If everything goes as per plan, India's first private space-faring rocket Skyroot Vikram-I would liftoff sometime in 2026, carrying miniature satellites to orbit. The historic launch would be carried out from the First Launchpad(FLP), at the Indian Space Agency ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. So far, both launchpads at Sriharikota have only launched rockets designed, developed, and built by ISRO. WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot.<h2>The journey so far...</h2>In November 2022, Skyroot successfully carried out the test launch of its Vikram-S rocket, a small experimental rocket meant to fly to the Earth's upper atmosphere. Fundamentally, it was not very different from the rockets that INCOSPAR (nascent ISRO) launched in the 1960s for experimental purposes and validating the basics of rocketry. The Vikram-S marked the first flight of a privately designed and developed Indian rocket, and a small step towards bigger ambitions. It must be emphasised that this launch was not destined for space and did not carry any satellite for placing in orbit around the earth. However, this was a first step for the up-and-coming Indian private rocket maker.It was in October 2023 that Skyroot first "revealed" their 7-storey-tall Vikram-I spacefaring rocket, in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who handles the space portfolio, among others. Back then, Skyroot had publicly announced carrying out their maiden space launch sometime in 2024. However, their plan has seen multiple delays, and the maiden space launch is now expected in the first six months of 2026.Queried about not meeting their timelines, Pawan explained that the first launch is always very challenging and that they have been facing "unexpected glitches". He elaborated that the average time for a new rocket development is about ten years, whereas their team has been attempting to compress timelines, as they began working on their spacefaring rocket only after 2022, and they hope to fly it to space in 2026.For this, Skyroot is also conducting technical reviews with ISRO to ensure everything goes smoothly. "In a few months.... we will announce soon," said Pawan, on a question regarding their highly anticipated maiden launch to space.When asked about the difference between the rocket that was "revealed" in 2023 by the junior minister and the rocket "unveiled" in November 2025 by Prime Minister Modi, Pawan explained that the latest one is a flight model, and the 2023 version was a prototype/engineering model. He added that the model showcased in November 2025 would be the actual rocket that would launch on the first orbital mission.<h2>First orbital launch is crucial...</h2>With its additional rocket-making facility in Hyderabad, Skyroot aims to gradually scale up manufacturing capacity to build one rocket a month, and meet the growing global demand for small rockets that launch small satellites. However, Pawan admits that the outcome of the first launch is crucial. He points out that it is extremely rare or near-impossible for a private firm to be completely successful in its first spacefaring rocket launch.Typically, all companies/space agencies attempting to launch a new rocket to space would consider their first three launches as developmental flights. These fights offer crucial data and learning opportunities for them to refine the technology and make necessary changes for the future. Skyroot is also considering that they would perform three developmental flights. For instance, even ISRO considers the first three flights of every new rocket variant as development flights. After completing the necessary number of development flights, the rocket is formally declared operational.In their first developmental flight, Skyroot would be carrying a few small satellites belonging to paying customers. However, given the complex nature of the maiden launch and the risks involved, the customers have been offered an "attractive rate", Pawan said.Skyroot's first launch would be to low Earth orbit, about 500 km above the Earth's surface. While the rocket is meant to carry a 300&nbsp;kg payload 500 km above the earth, the maiden flight would only involve a small payload that is a fraction of 300 kg. This is because the company wants to launch limited payloads and test the rocket in the initial flights, before unlocking the full lifting power of their rocket.Skyroot is well on track to be the first Indian private firm to launch its own rocket to space, but they already has established competitors within India and abroad in the small-rocket market(rockets that can carry less than 500kgs to Low Earth orbit). Skyroot considers American firm Rocket Lab as its primary competitor, because Rocket Lab's Electron is among the small rockets that are dominating commercial launches to Low Earth orbit. Electron is capable of launching around 320kg to a 500 km orbit. Similarly, ISRO's SSLV, which can carry about 500kg to a 500 km orbit, is also among the competitors to Skyroot's Vikram-I. SSLV has flown thrice over the last three years, whereas Electron has been flying at least a dozen times annually, in recent years.<h2>What more needs to be accomplished before the maiden launch...</h2>Before Skyroot launches to space, the company has to carry out vibration tests of some parts of its rocket, and also carry out a review with ISRO, Pawan shared. This includes interfacing their rocket with the ISRO launchpad and Mission control systems in Sriharikota. &nbsp;For the next couple of years, Skyroot plans to launch to Low Earth orbit from Sriharikota. Once the ISRO spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu becomes operational, Skyroot could also use the new facility for more efficient launches to Sun Synchronous Polar orbits, where Earth-imaging satellites are placed.Skyroot will also be required to take launch liability insurance to compensate in case of any major catastrophes at the launchpad or mid-flight. Even during their earlier upper atmospheric mission, Skyroot had taken a launch liability insurance to cover any damages that may arise.Until the year 2020, the Indian Government's ISRO was the only agency that was allowed to design, develop, build and launch rockets and satellites from India. The Indian Government's "Space reforms" that were gradually rolled out from the year 2020, enabled private firms to also compete in the global space sector(estimated to be around $450bn), where India has a share of barely 2 per cent.

WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot. Scroll down to read.

If everything goes as per plan, India's first private space-faring rocket Skyroot Vikram-I would liftoff sometime in 2026, carrying miniature satellites to orbit. The historic launch would be carried out from the First Launchpad(FLP), at the Indian Space Agency ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. So far, both launchpads at Sriharikota have only launched rockets designed, developed, and built by ISRO. WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot. The journey so far... In November 2022, Skyroot successfully carried out the test launch of its Vikram-S rocket, a small experimental rocket meant to fly to the Earth's upper atmosphere. Fundamentally, it was not very different from the rockets that INCOSPAR (nascent ISRO) launched in the 1960s for experimental purposes and validating the basics of rocketry. The Vikram-S marked the first flight of a privately designed and developed Indian rocket, and a small step towards bigger ambitions. It must be emphasised that this launch was not destined for space and did not carry any satellite for placing in orbit around the earth. However, this was a first step for the up-and-coming Indian private rocket maker. It was in October 2023 that Skyroot first "revealed" their 7-storey-tall Vikram-I spacefaring rocket, in the presence of Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who handles the space portfolio, among others. Back then, Skyroot had publicly announced carrying out their maiden space launch sometime in 2024. However, their plan has seen multiple delays, and the maiden space launch is now expected in the first six months of 2026. Queried about not meeting their timelines, Pawan explained that the first launch is always very challenging and that they have been facing "unexpected glitches". He elaborated that the average time for a new rocket development is about ten years, whereas their team has been attempting to compress timelines, as they began working on their spacefaring rocket only after 2022, and they hope to fly it to space in 2026. For this, Skyroot is also conducting technical reviews with ISRO to ensure everything goes smoothly. "In a few months.... we will announce soon," said Pawan, on a question regarding their highly anticipated maiden launch to space. When asked about the difference between the rocket that was "revealed" in 2023 by the junior minister and the rocket "unveiled" in November 2025 by Prime Minister Modi, Pawan explained that the latest one is a flight model, and the 2023 version was a prototype/engineering model. He added that the model showcased in November 2025 would be the actual rocket that would launch on the first orbital mission. First orbital launch is crucial... With its additional rocket-making facility in Hyderabad, Skyroot aims to gradually scale up manufacturing capacity to build one rocket a month, and meet the growing global demand for small rockets that launch small satellites. However, Pawan admits that the outcome of the first launch is crucial. He points out that it is extremely rare or near-impossible for a private firm to be completely successful in its first spacefaring rocket launch. Typically, all companies/space agencies attempting to launch a new rocket to space would consider their first three launches as developmental flights. These fights offer crucial data and learning opportunities for them to refine the technology and make necessary changes for the future. Skyroot is also considering that they would perform three developmental flights. For instance, even ISRO considers the first three flights of every new rocket variant as development flights. After completing the necessary number of development flights, the rocket is formally declared operational. In their first developmental flight, Skyroot would be carrying a few small satellites belonging to paying customers. However, given the complex nature of the maiden launch and the risks involved, the customers have been offered an "attractive rate", Pawan said. Skyroot's first launch would be to low Earth orbit, about 500 km above the Earth's surface. While the rocket is meant to carry a 300 kg payload 500 km above the earth, the maiden flight would only involve a small payload that is a fraction of 300 kg. This is because the company wants to launch limited payloads and test the rocket in the initial flights, before unlocking the full lifting power of their rocket. Skyroot is well on track to be the first Indian private firm to launch its own rocket to space, but they already has established competitors within India and abroad in the small-rocket market(rockets that can carry less than 500kgs to Low Earth orbit). Skyroot considers American firm Rocket Lab as its primary competitor, because Rocket Lab's Electron is among the small rockets that are dominating commercial launches to Low Earth orbit. Electron is capable of launching around 320kg to a 500 km orbit. Similarly, ISRO's SSLV, which can carry about 500kg to a 500 km orbit, is also among the competitors to Skyroot's Vikram-I. SSLV has flown thrice over the last three years, whereas Electron has been flying at least a dozen times annually, in recent years. What more needs to be accomplished before the maiden launch... Before Skyroot launches to space, the company has to carry out vibration tests of some parts of its rocket, and also carry out a review with ISRO, Pawan shared. This includes interfacing their rocket with the ISRO launchpad and Mission control systems in Sriharikota. For the next couple of years, Skyroot plans to launch to Low Earth orbit from Sriharikota. Once the ISRO spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu becomes operational, Skyroot could also use the new facility for more efficient launches to Sun Synchronous Polar orbits, where Earth-imaging satellites are placed. Skyroot will also be required to take launch liability insurance to compensate in case of any major catastrophes at the launchpad or mid-flight. Even during their earlier upper atmospheric mission, Skyroot had taken a launch liability insurance to cover any damages that may arise. Until the year 2020, the Indian Government's ISRO was the only agency that was allowed to design, develop, build and launch rockets and satellites from India. The Indian Government's "Space reforms" that were gradually rolled out from the year 2020, enabled private firms to also compete in the global space sector(estimated to be around $450bn), where India has a share of barely 2 per cent.

