The Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate was merged with the eternal flame at the National War Memorial in Delhi. India's Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal B R Krishna presided over the ceremony.

India's eternal flame merged, with Air Marshal B R Krishna presiding over the ceremony

The merger of Amar Jawan Jyoti with the eternal flame at the National War Memorial has triggered a political storm. Critics say it's an insult to Indian traditions. Army veterans say it was long overdue. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Amar Jawan Jyoti merger row

India is currently witnessing a record surge in COVID-19 infections fueled by the fast-spreading omicron variant. With an upward move in cases every day, the country is under the grip of an aggressive third wave.

India reports 337,704 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours amid a surge due to Omicron variant

In August last year as NATO forces retreated from Afghanistan at an unprecedented pace, a massive hall of sophisticated weaponry was left behind. These US arms that were left abandoned in Afghanistan have made their way to India where they are being used by local terrorists.

Abandoned US arms from Afghanistan make way into India

Abandoned US arms from Afghanistan make way into India, militants flaunt them in video

Nearly 80 years after it crashed, a missing World War II plane has been identified in India’s remote Himalayas. The discovery was made after a very dangerous search operation.&nbsp;

The incident took place in the first week of 1945.&nbsp;

The discovery was made after the team stumbled upon the plane on a snow-clad mountain top last month.&nbsp;

According to reports by AFP, the C-46 transport aircraft was carrying 13 people from Kunming in southern China. It suddenly disappeared due to stormy weather at a mountainous stretch in Indian state Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Three guides, who were a part of the operation died because of hypothermia at a very initial stage of the project in the month of September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stunning-images-from-underwater-lion-dance-at-malaysian-aquarium-days-before-chinese-new-year-446478">Also read |&nbsp;Stunning images from underwater lion dance at Malaysian aquarium days before Chinese New Year</a>

Clayton Kuhles, a US adventurer led the mission after a request was made from Bill Scherer, whose officer father was one of those who were on board.&nbsp;

Speaking about the incident, Kuhles said, "This aircraft was never heard from again. It simply disappeared."

In an email, Scherer told the AFP news, "All I can say is that I am overjoyed, just knowing where he is. It is sad but joyous. I grew up without a father. All I can think of is my poor mother, getting a telegram and finding out her husband is missing and she is left with me, a 13-month-old baby boy.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 80 years after it crashed, a missing World War II plane has been identified in India’s remote Himalayas. The discovery was made after a very dangerous search operation.

Nearly 80 years after it crashed, a missing World War II plane has been identified in India’s remote Himalayas. The discovery was made after a very dangerous search operation. The incident took place in the first week of 1945. The discovery was made after the team stumbled upon the plane on a snow-clad mountain top last month. According to reports by AFP, the C-46 transport aircraft was carrying 13 people from Kunming in southern China. It suddenly disappeared due to stormy weather at a mountainous stretch in Indian state Arunachal Pradesh. Three guides, who were a part of the operation died because of hypothermia at a very initial stage of the project in the month of September. Also read | Stunning images from underwater lion dance at Malaysian aquarium days before Chinese New Year Clayton Kuhles, a US adventurer led the mission after a request was made from Bill Scherer, whose officer father was one of those who were on board. Speaking about the incident, Kuhles said, "This aircraft was never heard from again. It simply disappeared." In an email, Scherer told the AFP news, "All I can say is that I am overjoyed, just knowing where he is. It is sad but joyous. I grew up without a father. All I can think of is my poor mother, getting a telegram and finding out her husband is missing and she is left with me, a 13-month-old baby boy.” (With inputs from agencies)

World War II aircraft found in India after nearly 80 years

Weapons dumped by the US in Afghanistan are being used by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Kashmir. How is India planning to counter this new terror arsenal? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: American weapons with terrorists in Kashmir

Pics: Health workers at LOC continue vaccination process amid extreme weather conditions

Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate merged with torch at National War Memorial

Tapir Gao a BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh has claimed that China's PLA has abducted a 17-yr-old Indian boy. The Indian Army (PRO Defence Tezpur) says it has contacted the PLA to trace the missing teenager. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Indian lawmaker claims PLA kidnapped 17-yr-old boy

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, T.S. Tirumurti has asked the United Nations to recognise 'Hinduphobia' & violence against Sikhs, Buddhists just like they do with Abrahamic religions.

