<p>In the largest-ever exodus of Sri Lankan nationals since the start of the economic crisis in the island nation, 19 persons arrived in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has taken the total number of persons who fled the island and reached India via sea route to 39. Earlier, persons from the Northern part of the island nation had arrived in two groups of sixteen and four.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-doctors-warn-that-economic-crisis-would-have-a-even-higher-toll-than-covid-19-pandemic-470133" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka doctors warn that economic crisis would have higher death toll than COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The group which is said to comprise of members from a few families includes babies and children.. all of them took the dangerous boat ride across the palk strait to reach <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tamilnadu</a> shores<br />
<br />
Some families sold all belongings to manage funds to flee island nation <a href="https://t.co/mvrPzdfw5v">https://t.co/mvrPzdfw5v</a> <a href="https://t.co/PovFi7rtEI">pic.twitter.com/PovFi7rtEI</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1513392416736542721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The group of 19 members consists of seven women and five children. It is said that they arrived in two boats and were stuck near a point known as Arichal Munai, from where they were rescued by Tamil Nadu Coastal police and taken to Mandapam, near Rameswaram.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka to seek US$ 3 billion to stave off economic crisis, readies for negotiations with IMF</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-to-seek-us-3-billion-to-stave-off-economic-crisis-readies-for-negotiations-with-imf-470096/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>This exodus is happening at a time when the fast-deteriorating economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka has led thousands from across the country to take to the streets in protest against the ruling Rajapaksa clan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Signal jammers used, roads blocked, yet sea of humanity converged at Galle face (most iconic sea-facing road) in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colombo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colombo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> , in protest against the ruling <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajapaksa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajapaksa</a> clan, asking them to go home<br />
<br />
No stopping public anger&amp; anti-govt sentiment<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankan</a> <a href="https://t.co/iU2iSLMdQU">pic.twitter.com/iU2iSLMdQU</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1512995217108246530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>While people across sections of Lankan society are facing hardships owing to a shortage of essential commodities and widespread power cuts, it's the poor that are the worst hit owing to the skyrocketing prices and stagnant wages. For context, a cup of tea costs 100 Sri Lankan Rupees in the island nation (Equal to Indian Rs. 33).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-hold-crucial-meeting-with-41mps-470002" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold crucial meeting with 41MPs</a></strong></p>

<p>This has forced groups of people to sell or leave behind their belongings in the northern and northeastern parts of the island, collect some money and use it to flee to Tamil Nadu. They take immense risks crossing the Palk Strait the narrow sea lane that connects India and Sri Lanka, in the hope of being supported by the Indian authorities and being put in refugee camps.&nbsp;</p>


In the largest-ever exodus of Sri Lankan nationals since the start of the economic crisis in the island nation, 19 persons arrived in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Sunday.

In the largest-ever exodus of Sri Lankan nationals since the start of the economic crisis in the island nation, 19 persons arrived in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on Sunday. This has taken the total number of persons who fled the island and reached India via sea route to 39. Earlier, persons from the Northern part of the island nation had arrived in two groups of sixteen and four. Also read | Sri Lanka doctors warn that economic crisis would have higher death toll than COVID-19 pandemic The group which is said to comprise of members from a few families includes babies and children.. all of them took the dangerous boat ride across the palk strait to reach #Tamilnadu shores Some families sold all belongings to manage funds to flee island nation https://t.co/mvrPzdfw5v pic.twitter.com/PovFi7rtEI — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 11, 2022 × The group of 19 members consists of seven women and five children. It is said that they arrived in two boats and were stuck near a point known as Arichal Munai, from where they were rescued by Tamil Nadu Coastal police and taken to Mandapam, near Rameswaram. Watch | Sri Lanka to seek US$ 3 billion to stave off economic crisis, readies for negotiations with IMF This exodus is happening at a time when the fast-deteriorating economic and political crisis in Sri Lanka has led thousands from across the country to take to the streets in protest against the ruling Rajapaksa clan. Signal jammers used, roads blocked, yet sea of humanity converged at Galle face (most iconic sea-facing road) in #Colombo #SriLanka , in protest against the ruling #Rajapaksa clan, asking them to go home No stopping public anger& anti-govt sentiment#SriLankaCrisis #SriLankan pic.twitter.com/iU2iSLMdQU — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 10, 2022 × While people across sections of Lankan society are facing hardships owing to a shortage of essential commodities and widespread power cuts, it's the poor that are the worst hit owing to the skyrocketing prices and stagnant wages. For context, a cup of tea costs 100 Sri Lankan Rupees in the island nation (Equal to Indian Rs. 33). Also read | Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold crucial meeting with 41MPs This has forced groups of people to sell or leave behind their belongings in the northern and northeastern parts of the island, collect some money and use it to flee to Tamil Nadu. They take immense risks crossing the Palk Strait the narrow sea lane that connects India and Sri Lanka, in the hope of being supported by the Indian authorities and being put in refugee camps.

19 Sri Lankans flee economic crisis, reach India after dangerous boat ride

<p>'Shakuntala', a satellite built in India by an Indian start-up Pixxel, was recently launched into orbit by Elon Musk's SpaceX. This launch occurred on a foreign rocket. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The satellite, which weighed 15kg, was designed and built in India. It was tested at various foreign facilities, amid the COVID-19 lockdown. However, the next satellite made by Pixxel, has already been tested at an ISRO facility and is awaiting to be launched through ISRO's PSLV rocket. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the testing of the satellite at an ISRO lab was made possible as a part of the Space Sector Reforms that the Indian Government has rolled out since mid-2020. As a part of these reforms, Indian companies could seek ISRO's technical assistance while designing and developing rockets and satellites and also test their hardware at ISRO facilities for a nominal cost. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-new-beginning-first-private-astronauts-mission-to-head-for-iss-on-april-8-469079" hreflang="en">A new beginning? First private astronauts’ mission to ISS set for launch on April 8</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Awais Ahmed, CEO and Founder, Pixxel, their maiden satellite 'Shakuntala' made use of foreign facilities, whereas 'Anand' and other satellites that are in the pipeline are to be built and tested in India. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In terms of components, we are currently using 60% Indian and 40% foreign components. Our imports mainly consist the solar panels, batteries and reaction wheels. Anand (to be launched) was tested at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru and is awaiting launch from India's spaceport in Sriharikota. Testing it at ISRO facilities helps us save on costs and the burden of having to go abroad for testing or even setting up a test facility," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pixxel's maiden satellite was to be launched on ISRO's PSLV rocket, but that did not materialise owing to the pandemic and the impact it had on India's launch activity. The possibility of launching on-board the SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission was then considered by the start-up. While Pixxel's next satellite is to be launched through ISRO's PSLV rocket. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training</strong></p>

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<p>However, a major factor that companies look into while launching their satellites are also the per kg launch cost. While ISRO is understood to charge around $25,000 per kg of payload on its PSLV rocket, SpaceX is understood to charge barely $5000 per kg of payload on its Falcon 9 rocket. With India expected to launch a low-cost, easy-to-build, 500 kg payload class Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), it is expected that the per kg launch cost would reduce to a certain extent, thus making it an attractive option for customers. While SpaceX offers low cost per kg, it is notable they do not often have rideshare missions to accommodate smaller satellites, even on a commercial basis. In comparison, ISRO managed to accommodate co-passenger satellites in almost all of its PSLV launches. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Having received $25 million in funding, Pixxel is confident that they would be able to launch their first constellation of two technology demonstrator and six fully commercial satellites, which comprise the first phase. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The start-up hopes to have a constellation of 20 hyperspectral imaging satellites in orbit by early 2024. "With the kind of infrastructure and experience available in India in the space domain, a lot of global investors are looking towards India. The important part is for the space start-ups to sustain themselves by earning revenue from providing their services to customers," Awais added.&nbsp;</p>


'Shakuntala', a satellite built in India by an Indian start-up Pixxel, was recently launched into orbit by Elon Musk's SpaceX. This launch occurred on a foreign rocket.

