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Rising onion prices in India pose a greater risk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government than a recent spike of 700% in tomatoes, forcing authorities to take fresh steps to curb food inflation before key polls.

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Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- India is gearing up for the soft landing of its Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission but the last 20 minutes right before the scheduled landing are set to become the most nail-biting moments of the mission. This is because the last 20 minutes of the mission will comprise an autonomous movement.

Chandrayaan-3: Why the last 20 mins of ISRO's historic mission will be important?

Scams are on the rise as hackers and malicious minds are innovating with new phishing tactics. The government of India has hence warned citizens to be extra careful when it comes to their Aadhaar cards. The UIDAI which is the governing body of Aadhaar has issued a warning about the rising number of frauds and scams related to the Aadhaar card.

India: Aadhaar card scams on the rise

<blockquote>
<p>"Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers and we are wanderers still."</p>

<p>- Carl Sagan, American Astrophysicist</p>
</blockquote>

<p>We, humans, have explored deep and wide, from the depths of the oceans to the highest peaks. Space, the final frontier, has captivated our imagination since time immemorial.</p>

<p>The call of the cosmos, the curiosity to know more about our origin, and what secrets lie hidden in the vastness of the universe is the driving force for space explorations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Venturing into space is costly, technologically difficult, and dangerous. But again success brings us joy something which lifts our spirits.</p>

<p>The world witnessed magic, on July 1969, the historic moment when humans landing on the moon not only upped the morale of Americans but also served as a reminder of our innate desire to explore and push the boundaries of knowledge.</p>

<p>In the same pursuit of this&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CaL2QOsHwg" id="LPNoLPOWALinkPreview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CaL2QOsHwg">cosmic quest</a>, India launched its ambitious moon missions, demonstrating frugal cost and indigenous technology.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Historic Moon Landing</strong></h2>

<p>The moment American astronauts set foot on the moon in 1969 was a monumental achievement that captured the world's attention.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;black-and-white images of Neil Armstrong’s ghostly form that were beamed back to Earth were surreal.&nbsp;<img alt="NASA Moon Landing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bdb2ac33-b564-4543-9903-7c6934bbade9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-23T015704.251.png" /></p>

<p><em>Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong, the first human to step on the Moon, during the moonwalk on July 21, 1969 | NASA</em></p>

<p>It marked a giant leap for humankind and symbolised American prowess in space exploration.</p>

<p>The success of the Apollo programme boosted national pride and had far-reaching effects on science, technology, and geopolitics.</p>

<p>It inspired a new generation of scientists and contributed to advancements in various fields.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India's Ambitious Foray into Space</strong></h2>

<p>India, known for its frugal approach to space exploration, embarked on its ambitious moon missions with the Chandrayaan programme.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwXF0VzGtVc" id="LPNoLPOWALinkPreview_1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwXF0VzGtVc">Chandrayaan-1</a>, launched in 2008, was a significant milestone for India's space agency, ISRO.<img alt="Chandrayaan-1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13eaae2b-0261-48c1-a1a2-fa0fc745ef59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-23T020500.043.png" /></p>

<p><em>The then chairman of&nbsp;Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) G. Madhavan Nair on October 22, 2008, after the successful launch of India's first Lunar probe Chandrayaan-1 | AFP</em></p>

<p>The mission successfully discovered the presence of water on the moon's surface and provided valuable insights into lunar geology. This was the first time water was found on the lunar surface.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Learning from the failure</strong></h2>

<p>India's Chandrayaan-2 mission encountered a setback in 2019 when the lander Vikram failed to achieve a soft landing on the moon's surface.</p>

<p>However, from this failure, India learned valuable lessons that paved the way for future lunar explorations.</p>

<p>The mission served as a catalyst for innovation, prompting the scientific community to analyse and rectify the challenges faced.</p>

<p>This setback ignited a spirit of resilience and determination, driving the development of innovative solutions and improved mission preparedness. In fact, it's the orbiter of Chandrayan-2 which is providing key inputs in real-time to help its successor Chandrayaan-3 which is poised to land.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Criticism and India's Priorities</strong></h2>

<p>Critics of India's spend on space missions often question the allocation of resources in a country with pressing socio-economic challenges.</p>

<p>However, it is important to note that India is one of the world's top economies, and its investments in space technology have yielded significant benefits. Spinoff technologies and direct advantages of Indian space forays are helping in sectors such as agriculture and defence.</p>

<h2><strong>The leadership of the Indian Prime Minister</strong></h2>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role as a visionary leader.</p>

<p>Under his leadership, India's space programme has flourished, with a keen focus on innovation, efficiency, and self-reliance.<img alt="Modi with ISRO scientists" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfa37dc9-e12a-444e-847f-df6065422836" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-23T020757.135.png" /></p>

<p><em>File photo of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with ISRO scientists | PTI</em>&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi's unwavering support for ISRO and his endorsement of cost-effective space missions aligns with the nation's ethos of frugality, allowing India to achieve remarkable feats without burdening its economy.</p>