India calls for the UN to recognise 'Hinduphobia' & violence against Sikhs, Buddhists

Cooperation between India and Mauritius, including in maritime security, has translated the vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region - into action, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

Modi also said Mauritius is a prime example of India's approach to development partnership which is based on the needs and priorities of its partners and respects their sovereignty.

He made these remarks after he and his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated India-assisted social housing units project in Mauritius virtually.

The two PMs also took part in a virtual foundation stone laying ceremony for two other projects -- construction of a state-of-the-art Civil Service College and a 8 MW Solar PV Farm -- also undertaken as part of India's development support.

The ceremony included exchange of two key bilateral pacts -- an agreement for the extension of USD 190M Line of Credit from the Indian to the Mauritian government for the Metro Express and other infrastructure projects, and an MoU on the implementation of small development projects.

In his remarks, Modi said Mauritius is also integral to India's approach to the Indian Ocean and recalled that it was in the island nation, during his 2015 visit, that he had outlined India's maritime cooperation vision of SAGAR - 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'.

"I am glad that our bilateral cooperation, including in maritime security, has translated this vision into action," he said.

Jagnauth, during his address, broke into chaste Hindi several times and thanked India and its government for the development assistance it has been providing.

The Mauritian prime minister said that as gratitude for India's support to the metro express project, his government has decided to name one of the major metro stations as 'Mahatma Gandhi' station.

Modi underlined that India and Mauritius are united by history, ancestry, culture, language and the shared waters of the Indian Ocean.

"Today, our robust development partnership has emerged as a key pillar of our close ties," he said.

Recalling the inauguration of the metro express project, the New ENT Hospital and the New Supreme Court building in Mauritius, Modi said he was delighted to know about the Metro's popularity, crossing the 5.6 million passengers mark.

"We look forward to supporting the further extension of the Metro, under the 190 million dollar Line of Credit agreement exchanged today. It is also a matter of satisfaction and pride for us that the New ENT Hospital has been instrumental in combating COVID-19," he said.

Noting that India-Mauritius cooperation during the Covid pandemic has been exemplary, he pointed out that under India's Vaccine Maitri programme, Mauritius was one of the first countries it was able to send Covid vaccines to.

"I am happy that today Mauritius is among the few countries in the world to have fully vaccinated three-fourths of its population," Modi said. 
He asserted that Thursday's event again demonstrates the shared commitment to improving the lives of the people of the two countries.

"Pravind ji, I am happy to join you on the completion of the Social Housing project. We are particularly glad to be associated with this important effort to provide affordable houses to the common people of Mauritius," Modi said.

"We are also initiating today two other projects that are critical to nation-building: a state-of-the-art Civil Service College that will help in skilling government officers, for Mauritius's continued progress; and the 8 Mega Watt Solar PV Farm project, which will help mitigate the climate challenges that Mauritius faces as an island country," he said.

In India too, we are focusing on innovative approaches to civil-service capacity building under our Mission Karmyogi, Modi highlighted.

"As we launch the 8 Mega Watt Solar PV Farm, I recall the One Sun One World One Grid initiative, which was launched on the sidelines of the COP-26 meeting in Glasgow last year," he said.

"It is an idea that I had put forth at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance in October 2018. This initiative will not only reduce carbon footprints and energy costs, but also open a new avenue for cooperation between different countries and regions," Modi said.

"I hope that India and Mauritius can together create a shining example of such cooperation in solar energy," he added.

Modi said the agreement on small development projects will deliver high-impact projects across Mauritius.

"In the coming days, we will begin work on several important projects such as the Renal Transplant unit, the Forensic Science Laboratory, the National Library &amp; Archives, the Mauritius Police Academy, and many others," he said. 'd like to reiterate today that India will always continue to stand by Mauritius in its development journey," Modi added.

He also recalled the stellar contribution of the late (former Mauritian PM) Anerood Jugnauth to strengthen India-Mauritius ties. 
He was a visionary leader widely respected in India, the PM said.

"Upon his passing, we had declared a day of national mourning in India, and our Parliament had also paid homage to him. It was our privilege to honour him with the Padma Vibhushan award in 2020," Modi said.

In a tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the delivery of Indian projects abroad has radically improved and Mauritius is a good example. "After the Metro Express, ENT Hospital and Supreme Court, this Social Housing Project is the proof of change."&nbsp;

Cooperation between India and Mauritius, including in maritime security, has translated the vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region - into action, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.