'Shakuntala', a satellite built in India by an Indian start-up Pixxel, was recently launched into orbit by Elon Musk's SpaceX. This launch occurred on a foreign rocket. The satellite, which weighed 15kg, was designed and built in India. It was tested at various foreign facilities, amid the COVID-19 lockdown. However, the next satellite made by Pixxel, has already been tested at an ISRO facility and is awaiting to be launched through ISRO's PSLV rocket. Notably, the testing of the satellite at an ISRO lab was made possible as a part of the Space Sector Reforms that the Indian Government has rolled out since mid-2020. As a part of these reforms, Indian companies could seek ISRO's technical assistance while designing and developing rockets and satellites and also test their hardware at ISRO facilities for a nominal cost. Also Read: A new beginning? First private astronauts’ mission to ISS set for launch on April 8 According to Awais Ahmed, CEO and Founder, Pixxel, their maiden satellite 'Shakuntala' made use of foreign facilities, whereas 'Anand' and other satellites that are in the pipeline are to be built and tested in India. "In terms of components, we are currently using 60% Indian and 40% foreign components. Our imports mainly consist the solar panels, batteries and reaction wheels. Anand (to be launched) was tested at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru and is awaiting launch from India's spaceport in Sriharikota. Testing it at ISRO facilities helps us save on costs and the burden of having to go abroad for testing or even setting up a test facility," he said. Pixxel's maiden satellite was to be launched on ISRO's PSLV rocket, but that did not materialise owing to the pandemic and the impact it had on India's launch activity. The possibility of launching on-board the SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission was then considered by the start-up. While Pixxel's next satellite is to be launched through ISRO's PSLV rocket. Watch: Future of the aviation sector: First of its kind electric aircraft certified for training × However, a major factor that companies look into while launching their satellites are also the per kg launch cost. While ISRO is understood to charge around $25,000 per kg of payload on its PSLV rocket, SpaceX is understood to charge barely $5000 per kg of payload on its Falcon 9 rocket. With India expected to launch a low-cost, easy-to-build, 500 kg payload class Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), it is expected that the per kg launch cost would reduce to a certain extent, thus making it an attractive option for customers. While SpaceX offers low cost per kg, it is notable they do not often have rideshare missions to accommodate smaller satellites, even on a commercial basis. In comparison, ISRO managed to accommodate co-passenger satellites in almost all of its PSLV launches. Having received $25 million in funding, Pixxel is confident that they would be able to launch their first constellation of two technology demonstrator and six fully commercial satellites, which comprise the first phase. The start-up hopes to have a constellation of 20 hyperspectral imaging satellites in orbit by early 2024. "With the kind of infrastructure and experience available in India in the space domain, a lot of global investors are looking towards India. The important part is for the space start-ups to sustain themselves by earning revenue from providing their services to customers," Awais added.

Indian start-up's satellite gets tested at ISRO facility, awaits launch through PSLV rocket  

<p>India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Israel Aerospace Industries(IAI) to convert passenger aircraft into Multi Mission Tanker Transport aircraft, in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under this pact which is aimed at boosting the Make-in-India initiative, HAL will convert pre-owned passenger aircraft into aerial refuelling tankers with cargo and transport capabilities. This will provide India's defence ecosystem with new capabilities and cost-effective solutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aerial refuelling tankers are crucial in extending the range of fighters and other aircraft, as the latter can carry on with their mission, without having to land and make a refuelling stop.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India's <a href="https://twitter.com/HALHQBLR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HALHQBLR</a> &amp; Israel's <a href="https://twitter.com/ILAerospaceIAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ILAerospaceIAI</a> sign MoU to convert used <a href="https://twitter.com/BoeingAirplanes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoeingAirplanes</a> 767 into Multi Mission Tanker transport, as part of Make-in-India<br />
IAI has converted 250+ civil aircraft for strategic use<br />
<br />
Air-air refueling tankers extend range of fighters,othr Ac<br />
(IAI pic) <a href="https://t.co/TG17MbgQu2">pic.twitter.com/TG17MbgQu2</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1511674320908562433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed in Delhi by Mr D. Maiti, CEO (MiG Complex), HAL and Mr Yaacov Berkovitz, VP &amp; GM Aviation Group, IAI in the presence of Mr Chandraker Bharati, JS (Aero), MoD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are glad to join hands with our long-standing partner IAI in this venture of MMTT conversion business which is one of the strategic diversification avenues identified by HAL”, says Mr R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Boaz Levy, President IAI and CEO in his message said, “We are proud to come together with our counterparts to bring our best value MMTT solution in India, while utilizing local resources to manufacture and market the platform. By collaborating with HAL and bringing conversion directly to India, we are supporting the ‘Make in India’ campaign”.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
As per the IAI, their Boeing767 conversion process converts pre-owned B767 aircraft into aerial tankers for a variety of different military missions, all with Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Customers are offered multiple, flexible solutions to choose from, adapting the aircraft for cargo, VIP, passengers or intelligence systems, as desired. Each aircraft configuration includes a special cargo door and built-in cargo pallet capabilities, as well as passenger seats and consoles that can be rapidly installed or removed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In converting passenger aircraft to Special Freighters for special missions, IAI has converted over 250 aircraft to date, many with an unbeatable safety record and high utilization rates, they added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Airbus, Qatar feud enters UK court spotlight</strong></p>

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India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Israel Aerospace Industries(IAI) to convert passenger aircraft into Multi Mission Tanker Transport aircraft, in India.

India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Israel Aerospace Industries(IAI) to convert passenger aircraft into Multi Mission Tanker Transport aircraft, in India. Under this pact which is aimed at boosting the Make-in-India initiative, HAL will convert pre-owned passenger aircraft into aerial refuelling tankers with cargo and transport capabilities. This will provide India's defence ecosystem with new capabilities and cost-effective solutions. Aerial refuelling tankers are crucial in extending the range of fighters and other aircraft, as the latter can carry on with their mission, without having to land and make a refuelling stop. India's @HALHQBLR & Israel's @ILAerospaceIAI sign MoU to convert used @BoeingAirplanes 767 into Multi Mission Tanker transport, as part of Make-in-India IAI has converted 250+ civil aircraft for strategic use Air-air refueling tankers extend range of fighters,othr Ac (IAI pic) pic.twitter.com/TG17MbgQu2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 6, 2022 × A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed in Delhi by Mr D. Maiti, CEO (MiG Complex), HAL and Mr Yaacov Berkovitz, VP & GM Aviation Group, IAI in the presence of Mr Chandraker Bharati, JS (Aero), MoD. “We are glad to join hands with our long-standing partner IAI in this venture of MMTT conversion business which is one of the strategic diversification avenues identified by HAL”, says Mr R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL. Boaz Levy, President IAI and CEO in his message said, “We are proud to come together with our counterparts to bring our best value MMTT solution in India, while utilizing local resources to manufacture and market the platform. By collaborating with HAL and bringing conversion directly to India, we are supporting the ‘Make in India’ campaign”. As per the IAI, their Boeing767 conversion process converts pre-owned B767 aircraft into aerial tankers for a variety of different military missions, all with Air-to-Air refuelling capabilities. Customers are offered multiple, flexible solutions to choose from, adapting the aircraft for cargo, VIP, passengers or intelligence systems, as desired. Each aircraft configuration includes a special cargo door and built-in cargo pallet capabilities, as well as passenger seats and consoles that can be rapidly installed or removed. In converting passenger aircraft to Special Freighters for special missions, IAI has converted over 250 aircraft to date, many with an unbeatable safety record and high utilization rates, they added. WATCH | Airbus, Qatar feud enters UK court spotlight ×

India and Israel to convert passenger aircraft into strategic transporters, as part of Make in India

<p>The offshore wind energy test facility, which is being set up by India's National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) in Tamil Nadu's Dhanushkodi, is regarded as the first such project in the Asia-Pacific region. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Funded by the Government of India, this project is expected to come up in two years and will involve the setting up of two wind turbines of over 8MW (megawatt) capacity, in order to perform studies and collect data on the feasibility of large-scale projects of this kind. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Such facilities are required to test turbines for specific Indian conditions, as against European conditions, where most tests are conducted by default. Notably, wind turbines from Europe don’t perform at their optimum in India, given the difference in conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will be setting up an offshore wind energy test bed and research centre at Dhanushkodi (a narrow strip of land in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram District). We have got 75 acres of land allotted for the project. Generally, turbines are tested only in Europe and their wind profile is different. Testing here in Indian conditions will give us confidence to re-design the turbines for best performance in Indian conditions. In Europe, the average windspeed is around 10 meters per second, whereas it is around 7.5-9m/s in India,” Dr Balaraman Kannan, Director General, NIWE, elaborated to WION.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Asia-Pacific's first-ever Offshore Wind energy test facility to come up in 2yrs, at this narrow strip of land Dhanushkodi, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> : Dir Gen, <a href="https://twitter.com/niwe_chennai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@niwe_chennai</a> told me<br />
Costing Rs350cr, the 75acre facility will have 2 turbines of 8GW capacity each,enabling advanced R&amp;D,tests <a href="https://t.co/ruIK2WmEB2">pic.twitter.com/ruIK2WmEB2</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1512092124468023302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Being built at a total cost of Rs 3500 million, bids for the two turbines (to be installed at the test facility) will be soon issued to original equipment manufacturers. The relevant agencies are considering turbines that can each generate anywhere between 8-12 MW. With a coastline that spans 7,500 km and immense energy requirements, India has great potential to develop offshore and near shore wind energy projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the Government of India has made a commitment at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to combat climate change and global warming, by setting itself a target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Of this 500 GW, wind alone comprises 140 GW. However, industry body Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) feels that much more can be done to ramp up wind energy projects in India and to utilize the capacity and expertise of the Indian wind Power industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Tulsi Tanti, Chairman, IWTMA, the wind energy capacity addition during 2022-23 is expected to be about 1,500-1,600 MW and the next year it will be about 2,000-2,500 MW. Last fiscal, the total wind power capacity that was added in the country was about 883 MW. However, the generation capacity addition is very low as compared to the industry’s turbine manufacturing capacity of 10,000 MW per annum. The industry body also said that India's wind energy sector has achieved 80 percent indigenisation, in line with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'(self-reliant India) initiative. They also added that Tamil Nadu(which is regarded as pioneer of Wind energy in India) has an offshore wind power generation potential of 35GW and that wind power installations can come up both nearshore and offshore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Windergy India 2022’, a mega wind energy trade fair is to be held in Delhi between April 27 and 29 and is meant to enhance the wind energy eco-system by facilitating quicker migration to clean energy. The event will witness the participation of Government Officials from India, Denmark and industry representatives.&nbsp;</p>


The offshore wind energy test facility, which is being set up by India's National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) in Tamil Nadu's Dhanushkodi, is regarded as the first such project in the Asia-Pacific region.