WION had an in-depth conversation with Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist who is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot. Scroll down to read.

Indian Private rocket Vikram-I to liftoff from ISRO's first launchpad in 2026

The University of Western Australia (UWA), an Australian Government-established entity, is investing Rs. 500 crore (approx. $55 million USD) to set up campuses in the Indian cities of Chennai and Mumbai. This is a result of the Indian University Grants Commission (UGC) having approved UWA’s application to establish campuses in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;The UWA is looking to open these campuses at pre-existing private properties in two Indian cities, with the goal of commencing academic courses in August 2026. The UWA is among the world’s Top 100 Universities and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight, the country’s leading research-intensive institutions. By establishing a physical presence in India, UWA aims to deepen educational and economic relationships, create new research and industry partnerships, and foster opportunities for collaboration that benefit both regions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-denies-anticipatory-bail-to-luthra-brothers-ahead-of-deportation-from-thailand-in-goa-club-fire-case-1765458823728">Court denies anticipatory bail to Luthra brothers ahead of deportation from Thailand in Goa club fire case</a>&nbsp;According to UWA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Amit Chakma, the upcoming India campuses would offer a diverse portfolio of Undergraduate and Master’s degree programmes, with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Business and Commerce courses. We are looking to enrol a total of 600 students as part of the first batch at the Chennai and Mumbai campuses, he said.&nbsp;He elaborated that over 90 per cent of the $55 million investment would be made in India, which involves hiring of local staff, Chief Academic Officer, Professors, Building leasing costs, among others.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-war-widens-after-us-mexico-announces-up-to-50-tariffs-on-imports-from-india-other-asian-countries-1765454197194">Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries</a>&nbsp;Speaking about the long-term vision, he said that the UWA looks to have a total of 5,000-6,000 students at both their Indian campuses by the time they enter their fifth year of operations in the country. He added that they would like to double this number when they complete a decade of operations in India. Further, they would also be working towards enrolling students from neighbouring South Asian and African nations to study at their Indian campuses, where about 30 per cent of the student intake would be International (non-Indian students).&nbsp;Queried about the rationale behind having two campuses in India, when a large number of Indian students already travel to Australia and other countries for higher education, the Vice Chancellor said that many Indian students cannot afford to visit Australia and study there, and that the country’s capacity to absorb International students is very small, when compared to the Indians aspiring to go there. He added that the efforts to establish campuses in India were undertaken in close coordination with the relevant Indian government authorities and the respective State governments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-offers-travel-vouchers-of-10-000-to-passengers-stranded-between-dec-3-and-5-1765463688954">IndiGo offers travel vouchers of ₹10,000 to passengers stranded between Dec 3 and 5</a>&nbsp;“The annual fee structure for courses in our India campuses would be similar to what domestic students in Australia pay for their college education. Therefore, it would be significantly more affordable than what International (Indian) students pay to stay and study in our Australian campuses,” Amit Chakma told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the aspect of partnerships with Indian academia and industry, he said that the UWA is working with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) campuses, besides private Universities and industries on various aspects of collaboration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-remove-a-single-name-from-voter-list-face-dharna-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-warns-on-sir-1765448347692">‘Remove a single name from voter list, face dharna’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee warns on SIR</a>&nbsp;“UWA’s collaboration with Indian IT firm HCLTech will deliver first-of-its kind global micro-credentials in AI, cybersecurity, digital engineering and technology leadership, co-developed by UWA and HCLTech. This partnership will link India’s advanced tech ecosystem with UWA’s global expertise and create employability pipelines across both regions,” UWA announced. This initiative would culminate in the Indo-Pacific Hackathon delivered with the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Ministry of Electronics, Information Technology (MEITY), allowing students to solve real-world problems in emerging technologies.

By establishing a physical presence in India, the University of Western Australia aims to deepen educational and economic relationships, create new research and industry partnerships, and foster opportunities for collaboration that benefit both regions.

The University of Western Australia (UWA), an Australian Government-established entity, is investing Rs. 500 crore (approx. $55 million USD) to set up campuses in the Indian cities of Chennai and Mumbai. This is a result of the Indian University Grants Commission (UGC) having approved UWA’s application to establish campuses in the country. The UWA is looking to open these campuses at pre-existing private properties in two Indian cities, with the goal of commencing academic courses in August 2026. The UWA is among the world’s Top 100 Universities and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight, the country’s leading research-intensive institutions. By establishing a physical presence in India, UWA aims to deepen educational and economic relationships, create new research and industry partnerships, and foster opportunities for collaboration that benefit both regions. Also Read: Court denies anticipatory bail to Luthra brothers ahead of deportation from Thailand in Goa club fire case According to UWA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Amit Chakma, the upcoming India campuses would offer a diverse portfolio of Undergraduate and Master’s degree programmes, with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Business and Commerce courses. We are looking to enrol a total of 600 students as part of the first batch at the Chennai and Mumbai campuses, he said. He elaborated that over 90 per cent of the $55 million investment would be made in India, which involves hiring of local staff, Chief Academic Officer, Professors, Building leasing costs, among others. Also Read: Tariff war widens: After US, Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on imports from India, other Asian countries Speaking about the long-term vision, he said that the UWA looks to have a total of 5,000-6,000 students at both their Indian campuses by the time they enter their fifth year of operations in the country. He added that they would like to double this number when they complete a decade of operations in India. Further, they would also be working towards enrolling students from neighbouring South Asian and African nations to study at their Indian campuses, where about 30 per cent of the student intake would be International (non-Indian students). Queried about the rationale behind having two campuses in India, when a large number of Indian students already travel to Australia and other countries for higher education, the Vice Chancellor said that many Indian students cannot afford to visit Australia and study there, and that the country’s capacity to absorb International students is very small, when compared to the Indians aspiring to go there. He added that the efforts to establish campuses in India were undertaken in close coordination with the relevant Indian government authorities and the respective State governments. Also Read: IndiGo offers travel vouchers of ₹10,000 to passengers stranded between Dec 3 and 5 “The annual fee structure for courses in our India campuses would be similar to what domestic students in Australia pay for their college education. Therefore, it would be significantly more affordable than what International (Indian) students pay to stay and study in our Australian campuses,” Amit Chakma told WION. On the aspect of partnerships with Indian academia and industry, he said that the UWA is working with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) campuses, besides private Universities and industries on various aspects of collaboration. Also Read: ‘Remove a single name from voter list, face dharna’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee warns on SIR “UWA’s collaboration with Indian IT firm HCLTech will deliver first-of-its kind global micro-credentials in AI, cybersecurity, digital engineering and technology leadership, co-developed by UWA and HCLTech. This partnership will link India’s advanced tech ecosystem with UWA’s global expertise and create employability pipelines across both regions,” UWA announced. This initiative would culminate in the Indo-Pacific Hackathon delivered with the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Ministry of Electronics, Information Technology (MEITY), allowing students to solve real-world problems in emerging technologies.

By establishing a physical presence in India, the University of Western Australia aims to deepen educational and economic relationships, create new research and industry partnerships, and foster opportunities for collaboration that benefit both regions.