Cooperation between India and Mauritius, including in maritime security, has translated the vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region - into action, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Modi also said Mauritius is a prime example of India's approach to development partnership which is based on the needs and priorities of its partners and respects their sovereignty. He made these remarks after he and his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated India-assisted social housing units project in Mauritius virtually. The two PMs also took part in a virtual foundation stone laying ceremony for two other projects -- construction of a state-of-the-art Civil Service College and a 8 MW Solar PV Farm -- also undertaken as part of India's development support. The ceremony included exchange of two key bilateral pacts -- an agreement for the extension of USD 190M Line of Credit from the Indian to the Mauritian government for the Metro Express and other infrastructure projects, and an MoU on the implementation of small development projects. In his remarks, Modi said Mauritius is also integral to India's approach to the Indian Ocean and recalled that it was in the island nation, during his 2015 visit, that he had outlined India's maritime cooperation vision of SAGAR - 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'. "I am glad that our bilateral cooperation, including in maritime security, has translated this vision into action," he said. Jagnauth, during his address, broke into chaste Hindi several times and thanked India and its government for the development assistance it has been providing. The Mauritian prime minister said that as gratitude for India's support to the metro express project, his government has decided to name one of the major metro stations as 'Mahatma Gandhi' station. Modi underlined that India and Mauritius are united by history, ancestry, culture, language and the shared waters of the Indian Ocean. "Today, our robust development partnership has emerged as a key pillar of our close ties," he said. Recalling the inauguration of the metro express project, the New ENT Hospital and the New Supreme Court building in Mauritius, Modi said he was delighted to know about the Metro's popularity, crossing the 5.6 million passengers mark. "We look forward to supporting the further extension of the Metro, under the 190 million dollar Line of Credit agreement exchanged today. It is also a matter of satisfaction and pride for us that the New ENT Hospital has been instrumental in combating COVID-19," he said. Noting that India-Mauritius cooperation during the Covid pandemic has been exemplary, he pointed out that under India's Vaccine Maitri programme, Mauritius was one of the first countries it was able to send Covid vaccines to. "I am happy that today Mauritius is among the few countries in the world to have fully vaccinated three-fourths of its population," Modi said. He asserted that Thursday's event again demonstrates the shared commitment to improving the lives of the people of the two countries. "Pravind ji, I am happy to join you on the completion of the Social Housing project. We are particularly glad to be associated with this important effort to provide affordable houses to the common people of Mauritius," Modi said. "We are also initiating today two other projects that are critical to nation-building: a state-of-the-art Civil Service College that will help in skilling government officers, for Mauritius's continued progress; and the 8 Mega Watt Solar PV Farm project, which will help mitigate the climate challenges that Mauritius faces as an island country," he said. In India too, we are focusing on innovative approaches to civil-service capacity building under our Mission Karmyogi, Modi highlighted. "As we launch the 8 Mega Watt Solar PV Farm, I recall the One Sun One World One Grid initiative, which was launched on the sidelines of the COP-26 meeting in Glasgow last year," he said. "It is an idea that I had put forth at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance in October 2018. This initiative will not only reduce carbon footprints and energy costs, but also open a new avenue for cooperation between different countries and regions," Modi said. "I hope that India and Mauritius can together create a shining example of such cooperation in solar energy," he added. Modi said the agreement on small development projects will deliver high-impact projects across Mauritius. "In the coming days, we will begin work on several important projects such as the Renal Transplant unit, the Forensic Science Laboratory, the National Library & Archives, the Mauritius Police Academy, and many others," he said. 'd like to reiterate today that India will always continue to stand by Mauritius in its development journey," Modi added. He also recalled the stellar contribution of the late (former Mauritian PM) Anerood Jugnauth to strengthen India-Mauritius ties. He was a visionary leader widely respected in India, the PM said. "Upon his passing, we had declared a day of national mourning in India, and our Parliament had also paid homage to him. It was our privilege to honour him with the Padma Vibhushan award in 2020," Modi said. In a tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the delivery of Indian projects abroad has radically improved and Mauritius is a good example. "After the Metro Express, ENT Hospital and Supreme Court, this Social Housing Project is the proof of change."

Modi, Jugnauth jointly inaugurate, launch India-assisted projects in Mauritius

Opening up of India’s predominantly state-run space sector to private firms, stakeholders and enabling it in true spirit are the top priories of Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr S. Somanath. In an exclusive conversation with WION/Zee Media, the Chairman shared his vision for the ongoing tenure, his thoughts on Indian re-usable rocket projects, his expectations from Indian start-ups and conglomerates, the ambitious Gaganyaan Programme and its related International collaborations and much more.

