms apogee. He also projected that the EOS-05 satellite would have an operational life of seven to nine years. Tracing the 25-year operational history of the GSLV rocket, Dr. Narayanan pointed out that the EOS-05 was the heaviest satellite to be launched by this vehicle. He recalled and contrasted that GSLV had lifted a satellite weighing 1,356kg during its first launch mission; while it has lifted a 2,367kg satellite in its latest mission, which is its 19th flight. He elaborated that this enhancement of lifting power is a result of ISRO's efforts in constantly modifying and upgrading the the structural elements, propulsion systems of the vehicle. He pointed out that the GSLV rocket had seen almost a 50percent increase in its lifting power over these years. However, he mentioned that further enhancement of this vehicle's lifting power is ruled out. Also Read: Ganga nears danger mark in Varanasi, most ghats submerged; PM Modi orders relief work on ‘war footing’ Watch ISRO's post here

GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 lifts off from Sriharikota, aiming to boost real-time Earth imaging for disaster, cyclone, agriculture and water monitoring

ISRO stages comeback with GSLV-F17/EOS-05 success; targets six more launches

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