The offshore wind energy test facility, which is being set up by India's National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) in Tamil Nadu's Dhanushkodi, is regarded as the first such project in the Asia-Pacific region. Funded by the Government of India, this project is expected to come up in two years and will involve the setting up of two wind turbines of over 8MW (megawatt) capacity, in order to perform studies and collect data on the feasibility of large-scale projects of this kind. Such facilities are required to test turbines for specific Indian conditions, as against European conditions, where most tests are conducted by default. Notably, wind turbines from Europe don’t perform at their optimum in India, given the difference in conditions. “We will be setting up an offshore wind energy test bed and research centre at Dhanushkodi (a narrow strip of land in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram District). We have got 75 acres of land allotted for the project. Generally, turbines are tested only in Europe and their wind profile is different. Testing here in Indian conditions will give us confidence to re-design the turbines for best performance in Indian conditions. In Europe, the average windspeed is around 10 meters per second, whereas it is around 7.5-9m/s in India,” Dr Balaraman Kannan, Director General, NIWE, elaborated to WION. Asia-Pacific's first-ever Offshore Wind energy test facility to come up in 2yrs, at this narrow strip of land Dhanushkodi, #TamilNadu #India : Dir Gen, @niwe_chennai told me Costing Rs350cr, the 75acre facility will have 2 turbines of 8GW capacity each,enabling advanced R&D,tests pic.twitter.com/ruIK2WmEB2 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 7, 2022 × Being built at a total cost of Rs 3500 million, bids for the two turbines (to be installed at the test facility) will be soon issued to original equipment manufacturers. The relevant agencies are considering turbines that can each generate anywhere between 8-12 MW. With a coastline that spans 7,500 km and immense energy requirements, India has great potential to develop offshore and near shore wind energy projects. Notably, the Government of India has made a commitment at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to combat climate change and global warming, by setting itself a target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Of this 500 GW, wind alone comprises 140 GW. However, industry body Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) feels that much more can be done to ramp up wind energy projects in India and to utilize the capacity and expertise of the Indian wind Power industry. According to Tulsi Tanti, Chairman, IWTMA, the wind energy capacity addition during 2022-23 is expected to be about 1,500-1,600 MW and the next year it will be about 2,000-2,500 MW. Last fiscal, the total wind power capacity that was added in the country was about 883 MW. However, the generation capacity addition is very low as compared to the industry’s turbine manufacturing capacity of 10,000 MW per annum. The industry body also said that India's wind energy sector has achieved 80 percent indigenisation, in line with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'(self-reliant India) initiative. They also added that Tamil Nadu(which is regarded as pioneer of Wind energy in India) has an offshore wind power generation potential of 35GW and that wind power installations can come up both nearshore and offshore. 'Windergy India 2022’, a mega wind energy trade fair is to be held in Delhi between April 27 and 29 and is meant to enhance the wind energy eco-system by facilitating quicker migration to clean energy. The event will witness the participation of Government Officials from India, Denmark and industry representatives.

Asia-Pacific's first-ever offshore wind energy test facility to come up in India

<p>Five years after its maiden developmental flight in 2017, India's heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3 will be used for launching a commercial satellite in 2022. This is significant given how India has only been utilizing variants of its most-reliable PSLV rocket for commercial missions thus far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the PSLV is capable of placing satellites weighing nearly 1,750kg into Polar orbits(where strategic satellites and imaging satellites are placed), whereas the GSLV rocket can place 4-ton class satellites into the Geosynchronous Transfer orbit(GTO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Satellites placed in GTO are eventually moved to the Geosynchronous orbits, which are approximately 36,000kms above the earth's equator, where communication and weather-monitoring satellites belong. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-israel-to-convert-passenger-aircraft-into-strategic-transporters-as-part-of-make-in-india-468989">India and Israel to convert passenger aircraft into strategic transporters, as part of Make in India</a></strong></p>

<p>ISRO has been launching foreign satellites and those of its customers only on PSLV rockets, because of the rocket's high reliability of delivering as many as 52 successful missions out of 54 launches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In case of the GSLV Mk 3, it has been launched four times and performed the mission objectives successfully on all four attempts, but all of these have been to fulfil India's national requirements and not those of customers.</p>

<p>Notably, it is the human-rated version(specially modified to carry astronauts) of the same GSLV Mk3 that will be used for India's Gaganyaan Mission to send astronauts to space.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In 2022, India will be performing six rocket launch missions - two launches of PSLV, two developmental flights of the new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV), one launch of GSLV, one launch of GSLV Mk3.</p>

<p>In terms of satellite missions, ISRO is looking at launching EOS-6 Earth Observation Satellite, NVS-01 Navigation satellite for NavIC, one communication satellite mission GSAT-24.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-team-to-probe-suspected-chinese-rocket-debris-that-fell-in-maharashtra-village-468775">ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village</a></strong></p>

<p>These details were revealed in India's lower house of parliament by Jitendra Singh, the Minister overseeing the Department of Space. Accomplishing these six launches in 2022 would mean that ISRO is launching all of its current operational vehicles in a single year.(SSLV is not yet operational, but will make its debut)<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
However, some big-ticket, highly-anticipated missions such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L-1, first unmanned flight of Gaganyaan etc. don't find a mention in this list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Minister Jitendra Singh himself had made an announcement earlier this year regarding Chandrayaan-3 being launched in August 2022. According to ISRO, the pandemic and resultant lockdowns had caused disruption and delay to the Indian state-run space agency's launch activity.&nbsp;</p>


Five years after its maiden developmental flight in 2017, India's heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3 will be used for launching a commercial satellite in 2022. This is significant given how India has only been utilizing variants of its most-reliable PSLV rocket for commercial missions thus far.

Five years after its maiden developmental flight in 2017, India's heaviest rocket GSLV Mk3 will be used for launching a commercial satellite in 2022. This is significant given how India has only been utilizing variants of its most-reliable PSLV rocket for commercial missions thus far. While the PSLV is capable of placing satellites weighing nearly 1,750kg into Polar orbits(where strategic satellites and imaging satellites are placed), whereas the GSLV rocket can place 4-ton class satellites into the Geosynchronous Transfer orbit(GTO). Satellites placed in GTO are eventually moved to the Geosynchronous orbits, which are approximately 36,000kms above the earth's equator, where communication and weather-monitoring satellites belong. ALSO READ | India and Israel to convert passenger aircraft into strategic transporters, as part of Make in India ISRO has been launching foreign satellites and those of its customers only on PSLV rockets, because of the rocket's high reliability of delivering as many as 52 successful missions out of 54 launches. In case of the GSLV Mk 3, it has been launched four times and performed the mission objectives successfully on all four attempts, but all of these have been to fulfil India's national requirements and not those of customers. Notably, it is the human-rated version(specially modified to carry astronauts) of the same GSLV Mk3 that will be used for India's Gaganyaan Mission to send astronauts to space. In 2022, India will be performing six rocket launch missions - two launches of PSLV, two developmental flights of the new Small Satellite Launch Vehicle(SSLV), one launch of GSLV, one launch of GSLV Mk3. In terms of satellite missions, ISRO is looking at launching EOS-6 Earth Observation Satellite, NVS-01 Navigation satellite for NavIC, one communication satellite mission GSAT-24. ALSO READ | ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village These details were revealed in India's lower house of parliament by Jitendra Singh, the Minister overseeing the Department of Space. Accomplishing these six launches in 2022 would mean that ISRO is launching all of its current operational vehicles in a single year.(SSLV is not yet operational, but will make its debut) However, some big-ticket, highly-anticipated missions such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L-1, first unmanned flight of Gaganyaan etc. don't find a mention in this list. Notably, Minister Jitendra Singh himself had made an announcement earlier this year regarding Chandrayaan-3 being launched in August 2022. According to ISRO, the pandemic and resultant lockdowns had caused disruption and delay to the Indian state-run space agency's launch activity.