According to Dr Somanath, the process of facilitating the opening up of India’s space sector is a long-drawn one. This comprises putting in place specific legislations, policies for the new entrants, offering them opportunities, while also minimising their hurdles in their journey of entrepreneurship and innovation.&nbsp;

“My role will be to set in motion the process now, so as to see results in a few years of time. These are - new industries coming up and launching rockets from India, satellites being built by private companies, applications being used to meet the global demand etc."

Queried about the Indian share of the USD440bn global space economy being less than 2 per cent and ISRO’s measures to improve it, he said, the important part was to address the needs of users in India in an economical manner.&nbsp;

These users include the government of India, strategic agencies and commercial users. Mentioning that rockets and satellites were only a small part of the global space economy, he emphasised on earning revenue by providing space-based services and delivery of applications to users.&nbsp;

While he did not wish to get into numbers, he affirmed that India’s target would be to expand its share.

On the engineering goals of ISRO, in building advanced rockets, engines and more efficient satellites, he said that ISRO had to decide on future engines based on the future rockets that are being envisioned.&nbsp;

“We are now trying to figure out the cost-effectiveness and design complexities of future engines of different classes and will be working on them in future. With current engines, there is a limit to which we can grow in launch vehicle(lift) capacity."

Regarding satellites, he said that India had infrastructure (bus structures) for satellites weighing as less as 20-30kg to 5tons.

However, he admitted the need to innovate and make satellites more compact, inculcate advanced electronics and add more functionality in the given space.&nbsp;

“Winged re-usable rocket still has some merit and provides certain operational flexibility, we continue to work on winged reusable rockets and we have an ongoing programme to work on an orbital re-usable vehicle. We have not started working towards making current expendable rockets into re-usable rockets, we have to initiate that programme and it will be linked with engines we need to develop,” he replied when asked to elaborate on India’s efforts towards re-usable rockets and new-age methods of launching from jumbo jets etc.&nbsp;

Dr Somanath feels that Indian private companies (start-ups and established giants) need to play a larger role by involving themselves in space applications, building and launching of spacecrafts and rockets etc. The veteran rocket scientist also sees great promise in 10 Indian space start-ups, that are operating in different domains.&nbsp;

“It is very high, they are enthused and active in working on it… It is not easy.. a lot of knowledge is required… Share of knowledge from ISRO is necessary for them to succeed.. I am looking forward to seeing them succeed, with their initiative and with support of skilled people created by the space programme” he said, when asked about the prospects of Indian space start-ups launching their rockets in the next two years.&nbsp;

Regarding ISRO’s initiatives to remain competitive in a global market where launch cost (per kg to orbit) was drastically falling, he said, it was about making the systems simpler, using more commercial items to make manufacturing processes easy, conceiving re-usability to use rockets like planes etc.&nbsp;

“In ISRO we are already working on the winged rocket, vertical take-off and landing is the next step, for which, we need a (throttling) capable engine.. In the absence of that engine, we will start a tech demonstration programme and actual rocket development,” he explained about the future.

He also agreed that ISRO’s upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) was a step in the direction of bringing down launch costs and increasing accessibility to space.&nbsp;

“We wanted a simple rocket that can be built and operated by industry, without much complexity. Hence, SSLV is significantly simpler than the current rocket fleet (PSLV, GSLV) and it can be manufactured by smaller industries, as it uses simpler systems and commercially available materials.&nbsp;

So, it can be transferred 100 per cent to industry and it will be cost-efficient” he added.&nbsp;

Asked to elaborate on the human rating of GSLV Mk3 rocket for India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, the former director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center explained that the GSLV Mk3 rocket was already capable of being human-rated, whereas the same cannot be done for every rocket.&nbsp;

Simply put, the human rating is the process of transforming a rocket meant for carrying cargo into one that can reliably carry astronauts. “Minimising acceleration, sound level, shock, these are already into the rocket. Further, we need to ruggedise marginalities, possibilities of failure anywhere in design are corrected, the entire rocket manufacturing process is being made more quality sensitive, we do a large number of tests to prove if any higher level of confidence is to be built,” he said.