University of Western Australia to invest $55mn, set up campuses in Chennai, Mumbai

A facility to carry out Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul(MRO) of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft is to come up in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, India's aerospace hub. Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin today announced the groundbreaking of this facility that can offer support for the Indian Air Force's(IAF) fleet of Hercules aircraft, while also creating opportunities for broader regional and global support.&nbsp;&nbsp;The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, and the facility is likely to receive the first C-130 for MRO operations in early 2027. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 12 C-130Js, making India one of 22 nations in the world that operate this aircraft for tactical airlift missions. &nbsp;According to the companies, the new facility would provide Depot‑level and heavy maintenance, Component repair, overhaul, and structural checks and testing, Structural restoration and avionics upgrades, Expanded training for Indian engineers and maintainers, and new opportunities for Indian suppliers across the C‑130 supply chain.&nbsp;&nbsp;The groundbreaking ceremony brought together senior officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), government dignitaries, industry leaders, and senior executives from Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems. “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come,” he said.&nbsp;“Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come.”&nbsp;Tata Advanced Systems, Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partner in manufacturing C-130 empennages(teail structures) and other aerostructure assemblies in India, will play a central role in operating the new facility. Last week, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) celebrated the delivery of its 250th C-130J tail, marking a milestone. &nbsp;The upcoming Defence MRO facility in Bengaluru will join the existing global network of Lockheed Martin Certified Service Centers and will be strategically located to service C-130 variants including: C-130J Super Hercules, KC-130J and C-130 B-H legacy aircraft in the future.

Facility to maintain C-130J military aircraft to come up in Bengaluru

A facility to carry out Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul(MRO) of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft is to come up in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, India's aerospace hub. Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin today announced the groundbreaking of this facility that can offer support for the Indian Air Force's(IAF) fleet of Hercules aircraft, while also creating opportunities for broader regional and global support. The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, and the facility is likely to receive the first C-130 for MRO operations in early 2027. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 12 C-130Js, making India one of 22 nations in the world that operate this aircraft for tactical airlift missions. According to the companies, the new facility would provide Depot‑level and heavy maintenance, Component repair, overhaul, and structural checks and testing, Structural restoration and avionics upgrades, Expanded training for Indian engineers and maintainers, and new opportunities for Indian suppliers across the C‑130 supply chain. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together senior officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), government dignitaries, industry leaders, and senior executives from Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems. “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come,” he said. “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” said Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John. “For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come.” Tata Advanced Systems, Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partner in manufacturing C-130 empennages(teail structures) and other aerostructure assemblies in India, will play a central role in operating the new facility. Last week, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) celebrated the delivery of its 250th C-130J tail, marking a milestone. The upcoming Defence MRO facility in Bengaluru will join the existing global network of Lockheed Martin Certified Service Centers and will be strategically located to service C-130 variants including: C-130J Super Hercules, KC-130J and C-130 B-H legacy aircraft in the future.

The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by end 2026 and the facility is likely to receive the first C130 for MRO operations in early 2027

Hyundai, South Korea's leading shipbuilding conglomerate, announced the signing of a preliminary agreement with the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. According to the company spokesperson, the Indian government had earlier suggested five candidate states - including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh -for the project. HD Hyundai selected Thoothukudi, in Tamil Nadu, as the most suitable location for the new shipyard, as the temperature and rainfall patterns are similar to those of Ulsan, the South Korean port city that houses HD Hyundai's shipyards. China, South Korea, and Japan are the world leaders in shipbuilding, owing to their scale, capacity and industrial base, combined with Government backing.The agreement in this regard was signed in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Industries Minister TRB Rajaa and senior leadership from HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering. However, the quantum of investment or the project implementation roadmap were not made public. Tamil Nadu is also home to major Korean companies, including Hyundai Motor Co. and Samsung Electronics Co., and large-scale investments are underway for nearby port facilities, further raising expectations for future business expansion, HD Hyundai said. Notably, Tamil Nadu has been advancing its maritime ambitions, treating shipyard development as a priority to boost coastal economies, attract investment and build talent.According to Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, the state was chosen by HD Hyundai because it offered a clear policy roadmap, fast coordination and a strong coastal ecosystem for a project of this scale. The shipbuilding employment multiplier is high, often cited at around 6.4x in India, meaning one direct job supports nearly six total jobs (direct, indirect, and induced). Shipbuilding is labour-intensive and supports numerous ancillary sectors (60-65% of value addition), making it a key driver for industrial growth and technological innovation in regions, he added."This year, HD Hyundai reached a historic milestone. We delivered a cumulative total of 5,000 vessels since our founding— a record rarely matched in global shipbuilding. We also operate shipyards in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. And now, we are here in India," said Hannae Choi, HS KSOE Senior Vice President, HD Hyundai."Yesterday, my team and I visited Thoothukudi. With its strategic location, favourable climate, and skilled people, I could clearly imagine a mega shipyard being built here. This vision to build a mega-scale shipyard will be made possible together with the Government of India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and HD Hyundai," said Choi.&nbsp; &nbsp;

According to Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, the state was chosen by HD Hyundai because it offered a clear policy roadmap, fast coordination and a strong coastal ecosystem for a project of this scale.

Hyundai, South Korea's leading shipbuilding conglomerate, announced the signing of a preliminary agreement with the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. According to the company spokesperson, the Indian government had earlier suggested five candidate states - including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh -for the project. HD Hyundai selected Thoothukudi, in Tamil Nadu, as the most suitable location for the new shipyard, as the temperature and rainfall patterns are similar to those of Ulsan, the South Korean port city that houses HD Hyundai's shipyards. China, South Korea, and Japan are the world leaders in shipbuilding, owing to their scale, capacity and industrial base, combined with Government backing. The agreement in this regard was signed in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Industries Minister TRB Rajaa and senior leadership from HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering. However, the quantum of investment or the project implementation roadmap were not made public. Tamil Nadu is also home to major Korean companies, including Hyundai Motor Co. and Samsung Electronics Co., and large-scale investments are underway for nearby port facilities, further raising expectations for future business expansion, HD Hyundai said. Notably, Tamil Nadu has been advancing its maritime ambitions, treating shipyard development as a priority to boost coastal economies, attract investment and build talent. According to Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, the state was chosen by HD Hyundai because it offered a clear policy roadmap, fast coordination and a strong coastal ecosystem for a project of this scale. The shipbuilding employment multiplier is high, often cited at around 6.4x in India, meaning one direct job supports nearly six total jobs (direct, indirect, and induced). Shipbuilding is labour-intensive and supports numerous ancillary sectors (60-65% of value addition), making it a key driver for industrial growth and technological innovation in regions, he added. "This year, HD Hyundai reached a historic milestone. We delivered a cumulative total of 5,000 vessels since our founding— a record rarely matched in global shipbuilding. We also operate shipyards in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. And now, we are here in India," said Hannae Choi, HS KSOE Senior Vice President, HD Hyundai. "Yesterday, my team and I visited Thoothukudi. With its strategic location, favourable climate, and skilled people, I could clearly imagine a mega shipyard being built here. This vision to build a mega-scale shipyard will be made possible together with the Government of India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and HD Hyundai," said Choi.

According to Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, the state was chosen by HD Hyundai because it offered a clear policy roadmap, fast coordination and a strong coastal ecosystem for a project of this scale.

South Korea's Hyundai signs pact to build a shipyard in Tamil Nadu

Amid the Indian Government's ongoing efforts to aid neighbouring Sri Lanka's recovery from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, the Tamil Nadu government has also pitched in with assistance for the island nation. On Saturday, (Dec 6), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin ceremonially flagged off an Indian Navy ship carrying relief materials loaded from the Chennai port. Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka share deep, ancient, cultural and linguistic ties rooted in history, geography, trade, migration, and religion.Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner to South India Dr Ganesanathan Geathiswaran and the Indian Navy's Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA), were present at the ceremony. &nbsp;As per United Nations data, Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst flood disasters in two decades, with nearly one million people affected. Reports say that more than 600 people have been reported dead, with many missing, after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across the island on November 28.A total of four Indian Navy ships carrying 950 metric tons of relief material are to sail from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka. From the Chennai port, INS Gharial, an amphibious vessel, would be carrying about 650 metric tons of relief materials. Sailing from Thoothukudi port, three of the Indian Navy's Landing Crafts: LCU-51, 54, and 57 would be ferrying 100tons of relief material each.The relief material includes essential supplies such as pulses, sugar, and milk powder. In addition to this, clothing items such as dhotis, towels, sarees, and blankets are also being sent. The Chief Minister ceremonially presented a sample package of the relief materials to the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner based in Chennai.<h2>Indian humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka so far</h2>India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, 2025, to provide urgent Search &amp; Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance &amp; Disaster Relief (HADR) support. In coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Government of India immediately handed 9.5 tons of emergency rations from two Indian Navy Ships in Colombo; deployed three Indian Air Force aircrafts for airlifting another 31.5 tons of relief materials including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines and surgical equipment, two BHISHM cubes along with 5 persons medical team for on-site training, and 80 persons special Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in rescue efforts; and despatched another 12 tons of relief supplies on-board Indian Navy Ship Sukanya. A total of 53 tons of relief material has been handed over.In coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force conducted extensive rescue operations, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams continue to carry out search-and-rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety. Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing.Evacuation of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah was also undertaken via special Indian Air Force flights as well as commercial flights, with over 2000 stranded Indians already brought back.

A total of four Indian Navy ships carrying 950 metric tons of relief material are to sail from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka. From the Chennai port, INS Gharial, an amphibious vessel, would be carrying about 650 metric tons of relief materials.

