New sanctions have been imposed against Russia. Fresh US sanctions on Moscow threaten to impact India as well. Russian oil sales to India will be impacted.

How new sanctions imposed against Russia can affect India

With the general elections in India just around the corner, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi addressed a mega rally in the southern state of Tamil Nadu today. While he praised the state's commitment to governance devoid of dynastic politics - he criticised the ruling state party Congress and DMK.

PM Modi hits out at DMK & Congress in Tamil Nadu

Heavy cross-voting by Congress and other opposition lawmakers dominated the biennial Rajya Sabha elections contest on Tuesday.

Cross-voting dominates Rajya Sabha polls

India's northern state of Himachal Pradesh witnessed fast-paced political developments. So much so that it was anticipated that the government of the Himalayan state may fall. All this came in the backdrop of Tuesday's upper house polls. This report takes through developments of the day.

Cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls pushes state Govt into crisis

The ruling party in India, Bhartiya Janata Party, has pulled a stunner in the elections of the Upper House, Rajya Sabha, voting for 15 seats in the Council of States.

India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP & Karnataka

Amidst the ongoing political drama in the state capital Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly budget session came to an abrupt end as the budget was passed. Watch in for more details!

Himachal Pradesh: BJP MLAs stage walkout amid budget proceedings

The Central government could notify the rules for the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) before the Election Commission of India (ECI) implements the Model Code of Conduct before the Lok Sabha elections. Watch in for more details!

India: Centre to implement CAA rules before Lok Sabha polls announcement

Indian & Japanese armed forces conducted the 5th edition of 'Dharma Guardian,' a joint military exercise. It is conducted annually & alternatively hosted by India & Japan. The exercise is aimed at fostering military cooperation.

India-Japan war games in Rajasthan

India: Budget passed in Himachal Pradesh House, session adjourned indefinitely

Inspired by the idea of using AI in education, the KTCT Higher Secondary School, an educational endeavour of Kaduvayil Thangal Charitable Trust, in collaboration with MakerLabs Edutech Private Limited, introduced Iris, Kerala's first AI teacher. Watch in for more details!

India: Kerala introduces its first humanoid robot teacher

India: CAA rules to be notified before Lok Sabha polls announcement

Malayalam actress Lena recently revealed that she is married to Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair who was named as one of the astronauts in the first manned Indian space mission Gaganyaan. Lena revealed that she married the Air Force officer on January 17, this year in a traditional ceremony.

Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation

The leader of opposition in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur claims that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu from his post. CM Sukhu on other hand has come out against this. Watch in for more details!

India: Fate of Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hangs in balance

<p>India will soon be among the elite league of nations that own and operate two or more spaceports - facilities from where rockets can be assembled and launched into space. So far, only the US, Russia, China, and Japan are known to operate two or more spaceports. Having two or more spaceports offers flexibility and the ability to perform a greater number of launches, thereby increasing commercial activity.</p>

<p>A spaceport is established by considering various factors - geographical location, weather conditions, and availability of vast tracts of uninhabited land, among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India established its first spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (initially known as Sriharikota Range), in the year 1971. Since then, this facility in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh has been India's only spaceport that allows launches into space.</p>

<p>All iconic missions including the Chandrayaan series, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1, and launches by startups have been carried out from here. At present, Sriharikota has two launchpads belonging to ISRO, Government of India. All operational Indian rockets can be launched from these two launchpads.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/massive-sunspot-releasing-strongest-solar-flare-in-6-years-is-now-aiming-at-earth-heres-what-it-means-694632">Massive sunspot releasing strongest solar flare in 6 years, is now aiming at Earth. Here's what it means</a></p>

<p>In the year 2023, a private firm, Agnikul Cosmos inaugurated their launchpad at Sriharikota in the hope of launching their rockets from there.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A report explaining the significance of India's 2nd spaceport, that's coming up in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a><br />
<br />
Having 2 spaceports offers more flexibility and ability to launch in greater numbers, thereby increasing revenue.. <a href="https://t.co/VJMabLy1Ly">https://t.co/VJMabLy1Ly</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1762716731523616945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In about two years, India will have an operational second spaceport, which is very close to the southern tip of India. On Wednesday morning, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the upcoming spaceport to the nation, via virtual mode, in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. The Bhumi Puja and groundbreaking ritual for this upcoming spaceport was performed at the Kulasekarapattinam launch site, which is spread across approximately 2,300 acres.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why does India need a new spaceport? What's so special about Kulasekarapattinam?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Both Sriharikota and Kulasekarapattinam are situated on India's east coast. However, Kulasekarapattinam is about 700 kms south of Sriharikota and is very close to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cannibal-dead-star-develops-metal-scar-after-killing-and-eating-a-planet-study-694629">'Cannibal' dead star develops metal scar after killing and eating a planet: Study</a></p>