On the failsafe measures being engineered, he added that there were in-built measures and intelligence to detect anomalies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-s-somanath-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-newly-appointed-isro-chairman-444197">Also read |&nbsp;Who is S Somanath? Here’s all you need to know about newly appointed ISRO Chairman&nbsp;</a>

“If one system fails, the next should take over, and if the second fails, the third must take over… and still continue the mission or abort. In the human-rated rocket, most critical systems are going to be quadruple redundant.. there are going to be four systems, so that, in no way will there be a possibility of a major catastrophe,” he explained.&nbsp;

As India’s most ambitious spacefaring mission, Gaganyaan is a leading example of India’s collaboration with agencies from all major spacefaring nations. Sharing his views on the same, Dr Somanath said that it involved procurement, technology transfer and working together with different nations.&nbsp;

“In rocket design, we are seeking the support of various countries. I am directly dealing with various facilities across the globe for wind tunnel testing, which we need to characterise the vehicle and crew module. Human spaceflight requires much more sharing of knowledge, there are experts across nations who can help us. We will continue to seek support from US, Russians, Japanese, Europeans etc. We also need global support for tracking, rescue, communications, and even emergencies,” he stated.&nbsp;

While all foreign space agencies are ready and happy to help in various aspects, there are also critical systems, technologies that will not be shared or offered for purchase.&nbsp;

These include environmental control and life support systems, crew module, landing parachute systems, propulsion etc.&nbsp;

However, space suits and seats can be procured from international agencies. Indian astronauts are also undergoing training in established foreign facilities.&nbsp;

As Chairman, he also extolled ISRO as an organisation for the strong team and centre-level leadership that is in place. He sees this tenure as an opportunity to inspire his team and make their vision a reality, by creating a support system. He expressed confidence that team ISRO would come up with greater ideas, whereas, he as Chairman would figure out the national and futuristic importance of the ideas and seek government support to implement them. With the support of the people of India and all stakeholders of the space programme, he firmly believes it will become a reality.&nbsp;

“My work is centred around rockets, but I’m interested in everything in space - from rockets to satellites to space science and mechanical engineering… I am passionate and I will learn as much as I have learnt so far and even more…" Dr S. Somanath signs off with a confident smile, as we wish him and ISRO all success - on Earth, in orbit and beyond!

Opening up of India’s predominantly state-run space sector to private firms, stakeholders and enabling it in true spirit are the top priories of Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr S.