Amid the Indian Government's ongoing efforts to aid neighbouring Sri Lanka's recovery from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, the Tamil Nadu government has also pitched in with assistance for the island nation. On Saturday, (Dec 6), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin ceremonially flagged off an Indian Navy ship carrying relief materials loaded from the Chennai port. Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka share deep, ancient, cultural and linguistic ties rooted in history, geography, trade, migration, and religion. Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner to South India Dr Ganesanathan Geathiswaran and the Indian Navy's Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA), were present at the ceremony. As per United Nations data, Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst flood disasters in two decades, with nearly one million people affected. Reports say that more than 600 people have been reported dead, with many missing, after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across the island on November 28. A total of four Indian Navy ships carrying 950 metric tons of relief material are to sail from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka. From the Chennai port, INS Gharial, an amphibious vessel, would be carrying about 650 metric tons of relief materials. Sailing from Thoothukudi port, three of the Indian Navy's Landing Crafts: LCU-51, 54, and 57 would be ferrying 100tons of relief material each. The relief material includes essential supplies such as pulses, sugar, and milk powder. In addition to this, clothing items such as dhotis, towels, sarees, and blankets are also being sent. The Chief Minister ceremonially presented a sample package of the relief materials to the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner based in Chennai. Indian humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka so far India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28, 2025, to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support. In coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Government of India immediately handed 9.5 tons of emergency rations from two Indian Navy Ships in Colombo; deployed three Indian Air Force aircrafts for airlifting another 31.5 tons of relief materials including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines and surgical equipment, two BHISHM cubes along with 5 persons medical team for on-site training, and 80 persons special Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in rescue efforts; and despatched another 12 tons of relief supplies on-board Indian Navy Ship Sukanya. A total of 53 tons of relief material has been handed over. In coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force conducted extensive rescue operations, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams continue to carry out search-and-rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety. Over 150 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing. Evacuation of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah was also undertaken via special Indian Air Force flights as well as commercial flights, with over 2000 stranded Indians already brought back.

A total of four Indian Navy ships carrying 950 metric tons of relief material are to sail from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka. From the Chennai port, INS Gharial, an amphibious vessel, would be carrying about 650 metric tons of relief materials.

Four Indian Navy ships to ferry Tamil Nadu's aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

On Wednesday, (3rd Dec) and Thursday, (4th Dec), chaos unfolded in the vicinity of the Thiruparankundram hilltop temple in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district. There were minor clashes between Hindu religious outfits backed by India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) and the Tamil Nadu Police authorities. After multiple hearings at the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court this week, this issue pertaining to the lighting of the sacred stone lamp at the hilltop Hindu temple has reached the Supreme Court of India.What is the dispute?A temple and a mosque are situated in close proximity at &nbsp;Thiruparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district. The two shrines are - the Subramaniya Swamy temple, which dates back to the 6th century, and the Sikkander Badusha dargah, a mosque that came up in the 17th century.The issue pertains to the lighting of a sacred stone lamp at the hilltop temple on Karthigai Deepam, a one-day Hindu religious festival in Tamil Nadu. This festival is celebrated once a year.On one side, Hindu religious outfits backed by the Tamil Nadu BJP have been undertaking legal measures to ensure that the lamp be lit at the hilltop shrine, as per ancient custom. They believe that the ancient customs and faith must be upheld. They believe that the lamp must be lit at a spot that is in proximity to the mosque.On the other side, Tamil Nadu government authorities maintain that the lamp must be lit at what is known as the Deepa Mandapam, a different location in the vicinity of the hilltop temple. They cite that lighting the lamp at the Deepa Mandapam has been the practice for the last 100years or so. They also believe that lighting the lamp at the hilltop Hindu temple, close to a mosque, could potentially cause communal tensions and lead to law and order issues.What happened on Wednesday and Thursday nights ?Earlier this week, based on a petition from a member of a Hindu religious outfit, a single-judge from the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had ordered that the sacred lamp be lit at the hilltop shrine.On Wednesday evening, the Tamil Nadu Government authorities lit the lamp at the Deepa Mandapam, and not at the sacred stone lamp at the hilltop temple. On being apprised of this matter, the single-judge bench ordered that the petitioner and 10 others be permitted to light the lamp as per the court order. The judge also ordered the CISF paramilitary force to protect the petitioner.Amid crowding at the site, the Tamil Nadu Government issued prohibitory orders and prevented the petitioner and the CISF team from going up to the temple and lighting the lamp. That night, there were clashes between the Police and the BJP-backed Hindu outfits. The Tamil Nadu Government has maintained that it issued prohibitory orders and deployed a huge number of police personnel as they feared communal tensions that could have deteriorated.On Thursday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had dismissed the petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Government. The court noted that communal harmony can be achieved by coexistence. Further, the court mentioned that preventing one side's religious function cannot achieve religious harmony. The court ordered that the lamp be lit at the hilltop shrine on Thursday evening.That evening, as the BJP-backed Hindu outfits began to gather for the lamp lighting, the Police did not permit them to proceed. The Police maintained that the Tamil Nadu government would be taking up this matter legally, once again. BJP leaders and members from Hindu outfits who protested at the site were taken into preventive custody.BJP VS DMK political battleOn Thursday night, defending their DMK Government's decision, Tamil Nadu Law Minister Reghupathy cited a 2014 order by a two-judge bench of the Madras High Court, which cited that the lamp must be lit at the Deepa Mandapam and not at the sacred stone lamp of the hilltop temple, near the mosque. He said that the decade-old order of the two-judge bench has not been set aside so far. The minister maintained that the DMK government is acting in accordance with the law. The DMK accused the BJP and its allied outfits of "fomenting trouble by mixing religion and politics to incite riots".The BJP, a part of the opposition alliance in Tamil Nadu, has accused the DMK government of being "anti-Hindu" and indulging in "minority appeasement politics", and "insulting Hindu faith".Tamil Nadu heads for the State Assembly polls in barely 4 months from now. BJP and AIADMK are part of the opposition NDA alliance, taking on the ruling DMK and its allies.Thiruparankundram case reaches the Supreme Court of IndiaOn Friday, (Dec 5th) the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court took up the matter, but agreed to initially hear the case on Tuesday, (Dec 9th), and later decided to hear it on Friday, (Dec 12th).Meanwhile, the DMK Government's counsel approached the Chief Justice of India for an urgent hearing of this issue. However, the Chief Justice refused to grant an urgent hearing, and clarity is yet to emerge on when it would be taken up for hearing.

The two shrines are - the Subramaniya Swamy temple, which dates back to the 6th century, and the Sikkander Badusha dargah, a mosque that came up in the 17th century.

On Wednesday, (3rd Dec) and Thursday, (4th Dec), chaos unfolded in the vicinity of the Thiruparankundram hilltop temple in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district. There were minor clashes between Hindu religious outfits backed by India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) and the Tamil Nadu Police authorities. After multiple hearings at the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court this week, this issue pertaining to the lighting of the sacred stone lamp at the hilltop Hindu temple has reached the Supreme Court of India. What is the dispute? A temple and a mosque are situated in close proximity at Thiruparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district. The two shrines are - the Subramaniya Swamy temple, which dates back to the 6th century, and the Sikkander Badusha dargah, a mosque that came up in the 17th century. The issue pertains to the lighting of a sacred stone lamp at the hilltop temple on Karthigai Deepam, a one-day Hindu religious festival in Tamil Nadu. This festival is celebrated once a year. On one side, Hindu religious outfits backed by the Tamil Nadu BJP have been undertaking legal measures to ensure that the lamp be lit at the hilltop shrine, as per ancient custom. They believe that the ancient customs and faith must be upheld. They believe that the lamp must be lit at a spot that is in proximity to the mosque. On the other side, Tamil Nadu government authorities maintain that the lamp must be lit at what is known as the Deepa Mandapam, a different location in the vicinity of the hilltop temple. They cite that lighting the lamp at the Deepa Mandapam has been the practice for the last 100years or so. They also believe that lighting the lamp at the hilltop Hindu temple, close to a mosque, could potentially cause communal tensions and lead to law and order issues. What happened on Wednesday and Thursday nights ? Earlier this week, based on a petition from a member of a Hindu religious outfit, a single-judge from the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had ordered that the sacred lamp be lit at the hilltop shrine. On Wednesday evening, the Tamil Nadu Government authorities lit the lamp at the Deepa Mandapam, and not at the sacred stone lamp at the hilltop temple. On being apprised of this matter, the single-judge bench ordered that the petitioner and 10 others be permitted to light the lamp as per the court order. The judge also ordered the CISF paramilitary force to protect the petitioner. Amid crowding at the site, the Tamil Nadu Government issued prohibitory orders and prevented the petitioner and the CISF team from going up to the temple and lighting the lamp. That night, there were clashes between the Police and the BJP-backed Hindu outfits. The Tamil Nadu Government has maintained that it issued prohibitory orders and deployed a huge number of police personnel as they feared communal tensions that could have deteriorated. On Thursday, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had dismissed the petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Government. The court noted that communal harmony can be achieved by coexistence. Further, the court mentioned that preventing one side's religious function cannot achieve religious harmony. The court ordered that the lamp be lit at the hilltop shrine on Thursday evening. That evening, as the BJP-backed Hindu outfits began to gather for the lamp lighting, the Police did not permit them to proceed. The Police maintained that the Tamil Nadu government would be taking up this matter legally, once again. BJP leaders and members from Hindu outfits who protested at the site were taken into preventive custody. BJP VS DMK political battle On Thursday night, defending their DMK Government's decision, Tamil Nadu Law Minister Reghupathy cited a 2014 order by a two-judge bench of the Madras High Court, which cited that the lamp must be lit at the Deepa Mandapam and not at the sacred stone lamp of the hilltop temple, near the mosque. He said that the decade-old order of the two-judge bench has not been set aside so far. The minister maintained that the DMK government is acting in accordance with the law. The DMK accused the BJP and its allied outfits of "fomenting trouble by mixing religion and politics to incite riots". The BJP, a part of the opposition alliance in Tamil Nadu, has accused the DMK government of being "anti-Hindu" and indulging in "minority appeasement politics", and "insulting Hindu faith". Tamil Nadu heads for the State Assembly polls in barely 4 months from now. BJP and AIADMK are part of the opposition NDA alliance, taking on the ruling DMK and its allies. Thiruparankundram case reaches the Supreme Court of India On Friday, (Dec 5th) the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court took up the matter, but agreed to initially hear the case on Tuesday, (Dec 9th), and later decided to hear it on Friday, (Dec 12th). Meanwhile, the DMK Government's counsel approached the Chief Justice of India for an urgent hearing of this issue. However, the Chief Justice refused to grant an urgent hearing, and clarity is yet to emerge on when it would be taken up for hearing.