<p>Moreover, PM Modi's emphasis on the practical applications of space technology in agriculture, disaster management, and national security underscores his commitment to harnessing space capabilities for the betterment of Indian society.</p>

<h2><strong>The unforgiving environment of space</strong></h2>

<p>Space is an unforgiving and challenging environment that demands innovation and resilience.</p>

<p>Intense radiation, microgravity, and extreme temperatures necessitate technological advancements and rigorous preparation to ensure the success of space missions. Then there is space debris.</p>

<p>Travelling at more than 24,000kmph, micrometre-sized particles can&nbsp;knock out an entire satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's foray&nbsp;into space is not only about reaching the moon but also about gaining valuable knowledge and expertise to pioneer future missions.</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrayaan's Multifaceted Objectives</strong></h2>

<p>While the world fixates on the notion of landing on the moon, India's Chandrayaan orbiter has a broader scope.</p>

<p>Apart from mapping the lunar surface, it aims to conduct experiments related to the moon's atmosphere, electromagnetic radiation, and even the search for exoplanets.</p>

<p>This multifaceted approach expands our understanding of space and contributes to scientific advancements that reach far beyond our immediate lunar neighbour.</p>

<h2><strong>India's Lunar Leap</strong></h2>

<p>India's space missions, particularly Chandrayaan, carry the hopes and aspirations of over a billion people.</p>

<p>They symbolise India's determination to push boundaries and be at the forefront of space exploration.&nbsp;ISRO operates on a shoestring budget, the Mars orbiter, Mangalyaan, had a price tag of $75 million, less than the cost of an average Hollywood blockbuster.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Combined with indigenous technology, the multifaceted objectives of these missions showcase India's expertise and commitment to scientific advancement.</p>

<p>As India continues its journey into the unknown, exploring the moon and beyond, it inspires and instils hope for a brighter future.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am reminded of a famous quote from India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as we stand on the cusp of India making cosmic history</p>

<blockquote>
<p>"A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new; when an age ends; and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance."&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>

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"Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers and we are wanderers still." - Carl Sagan, American Astrophysicist We, humans, have explored deep and wide, from the depths of the oceans to the highest peaks.

"Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers and we are wanderers still." - Carl Sagan, American Astrophysicist We, humans, have explored deep and wide, from the depths of the oceans to the highest peaks. Space, the final frontier, has captivated our imagination since time immemorial. The call of the cosmos, the curiosity to know more about our origin, and what secrets lie hidden in the vastness of the universe is the driving force for space explorations. Venturing into space is costly, technologically difficult, and dangerous. But again success brings us joy something which lifts our spirits. The world witnessed magic, on July 1969, the historic moment when humans landing on the moon not only upped the morale of Americans but also served as a reminder of our innate desire to explore and push the boundaries of knowledge. In the same pursuit of this cosmic quest, India launched its ambitious moon missions, demonstrating frugal cost and indigenous technology. The Historic Moon Landing The moment American astronauts set foot on the moon in 1969 was a monumental achievement that captured the world's attention. The black-and-white images of Neil Armstrong’s ghostly form that were beamed back to Earth were surreal. Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong, the first human to step on the Moon, during the moonwalk on July 21, 1969 | NASA It marked a giant leap for humankind and symbolised American prowess in space exploration. The success of the Apollo programme boosted national pride and had far-reaching effects on science, technology, and geopolitics. It inspired a new generation of scientists and contributed to advancements in various fields. India's Ambitious Foray into Space India, known for its frugal approach to space exploration, embarked on its ambitious moon missions with the Chandrayaan programme. Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, was a significant milestone for India's space agency, ISRO. The then chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) G. Madhavan Nair on October 22, 2008, after the successful launch of India's first Lunar probe Chandrayaan-1 | AFP The mission successfully discovered the presence of water on the moon's surface and provided valuable insights into lunar geology. This was the first time water was found on the lunar surface. Learning from the failure India's Chandrayaan-2 mission encountered a setback in 2019 when the lander Vikram failed to achieve a soft landing on the moon's surface. However, from this failure, India learned valuable lessons that paved the way for future lunar explorations. The mission served as a catalyst for innovation, prompting the scientific community to analyse and rectify the challenges faced. This setback ignited a spirit of resilience and determination, driving the development of innovative solutions and improved mission preparedness. In fact, it's the orbiter of Chandrayan-2 which is providing key inputs in real-time to help its successor Chandrayaan-3 which is poised to land. Criticism and India's Priorities Critics of India's spend on space missions often question the allocation of resources in a country with pressing socio-economic challenges. However, it is important to note that India is one of the world's top economies, and its investments in space technology have yielded significant benefits. Spinoff technologies and direct advantages of Indian space forays are helping in sectors such as agriculture and defence. The leadership of the Indian Prime Minister India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role as a visionary leader. Under his leadership, India's space programme has flourished, with a keen focus on innovation, efficiency, and self-reliance. File photo of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with ISRO scientists | PTI PM Modi's unwavering support for ISRO and his endorsement of cost-effective space missions aligns with the nation's ethos of frugality, allowing India to achieve remarkable feats without burdening its economy. Moreover, PM Modi's emphasis on the practical applications of space technology in agriculture, disaster management, and national security underscores his commitment to harnessing space capabilities for the betterment of Indian society. The unforgiving environment of space Space is an unforgiving and challenging environment that demands innovation and resilience. Intense radiation, microgravity, and extreme temperatures necessitate technological advancements and rigorous preparation to ensure the success of space missions. Then there is space debris. Travelling at more than 24,000kmph, micrometre-sized particles can knock out an entire satellite. India's foray into space is not only about reaching the moon but also about gaining valuable knowledge and expertise to pioneer future missions. Chandrayaan's Multifaceted Objectives While the world fixates on the notion of landing on the moon, India's Chandrayaan orbiter has a broader scope. Apart from mapping the lunar surface, it aims to conduct experiments related to the moon's atmosphere, electromagnetic radiation, and even the search for exoplanets. This multifaceted approach expands our understanding of space and contributes to scientific advancements that reach far beyond our immediate lunar neighbour. India's Lunar Leap India's space missions, particularly Chandrayaan, carry the hopes and aspirations of over a billion people. They symbolise India's determination to push boundaries and be at the forefront of space exploration. ISRO operates on a shoestring budget, the Mars orbiter, Mangalyaan, had a price tag of $75 million, less than the cost of an average Hollywood blockbuster. Combined with indigenous technology, the multifaceted objectives of these missions showcase India's expertise and commitment to scientific advancement. As India continues its journey into the unknown, exploring the moon and beyond, it inspires and instils hope for a brighter future. I am reminded of a famous quote from India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as we stand on the cusp of India making cosmic history "A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new; when an age ends; and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance." (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's Space Odyssey: Pioneering new horizons and igniting hope