Six launches in 2022, ISRO to launch all rockets in its fleet - SSLV, PSLV, GSLV, Mk3

<p>Days after videos emerged of a meteor shower-like phenomenon being spotted in the evening skies of India's Maharashtra, a team of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization will be probing the matter. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Concerns were raised after more pictures and videos emerged of suspected rocket parts such as a large metal ring, cylindrical objects and metallic ball having been recovered.</p>

<p>According to experts in the field, what occurred on April 2nd night was the re-entry of the third stage of a Chinese Chang Zheng 3B(Long March 3B rocket). This particular rocket is said to have been launched in February 2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indias-hal-hands-over-satellite-structure-that-is-meant-to-support-isros-gaganyaan-mission-468486">India's HAL hands over satellite structure that is meant to support ISRO's Gaganyaan mission</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just spotted this thing going over my head 10 min ago It was very close in altitude. Any expert who can guess about this? <a href="https://t.co/fkg5kDZoCv">pic.twitter.com/fkg5kDZoCv</a></p>
— Frustrated Pluto (@frustratedpluto) <a href="https://twitter.com/frustratedpluto/status/1510264256427614213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I believe this is the reentry of a Chinese rocket stage, the third stage of the Chang Zheng 3B serial number Y77 which was launched in Feb 2021 - it was expected to reenter in the next hour or so and the track is a good match <a href="https://t.co/BetxCknAiK">pic.twitter.com/BetxCknAiK</a></p>
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) <a href="https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1510274696524279810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following requests from the district authorities, ISRO has decided to step in and conduct inspection at the site. ISRO issued a statement saying that they had received inputs from multiple sources on flashing lights being spotted in the skies over Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, in the evening hours of April 2.</p>

<p>"Formal communication has been received from the office of the district magistrate and district collector of Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It is reported that a metal ring and a cylinder-like object are found in an open field in Pawanpur village. As requested by the district administration, a team of scientists from ISRO is visiting Pawanpur for inspection and further scientific inquiry," the statement added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
It is notable that when spent upper stages of rockets survive atmospheric re-entry, the parts of the rocket can fall on earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-space-start-up-pixxel-to-have-constellation-of-20-satellites-by-2024-468329">Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Team from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#maharashtra</a> &amp; inspect site where metal ring and cylinder-like object (suspected debris of Chinese rocket) were found in an open field in Pawanpur village.. this comes after request from district admin<br />
<br />
During Weeknd, flashing lights were seen on eve sky <a href="https://t.co/d3gxt73wkw">pic.twitter.com/d3gxt73wkw</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1511552379388579846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Maharashtra: In what appears to be a meteor shower was witnessed over the skies of Nagpur &amp; several other parts of the state. <a href="https://t.co/kPUfL9P18R">pic.twitter.com/kPUfL9P18R</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1510297682996195329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Days after videos emerged of a meteor shower-like phenomenon being spotted in the evening skies of India's Maharashtra, a team of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization will be probing the matter.

Days after videos emerged of a meteor shower-like phenomenon being spotted in the evening skies of India's Maharashtra, a team of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization will be probing the matter. Concerns were raised after more pictures and videos emerged of suspected rocket parts such as a large metal ring, cylindrical objects and metallic ball having been recovered. According to experts in the field, what occurred on April 2nd night was the re-entry of the third stage of a Chinese Chang Zheng 3B(Long March 3B rocket). This particular rocket is said to have been launched in February 2021. ALSO READ | India's HAL hands over satellite structure that is meant to support ISRO's Gaganyaan mission Just spotted this thing going over my head 10 min ago It was very close in altitude. Any expert who can guess about this? pic.twitter.com/fkg5kDZoCv — Frustrated Pluto (@frustratedpluto) April 2, 2022 × I believe this is the reentry of a Chinese rocket stage, the third stage of the Chang Zheng 3B serial number Y77 which was launched in Feb 2021 - it was expected to reenter in the next hour or so and the track is a good match pic.twitter.com/BetxCknAiK — Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) April 2, 2022 × Following requests from the district authorities, ISRO has decided to step in and conduct inspection at the site. ISRO issued a statement saying that they had received inputs from multiple sources on flashing lights being spotted in the skies over Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, in the evening hours of April 2. "Formal communication has been received from the office of the district magistrate and district collector of Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It is reported that a metal ring and a cylinder-like object are found in an open field in Pawanpur village. As requested by the district administration, a team of scientists from ISRO is visiting Pawanpur for inspection and further scientific inquiry," the statement added. It is notable that when spent upper stages of rockets survive atmospheric re-entry, the parts of the rocket can fall on earth. ALSO READ | Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024 Team from #ISRO to visit #maharashtra & inspect site where metal ring and cylinder-like object (suspected debris of Chinese rocket) were found in an open field in Pawanpur village.. this comes after request from district admin During Weeknd, flashing lights were seen on eve sky pic.twitter.com/d3gxt73wkw — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 6, 2022 × #WATCH | Maharashtra: In what appears to be a meteor shower was witnessed over the skies of Nagpur & several other parts of the state. pic.twitter.com/kPUfL9P18R — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2022 ×

ISRO team to probe suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell in Maharashtra village

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<p>India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied to ISRO, what is being referred to as the first set of hardware for India's Human Spaceflight mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to HAL, this hardware is the Satellite bus or external structure of the satellite that is meant to provide communication support for the Gaganyaan mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Satellite bus can be thought of as a skeleton, it attains its final form only after electronics, hardware, solar panels and other components are fitted on it. The newly handed over satellite bus also happens to be the 150th such unit being rolled out of HAL.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-space-start-up-pixxel-to-have-constellation-of-20-satellites-by-2024-468329">Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Specifically, this structure that was handed over is meant for the IDRSS Satellite. Two of these Indian Data Relay System Satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator (where they would remain in sync with the earth’s rotation or at a constant position when seen from earth) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It must be noted that a constellation of 3 satellites positioned in a 36,000km orbit can offer real-time, 24/7 monitoring of almost the entire earth. Each IDRSS satellite weighs 2275kg and is meant to be launched by the GSLV Mk2 rocket.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> :<br />
The first set of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gaganyaan</a> hardware that <a href="https://twitter.com/HALHQBLR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HALHQBLR</a> handed to <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> is the shell of Indian Data Relay Satellite system(comms), 2 of which are meant to help <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> astronauts stay in 24/7 touch with ground stations...<br />
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IDRSS sats weigh 2275kg, launch by GSLV Mk2 <a href="https://t.co/zbTJlXsrs5">pic.twitter.com/zbTJlXsrs5</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1511245612175732740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Dr. K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO had told WION that ISRO intends to launch two such IDRSS satellites prior to the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight. While the Gaganyaan spacecraft would be placed in a low earth orbit, 400kms above the earth, these two IDRSS satellites would help Indian astronauts communicate with the ground stations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For context, when Gaganyaan is orbiting the earth, but not visible to the ground stations, Gaganyaan can send its signals and communicate with the IDRSS satellites up above, which in turn would relay it down to the ground stations and vice versa. This would ensure constant communication between the astronauts and their mission control on earth.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-observe-stunning-formation-of-jupiter-like-planet-that-is-in-the-womb-468468">Jupiter-like planet in space? Scientists observe stunning formation of planet that is 'in the womb'</a></strong></p>

<p>R.Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL recalled the organization's four-decade-long association with ISRO and how it is poised to play a bigger role in the integration of ISRO's rockets. "We will continue to be a reliable partner of ISRO with dedication, devotion and zeal" he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HAL also inaugurated a new facility that is meant to integrate the PS2 and GS2 stages of India's PSLV and GSLV rockets, respectively. The PS2 and GS2 stages serve as the second stages of India's launch vehicles PSLV and GSLV respectively and are powered by a Vikas engine, which uses liquid fuels.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HAL hands over the first set of Gaganyaan hardware to ISRO, also PS2/GS2 stage integration facility inaugurated in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/drajaykumar_ias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drajaykumar_ias</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefProdnIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefProdnIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gopalsutar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gopalsutar</a> <a href="https://t.co/uqDLLZ1ETo">pic.twitter.com/uqDLLZ1ETo</a></p>
— HAL (@HALHQBLR) <a href="https://twitter.com/HALHQBLR/status/1510932088115015680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The most ambitious programme of ISRO, Gaganyaan or the Human Spaceflight programme has been delayed to the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant impact on industries and restrictions. ISRO is expected to have the first unmanned flight of Gaganyaan by end of 2022 or early 2023. This will be followed up by one or two additional unmanned flights and the manned attempt.</p>


India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied to ISRO, what is being referred to as the first set of hardware for India's Human Spaceflight mission.