The two shrines are - the Subramaniya Swamy temple, which dates back to the 6th century, and the Sikkander Badusha dargah, a mosque that came up in the 17th century.

WION Explains | What is the Madurai Thirupanrankudram temple controversy about?

Russian Nuclear Power Agency Rosatom's Chief Alexey Likhachev&nbsp;has announced that Unit 3 of the Indo-Russian Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant(KKNPP) in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu will begin commissioning operations in 2026. "Units 3 and 4 of Kudankulam NPP are at a high stage of readiness. Next year, we will begin commissioning operations directly at Unit 3. And year after year, we will put into operation Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Kudankulam NPP," said Likachev, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation. Likachev is a part of the delegation that is accompanying Russian President Putin on his State visit to India.&nbsp;The update regarding operationalising Unit 3 follows Rosatom's announcement on Thursday, (Dec 4), that it has commenced delivery of Nuclear fuel for the upcoming Unit 3 of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant(KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu. The Indo-Russian KKNPP is India's largest Nuclear power generation facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the KKNPP's six Russian-origin&nbsp;VVER-1000 reactors, units 1 and 2 were connected to India’s national power grid in 2013 and 2016 respectively, and currently supply electricity to the southern regions of the country. Unit 3 is in the pre-commissioning phase, and Units 4,5,6 are in various stages of construction. Each of these reactors are capable of generating 1000Megawatts of power. When fully operational, KKNPP would generate about 6,000Megawatts of power. At present, KKNPP generates 2,000Megawatts, which is about one-fourth of India's total Nuclear power generating capacity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Likachev noted that India is among the few nations, like Russia, that has an end-to-end competence in the Nuclear sector, ranging from Uranium mining and processing to decommissioning a Nuclear power plant. Tracing India's progress in Nuclear power generation since the 1960s, he said that India's first Nuclear power plants were primarily supplied by North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;The nuclear reactors at India's Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra, commissioned in 1969, were supplied by US firm General Electric. They are India's first nuclear reactors and the only reactors supplied directly by the West. Even the reactors at Rajasthan Atomic Power Station were designed with Canadian Assistance. These are the only two Nuclear projects in India with Western links.&nbsp;"It must be said that at a certain stage the Indians faced limitations, first of all in fuel supplies and uranium products," Likachev said. He elaborated that the peaceful atom has been the key area of cooperation between Russia and India, since the start of the millennium.&nbsp; &nbsp;Further, he noted that Units 1 &amp; 2 of the KKNPP are already operating at full capacity, providing stable power supply. "It is important to emphasise that their output exceeds the nominal level - above the declared 1,000 Megawatt - and the Indians are very pleased with this."

The update regarding operationalising Unit 3 follows Rosatom's announcement on Thursday, (Dec 4), that it has commenced delivery of Nuclear fuel for the upcoming Unit 3 of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant(KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu. 

Russian Nuclear Power Agency Rosatom's Chief Alexey Likhachev has announced that Unit 3 of the Indo-Russian Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant(KKNPP) in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu will begin commissioning operations in 2026. "Units 3 and 4 of Kudankulam NPP are at a high stage of readiness. Next year, we will begin commissioning operations directly at Unit 3. And year after year, we will put into operation Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Kudankulam NPP," said Likachev, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation. Likachev is a part of the delegation that is accompanying Russian President Putin on his State visit to India. The update regarding operationalising Unit 3 follows Rosatom's announcement on Thursday, (Dec 4), that it has commenced delivery of Nuclear fuel for the upcoming Unit 3 of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant(KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu. The Indo-Russian KKNPP is India's largest Nuclear power generation facility. Of the KKNPP's six Russian-origin VVER-1000 reactors, units 1 and 2 were connected to India’s national power grid in 2013 and 2016 respectively, and currently supply electricity to the southern regions of the country. Unit 3 is in the pre-commissioning phase, and Units 4,5,6 are in various stages of construction. Each of these reactors are capable of generating 1000Megawatts of power. When fully operational, KKNPP would generate about 6,000Megawatts of power. At present, KKNPP generates 2,000Megawatts, which is about one-fourth of India's total Nuclear power generating capacity. Likachev noted that India is among the few nations, like Russia, that has an end-to-end competence in the Nuclear sector, ranging from Uranium mining and processing to decommissioning a Nuclear power plant. Tracing India's progress in Nuclear power generation since the 1960s, he said that India's first Nuclear power plants were primarily supplied by North America. The nuclear reactors at India's Tarapur Atomic Power Station in Maharashtra, commissioned in 1969, were supplied by US firm General Electric. They are India's first nuclear reactors and the only reactors supplied directly by the West. Even the reactors at Rajasthan Atomic Power Station were designed with Canadian Assistance. These are the only two Nuclear projects in India with Western links. "It must be said that at a certain stage the Indians faced limitations, first of all in fuel supplies and uranium products," Likachev said. He elaborated that the peaceful atom has been the key area of cooperation between Russia and India, since the start of the millennium. Further, he noted that Units 1 & 2 of the KKNPP are already operating at full capacity, providing stable power supply. "It is important to emphasise that their output exceeds the nominal level - above the declared 1,000 Megawatt - and the Indians are very pleased with this."

The update regarding operationalising Unit 3 follows Rosatom's announcement on Thursday, (Dec 4), that it has commenced delivery of Nuclear fuel for the upcoming Unit 3 of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant(KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Commissioning of Kudankulam Unit-3 to start in 2026: Rosatom Chief

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa announced that a newly inaugurated private facility near the southern Indian city of Chennai would roll out 30 million pieces of Corning Gorilla Glass in its first phase. The $111million(Rs.1,003cr) facility of BIG Tech, a joint venture between Corning and Optiemus, was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minster MK Stalin on Friday (December 5). American firm,&nbsp;Corning,&nbsp;is popularly known as the maker of Gorilla glass, a brand of toughened glass that is widely used in gadget displays.&nbsp;Speaking at the event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that he was extremely delighted about Corning, a renowned American firm launching its industrial project in the state. He added that the project would create about 840 high-quality jobs.Referring to Tamil Nadu's business-friendly ecosystem, the chief minister recalled that this project went from foundation stone-laying to inauguration in a span of 17 months.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-offers-apology-full-refunds-from-dec-5-15-accommodation-amid-flight-cancellations-1764931624487">IndiGo offers apology, full refunds from Dec 5-15, accommodation amid flight cancellations</a>&nbsp;Tamil Nadu is ranked number one in India's electronics export sector, with over goods worth over $14.65billion being shipped out. "We con tribute a substantial 41% o the country's total electronics exports. Over the last four years, we have achieved a nine-fold growth in this sector," Stalin said.&nbsp;&nbsp;One among the Fortune 500 firms, US-headquartered, Corning&nbsp;International makes the Gorilla Glass brand of toughened glass that finds use in smartphones, tablet computers and other electronic gadgets. Gorilla glass is said to be used in more than eight billion smartphones. Indian firm Optiemus Infracom operates facilities that assemble smartphones and manufactures tempered glass units. They are involved in multi-domain experience including management, distribution and marketing of mobile and telecom products in the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-india-s-economy-is-world-s-fastest-growing-economy-says-russia-president-vladimir-putin-1764932650967">Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin</a>