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. The LVM3 rocket pushed the Chandrayaan-3 into space. Now within hours from landing let's understand the science behind such precise travel.

Steering Chandrayaan-3 to the moon

India's moon mission is on track to make a soft Landing. The historic Mission would make it only the fourth time in the world to do so but as the Chandrayaan-3 readies itself for the most critical part the landing. WION's Sidharth MP explains more.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission: After Russia fail, all eyes on ISRO's moon landing

<p>"We have achieved soft landing on moon. India is on the Moon,"&nbsp;proclaimed the Chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S. Somanath, following the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander module on the Moon's south pole. This achievement makes India the first nation to attain this historic milestone and puts an end to the disappointment stemming from the Chandrayaan-2 crash landing four years ago.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"India is on the Moon": ISRO chief S Somanath as Chandrayaan 3 lander module Vikram makes safe and soft landing on the Moon <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaOnTheMoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaOnTheMoon</a> <a href="https://t.co/DsN06ky0W8">pic.twitter.com/DsN06ky0W8</a></p>
— Mohammed Vali (@Mohamme09678378) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohamme09678378/status/1694334903868068297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He thanked PM Modi for being a part of the successful journey. He also thanked&nbsp;P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director, Srikant, Missions Operations Director and other members of the Chandrayaan-3 team.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH : Immediately After The Success Of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a>, PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><br />
Telephoned ISRO Chief S. Somanath Ji and Congratulated Him. 😍🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaOnTheMoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaOnTheMoon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VikramLander?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VikramLander</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProudMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProudMoment</a> <a href="https://t.co/m6J5UdKTpd">pic.twitter.com/m6J5UdKTpd</a></p>
— ModiForPM (@ModiforPMOrg) <a href="https://twitter.com/ModiforPMOrg/status/1694340545269649713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people behind this mission," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a virtual address to the scientists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the nation, deeming this a historic moment that heralds India's progress. PM Modi, who is currently in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, proudly waved the tricolour as Chandrayaan-3 accomplished its lunar landing. Meanwhile, at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, officials erupted in applause as Vikram initiated its powered vertical descent towards the designated landing site. Vikram steadily descended from 150 metres to 130 metres, then 50 metres, gradually slowing as it approached the moon's surface before culminating in a successful lunar touchdown.</p>

<p>ISRO had been sharing a sequence of detailed lunar images, aiding the lander module in its process of ascertaining its precise location, including latitude and longitude, by cross-referencing these images with an onboard moon reference map. The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 14th.</p>

<p>India made a historic achievement, becoming the first country to land the ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the Moon's south&nbsp;pole. This milestone comes shortly after a Russian probe, Luna-25, experienced a crash landing in the same area.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


"We have achieved soft landing on moon. India is on the Moon," proclaimed the Chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S. Somanath, following the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander module on the Moon's south pole.