India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied to ISRO, what is being referred to as the first set of hardware for India's Human Spaceflight mission. According to HAL, this hardware is the Satellite bus or external structure of the satellite that is meant to provide communication support for the Gaganyaan mission. While the Satellite bus can be thought of as a skeleton, it attains its final form only after electronics, hardware, solar panels and other components are fitted on it. The newly handed over satellite bus also happens to be the 150th such unit being rolled out of HAL. ALSO READ | Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024 Specifically, this structure that was handed over is meant for the IDRSS Satellite. Two of these Indian Data Relay System Satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator (where they would remain in sync with the earth’s rotation or at a constant position when seen from earth) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. It must be noted that a constellation of 3 satellites positioned in a 36,000km orbit can offer real-time, 24/7 monitoring of almost the entire earth. Each IDRSS satellite weighs 2275kg and is meant to be launched by the GSLV Mk2 rocket. #UPDATE #ISRO : The first set of #gaganyaan hardware that @HALHQBLR handed to @isro is the shell of Indian Data Relay Satellite system(comms), 2 of which are meant to help #Indian astronauts stay in 24/7 touch with ground stations... IDRSS sats weigh 2275kg, launch by GSLV Mk2 pic.twitter.com/zbTJlXsrs5 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 5, 2022 × Earlier, Dr. K.Sivan, Chairman, ISRO had told WION that ISRO intends to launch two such IDRSS satellites prior to the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight. While the Gaganyaan spacecraft would be placed in a low earth orbit, 400kms above the earth, these two IDRSS satellites would help Indian astronauts communicate with the ground stations. For context, when Gaganyaan is orbiting the earth, but not visible to the ground stations, Gaganyaan can send its signals and communicate with the IDRSS satellites up above, which in turn would relay it down to the ground stations and vice versa. This would ensure constant communication between the astronauts and their mission control on earth. ALSO READ | Jupiter-like planet in space? Scientists observe stunning formation of planet that is 'in the womb' R.Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL recalled the organization's four-decade-long association with ISRO and how it is poised to play a bigger role in the integration of ISRO's rockets. "We will continue to be a reliable partner of ISRO with dedication, devotion and zeal" he added. HAL also inaugurated a new facility that is meant to integrate the PS2 and GS2 stages of India's PSLV and GSLV rockets, respectively. The PS2 and GS2 stages serve as the second stages of India's launch vehicles PSLV and GSLV respectively and are powered by a Vikas engine, which uses liquid fuels. HAL hands over the first set of Gaganyaan hardware to ISRO, also PS2/GS2 stage integration facility inaugurated in Bengaluru. @isro @SpokespersonMoD @drajaykumar_ias @DefProdnIndia @gopalsutar pic.twitter.com/uqDLLZ1ETo — HAL (@HALHQBLR) April 4, 2022 × The most ambitious programme of ISRO, Gaganyaan or the Human Spaceflight programme has been delayed to the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant impact on industries and restrictions. ISRO is expected to have the first unmanned flight of Gaganyaan by end of 2022 or early 2023. This will be followed up by one or two additional unmanned flights and the manned attempt.

India's HAL hands over satellite structure that is meant to support ISRO's Gaganyaan mission

<p>Having successfully accomplished the launch and deployment of their first-ever satellite, Indian space start-up Pixxel is working on an ambitious goal of having 20 satellites in orbit by end of 2024. It was on April 1st that 'Shakuntala' the firm's first satellite was orbited by SpaceX Transporter 4, a rideshare mission carrying satellites from various countries. While the current satellite is a technology demonstrator, that will validate the capabilities, the upcoming satellites are going to get bigger, better equipped and meant to endure for longer in the harsh conditions of Low Earth Orbit. WION spoke to Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel to understand the significance of their latest achievement and the projects that lay ahead.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-space-tech-startup-launched-satellite-with-elon-musks-spacex-whats-next-468068">Indian space tech startup launched satellite with Elon Musk's SpaceX. What's next?</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;The company had planned to design, build and test two of its technology demonstrator satellites - Anand and Shakuntala, to prepare for launch in 2021. However, owing to the pandemic and some component supply issues, this was delayed. "We had planned to launch Anand in early 2021 onboard India's PSLV rocket, but the Covid-induced delay in India's space launch activities pushed the schedule behind. As of now, we expect that Anand will be launched in the next PSLV mission by the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). When we came across the SpaceX rideshare mission, we decided to orbit Shakuntala using the Falcon 9 rocket and that's how our maiden mission was accomplished", Awais says.</p>

<p>Pixxel's satellites perform what is known as Hyperspectral imaging, a process of mapping the earth in highest detail and using that data for various applications such as monitoring agriculture, mining, oil exploration etc. Simply put, Hyperspectral imaging sees much more than conventional satellites and the human eye, thus making the data useful for a wide range of applications. "Existing satellites that perform multispectral imaging operate in up to 10 bands, whereas Hyperspectral technology helps imaging in 160 bands. Only ISRO, NASA and the European Space Agency have launched Satellites meant for Hyperspectral imaging. On a commercial basis, we offer the data obtained from this Hyperspectral imaging to more than 50 clients across America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. They use the data we provide to monitor mines, assess levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium in soil, explore minerals, detect leaks in oil and gas pipelines etc." he explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-find-14-black-holes-feasting-on-surrounding-space-matter-467787">Astronomers find 14 black holes feasting on surrounding space matter</a></strong></p>

<p>Weighing all of 15kgs each, Anand and Shakuntala are technology demonstration satellites. They will help demonstrate the company's capabilities and also provide data that can be used by clients. However, Pixxel is working on launching six more satellites soon, to augment the functions of Shakuntala and Anand. In addition to this, the company will be launching 12 satellites by early 2024. "Our upcoming satellites will weigh 40kg each and will have an operational life of 7years, whereas the current satellite weighs only 15kg and can function up to 3 years. The future versions will also have 5meter resolution(ability to distinguish between objects that are 5meters apart), whereas the current satellite has a 10meter resolution. We offer such high resolution specifically to meet our client's requirements", Awais added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
With 8 satellites expected to be in orbit soon, Pixxel says it will be capable of mapping the generating hyperspectral imagery of the whole world, once in two days. Once they have the 12 additional satellites in orbit, the Indian company is expected to be able to provide whole-earth mapping on a daily basis. According to the CEO, once ISRO's launch activity resumes to its usual frequency, they would launch the new members of the constellation on-board Indian rockets.</p>


Having successfully accomplished the launch and deployment of their first-ever satellite, Indian space start-up Pixxel is working on an ambitious goal of having 20 satellites in orbit by end of 2024.

Having successfully accomplished the launch and deployment of their first-ever satellite, Indian space start-up Pixxel is working on an ambitious goal of having 20 satellites in orbit by end of 2024. It was on April 1st that 'Shakuntala' the firm's first satellite was orbited by SpaceX Transporter 4, a rideshare mission carrying satellites from various countries. While the current satellite is a technology demonstrator, that will validate the capabilities, the upcoming satellites are going to get bigger, better equipped and meant to endure for longer in the harsh conditions of Low Earth Orbit. WION spoke to Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel to understand the significance of their latest achievement and the projects that lay ahead. ALSO READ | Indian space tech startup launched satellite with Elon Musk's SpaceX. What's next? The company had planned to design, build and test two of its technology demonstrator satellites - Anand and Shakuntala, to prepare for launch in 2021. However, owing to the pandemic and some component supply issues, this was delayed. "We had planned to launch Anand in early 2021 onboard India's PSLV rocket, but the Covid-induced delay in India's space launch activities pushed the schedule behind. As of now, we expect that Anand will be launched in the next PSLV mission by the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO). When we came across the SpaceX rideshare mission, we decided to orbit Shakuntala using the Falcon 9 rocket and that's how our maiden mission was accomplished", Awais says. Pixxel's satellites perform what is known as Hyperspectral imaging, a process of mapping the earth in highest detail and using that data for various applications such as monitoring agriculture, mining, oil exploration etc. Simply put, Hyperspectral imaging sees much more than conventional satellites and the human eye, thus making the data useful for a wide range of applications. "Existing satellites that perform multispectral imaging operate in up to 10 bands, whereas Hyperspectral technology helps imaging in 160 bands. Only ISRO, NASA and the European Space Agency have launched Satellites meant for Hyperspectral imaging. On a commercial basis, we offer the data obtained from this Hyperspectral imaging to more than 50 clients across America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. They use the data we provide to monitor mines, assess levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium in soil, explore minerals, detect leaks in oil and gas pipelines etc." he explained. ALSO READ | Astronomers find 14 black holes feasting on surrounding space matter Weighing all of 15kgs each, Anand and Shakuntala are technology demonstration satellites. They will help demonstrate the company's capabilities and also provide data that can be used by clients. However, Pixxel is working on launching six more satellites soon, to augment the functions of Shakuntala and Anand. In addition to this, the company will be launching 12 satellites by early 2024. "Our upcoming satellites will weigh 40kg each and will have an operational life of 7years, whereas the current satellite weighs only 15kg and can function up to 3 years. The future versions will also have 5meter resolution(ability to distinguish between objects that are 5meters apart), whereas the current satellite has a 10meter resolution. We offer such high resolution specifically to meet our client's requirements", Awais added. With 8 satellites expected to be in orbit soon, Pixxel says it will be capable of mapping the generating hyperspectral imagery of the whole world, once in two days. Once they have the 12 additional satellites in orbit, the Indian company is expected to be able to provide whole-earth mapping on a daily basis. According to the CEO, once ISRO's launch activity resumes to its usual frequency, they would launch the new members of the constellation on-board Indian rockets.