<p>Sriharikota is best suited for launching heavier rockets into equatorial orbits (orbits where the satellite circles on a path above the earth's equator). Rockets launched from anywhere on the east coast (provided it is closer to the equator), are aided by the velocity of the earth's West-East spin and get an additional boost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, when launching rockets towards polar orbits (orbits where the satellite circles above the earth's poles), the rockets that fly south from Sriharikota face the risk of flying over the Sri Lankan landmass. There are numerous risks of rockets flying over inhabited regions, given that rockets detach their used-up stages mid-flight.&nbsp;Rocketry is also a high-risk domain where mid-flight mishaps occur.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big day for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> !<br />
<br />
Kulasekarappatinam, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> , to be India's 2nd spaceport. Ground breaking &amp; bhumi puja 10-11am<br />
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Launching from here gives direct access to South Pole(Polar orbit)<br />
<br />
Sriharikota launched rockets have to avoid flying over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> (spend more fuel) <a href="https://t.co/jZdGcEf3Vj">pic.twitter.com/jZdGcEf3Vj</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1762687114456784912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Therefore, all launches towards the south pole being performed from Sriharikota are done in a manner that the rocket takes a detour and avoids overflying Sri Lanka. Instead of flying directly and in a fuel-efficient manner, the rocket is made to take a diversion and spend more fuel.</p>

<p>This affects the performance and payload-carrying capacity of rockets. This effect is not felt much in the larger rockets, but it affects smaller rockets, such as India's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and the ones being built by Indian startups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given the location of Kulasekarapattinam, just by the tip of the Indian peninsula, rockets can fly straight from the upcoming spaceport to the south pole, without having to overfly Srilanka. This way, the rockets fly in a fuel-efficient manner and can deliver maximum payloads to Polar orbits.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | International Polar Bear Day: Scientists to study cubs tucked up in their dens</strong></p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-polar-bear-day-scientists-to-study-cubs-tucked-up-in-their-dens-694397/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<p>Given that smaller rockets are easier to build and assemble, and can be launched quickly, it is important for India to have a dedicated spaceport for such smaller rockets. Notably, smaller rockets are also attractive to foreign and domestic customers who are looking to launch small satellites at low costs. Given the technological leaps, satellites are getting smaller and more efficient, therefore the demand for launching smaller satellites on smaller rockets is also growing at a global level. India hopes to make the most of this emerging opportunity with its fleet of small rockets (built by ISRO and startups).</p>

<p>To aid the industrial and space ecosystem in the region, the Tamil Nadu Government also announced the setting up of a Space Industrial and Propellant Park near Thoothukudi District. The facility is expected to be spread across 2,000 acres. Having such a facility near the new spaceport would ensure efficient logistics and supply chain management.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India will soon be among the elite league of nations that own and operate two or more spaceports - facilities from where rockets can be assembled and launched into space.