"We have achieved soft landing on moon. India is on the Moon," proclaimed the Chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S. Somanath, following the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander module on the Moon's south pole. This achievement makes India the first nation to attain this historic milestone and puts an end to the disappointment stemming from the Chandrayaan-2 crash landing four years ago. "India is on the Moon": ISRO chief S Somanath as Chandrayaan 3 lander module Vikram makes safe and soft landing on the Moon #ISRO #Chandrayaan3 #IndiaOnTheMoon pic.twitter.com/DsN06ky0W8 — Mohammed Vali (@Mohamme09678378) August 23, 2023 × He thanked PM Modi for being a part of the successful journey. He also thanked P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director, Srikant, Missions Operations Director and other members of the Chandrayaan-3 team. WATCH : Immediately After The Success Of #Chandrayaan3, PM Shri @narendramodi Telephoned ISRO Chief S. Somanath Ji and Congratulated Him. 😍🇮🇳 #IndiaOnTheMoon #VikramLander #ProudMoment pic.twitter.com/m6J5UdKTpd — ModiForPM (@ModiforPMOrg) August 23, 2023 × "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people behind this mission," he said. In a virtual address to the scientists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the nation, deeming this a historic moment that heralds India's progress. PM Modi, who is currently in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, proudly waved the tricolour as Chandrayaan-3 accomplished its lunar landing. Meanwhile, at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, officials erupted in applause as Vikram initiated its powered vertical descent towards the designated landing site. Vikram steadily descended from 150 metres to 130 metres, then 50 metres, gradually slowing as it approached the moon's surface before culminating in a successful lunar touchdown. ISRO had been sharing a sequence of detailed lunar images, aiding the lander module in its process of ascertaining its precise location, including latitude and longitude, by cross-referencing these images with an onboard moon reference map. The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 14th. India made a historic achievement, becoming the first country to land the ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the Moon's south pole. This milestone comes shortly after a Russian probe, Luna-25, experienced a crash landing in the same area. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘India is on the moon’: ISRO chief S Somanath celebrates Chandrayaan-3's triumph on lunar landing

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. The LVM3 rocket pushed the Chandrayaan-3 into space. Now within hours from landing let's understand the science behind such precise travel. Watch this interview with former Deputy Director of ISRO, Arup Dasgupta.

How ISRO plans to spacefarer to the moon

CHANDRAYAAN-3: Vikram lander makes successful landing on moon. PM Modi congratulated the country on the historic moment. Meanwhile, Vikram Sarabhai Centre Director, Unnikrishnan Nair, said 'previous data was helpful to rectify mistakes'.

Chandrayaan-3: Vikram Sarabhai Centre Director says, 'Final phase before landing was very exciting'

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India: pilots unite to raise fatigue woes after colleague's pre-flight death

India has created history as Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon at around 06:03 PM on Wednesday. Indian Prime Minister Modi joined the live landing of Chandrayaan-3 from South Africa where he is attending the BRICS summit. Meanwhile, ISRO Chairman S Somanath gave an address after the landing and said, 'India is on the moon'.

Chandrayaan-3: India celebrates after Moon lander's success; 'I reached my destination & India too!'

Upon Chandrayaan-3's successful landing, Prime Minister Modi declared, "We are witnesses to the new flight of the new India; new history has been written." India's successful Moon mission is not just India's alone. This success belongs to all of humanity."

Chandrayaan-3 | India lands on Moon: ISRO cries tears of joy, say 'Will remain the happiest moment'

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. However, in case of an anomaly, the landing could be postponed to Sunday the 27th of August. Watch to know what the Moon Man of India who was also the former ISRO Director Dr Mylswamy Annadurai has to say about the mission.

Decoding Chandrayaan-3 landing: 'If problem arises, landing could be delayed'

Chandrayaan-3: India scripts history after becoming first country to be near lunar south pole | WION

<p>During a group photo session at the 15th BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated a remarkable show of respect for his country's flag. As he noticed the Indian tricolour on the ground, symbolising his standing position, he carefully avoided stepping on it. Instead, he picked it up and kept it with him. His act of reverence did not go unnoticed, as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promptly followed suit.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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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> | Johannesburg, South Africa | PM Narendra Modi notices Indian Tricolour on the ground (to denote standing position) during the group photo at BRICS, makes sure to not step on it, picks it up and keeps it with him. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa follows suit. <a href="https://t.co/vf5pAkgPQo">pic.twitter.com/vf5pAkgPQo</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1694281671489859872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Bilateral meeting between Modi, Ramaphosa</strong></h2>

<p>On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This meeting served as an opportunity for both leaders to assess the progress achieved in bilateral relations and to exchange perspectives of their countries&nbsp;on a range of regional and multilateral issues. They also explored avenues for strengthening the collective voice of the Global South.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-balancing-act-or-anti-west-pivot-indias-choices-at-the-brics-summit-628267">Explained: Balancing act or anti-West pivot? India’s choices at the BRICS summit</a></p>

<h2><strong>Satisfaction over bilateral progress</strong></h2>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that Prime Minister Modi and President Ramaphosa expressed their contentment with the advancements made across various domains, encompassing defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation, and people-to-people ties. This signified the positive trajectory of the India-South Africa relationship.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BRICS Summit 2023: Dissatisfaction with the global order among developing nations</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Continued multilateral cooperation</strong></h2>

<p>In addition to the bilateral discussions, Modi and Ramaphosa deliberated on sustained collaboration within multilateral forums and mutual interests in regional and global affairs. President Ramaphosa voiced his full support for India's presidency of the G20 and commended India for extending full membership to the African Union in the G20. He also expressed eagerness to visit New Delhi for the upcoming G-20 Summit.</p>

<p>This meeting underscored the commitment of India and South Africa to furthering their partnership, fostering regional stability, and advancing the interests of the Global South on the international stage.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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During a group photo session at the 15th BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated a remarkable show of respect for his country's flag. As he noticed the Indian tricolour on the ground, symbolising his standing position, he carefully avoided stepping on it.