Indian Space start-up 'Pixxel' to have constellation of 20 satellites by 2024

<p>Four Electric Vehicles(EVs) emitted smoke and eventually went up in flames over the last four days in India, thus raising alarm over the safety of these E-scooters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While one incident was reported from Maharashtra, the other three were from Tamil Nadu. Happening at a time when the summer is just beginning to set in across the subcontinent and at a time when people are actively considering switching to Electric vehicles, these events have sparked widespread concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To understand the issues that might have led to the recent fires and to know about possible solutions, WION spoke to Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Assistant Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Madras.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thread: Three instances of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EVs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EVs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/scooter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#scooter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Battery?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Battery</a> emitting lots of smoke, eventually catching fire reported in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> over last one week<br />
<br />
In this incident from Trichy, E-bike was parked overnight in a shop, next morning as it was taken out &amp; parked it emitted fumes <a href="https://t.co/ucF1Xbsnbc">pic.twitter.com/ucF1Xbsnbc</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1509120186531872769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to him, such issues of batteries emitting smoke and eventually catching fire are not sudden phenomenon.</p>

<p>These are actually the result of a build-up(in the battery) that happens over a considerable period of time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The key to tackling such issues, lay in the Battery Management System algorithms. Mobile phones and Electric vehicles have a 'Battery Management System'(BMS), which is meant to manage a rechargeable battery, ensure it operates safely and efficiently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BMS is designed to monitor the parameters(temperature, charging, discharging) associated with the battery pack and its individual cells, apply the collected data to eliminate safety risks and optimize the battery performance.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incident from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> outskirts.. Person was riding his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectricVehicle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectricVehicle</a> to work, when it started emitting smoke... he parked by the highway only to see flames erupt from the battery section.. Water tanker passing by put out the blaze <a href="https://t.co/8XBkB2ODru">pic.twitter.com/8XBkB2ODru</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1509121019348647941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Electric vehicles operate in climactic conditions that prevail across India, which includes very cold to hot and humid weather and the battery is required to function across these places. Likewise, there are many users who ride the EV for a few hours every day and for long hauls, whereas others who use it casually, for short rides. There are also differences in charging patterns that the users follow. The algorithms in the BMS, must be extensively tested for these dynamically varying conditions, to facilitate best and safe performance of the batteries" he elaborated. Given that EV are in the initial stages of adoption in India, Aravind Kumar is of the opinion that it is the complete responsibility of the Original Equipment Manufacturers and EV companies to deliver well- tested vehicles, that are suited for Indian conditions and users. However, he also feels that batteries emitting smoke and catching fire/exploding are part of an evolutionary process that was witnessed even in mobile phone batteries, and was eventually perfected.</p>

<p>Speaking about the major factors behind damage caused to electric vehicle batteries, he said that it could be thermal abuse(high or low temperature variations), mechanical abuse(accident or crash) and also electric abuse(overcharging and deep discharging cycles). He added that their lab at IIT Madras was also conducting controlled explosions in batteries by inducing the above abuses, to better understand what specific factors lead to the smoke and fire. "By identifying these symptoms or any minute details and changes that we observe in the batteries under abuse, we will be able to detect the issues before hand and develop sensors or alerts to inform the rider. Once a battery starts emitting smoke, there is only about 30-60seconds for escape and that time is very crucial for the rider" he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incident from Vellore, where an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/electricbike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#electricbike</a> put on charge overnight is said to have erupted in flames and caused damaged to the house.. resultant smoke, asphyxia and blaze said to have killed father and daughter.. apparently, this was a one week old bike <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectricVehicles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectricVehicles</a> <a href="https://t.co/qu6XcMcKKW">pic.twitter.com/qu6XcMcKKW</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1509121710863560711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In terms of developing such mechanisms to detect battery failure, he said that mobiles have finally evolved to a stage where they can warn of overheating, when completely charged, when battery is losing efficiency etc. Likewise, he believes that further research and studies into EV batteries can evolve a triple redundant mechanism to avoid such mishaps. "As more data is available on the EV batteries and their functioning, we can have the BMS and sensors to alert the rider in case of battery danger. With targeted measures, we could even save the battery from further damage and even prevent damage to the vehicle" he adds.</p>

<p>When comparing EV scooters and cars/trucks, scooters are more prone to such battery issues, as scooters lack the liquid cooling technology, which is found in larger vehicles. Despite the higher standards, even the major global automobile and electric vehicle brands have suffered cases of explosion in their models of Electric cars. It is notable that while mobile phone batteries store approximately 10 Watt hours of energy, electric vehicles store few Kilowatt hour to tens of Kilo Watt hours of energy, which is exponentially higher and thus making the complications of heating, thermal management, etc very high. As a researcher in the field, Aravind feels that such setbacks and mishaps are part of the evolution of the technology, and it would eventually lead to better solutions and safety systems being built into EVs.</p>


Four Electric Vehicles(EVs) emitted smoke and eventually went up in flames over the last four days in India, thus raising alarm over the safety of these E-scooters.

Four Electric Vehicles(EVs) emitted smoke and eventually went up in flames over the last four days in India, thus raising alarm over the safety of these E-scooters. While one incident was reported from Maharashtra, the other three were from Tamil Nadu. Happening at a time when the summer is just beginning to set in across the subcontinent and at a time when people are actively considering switching to Electric vehicles, these events have sparked widespread concerns. To understand the issues that might have led to the recent fires and to know about possible solutions, WION spoke to Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Assistant Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering, IIT-Madras. Thread: Three instances of #EVs #scooter #Battery emitting lots of smoke, eventually catching fire reported in #TamilNadu #India over last one week In this incident from Trichy, E-bike was parked overnight in a shop, next morning as it was taken out & parked it emitted fumes pic.twitter.com/ucF1Xbsnbc — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 30, 2022 × According to him, such issues of batteries emitting smoke and eventually catching fire are not sudden phenomenon. These are actually the result of a build-up(in the battery) that happens over a considerable period of time. The key to tackling such issues, lay in the Battery Management System algorithms. Mobile phones and Electric vehicles have a 'Battery Management System'(BMS), which is meant to manage a rechargeable battery, ensure it operates safely and efficiently. BMS is designed to monitor the parameters(temperature, charging, discharging) associated with the battery pack and its individual cells, apply the collected data to eliminate safety risks and optimize the battery performance. Incident from #Chennai outskirts.. Person was riding his #ElectricVehicle to work, when it started emitting smoke... he parked by the highway only to see flames erupt from the battery section.. Water tanker passing by put out the blaze pic.twitter.com/8XBkB2ODru — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 30, 2022 × "Electric vehicles operate in climactic conditions that prevail across India, which includes very cold to hot and humid weather and the battery is required to function across these places. Likewise, there are many users who ride the EV for a few hours every day and for long hauls, whereas others who use it casually, for short rides. There are also differences in charging patterns that the users follow. The algorithms in the BMS, must be extensively tested for these dynamically varying conditions, to facilitate best and safe performance of the batteries" he elaborated. Given that EV are in the initial stages of adoption in India, Aravind Kumar is of the opinion that it is the complete responsibility of the Original Equipment Manufacturers and EV companies to deliver well- tested vehicles, that are suited for Indian conditions and users. However, he also feels that batteries emitting smoke and catching fire/exploding are part of an evolutionary process that was witnessed even in mobile phone batteries, and was eventually perfected. Speaking about the major factors behind damage caused to electric vehicle batteries, he said that it could be thermal abuse(high or low temperature variations), mechanical abuse(accident or crash) and also electric abuse(overcharging and deep discharging cycles). He added that their lab at IIT Madras was also conducting controlled explosions in batteries by inducing the above abuses, to better understand what specific factors lead to the smoke and fire. "By identifying these symptoms or any minute details and changes that we observe in the batteries under abuse, we will be able to detect the issues before hand and develop sensors or alerts to inform the rider. Once a battery starts emitting smoke, there is only about 30-60seconds for escape and that time is very crucial for the rider" he added. Incident from Vellore, where an #electricbike put on charge overnight is said to have erupted in flames and caused damaged to the house.. resultant smoke, asphyxia and blaze said to have killed father and daughter.. apparently, this was a one week old bike #ElectricVehicles pic.twitter.com/qu6XcMcKKW — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 30, 2022 × In terms of developing such mechanisms to detect battery failure, he said that mobiles have finally evolved to a stage where they can warn of overheating, when completely charged, when battery is losing efficiency etc. Likewise, he believes that further research and studies into EV batteries can evolve a triple redundant mechanism to avoid such mishaps. "As more data is available on the EV batteries and their functioning, we can have the BMS and sensors to alert the rider in case of battery danger. With targeted measures, we could even save the battery from further damage and even prevent damage to the vehicle" he adds. When comparing EV scooters and cars/trucks, scooters are more prone to such battery issues, as scooters lack the liquid cooling technology, which is found in larger vehicles. Despite the higher standards, even the major global automobile and electric vehicle brands have suffered cases of explosion in their models of Electric cars. It is notable that while mobile phone batteries store approximately 10 Watt hours of energy, electric vehicles store few Kilowatt hour to tens of Kilo Watt hours of energy, which is exponentially higher and thus making the complications of heating, thermal management, etc very high. As a researcher in the field, Aravind feels that such setbacks and mishaps are part of the evolution of the technology, and it would eventually lead to better solutions and safety systems being built into EVs.