Corning Gorilla glass for gadgets to be made in India; $111mn facility inaugurated in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa announced that a newly inaugurated private facility near the southern Indian city of Chennai would roll out 30 million pieces of Corning Gorilla Glass in its first phase. The $111million(Rs.1,003cr) facility of BIG Tech, a joint venture between Corning and Optiemus, was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minster MK Stalin on Friday (December 5). American firm, Corning, is popularly known as the maker of Gorilla glass, a brand of toughened glass that is widely used in gadget displays. Speaking at the event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that he was extremely delighted about Corning, a renowned American firm launching its industrial project in the state. He added that the project would create about 840 high-quality jobs. Referring to Tamil Nadu's business-friendly ecosystem, the chief minister recalled that this project went from foundation stone-laying to inauguration in a span of 17 months. Also Read: IndiGo offers apology, full refunds from Dec 5-15, accommodation amid flight cancellations Tamil Nadu is ranked number one in India's electronics export sector, with over goods worth over $14.65billion being shipped out. "We con tribute a substantial 41% o the country's total electronics exports. Over the last four years, we have achieved a nine-fold growth in this sector," Stalin said. One among the Fortune 500 firms, US-headquartered, Corning International makes the Gorilla Glass brand of toughened glass that finds use in smartphones, tablet computers and other electronic gadgets. Gorilla glass is said to be used in more than eight billion smartphones. Indian firm Optiemus Infracom operates facilities that assemble smartphones and manufactures tempered glass units. They are involved in multi-domain experience including management, distribution and marketing of mobile and telecom products in the Indian subcontinent. Also Read: Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin

Tamil Nadu is ranked number one in India's electronics export sector, with over goods worth over $14.65billion being shipped out

Coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's State visit to India on Thursday (December 4), Russian nuclear power agency Rosatom has announced that it has commenced delivery of nuclear fuel for the upcoming Unit 3 of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu. The Indo-Russian KKNPP is India's largest Nuclear power generation facility.&nbsp; Of the KKNPP's six VVER-1000 reactors, units 1 and 2 were connected to India’s national power grid in 2013 and 2016 respectively, and currently supply electricity to the southern regions of the country. Unit 3 is in the pre-commissioning phase, and Units 4,5,6 are in various stages of construction. Each of these reactors are capable of generating 1000Megawatts of power. When fully operational, KKNPP would generate about 6,000Megawatts of power. At present, KKNPP generates 2,000Megawatts, which is about one-fourth of India's total Nuclear power generating capacity.&nbsp; In November 2025, Rosatom had announced that preparations are underway for one of the key milestones- testing of safety systems on an open reactor at Unit 3 of KKNPP. The Nuclear Fuel Division of Rosatom has delivered the first consignment of nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor at Unit 3 of the KKNPP. The cargo flight successfully delivered fuel assemblies manufactured by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant (an enterprise of the Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division), Rosatom said. A total of seven flights from Russia to India are planned to supply the entire reactor core and some reserve fuel. The shipments are provided under the contract signed in 2024, which includes fuel supply for units 3 and 4 of the KKNPP for the entire service life of the reactors.<h2>Kudankulam unit 3 to use longer-lasting nuclear fuel</h2>According to Rosatom, during the operation of Units 1 &amp; 2 of the KKNPP, Russian and Indian engineers have worked towards increasing the reactors' efficiency through the introduction of advanced nuclear fuel and extended fuel cycles.&nbsp; Starting from 2022, the KKNPP is supplied with nuclear fuel of the TVS-2M model. It provides more reliable and cost-effective reactor operation due to its rigid design, a new generation anti-debris filter and a increased mass of uranium. Its introduction has also enabled elongation of the fuel cycle of the reactors from 12 to 18 months, so the power units are being stopped less frequently for fuel re-load. Earlier, the reactors had to be refuelled every year, but now they need to be refuelled only once in 18 months, offer increased runtime after every refuelling. The upcoming Units 3 &amp; 4 of the KKNPP will become the first-ever&nbsp; VVER-1000 type reactors commence operations in an 18-month fuel cycle. This is the result of successful cooperation in recent years between Rosatom's Nuclear Fuel Division and Indian partners, as the efficient solutions that had been previously implemented at similar power plants in Russia and China were introduced at the two operational Kudankulam power units. Throughout the entire operational life of nuclear power plants, Rosatom not only supplies nuclear fuel, but also provides engineering services, increasing the efficiency of power units introducing new fuel and fuel cycle solutions.

Russia starts delivering nuclear fuel for India's Kudankulam unit 3

Coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's State visit to India on Thursday (December 4), Russian nuclear power agency Rosatom has announced that it has commenced delivery of nuclear fuel for the upcoming Unit 3 of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu. The Indo-Russian KKNPP is India's largest Nuclear power generation facility. Of the KKNPP's six VVER-1000 reactors, units 1 and 2 were connected to India’s national power grid in 2013 and 2016 respectively, and currently supply electricity to the southern regions of the country. Unit 3 is in the pre-commissioning phase, and Units 4,5,6 are in various stages of construction. Each of these reactors are capable of generating 1000Megawatts of power. When fully operational, KKNPP would generate about 6,000Megawatts of power. At present, KKNPP generates 2,000Megawatts, which is about one-fourth of India's total Nuclear power generating capacity. In November 2025, Rosatom had announced that preparations are underway for one of the key milestones- testing of safety systems on an open reactor at Unit 3 of KKNPP. The Nuclear Fuel Division of Rosatom has delivered the first consignment of nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor at Unit 3 of the KKNPP. The cargo flight successfully delivered fuel assemblies manufactured by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant (an enterprise of the Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division), Rosatom said. A total of seven flights from Russia to India are planned to supply the entire reactor core and some reserve fuel. The shipments are provided under the contract signed in 2024, which includes fuel supply for units 3 and 4 of the KKNPP for the entire service life of the reactors. Kudankulam unit 3 to use longer-lasting nuclear fuel According to Rosatom, during the operation of Units 1 & 2 of the KKNPP, Russian and Indian engineers have worked towards increasing the reactors' efficiency through the introduction of advanced nuclear fuel and extended fuel cycles. Starting from 2022, the KKNPP is supplied with nuclear fuel of the TVS-2M model. It provides more reliable and cost-effective reactor operation due to its rigid design, a new generation anti-debris filter and a increased mass of uranium. Its introduction has also enabled elongation of the fuel cycle of the reactors from 12 to 18 months, so the power units are being stopped less frequently for fuel re-load. Earlier, the reactors had to be refuelled every year, but now they need to be refuelled only once in 18 months, offer increased runtime after every refuelling. The upcoming Units 3 & 4 of the KKNPP will become the first-ever VVER-1000 type reactors commence operations in an 18-month fuel cycle. This is the result of successful cooperation in recent years between Rosatom's Nuclear Fuel Division and Indian partners, as the efficient solutions that had been previously implemented at similar power plants in Russia and China were introduced at the two operational Kudankulam power units. Throughout the entire operational life of nuclear power plants, Rosatom not only supplies nuclear fuel, but also provides engineering services, increasing the efficiency of power units introducing new fuel and fuel cycle solutions.

Of the KKNPP's six VVER-1000 reactors, units 1 and 2 were connected to India’s national power grid in 2013 and 2016 respectively, and currently supply electricity to the southern regions of the country

Cyclone Ditwah, which was supposed to bring intense rainfall to Tamil Nadu until Sunday, (30th Nov), has defied all predictions. While there were negligible rains in Chennai city and adjoining until Sunday, the system's remnants have brought significant amounts of rainfall to Chennai and adjoining regions between Monday and Thursday, (Dec 4). Notably, there was no advance warning or forecasts about the extremely heavy rainfall(over 21cms) that the system's remnants would cause in the ongoing week.&nbsp;Despite the weather system(remnants of Ditwah) having significantly weakened through the course of this week, IMD has now forecast heavy rainfall for multiple districts of the state on both Thursday and Friday. "Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Nilgiris, Ghat areas of Coimbatore, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts and Puducherry," said the IMD forecast issued for the day&nbsp;at noon, Thursday. For Friday, IMD has forecast heavy rain for isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;As per IMD rainfall data shared on Thursday, many parts of Tamil Nadu have witnessed rainfall amounting to 6-24cms. Parts of Chennai city have recorded between 12-24cms of rainfall. This is despite the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah having weakened and moved away from the Chennai coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cyclone Ditwah is being widely regarded as a weather system that has proven most weather forecasts wrong. Neither the Indian Metrological Department(IMD), not the private weather bloggers were able to forecast that the cyclone and its remnants would impact several parts of Tamil Nadu between 1st&nbsp;and 5th&nbsp;December. Initial forecasts had suggested that the system's impact would be virtually over by November 30th. The well marked low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast moved westwards and weakened into a low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu on Wednesday evening, following which it became less marked in the early morning hours of &nbsp;Thursday, IMD said in its latest report about the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The well marked low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast moved westwards and weakened into a low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu on Wednesday evening