During a group photo session at the 15th BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated a remarkable show of respect for his country's flag. As he noticed the Indian tricolour on the ground, symbolising his standing position, he carefully avoided stepping on it. Instead, he picked it up and kept it with him. His act of reverence did not go unnoticed, as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promptly followed suit. Watch the video here: #WATCH | Johannesburg, South Africa | PM Narendra Modi notices Indian Tricolour on the ground (to denote standing position) during the group photo at BRICS, makes sure to not step on it, picks it up and keeps it with him. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa follows suit. pic.twitter.com/vf5pAkgPQo — ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2023 × Bilateral meeting between Modi, Ramaphosa On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This meeting served as an opportunity for both leaders to assess the progress achieved in bilateral relations and to exchange perspectives of their countries on a range of regional and multilateral issues. They also explored avenues for strengthening the collective voice of the Global South. Also read | Explained: Balancing act or anti-West pivot? India’s choices at the BRICS summit Satisfaction over bilateral progress The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that Prime Minister Modi and President Ramaphosa expressed their contentment with the advancements made across various domains, encompassing defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation, and people-to-people ties. This signified the positive trajectory of the India-South Africa relationship. Also watch | BRICS Summit 2023: Dissatisfaction with the global order among developing nations Continued multilateral cooperation In addition to the bilateral discussions, Modi and Ramaphosa deliberated on sustained collaboration within multilateral forums and mutual interests in regional and global affairs. President Ramaphosa voiced his full support for India's presidency of the G20 and commended India for extending full membership to the African Union in the G20. He also expressed eagerness to visit New Delhi for the upcoming G-20 Summit. This meeting underscored the commitment of India and South Africa to furthering their partnership, fostering regional stability, and advancing the interests of the Global South on the international stage. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

PM Modi notices Indian flag on podium at BRICS 2023, this is what he does next | WATCH

<p>Despite a slowdown in global demand, India’s overall exports and imports of goods and services surpassed the $800 billion mark during the first half of 2023, attributed in large part to the country’s services sectors, according to a research released on Monday by think tank GTRI.</p>

<p>Data from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) showed&nbsp;that from January to June of this year, exports of goods and services increased by 1.5 per cent to $385.4 billion in comparison to $379.5 billion in January to June of 2022.</p>

<p>However, compared to the same period last year, imports decreased by 5.9 per cent to $415.5 billion, from $441.7 billion.</p>

<p>“India’s foreign trade (exports and imports of merchandise and services) reached $800.9 billion during January-June 2023, exhibiting a decline of 2.5 per cent over the same period last year (January-June 2022),” the report said.</p>

<p>Separately, exports of products fell by 8.1 per cent to $218.7 billion, while imports fell by 8.3 per cent to $325.7 billion.</p>

<p>In contrast, over the six-month period, exports of services increased by 17.7 per cent to $166.7 billion, while imports increased by 3.7 per cent to $89.8 billion.</p>

<p>“Data is showing modest decline due to weak global demand and losing competitiveness in labour intensive sectors. The decline in merchandise exports happened despite appreciating INR (Indian Rupee). INR/USD exchange rate appreciated from 76.16 in April 2022 to 82.18 in Apr 2023,” GTRI Co-founder Ajay Srivastava told PTI.</p>

<p>He noted that a number of issues, including as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, high inflation, tighter monetary policy, and financial unpredictability, contribute to the poor forecast for global commerce in 2023.</p>

<p>But he also mentioned that these factors will soon be overshadowed by a spate of new subsidies and protectionist measures by the EU and USA. He cited an example saying that&nbsp;in the first seven months of 2023 alone, the EU has introduced five regulations on climate change and trade, each of these are essentially measures to curb imports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that given that every major nation is shifting its attention inward, India should not give up its policy space, particularly when it comes to fresh concerns with FTAs (free trade agreements) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Despite a slowdown in global demand, India’s overall exports and imports of goods and services surpassed the $800 billion mark during the first half of 2023, attributed in large part to the country’s services sectors, according to a research released on Monday by think tank GTRI.