Explained: What causes sudden fires in Electric vehicles and how it can be prevented

<p>For about 40 students who hailed from very diverse backgrounds, belonged to different parts of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India, it was their first-ever photography workshop.</p>

<p>Conducted amid the pandemic, the training in mobile photography was imparted both in online and offline mode, depending on where the students were from. 'Composition, framing, lighting, exposure' were some of the finer aspects of photography that the school students, aged between 13 and 19 had learnt. At the end of their training, their work was even framed and exhibited at the iconic Egmore museum in Chennai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Forty high school students from Tamil Nadu, India captured the vibrance of their communities on iPhone 13 mini. Now their work is featured in the student showcase at the historic Egmore Museum for the Chennai Photo Biennale. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShotOniPhone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShotOniPhone</a> <a href="https://t.co/t0DhNYWGvm">https://t.co/t0DhNYWGvm</a> <a href="https://t.co/I30DTwZkbT">pic.twitter.com/I30DTwZkbT</a></p>
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/1507500405646761984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mentored by the photography educators from Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation, over a period of three months, the students were trained based on the course material prepared by the team. "Mentoring students is an important part of our work and we went online after the pandemic hit. Around 2021-end, we also had a few in-person workshops for the students in Chennai. Our idea was to have children capture the diversity of Tamil Nadu, under the theme 'Land of Stories'- the heritage, people, places" Gayatri Nair, Director of Education, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/a-new-iphone-se-with-5g-new-ipad-air-a-chipset-touted-as-the-fastest-yet-heres-everything-apple-announced-460431" hreflang="en">A new iPhone SE with 5G, new iPad Air &amp; a chipset touted as the fastest yet, here's everything Apple announced</a></strong></p>

<p aria-hidden="true">The frames on display showed pets, birds, architectural landmarks, portraits, patterns and what not! But the feelings of the first-time exhibitors were even more vivid.</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">"This is the first time I've attended a Photography session and I'm so excited that our work is being displayed at the museum" said S. Asreen Banu, a student from Chennai. For Aishwarya, a speech-impaired student from Chennai, photography is more than a mere hobby, it’s a means of expressing herself.</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">"I'm very happy that my parents and other visitors will be able to see the pictures that we have clicked" she said.</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">"We are a non-profit foundation that has been teaching photography since 2018. We work a lot with iPhones and we lent these phones to the students for this project (to ensure everyone had access to the same gear). They were asked to click everything that was a quintessential representation of Tamil Nadu, so that we could exhibit the best work in as large as 4feet by 8 feet prints" Varun Gupta, CO-Founder, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Snaps by school students from across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> mentored by <a href="https://twitter.com/chnpb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chnpb</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/goetheinstitut?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@goetheinstitut</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mobile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mobile</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/photography?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#photography</a> , over 2-3months during pandemic. All participants hailed from diff social strata, some were spl kids.<br />
<br />
Exhibition underway at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> Egmore Museum till April 17th <a href="https://t.co/CfBh5vHQi6">pic.twitter.com/CfBh5vHQi6</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1508782125931122690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was a few weeks into the exhibition that Apple CEO Tim Cook had tweeted about the photographic work of school children being on display in Chennai. Open till April 17, the CPB exhibition venue will also witness various photography-related events, every weekend.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


For about 40 students who hailed from very diverse backgrounds, belonged to different parts of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India, it was their first-ever photography workshop.

For about 40 students who hailed from very diverse backgrounds, belonged to different parts of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India, it was their first-ever photography workshop. Conducted amid the pandemic, the training in mobile photography was imparted both in online and offline mode, depending on where the students were from. 'Composition, framing, lighting, exposure' were some of the finer aspects of photography that the school students, aged between 13 and 19 had learnt. At the end of their training, their work was even framed and exhibited at the iconic Egmore museum in Chennai. Forty high school students from Tamil Nadu, India captured the vibrance of their communities on iPhone 13 mini. Now their work is featured in the student showcase at the historic Egmore Museum for the Chennai Photo Biennale. #ShotOniPhone https://t.co/t0DhNYWGvm pic.twitter.com/I30DTwZkbT — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 25, 2022 × Mentored by the photography educators from Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation, over a period of three months, the students were trained based on the course material prepared by the team. "Mentoring students is an important part of our work and we went online after the pandemic hit. Around 2021-end, we also had a few in-person workshops for the students in Chennai. Our idea was to have children capture the diversity of Tamil Nadu, under the theme 'Land of Stories'- the heritage, people, places" Gayatri Nair, Director of Education, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION. Also read | A new iPhone SE with 5G, new iPad Air & a chipset touted as the fastest yet, here's everything Apple announced The frames on display showed pets, birds, architectural landmarks, portraits, patterns and what not! But the feelings of the first-time exhibitors were even more vivid. "This is the first time I've attended a Photography session and I'm so excited that our work is being displayed at the museum" said S. Asreen Banu, a student from Chennai. For Aishwarya, a speech-impaired student from Chennai, photography is more than a mere hobby, it’s a means of expressing herself. "I'm very happy that my parents and other visitors will be able to see the pictures that we have clicked" she said. "We are a non-profit foundation that has been teaching photography since 2018. We work a lot with iPhones and we lent these phones to the students for this project (to ensure everyone had access to the same gear). They were asked to click everything that was a quintessential representation of Tamil Nadu, so that we could exhibit the best work in as large as 4feet by 8 feet prints" Varun Gupta, CO-Founder, Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation told WION. Snaps by school students from across #TamilNadu mentored by @chnpb & @goetheinstitut in #mobile #photography , over 2-3months during pandemic. All participants hailed from diff social strata, some were spl kids. Exhibition underway at #Chennai Egmore Museum till April 17th pic.twitter.com/CfBh5vHQi6 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 29, 2022 × It was a few weeks into the exhibition that Apple CEO Tim Cook had tweeted about the photographic work of school children being on display in Chennai. Open till April 17, the CPB exhibition venue will also witness various photography-related events, every weekend.