Opening up of India’s predominantly state-run space sector to private firms, stakeholders and enabling it in true spirit are the top priories of Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr S. Somanath. In an exclusive conversation with WION/Zee Media, the Chairman shared his vision for the ongoing tenure, his thoughts on Indian re-usable rocket projects, his expectations from Indian start-ups and conglomerates, the ambitious Gaganyaan Programme and its related International collaborations and much more. According to Dr Somanath, the process of facilitating the opening up of India’s space sector is a long-drawn one. This comprises putting in place specific legislations, policies for the new entrants, offering them opportunities, while also minimising their hurdles in their journey of entrepreneurship and innovation. “My role will be to set in motion the process now, so as to see results in a few years of time. These are - new industries coming up and launching rockets from India, satellites being built by private companies, applications being used to meet the global demand etc." Queried about the Indian share of the USD440bn global space economy being less than 2 per cent and ISRO’s measures to improve it, he said, the important part was to address the needs of users in India in an economical manner. These users include the government of India, strategic agencies and commercial users. Mentioning that rockets and satellites were only a small part of the global space economy, he emphasised on earning revenue by providing space-based services and delivery of applications to users. While he did not wish to get into numbers, he affirmed that India’s target would be to expand its share. On the engineering goals of ISRO, in building advanced rockets, engines and more efficient satellites, he said that ISRO had to decide on future engines based on the future rockets that are being envisioned. “We are now trying to figure out the cost-effectiveness and design complexities of future engines of different classes and will be working on them in future. With current engines, there is a limit to which we can grow in launch vehicle(lift) capacity." Regarding satellites, he said that India had infrastructure (bus structures) for satellites weighing as less as 20-30kg to 5tons. However, he admitted the need to innovate and make satellites more compact, inculcate advanced electronics and add more functionality in the given space. “Winged re-usable rocket still has some merit and provides certain operational flexibility, we continue to work on winged reusable rockets and we have an ongoing programme to work on an orbital re-usable vehicle. We have not started working towards making current expendable rockets into re-usable rockets, we have to initiate that programme and it will be linked with engines we need to develop,” he replied when asked to elaborate on India’s efforts towards re-usable rockets and new-age methods of launching from jumbo jets etc. Dr Somanath feels that Indian private companies (start-ups and established giants) need to play a larger role by involving themselves in space applications, building and launching of spacecrafts and rockets etc. The veteran rocket scientist also sees great promise in 10 Indian space start-ups, that are operating in different domains. “It is very high, they are enthused and active in working on it… It is not easy.. a lot of knowledge is required… Share of knowledge from ISRO is necessary for them to succeed.. I am looking forward to seeing them succeed, with their initiative and with support of skilled people created by the space programme” he said, when asked about the prospects of Indian space start-ups launching their rockets in the next two years. Regarding ISRO’s initiatives to remain competitive in a global market where launch cost (per kg to orbit) was drastically falling, he said, it was about making the systems simpler, using more commercial items to make manufacturing processes easy, conceiving re-usability to use rockets like planes etc. “In ISRO we are already working on the winged rocket, vertical take-off and landing is the next step, for which, we need a (throttling) capable engine.. In the absence of that engine, we will start a tech demonstration programme and actual rocket development,” he explained about the future. He also agreed that ISRO’s upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) was a step in the direction of bringing down launch costs and increasing accessibility to space. “We wanted a simple rocket that can be built and operated by industry, without much complexity. Hence, SSLV is significantly simpler than the current rocket fleet (PSLV, GSLV) and it can be manufactured by smaller industries, as it uses simpler systems and commercially available materials. So, it can be transferred 100 per cent to industry and it will be cost-efficient” he added. Asked to elaborate on the human rating of GSLV Mk3 rocket for India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight mission, the former director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center explained that the GSLV Mk3 rocket was already capable of being human-rated, whereas the same cannot be done for every rocket. Simply put, the human rating is the process of transforming a rocket meant for carrying cargo into one that can reliably carry astronauts. “Minimising acceleration, sound level, shock, these are already into the rocket. Further, we need to ruggedise marginalities, possibilities of failure anywhere in design are corrected, the entire rocket manufacturing process is being made more quality sensitive, we do a large number of tests to prove if any higher level of confidence is to be built,” he said. On the failsafe measures being engineered, he added that there were in-built measures and intelligence to detect anomalies. Also read | Who is S Somanath? Here’s all you need to know about newly appointed ISRO Chairman “If one system fails, the next should take over, and if the second fails, the third must take over… and still continue the mission or abort. In the human-rated rocket, most critical systems are going to be quadruple redundant.. there are going to be four systems, so that, in no way will there be a possibility of a major catastrophe,” he explained. As India’s most ambitious spacefaring mission, Gaganyaan is a leading example of India’s collaboration with agencies from all major spacefaring nations. Sharing his views on the same, Dr Somanath said that it involved procurement, technology transfer and working together with different nations. “In rocket design, we are seeking the support of various countries. I am directly dealing with various facilities across the globe for wind tunnel testing, which we need to characterise the vehicle and crew module. Human spaceflight requires much more sharing of knowledge, there are experts across nations who can help us. We will continue to seek support from US, Russians, Japanese, Europeans etc. We also need global support for tracking, rescue, communications, and even emergencies,” he stated. While all foreign space agencies are ready and happy to help in various aspects, there are also critical systems, technologies that will not be shared or offered for purchase. These include environmental control and life support systems, crew module, landing parachute systems, propulsion etc. However, space suits and seats can be procured from international agencies. Indian astronauts are also undergoing training in established foreign facilities. As Chairman, he also extolled ISRO as an organisation for the strong team and centre-level leadership that is in place. He sees this tenure as an opportunity to inspire his team and make their vision a reality, by creating a support system. He expressed confidence that team ISRO would come up with greater ideas, whereas, he as Chairman would figure out the national and futuristic importance of the ideas and seek government support to implement them. With the support of the people of India and all stakeholders of the space programme, he firmly believes it will become a reality. “My work is centred around rockets, but I’m interested in everything in space - from rockets to satellites to space science and mechanical engineering… I am passionate and I will learn as much as I have learnt so far and even more…" Dr S. Somanath signs off with a confident smile, as we wish him and ISRO all success - on Earth, in orbit and beyond!

ISRO Chairman Exclusive: “With support of all stakeholders - India & ISRO will have greater times ahead”

A calf with two heads, an extremely rare condition, was recently born in India's northeastern Gomati district.