Despite a slowdown in global demand, India’s overall exports and imports of goods and services surpassed the $800 billion mark during the first half of 2023, attributed in large part to the country’s services sectors, according to a research released on Monday by think tank GTRI. Data from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) showed that from January to June of this year, exports of goods and services increased by 1.5 per cent to $385.4 billion in comparison to $379.5 billion in January to June of 2022. However, compared to the same period last year, imports decreased by 5.9 per cent to $415.5 billion, from $441.7 billion. “India’s foreign trade (exports and imports of merchandise and services) reached $800.9 billion during January-June 2023, exhibiting a decline of 2.5 per cent over the same period last year (January-June 2022),” the report said. Separately, exports of products fell by 8.1 per cent to $218.7 billion, while imports fell by 8.3 per cent to $325.7 billion. In contrast, over the six-month period, exports of services increased by 17.7 per cent to $166.7 billion, while imports increased by 3.7 per cent to $89.8 billion. “Data is showing modest decline due to weak global demand and losing competitiveness in labour intensive sectors. The decline in merchandise exports happened despite appreciating INR (Indian Rupee). INR/USD exchange rate appreciated from 76.16 in April 2022 to 82.18 in Apr 2023,” GTRI Co-founder Ajay Srivastava told PTI. He noted that a number of issues, including as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, high inflation, tighter monetary policy, and financial unpredictability, contribute to the poor forecast for global commerce in 2023. But he also mentioned that these factors will soon be overshadowed by a spate of new subsidies and protectionist measures by the EU and USA. He cited an example saying that in the first seven months of 2023 alone, the EU has introduced five regulations on climate change and trade, each of these are essentially measures to curb imports. He added that given that every major nation is shifting its attention inward, India should not give up its policy space, particularly when it comes to fresh concerns with FTAs (free trade agreements) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India’s foreign trade surpasses $800 billion: Think tank GTRI 

Chandrayaan-3: India creates history as Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on moon

Upon Chandrayaan-3's successful landing, Prime Minister Modi declared, "We are witnesses to the new flight of the new India; new history has been written." India's successful Moon mission is not just India's alone...This success belongs to all of humanity." The South Pole of the moon has never been reached by any nation. The third lunar mission from ISRO, Chandrayaan-3, made a soft landing on the moon. "With the hard work of our scientists we have reached there," adds PM Modi. India has created history as Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon at around 06:03 PM on Wednesday. Indian Prime Minister Modi joined the live landing of Chandrayaan-3 from South Africa where he is attending the BRICS summit. Meanwhile, ISRO Chairman S Somanath gave an address after the landing and said, 'India is on the moon'.

Chandrayaan-3: I reached my destination and you too!, says ISRO

<p>India, often lauded for its burgeoning young population, stands on the brink of a demographic dividend that promises transformative economic growth. This potential, however, faces a critical test as the recent Mercer/Mettl report paints a sobering picture of the country's employability landscape. Titled 'India's Graduate Skill Index: 2023,' the report meticulously evaluated 2,500 campuses and 440,000 learners, revealing a startling reality: only 45% of Indian graduates possess the skills that align with the rapidly evolving industry demands. In a nation where the demographic dividend has long been heralded as a strategic advantage, this revelation prompts a reevaluation of how India can effectively leverage its youthful workforce to fuel economic prosperity.</p>

<p><strong>Meet the experts: Gurpreet Singh and Jaideep Kewalramani</strong></p>

<p>In the pursuit of deeper insights, we turn to two industry experts who shed light on India's employability challenges and potential solutions. Gurpreet Singh, the Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Awign, a work fulfillment platform, offers a dynamic perspective shaped by his experience in the corporate arena. Jaideep Kewalramani, the Head of Employability and COO at TeamLease Edtech, brings a comprehensive understanding of employability trends and workforce dynamics. Through their nuanced viewpoints, we embark on a journey to decipher the complex interplay between India's demographic dividend and its employability realities.</p>

<p><strong>Capitalising on the demographic dividend</strong></p>

<p>India's employability gap, as illuminated by the Mercer/Mettl report, raises a critical question: Can the nation fully capitalise on its demographic dividend or risk squandering a momentous opportunity? According to Gurpreet Singh, the foremost challenge lies in the misalignment between the skills imparted by educational institutions and those demanded by employers. This profound disconnect creates a skill gap that leaves job seekers ill-equipped to navigate the swiftly evolving business landscape driven by technological advancements. Singh calls for a comprehensive overhaul of education and skill development, where the academic curriculum is recalibrated to align seamlessly with industry needs. While the government has taken noteworthy steps, such as the National Education Policy and Skill India initiatives, Singh emphasises that all stakeholders – educational institutes, businesses, and policymakers – must collaborate to bridge the employability gap.</p>

<p>Echoing this sentiment, Jaideep Kewalramani underscores the urgency of reimagining higher education in India. He advocates for the integration of real-world work experience into academic programs, a model that allows students to gain practical skills while pursuing online education. This approach, Kewalramani contends, not only addresses the employability challenge but also harnesses India's demographic dividend to its fullest potential. Both experts converge on the idea that unlocking India's demographic dividend requires aligning education with industry and nurturing job-ready graduates equipped with the skills demanded by the 21st-century job market.</p>