India will soon be among the elite league of nations that own and operate two or more spaceports - facilities from where rockets can be assembled and launched into space. So far, only the US, Russia, China, and Japan are known to operate two or more spaceports. Having two or more spaceports offers flexibility and the ability to perform a greater number of launches, thereby increasing commercial activity. A spaceport is established by considering various factors - geographical location, weather conditions, and availability of vast tracts of uninhabited land, among others. India established its first spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (initially known as Sriharikota Range), in the year 1971. Since then, this facility in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh has been India's only spaceport that allows launches into space. All iconic missions including the Chandrayaan series, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1, and launches by startups have been carried out from here. At present, Sriharikota has two launchpads belonging to ISRO, Government of India. All operational Indian rockets can be launched from these two launchpads. Also Read | Massive sunspot releasing strongest solar flare in 6 years, is now aiming at Earth. Here's what it means In the year 2023, a private firm, Agnikul Cosmos inaugurated their launchpad at Sriharikota in the hope of launching their rockets from there. A report explaining the significance of India's 2nd spaceport, that's coming up in #Thoothukudi #TamilNadu Having 2 spaceports offers more flexibility and ability to launch in greater numbers, thereby increasing revenue.. https://t.co/VJMabLy1Ly — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 28, 2024 × In about two years, India will have an operational second spaceport, which is very close to the southern tip of India. On Wednesday morning, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the upcoming spaceport to the nation, via virtual mode, in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. The Bhumi Puja and groundbreaking ritual for this upcoming spaceport was performed at the Kulasekarapattinam launch site, which is spread across approximately 2,300 acres. Why does India need a new spaceport? What's so special about Kulasekarapattinam? Both Sriharikota and Kulasekarapattinam are situated on India's east coast. However, Kulasekarapattinam is about 700 kms south of Sriharikota and is very close to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. Also Read | 'Cannibal' dead star develops metal scar after killing and eating a planet: Study Sriharikota is best suited for launching heavier rockets into equatorial orbits (orbits where the satellite circles on a path above the earth's equator). Rockets launched from anywhere on the east coast (provided it is closer to the equator), are aided by the velocity of the earth's West-East spin and get an additional boost. However, when launching rockets towards polar orbits (orbits where the satellite circles above the earth's poles), the rockets that fly south from Sriharikota face the risk of flying over the Sri Lankan landmass. There are numerous risks of rockets flying over inhabited regions, given that rockets detach their used-up stages mid-flight. Rocketry is also a high-risk domain where mid-flight mishaps occur. Big day for #TamilNadu ! Kulasekarappatinam, #Thoothukudi , to be India's 2nd spaceport. Ground breaking & bhumi puja 10-11am Launching from here gives direct access to South Pole(Polar orbit) Sriharikota launched rockets have to avoid flying over #SriLanka (spend more fuel) pic.twitter.com/jZdGcEf3Vj — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 28, 2024 × Therefore, all launches towards the south pole being performed from Sriharikota are done in a manner that the rocket takes a detour and avoids overflying Sri Lanka. Instead of flying directly and in a fuel-efficient manner, the rocket is made to take a diversion and spend more fuel. This affects the performance and payload-carrying capacity of rockets. This effect is not felt much in the larger rockets, but it affects smaller rockets, such as India's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and the ones being built by Indian startups. Given the location of Kulasekarapattinam, just by the tip of the Indian peninsula, rockets can fly straight from the upcoming spaceport to the south pole, without having to overfly Srilanka. This way, the rockets fly in a fuel-efficient manner and can deliver maximum payloads to Polar orbits. Watch | International Polar Bear Day: Scientists to study cubs tucked up in their dens × Given that smaller rockets are easier to build and assemble, and can be launched quickly, it is important for India to have a dedicated spaceport for such smaller rockets. Notably, smaller rockets are also attractive to foreign and domestic customers who are looking to launch small satellites at low costs. Given the technological leaps, satellites are getting smaller and more efficient, therefore the demand for launching smaller satellites on smaller rockets is also growing at a global level. India hopes to make the most of this emerging opportunity with its fleet of small rockets (built by ISRO and startups). To aid the industrial and space ecosystem in the region, the Tamil Nadu Government also announced the setting up of a Space Industrial and Propellant Park near Thoothukudi District. The facility is expected to be spread across 2,000 acres. Having such a facility near the new spaceport would ensure efficient logistics and supply chain management.

India to launch rockets to space from southern Tamil Nadu. Here's why

Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu says the party will fight it out and last the whole five-year term. Watch the video to know more.

India: HP Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has resigned: LoP Thakur

In the Indian state of Kerala, an unconventional development has tranformed the classroom experience for students. Now, imagine having a teacher who could effortlesly explain everything under the sun. Watch the video to know more.

India: Kerala boasts its first humanoid robot teacher, mimics human gestures

Tensions have once again escalated the security situation in the Northeastern state of Manipur. On Tuesday, a group of 200 armed miscreants attacked and abducted a senior police official in Imphal.

India: Tensions in Manipur rise, Army & Assam rifles called in after senior official abducted

India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi made the announcement while saying that seats have not been decided yet.

India Foreign Minister Jaishankar & Finance Minister Sitharaman to contest upcoming Lok Sabha polls

India is making a major play to enter the global chip race. The government is considering proposals worth $21 billion from companies like tower semiconductor and tata group to set up semiconductor plants in the country. This move aims to reduce reliance on chip imports and establish India as a chip manufacturing hub. Watch to know more!

$21 billion in proposals aim to make India a chip manufacturing hub

In a heartwarming, pre-Ramadan gesture, Indian businessman and philanthropist Firoz Merchant has donated a whopping $2.7 million to help Indians stuck in prison across UAE. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Indian businessman Firoz Merchant's generosity frees 900 Indian prisoners in UAE

PM Modi has announced the names of the 4 astronauts selected for the highly-anticipated Gaganyaan mission which is India's first manned space mission. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | The 4 astronauts selected for India's Gaganyaan mission

Rajya Sabha elections concluded on Tuesday with reports of rampant cross voting. In Karnataka, Congress won 3 out of 4 Rajya Sabha seats, whereas BJP secured one. In Himachal Pradesh, the BJP managed to pull off a victory for its candidate in the lone Rajya Sabha seat despite having only 25 MLAs in the 68-member Assembly. The BJP's victory was the result of cross-voting by Congress MLAs. In U.P too, at least 9 MLAs have been suspected of cross voting. What does it mean for opposition unity ahead of the general elections in the summer?

Rajya Sabha Elections: Shocking cross-voting delivers big blow to Congress ahead of LS polls

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to release a list of candidates who will contest the polls. The list may carry a few surprise inclusions. Most notably, it will include the names of two Union Ministers, Subhramanium Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman. The announcement was made by the minister of parliamentary affairs Pralhad Joshi. However, the party has not disclosed their constituencies for the elections.

Jaishankar & Nirmala Sitharaman to make their electoral debut

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