How a group of student photographers from India caught Apple CEO Tim Cook's attention

<p>South Korean Electronics Giant Samsung has launched a new series of entry-level and midrange smartphones in India, under the brand's 'Galaxy A Series' line-up.</p>

<p>The new models added to the brand's portfolio are the Galaxy A13, A23, A33 5G, A53 5G, and A73 5G.</p>

<p>As the name suggests, the first two entry-level models offer only 4G connectivity, whereas the three others offer 5G connectivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The specs of the five newly-launched devices are:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1. Samsung Galaxy A13</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Samsung Galaxy A13" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4279b66f-0f41-4f15-a68f-88711e2fc296" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-03-29%20at%2013.37.07.jpeg" /></strong></p>

<p>Display: 6.6-inch Full HD+ LCD, 60Hz</p>

<p>Rear camera: 50MP primary camera&nbsp;</p>

<p>Front camera: 8MP</p>

<p>Processor: Exynos 850</p>

<p>Battery: 5000mAh with 15W charger</p>

<p>OS upgrades: 2yrs</p>

<p>Security updates: 4yrs</p>

<p>RAM: 4GB</p>

<p>Storage: 64&amp;128GB</p>

<p>Price: 14,999 onwards</p>

<p><strong>2. Galaxy A23</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Samsung Galaxy A23" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1676003-e0e0-44e0-b4b3-b906591b7c02" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-03-29%20at%2013.36.34.jpeg" /></strong></p>

<p>Display: 6.6inch Full HD+ LCD 90Hz</p>

<p>Rear camera: 50MP with OIS</p>

<p>Front camera: 8MP</p>

<p>Processor: Snapdragon 680 4G</p>

<p>Battery: 5000mAh with 25W charger</p>

<p>Others: Know security</p>

<p>OS upgrades: 2yrs</p>

<p>Security updates:4yrs</p>

<p>RAM: 6&amp;8GB</p>

<p>Storage:128GB</p>

<p>Price: 19499 onwards&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3. Galaxy A33 5G</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Samsung Galaxy A33 5G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51d011d6-4e97-4f4c-b28e-88e391f60594" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/A33%205G.jpeg" /></strong></p>

<p>Display: 6.4inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 90Hz</p>

<p>Rear camera: 48MP with OIS</p>

<p>Front camera: 13MP</p>

<p>Processor: Exynos 1280 (5nm)</p>

<p>Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included)</p>

<p>Durability: IP67 (spill, splash, dust resistant)</p>

<p>Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security</p>

<p>OS upgrades: 3yrs</p>

<p>Security updates: 4yrs&nbsp;</p>

<p>RAM: 6&amp;8GB</p>

<p>Storage: 128GB</p>

<p>Price: 34499onwards</p>

<p><strong>4. Galaxy A53 5G</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Galaxy A53 5G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fabee1b-57d3-48c8-a292-7a6c19bba0e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/A53%205G.jpeg" /></strong></p>

<p>Display: 65.inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 120Hz</p>

<p>Rear camera: 64MP with OIS</p>

<p>Front camera: 32MP</p>

<p>Processor: Exynos 1280(5nm)</p>

<p>Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included)</p>

<p>Durability: IP67</p>

<p>Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security</p>

<p>OS upgrades: 4yrs</p>

<p>Security updates: 5yrs</p>

<p>Device Available in 4colors</p>

<p><strong>5. Galaxy A73 5G</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Samsung Galaxy A73 5G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3a0313a-93a0-490c-9162-2de861f7b270" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-03-29%20at%2013.31.24.jpeg" /></strong></p>

<p>Display: 6.7Full HD+ Super Amoled&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rear camera: 108MP with OIS</p>

<p>Front camera: 32MP</p>

<p>Processor: Snapdragon 778G</p>

<p>Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included)</p>

<p>Durability: IP67</p>

<p>Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security</p>

<p>OS upgrades: 4 years</p>

<p>Security updates: 5 years</p>

<p>Device available for pre-book on samsung.com, retailers, and online.</p>

<p>According to Samsung, the 'Galaxy A Series' epitomises making flagship-like features accessible at an affordable price point. The company said that the five new models are curated to inspire customers with style, power, and versatility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The top-of-the-line Galaxy A73 5G has flagship features like Object Eraser and AI Photo Remaster to deliver better and higher-quality images.</p>


South Korean Electronics Giant Samsung has launched a new series of entry-level and midrange smartphones in India, under the brand's 'Galaxy A Series' line-up. The new models added to the brand's portfolio are the Galaxy A13, A23, A33 5G, A53 5G, and A73 5G.

South Korean Electronics Giant Samsung has launched a new series of entry-level and midrange smartphones in India, under the brand's 'Galaxy A Series' line-up. The new models added to the brand's portfolio are the Galaxy A13, A23, A33 5G, A53 5G, and A73 5G. As the name suggests, the first two entry-level models offer only 4G connectivity, whereas the three others offer 5G connectivity. The specs of the five newly-launched devices are: 1. Samsung Galaxy A13 Display: 6.6-inch Full HD+ LCD, 60Hz Rear camera: 50MP primary camera Front camera: 8MP Processor: Exynos 850 Battery: 5000mAh with 15W charger OS upgrades: 2yrs Security updates: 4yrs RAM: 4GB Storage: 64&128GB Price: 14,999 onwards 2. Galaxy A23 Display: 6.6inch Full HD+ LCD 90Hz Rear camera: 50MP with OIS Front camera: 8MP Processor: Snapdragon 680 4G Battery: 5000mAh with 25W charger Others: Know security OS upgrades: 2yrs Security updates:4yrs RAM: 6&8GB Storage:128GB Price: 19499 onwards 3. Galaxy A33 5G Display: 6.4inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 90Hz Rear camera: 48MP with OIS Front camera: 13MP Processor: Exynos 1280 (5nm) Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included) Durability: IP67 (spill, splash, dust resistant) Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security OS upgrades: 3yrs Security updates: 4yrs RAM: 6&8GB Storage: 128GB Price: 34499onwards 4. Galaxy A53 5G Display: 65.inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 120Hz Rear camera: 64MP with OIS Front camera: 32MP Processor: Exynos 1280(5nm) Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included) Durability: IP67 Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security OS upgrades: 4yrs Security updates: 5yrs Device Available in 4colors 5. Galaxy A73 5G Display: 6.7Full HD+ Super Amoled Rear camera: 108MP with OIS Front camera: 32MP Processor: Snapdragon 778G Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included) Durability: IP67 Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security OS upgrades: 4 years Security updates: 5 years Device available for pre-book on samsung.com, retailers, and online. According to Samsung, the 'Galaxy A Series' epitomises making flagship-like features accessible at an affordable price point. The company said that the five new models are curated to inspire customers with style, power, and versatility. The top-of-the-line Galaxy A73 5G has flagship features like Object Eraser and AI Photo Remaster to deliver better and higher-quality images.

India: Samsung launches 5 new smartphones under Galaxy A Series, here are the specs 

<p>In order to foster closer interoperability and seamless conduct of coordinated operations at sea, a team from the Indian Navy is in Sri Lanka to train the Lankan Air Force and Navy in helicopter operations.</p>

<p>The week-long training is planned to familiarise the Lankan Air Force pilots with India's Advanced Light Helicopter and to provide co-pilot experience.</p>

<p>The training team will also undertake extensive deck-landing practice onboard the Lankan Navy's Advanced Offshore Patrol vessel Sayurala.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy's Advanced light helicopter instructors arrived at the Sri Lankan Air Force Base, Katunayake, to commence the training. This training deployment is in line with the Indian government's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Navy Flying instructors to train <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankan</a> Air force &amp; Navy over the next one week, in Flying ops, ship deck landing etc, to boost interoperability and enable coordinated ops at sea <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> Advanced light helicopter &amp; flying instructors seen at Lankan AF base, Ship <a href="https://t.co/Wx1Pn13bzq">pic.twitter.com/Wx1Pn13bzq</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1508405054759665668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The high level of understanding and coordination between the armed forces of the two countries further cement the close relations achieved through millennia-old friendly ties between the neighbours.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy uses the Mk 3 variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which is built by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.</p>

<p>The ALH is used for search and rescue operations in both day and night conditions and can operate from Naval vessels and bases. This chopper can be used to undertake armed patrol missions, casualty evacuations.</p>

<p>This variant of the chopper has a state-of-the-art Maritime Patrol Radar and Electro-optical payload, which enhances its surveillance capability.</p>


In order to foster closer interoperability and seamless conduct of coordinated operations at sea, a team from the Indian Navy is in Sri Lanka to train the Lankan Air Force and Navy in helicopter operations.

In order to foster closer interoperability and seamless conduct of coordinated operations at sea, a team from the Indian Navy is in Sri Lanka to train the Lankan Air Force and Navy in helicopter operations. The week-long training is planned to familiarise the Lankan Air Force pilots with India's Advanced Light Helicopter and to provide co-pilot experience. The training team will also undertake extensive deck-landing practice onboard the Lankan Navy's Advanced Offshore Patrol vessel Sayurala. The Indian Navy's Advanced light helicopter instructors arrived at the Sri Lankan Air Force Base, Katunayake, to commence the training. This training deployment is in line with the Indian government's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Indian Navy Flying instructors to train #SriLankan Air force & Navy over the next one week, in Flying ops, ship deck landing etc, to boost interoperability and enable coordinated ops at sea @indiannavy Advanced light helicopter & flying instructors seen at Lankan AF base, Ship pic.twitter.com/Wx1Pn13bzq — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 28, 2022 × The high level of understanding and coordination between the armed forces of the two countries further cement the close relations achieved through millennia-old friendly ties between the neighbours. The Indian Navy uses the Mk 3 variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which is built by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The ALH is used for search and rescue operations in both day and night conditions and can operate from Naval vessels and bases. This chopper can be used to undertake armed patrol missions, casualty evacuations. This variant of the chopper has a state-of-the-art Maritime Patrol Radar and Electro-optical payload, which enhances its surveillance capability.

Sri Lankan Navy, Air Force to train on Indian Navy's Advanced Light Helicopter

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidharth MP

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