<p><strong>Gig working: Pioneering a new era of employment</strong></p>

<p>The rise of the gig economy emerges as a pivotal solution in enhancing employability and harnessing the demographic dividend. Jaideep Kewalramani looks at the gig economy as a transformative force that challenges conventional notions of employment. He stresses that gig work and freelancing should be considered legitimate avenues for work, offering flexibility, autonomy, and valuable skill development. This paradigm shift, Kewalramani asserts, is indicative of the evolving nature of employment in the digital age.</p>

<p>Gurpreet Singh emphasizes that the gig economy presents a unique avenue to expand employment opportunities for India's youth. As job seekers and enterprises increasingly embrace the gig economy, the entry barriers are lowered, providing unemployed graduates the chance to contribute their skills to the workforce. Singh predicts that the gig economy could potentially generate up to 90 million jobs in the next decade, presenting a significant opportunity for economic growth and individual empowerment. Both experts see the gig economy as a powerful tool to bridge the employability gap by providing diverse work opportunities that align with the skills of India's youth.</p>

<p><strong>Quality of new hires and emerging trends</strong></p>

<p>The question of the quality of new hires and the evolving employment landscape takes center stage in the discussion of India's employability. Gurpreet Singh's insights bring reassurance, dispelling concerns about declining new hire quality. He cites a diverse and rigorous talent pool, indicative of the evolving workforce dynamics. Singh also highlights a trend toward project-based talent acquisition through the gig economy, especially in the tech sector. This shift reflects the changing demands of industries and the increasing need for specialized skills.</p>

<p>Jaideep Kewalramani provides a more holistic perspective, acknowledging the generational shift occurring in the workforce. He notes that as the Gen Z population grows, traditional notions of workplace engagement, communication, and motivation need to evolve. Kewalramani emphasises that businesses are now focusing on building a future-ready talent supply chain rather than just addressing immediate workforce needs. This aligns with the changing employment landscape, where adaptability, continuous learning, and technology proficiency are increasingly valued.</p>

<p><strong>Tier-wise college hiring: Dismantling traditional notions</strong></p>

<p>The Mercer/Mettl report's revelation that employability does not substantially differ between graduates from tier 1 and tier 2 or 3 colleges challenges conventional hiring paradigms. Jaideep Kewalramani's insights suggest that this trend is well underway. He hints at the already expanding practice of corporations hiring from tier 2, 3, and even 4 locations with successful outcomes. Kewalramani suggests that this trend is set to escalate further as businesses realize the potential of untapped talent across the nation. He implies that Talent mobility will be crucial in reshaping the employability landscape, bringing individuals from diverse backgrounds to the forefront of India's economic growth. He also mentioned Platforms like Digivarsity, which offer&nbsp;work-integrated degree programs and&nbsp;solve issues of talent acquisition, deployment, and retention.</p>

<p>Gurpreet Singh contends that this shift indicates a broader trend in the employment landscape. Employers focus more on candidates' skills and capabilities than their educational pedigree. Singh highlights a growing recognition of the value that diverse perspectives and talents from different geographical regions can bring to businesses. This signals a departure from the historical reliance on top-tier institutions.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion: Navigating the path forward</strong></p>

<p>In the face of challenges, a blueprint emerges for success – aligning education with industry, embracing the gig economy, adapting to generational shifts, and recognizing talent irrespective of college tiers. The road to capitalising on India's demographic dividend demands collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to reimagine conventional norms. As India looks to the future, it stands at a pivotal juncture where harnessing the potential of its youthful workforce is not only a necessity but a transformative opportunity for sustainable growth and global competitiveness. Through collective effort and strategic action, India's demographic dividend can truly become the cornerstone of a thriving economy.</p>

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India, often lauded for its burgeoning young population, stands on the brink of a demographic dividend that promises transformative economic growth. This potential, however, faces a critical test as the recent Mercer/Mettl report paints a sobering picture of the country's employability landscape.