Cyclone Ditwah, which was supposed to bring intense rainfall to Tamil Nadu until Sunday, (30th Nov), has defied all predictions. While there were negligible rains in Chennai city and adjoining until Sunday, the system's remnants have brought significant amounts of rainfall to Chennai and adjoining regions between Monday and Thursday, (Dec 4). Notably, there was no advance warning or forecasts about the extremely heavy rainfall(over 21cms) that the system's remnants would cause in the ongoing week. Despite the weather system(remnants of Ditwah) having significantly weakened through the course of this week, IMD has now forecast heavy rainfall for multiple districts of the state on both Thursday and Friday. "Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Nilgiris, Ghat areas of Coimbatore, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts and Puducherry," said the IMD forecast issued for the day at noon, Thursday. For Friday, IMD has forecast heavy rain for isolated places over Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts. As per IMD rainfall data shared on Thursday, many parts of Tamil Nadu have witnessed rainfall amounting to 6-24cms. Parts of Chennai city have recorded between 12-24cms of rainfall. This is despite the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah having weakened and moved away from the Chennai coast. Cyclone Ditwah is being widely regarded as a weather system that has proven most weather forecasts wrong. Neither the Indian Metrological Department(IMD), not the private weather bloggers were able to forecast that the cyclone and its remnants would impact several parts of Tamil Nadu between 1st and 5th December. Initial forecasts had suggested that the system's impact would be virtually over by November 30th. The well marked low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast moved westwards and weakened into a low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu on Wednesday evening, following which it became less marked in the early morning hours of Thursday, IMD said in its latest report about the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah.

The well marked low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast moved westwards and weakened into a low pressure area over North Tamil Nadu on Wednesday evening

Heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu despite Cyclone Ditwah fading away

To enhance the lifting power of its spacefaring rockets, India is likely to purchase a limited number of Russian-origin Semi-cryogenic engines of the ‘RD-191’ variant, WION has learnt. If this deal goes ahead, this would mark the second time that India is purchasing spacefaring rocket engines from Russia. Back in the early 1990s, India purchased seven ‘KVD-1’ cryogenic engines from Russia. The ‘KVD-1’ engines were used in the upper stage of the early versions of India’s then heaviest rocket, GSLV.&nbsp;This latest deal for rocket engines is likely to take shape as Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India on Thursday, (4th Dec), for a two-day State visit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Back in April 2023, this author had reported on such negotiations regarding the ‘RD-191’ engine having been underway and the possibility of manufacturing technology being transferred to India.&nbsp;Also Read: Exclusive: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-india-russia-discuss-tech-transfer-making-of-rd-191-semi-cryo-rocket-engines-581784">India-Russia discuss tech transfer, making of 'RD-191' semi-cryo rocket engine</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;On Wednesday, (3rd Dec), a day ahead of President Putin’s visit, Russian space agency Roscosmos’ Director General Dmitry Bakanov said that Russia is preparing to announce “good news about space sector cooperation with India”. He elaborated that the areas of cooperation would include rocket engines, human spaceflight (astronaut missions), and collaboration on the development of national space stations. However, he did not offer specific information.&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent years, India-Russia space cooperation has been steadily growing. Four years ago, Russia provided astronaut training for India’s four ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut candidates at Star City, near Moscow. When Indian astronauts undertake their space missions as part of Gaganyaan, they will be wearing the Russian Sokol KV2 suit manufactured by Zvezda, which the Indian candidates had familiarised themselves with during training in Russia.&nbsp;<h2>About the ‘RD-191’ rocket engine</h2>&nbsp;The ‘RD-191’ is a high-performance rocket engine fuelled by Kerosene and Liquid oxygen. It falls under the category semi-cryogenic, as its fuel rocket-grade Kerosene can be stored at room temperature; and the oxidizer liquid oxygen has to be stored at super-cooled cryogenic temperatures (below -150 degrees Centigrade). India’s existing rockets are powered by engines that burn: solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel (where liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are stored at super-cooled temperatures). Though efforts have been underway to develop a semi-cryogenic engine dubbed ‘SE-2000’, India does not possess a flight-ready engine as of now.&nbsp;Developed by NPO Energomash, the ‘RD-191’ is a workhorse engine used in Russia’s Angara series of rockets. ‘RD-191’ is also a throttleable engine, which means that it can significantly reduce or increase its thrust mid-flight, a crucial capability that enables precise flight control, recovery, and reuse of rocket stages. While Russia itself does not possess reusable/vertical landing rockets, ‘RD-191’ offers some of the basic capabilities required in that regard.&nbsp;The RD-191 is approximately two-and-a-half times more powerful than ISRO’s workhorse Indo-French Vikas engine. While the Vikas engine delivers about 60-80 tonnes of thrust, the ‘RD-191’ is known to deliver between 200 and 220 tonnes of thrust. The Vikas engine is used in India’s PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 rockets.&nbsp;<h2>Why does India need the ‘RD-191’?</h2>&nbsp;The Indian space agency ISRO’s largest and most powerful homegrown rocket LVM3 can lift only 4,000 kg to the Geosynchronous transfer orbit, which is a higher orbit into which communication satellites are launched. Likewise, the LVM3 is said to be capable of lifting around 8,000-10,000 kg to low earth orbit, which is about 500 km above the earth’s surface. India’s most powerful rocket LVM3 has a very modest lift capability when compared to its global peers operated by government-run space agencies or private firms.&nbsp;India’s rocketry muscle power deficiency has been evident on multiple occasions. In recent years, despite having its own rockets, India has had to pay foreign entities like Europe’s Arianegroup and America’s SpaceX to launch heavy satellites built in India. This was done because the satellites weighed much more than 4,000 kg, which is the maximum lifting capability of India’s LVM3 rocket.&nbsp;As India’s growing space ambitions include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme (astronaut mission), proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian crewed space station), envisioned crewed moon landing, the country is in dire need of more rocketry muscle power. Designing and developing all-new rockets and rocket engines could take decades or longer, which is why India is looking to purchase the powerful ‘RD-191’ engine from Russia, WION has learnt.&nbsp;<h2>How would India utilise the ‘RD-191’ engines?</h2>&nbsp;While the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) wishes to design and develop powerful rockets for the future, India’s immediate priority is to enhance the lifting capability of the LVM3. To accomplish this, ISRO can use the Russian ‘RD-191’ engine and associated systems to replace the existing L110 or second stage of the three-stage LVM3 rocket. This is one step towards significantly enhancing the lifting power of the LVM3 rocket.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, the LVM3’s lifting power can be further bolstered by using a more powerful C32 Cryogenic upper stage developed in-house by ISRO. This would help ISRO to launch satellites heavier than 4,000 kg from home soil on its own rocket, while reducing dependence on foreign rockets.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the foreseeable future, the LVM3 rocket powered by the Russian semi-cryogenic engine and the Indian C32 cryogenic engine could be used for various missions that were earlier not possible for ISRO due to the rocketry muscle power deficiency.&nbsp;ISRO’s future rockets can be designed and developed based on the capabilities offered by the ‘RD-191’ engine. In heavy-lift rocketry, multiple engines are used in a cluster to deliver high amounts of lifting power. Therefore, a single rocket would require a dozen or more engines. In such cases, production of the engine in India under licence would be a necessity. Which is why India and Russia have also been exploring the possibility of making the ‘RD-191’ in India, in partnership with homegrown industry, WION has learnt.

‘RD-191’ is a workhorse engine used in Russia’s Angara series of rockets. ‘RD-191’ is also a throttleable engine, which means that it can significantly reduce or increase its thrust mid-flight, a crucial capability that enables precise flight control, recovery, and reuse of rocket stages.