Rarest of the rare: two-headed calf born in northeast India

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has kidnapped a 17-year-old teenager, Miram Taron belonging to the Upper Siang district of the Indian Territory.

China's PLA abducts 17-year-old boy from Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh

Tamil Lawmakers from Sri Lanka have written a letter to India's PM Narendra Modi asking for help. They're seeking his intervention to implement a 'contentious amendment' which ensures their rights. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka's Tamil MPs seek PM Modi's help

India reports 317,532 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours amid a surge due to Omicron variant

China's People's Liberation Army has kidnapped a 17-year-old boy from India's Arunachal Pradesh. A lawmaker from the states Tapir Gao talked about the incident on twitter. The teenager has been identified as Miram Taron, he was kidnapped by the PLA.

China's PLA kidnaps 17-year-old Indian boy from Arunachal Pradesh

Despite excruciating cold and completely snow covered roads, the health workers in India's Kashmir valley are braving the harsh weather conditions and going door-to-door to vaccinate people against Covid-19.

India: Covid-19 vaccination ramped up with door-to-door campaign in Kashmir valley amid snowfall

India has announced a $500 million credit line to help Sri Lanka purchase petroleum products as the island nation struggles with a massive fuel and energy crisis.

India extends $500 mn line of credit to help Sri Lanka purchase fuel amid energy crisis

At least 5 Indian states invited Elon Musk to set up a Tesla factory in their territory amid talks on import duty with the Centre. Can state governments offer what Tesla is asking? Is Elon Musk even listening? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Indian states woo Elon Musk

India has now reported a marginal drop in its covid-19 cases with more than 238,000 new cases reported in the last 24-hour period, this is for the second day that India has witnessed a significant decline in its daily Covid caseload. India today reported 20,000 lesser cases than yesterday daily positivity rate.

Coronavirus News | India witnesses decline in daily covid-19 cases

With threat from China on its mind, India is looking to make the first unit of S-400 Triumf advanced surface-to-air missile defence system operational by this April. &nbsp;

All the five units of the system will be deployed in strategic areas to ward off China threat, according to official sources. All these five units may become operational by next year. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-inks-deal-with-uae-to-sell-mid-range-surface-to-air-missiles-445289">South Korea inks deal with UAE to sell mid-range surface-to-air missiles</a>

The Russia-made S-400 system can take down a hostile aircraft or missile at a range between 40km and 400km. It was bought by India in a $5-billion deal, inked in October 2018. &nbsp;

The advance consignments of two S-400 systems have already arrived in India from Russia. The work to assemble the systems is going on in full swing, by the Indian teams who have been trained by Russia. &nbsp;

The first squadron deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The equipment is being brought to India through both sea and air routes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-fourth-test-fires-missile-from-pyongyang-airport-says-south-korea-445282">North Korea conducts fourth test, fires missile from Pyongyang airport</a>

The air defence system would give India an edge in South Asia as it would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. &nbsp;

The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles, which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles&nbsp;and AWACS planes at 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With threat from China on its mind, India is looking to make the first unit of S-400 Triumf advanced surface-to-air missile defence system operational by this April.

With threat from China on its mind, India is looking to make the first unit of S-400 Triumf advanced surface-to-air missile defence system operational by this April. All the five units of the system will be deployed in strategic areas to ward off China threat, according to official sources. All these five units may become operational by next year. Also Read: South Korea inks deal with UAE to sell mid-range surface-to-air missiles The Russia-made S-400 system can take down a hostile aircraft or missile at a range between 40km and 400km. It was bought by India in a $5-billion deal, inked in October 2018. The advance consignments of two S-400 systems have already arrived in India from Russia. The work to assemble the systems is going on in full swing, by the Indian teams who have been trained by Russia. The first squadron deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The equipment is being brought to India through both sea and air routes. Also Read: North Korea conducts fourth test, fires missile from Pyongyang airport The air defence system would give India an edge in South Asia as it would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles, which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles and AWACS planes at 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km. (With inputs from agencies)

Eye on China, India to make Russia-made S-400 missile defence system operational from April

India completed a year of its vaccine drive against covid-19 and in the past 365 days over 1.5 billion doses have been administered. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to celebrate the anniversary and in a series of tweets Narendra Modi lauded everyone associated with the drive and also reiterated India's stance on vaccines.

India completes 1 year of vaccine drive, PM Narendra Modi lauds vaccination campaign

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