To enhance the lifting power of its spacefaring rockets, India is likely to purchase a limited number of Russian-origin Semi-cryogenic engines of the ‘RD-191’ variant, WION has learnt. If this deal goes ahead, this would mark the second time that India is purchasing spacefaring rocket engines from Russia. Back in the early 1990s, India purchased seven ‘KVD-1’ cryogenic engines from Russia. The ‘KVD-1’ engines were used in the upper stage of the early versions of India’s then heaviest rocket, GSLV. This latest deal for rocket engines is likely to take shape as Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India on Thursday, (4th Dec), for a two-day State visit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Back in April 2023, this author had reported on such negotiations regarding the ‘RD-191’ engine having been underway and the possibility of manufacturing technology being transferred to India. Also Read: Exclusive: India-Russia discuss tech transfer, making of 'RD-191' semi-cryo rocket engine On Wednesday, (3rd Dec), a day ahead of President Putin’s visit, Russian space agency Roscosmos’ Director General Dmitry Bakanov said that Russia is preparing to announce “good news about space sector cooperation with India”. He elaborated that the areas of cooperation would include rocket engines, human spaceflight (astronaut missions), and collaboration on the development of national space stations. However, he did not offer specific information. In recent years, India-Russia space cooperation has been steadily growing. Four years ago, Russia provided astronaut training for India’s four ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut candidates at Star City, near Moscow. When Indian astronauts undertake their space missions as part of Gaganyaan, they will be wearing the Russian Sokol KV2 suit manufactured by Zvezda, which the Indian candidates had familiarised themselves with during training in Russia. About the ‘RD-191’ rocket engine The ‘RD-191’ is a high-performance rocket engine fuelled by Kerosene and Liquid oxygen. It falls under the category semi-cryogenic, as its fuel rocket-grade Kerosene can be stored at room temperature; and the oxidizer liquid oxygen has to be stored at super-cooled cryogenic temperatures (below -150 degrees Centigrade). India’s existing rockets are powered by engines that burn: solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel (where liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen are stored at super-cooled temperatures). Though efforts have been underway to develop a semi-cryogenic engine dubbed ‘SE-2000’, India does not possess a flight-ready engine as of now. Developed by NPO Energomash, the ‘RD-191’ is a workhorse engine used in Russia’s Angara series of rockets. ‘RD-191’ is also a throttleable engine, which means that it can significantly reduce or increase its thrust mid-flight, a crucial capability that enables precise flight control, recovery, and reuse of rocket stages. While Russia itself does not possess reusable/vertical landing rockets, ‘RD-191’ offers some of the basic capabilities required in that regard. The RD-191 is approximately two-and-a-half times more powerful than ISRO’s workhorse Indo-French Vikas engine. While the Vikas engine delivers about 60-80 tonnes of thrust, the ‘RD-191’ is known to deliver between 200 and 220 tonnes of thrust. The Vikas engine is used in India’s PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 rockets. Why does India need the ‘RD-191’? The Indian space agency ISRO’s largest and most powerful homegrown rocket LVM3 can lift only 4,000 kg to the Geosynchronous transfer orbit, which is a higher orbit into which communication satellites are launched. Likewise, the LVM3 is said to be capable of lifting around 8,000-10,000 kg to low earth orbit, which is about 500 km above the earth’s surface. India’s most powerful rocket LVM3 has a very modest lift capability when compared to its global peers operated by government-run space agencies or private firms. India’s rocketry muscle power deficiency has been evident on multiple occasions. In recent years, despite having its own rockets, India has had to pay foreign entities like Europe’s Arianegroup and America’s SpaceX to launch heavy satellites built in India. This was done because the satellites weighed much more than 4,000 kg, which is the maximum lifting capability of India’s LVM3 rocket. As India’s growing space ambitions include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme (astronaut mission), proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian crewed space station), envisioned crewed moon landing, the country is in dire need of more rocketry muscle power. Designing and developing all-new rockets and rocket engines could take decades or longer, which is why India is looking to purchase the powerful ‘RD-191’ engine from Russia, WION has learnt. How would India utilise the ‘RD-191’ engines? While the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) wishes to design and develop powerful rockets for the future, India’s immediate priority is to enhance the lifting capability of the LVM3. To accomplish this, ISRO can use the Russian ‘RD-191’ engine and associated systems to replace the existing L110 or second stage of the three-stage LVM3 rocket. This is one step towards significantly enhancing the lifting power of the LVM3 rocket. Also, the LVM3’s lifting power can be further bolstered by using a more powerful C32 Cryogenic upper stage developed in-house by ISRO. This would help ISRO to launch satellites heavier than 4,000 kg from home soil on its own rocket, while reducing dependence on foreign rockets. In the foreseeable future, the LVM3 rocket powered by the Russian semi-cryogenic engine and the Indian C32 cryogenic engine could be used for various missions that were earlier not possible for ISRO due to the rocketry muscle power deficiency. ISRO’s future rockets can be designed and developed based on the capabilities offered by the ‘RD-191’ engine. In heavy-lift rocketry, multiple engines are used in a cluster to deliver high amounts of lifting power. Therefore, a single rocket would require a dozen or more engines. In such cases, production of the engine in India under licence would be a necessity. Which is why India and Russia have also been exploring the possibility of making the ‘RD-191’ in India, in partnership with homegrown industry, WION has learnt.

‘RD-191’ is a workhorse engine used in Russia’s Angara series of rockets. ‘RD-191’ is also a throttleable engine, which means that it can significantly reduce or increase its thrust mid-flight, a crucial capability that enables precise flight control, recovery, and reuse of rocket stages.

Exclusive: India to buy Russia’s ‘RD-191’ semi-cryo rocket engines?

Defying all forecasts, Cyclone Ditwah(its remnants) continues to linger parallel to the Chennai coast for well over 24 hours, as of Tuesday, 2nd&nbsp;December, bringing intense rainfall. While the Cyclone's major impact and resultant rainfall was predicted to impact Chennai and adjoining districts till Sunday, the weather system proved the forecast wrong. Instead, it yielded minimal rainfall on Sunday, and dumped up to 26cms of rainfall in parts of Chennai city and adjoining regions between Monday and Tuesday.&nbsp;The latest forecast suggests that heavy rain is likely to continue in Chennai and adjoining districts until Wednesday. Schools and colleges are shut in Chennai and adjoining districts on Tuesday, as authorities drew flak for failing to predict the rains on Monday and not declaring a holiday on a day of intense rainfall. For Monday, there was no rainfall warning issued for Chennai and its adjoining districts. However, as the rains picked up unexpectedly, authorities issued an initial alert for heavy rainfall and then upgraded it to an extremely heavy rainfall alert.&nbsp;In the bygone weekend, forecasts had suggested that Cyclone Ditwah had lost intensity as it travelled along the Tamil Nadu coast, towards Chennai. However, the weather system remaining near-parallel to the Chennai coast and virtually stationary in the region has thrown a surprise.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Ditwah had weakened from a cyclone to a Deep Depression and Depression over the last 24 hours, the remnants of the system continue to yield significant amount of rainfall in Chennai and adjoining districts. The minimum distance of the Centre of the depression from North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts is about 25kms, said the Indian Meteorological Department(IMD).It is very likely to continue to move slowly southwestwards towards the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and maintain its intensity of depression until Tuesday evening, said the IMD forecast. The system could weaken into a well-marked low pressure area by Wednesday, IMD added.&nbsp;&nbsp;The remnants of Cyclone Ditwah is lying close to Chennai coast over the last 24hours and has brought extreme rains to parts of Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. As long as it is parallel to the Chennai coast, rains will continue through the days, with a breaks, said a private weather blogger.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Defying all forecasts, Cyclone Ditwah(its remnants) continues to linger. In the bygone weekend, forecasts had suggested that Cyclone Ditwah had lost intensity as it travelled along the Tamil Nadu coast, towards Chennai. 

Defying all forecasts, Cyclone Ditwah(its remnants) continues to linger parallel to the Chennai coast for well over 24 hours, as of Tuesday, 2nd December, bringing intense rainfall. While the Cyclone's major impact and resultant rainfall was predicted to impact Chennai and adjoining districts till Sunday, the weather system proved the forecast wrong. Instead, it yielded minimal rainfall on Sunday, and dumped up to 26cms of rainfall in parts of Chennai city and adjoining regions between Monday and Tuesday. The latest forecast suggests that heavy rain is likely to continue in Chennai and adjoining districts until Wednesday. Schools and colleges are shut in Chennai and adjoining districts on Tuesday, as authorities drew flak for failing to predict the rains on Monday and not declaring a holiday on a day of intense rainfall. For Monday, there was no rainfall warning issued for Chennai and its adjoining districts. However, as the rains picked up unexpectedly, authorities issued an initial alert for heavy rainfall and then upgraded it to an extremely heavy rainfall alert. In the bygone weekend, forecasts had suggested that Cyclone Ditwah had lost intensity as it travelled along the Tamil Nadu coast, towards Chennai. However, the weather system remaining near-parallel to the Chennai coast and virtually stationary in the region has thrown a surprise. While Ditwah had weakened from a cyclone to a Deep Depression and Depression over the last 24 hours, the remnants of the system continue to yield significant amount of rainfall in Chennai and adjoining districts. The minimum distance of the Centre of the depression from North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts is about 25kms, said the Indian Meteorological Department(IMD). It is very likely to continue to move slowly southwestwards towards the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and maintain its intensity of depression until Tuesday evening, said the IMD forecast. The system could weaken into a well-marked low pressure area by Wednesday, IMD added. The remnants of Cyclone Ditwah is lying close to Chennai coast over the last 24hours and has brought extreme rains to parts of Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. As long as it is parallel to the Chennai coast, rains will continue through the days, with a breaks, said a private weather blogger.

Defying all forecasts, Cyclone Ditwah(its remnants) continues to linger. In the bygone weekend, forecasts had suggested that Cyclone Ditwah had lost intensity as it travelled along the Tamil Nadu coast, towards Chennai.&nbsp;

Cyclone Ditwah impact to last until Wednesday in Chennai

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