India, often lauded for its burgeoning young population, stands on the brink of a demographic dividend that promises transformative economic growth. This potential, however, faces a critical test as the recent Mercer/Mettl report paints a sobering picture of the country's employability landscape. Titled 'India's Graduate Skill Index: 2023,' the report meticulously evaluated 2,500 campuses and 440,000 learners, revealing a startling reality: only 45% of Indian graduates possess the skills that align with the rapidly evolving industry demands. In a nation where the demographic dividend has long been heralded as a strategic advantage, this revelation prompts a reevaluation of how India can effectively leverage its youthful workforce to fuel economic prosperity. Meet the experts: Gurpreet Singh and Jaideep Kewalramani In the pursuit of deeper insights, we turn to two industry experts who shed light on India's employability challenges and potential solutions. Gurpreet Singh, the Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Awign, a work fulfillment platform, offers a dynamic perspective shaped by his experience in the corporate arena. Jaideep Kewalramani, the Head of Employability and COO at TeamLease Edtech, brings a comprehensive understanding of employability trends and workforce dynamics. Through their nuanced viewpoints, we embark on a journey to decipher the complex interplay between India's demographic dividend and its employability realities. Capitalising on the demographic dividend India's employability gap, as illuminated by the Mercer/Mettl report, raises a critical question: Can the nation fully capitalise on its demographic dividend or risk squandering a momentous opportunity? According to Gurpreet Singh, the foremost challenge lies in the misalignment between the skills imparted by educational institutions and those demanded by employers. This profound disconnect creates a skill gap that leaves job seekers ill-equipped to navigate the swiftly evolving business landscape driven by technological advancements. Singh calls for a comprehensive overhaul of education and skill development, where the academic curriculum is recalibrated to align seamlessly with industry needs. While the government has taken noteworthy steps, such as the National Education Policy and Skill India initiatives, Singh emphasises that all stakeholders – educational institutes, businesses, and policymakers – must collaborate to bridge the employability gap. Echoing this sentiment, Jaideep Kewalramani underscores the urgency of reimagining higher education in India. He advocates for the integration of real-world work experience into academic programs, a model that allows students to gain practical skills while pursuing online education. This approach, Kewalramani contends, not only addresses the employability challenge but also harnesses India's demographic dividend to its fullest potential. Both experts converge on the idea that unlocking India's demographic dividend requires aligning education with industry and nurturing job-ready graduates equipped with the skills demanded by the 21st-century job market. Gig working: Pioneering a new era of employment The rise of the gig economy emerges as a pivotal solution in enhancing employability and harnessing the demographic dividend. Jaideep Kewalramani looks at the gig economy as a transformative force that challenges conventional notions of employment. He stresses that gig work and freelancing should be considered legitimate avenues for work, offering flexibility, autonomy, and valuable skill development. This paradigm shift, Kewalramani asserts, is indicative of the evolving nature of employment in the digital age. Gurpreet Singh emphasizes that the gig economy presents a unique avenue to expand employment opportunities for India's youth. As job seekers and enterprises increasingly embrace the gig economy, the entry barriers are lowered, providing unemployed graduates the chance to contribute their skills to the workforce. Singh predicts that the gig economy could potentially generate up to 90 million jobs in the next decade, presenting a significant opportunity for economic growth and individual empowerment. Both experts see the gig economy as a powerful tool to bridge the employability gap by providing diverse work opportunities that align with the skills of India's youth. Quality of new hires and emerging trends The question of the quality of new hires and the evolving employment landscape takes center stage in the discussion of India's employability. Gurpreet Singh's insights bring reassurance, dispelling concerns about declining new hire quality. He cites a diverse and rigorous talent pool, indicative of the evolving workforce dynamics. Singh also highlights a trend toward project-based talent acquisition through the gig economy, especially in the tech sector. This shift reflects the changing demands of industries and the increasing need for specialized skills. Jaideep Kewalramani provides a more holistic perspective, acknowledging the generational shift occurring in the workforce. He notes that as the Gen Z population grows, traditional notions of workplace engagement, communication, and motivation need to evolve. Kewalramani emphasises that businesses are now focusing on building a future-ready talent supply chain rather than just addressing immediate workforce needs. This aligns with the changing employment landscape, where adaptability, continuous learning, and technology proficiency are increasingly valued. Tier-wise college hiring: Dismantling traditional notions The Mercer/Mettl report's revelation that employability does not substantially differ between graduates from tier 1 and tier 2 or 3 colleges challenges conventional hiring paradigms. Jaideep Kewalramani's insights suggest that this trend is well underway. He hints at the already expanding practice of corporations hiring from tier 2, 3, and even 4 locations with successful outcomes. Kewalramani suggests that this trend is set to escalate further as businesses realize the potential of untapped talent across the nation. He implies that Talent mobility will be crucial in reshaping the employability landscape, bringing individuals from diverse backgrounds to the forefront of India's economic growth. He also mentioned Platforms like Digivarsity, which offer work-integrated degree programs and solve issues of talent acquisition, deployment, and retention. Gurpreet Singh contends that this shift indicates a broader trend in the employment landscape. Employers focus more on candidates' skills and capabilities than their educational pedigree. Singh highlights a growing recognition of the value that diverse perspectives and talents from different geographical regions can bring to businesses. This signals a departure from the historical reliance on top-tier institutions. Conclusion: Navigating the path forward In the face of challenges, a blueprint emerges for success – aligning education with industry, embracing the gig economy, adapting to generational shifts, and recognizing talent irrespective of college tiers. The road to capitalising on India's demographic dividend demands collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to reimagine conventional norms. As India looks to the future, it stands at a pivotal juncture where harnessing the potential of its youthful workforce is not only a necessity but a transformative opportunity for sustainable growth and global competitiveness. Through collective effort and strategic action, India's demographic dividend can truly become the cornerstone of a thriving economy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Decoding India's Employability: Unlocking the potential of India's demographic dividend

History is about to be created. As Chandrayaan-3 is just a few hours away from lunar landing. Chandrayaan-3 will attempt a soft landing on the moon's south pole. Why is South Pole chosen for landing?

Chandrayaan-3: What makes the south pole of the Moon so special?

<p>Years after taking a jibe at India's lunar ambitions in 2019, Pakistan's former Minister of Science and Technology, Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, has now done an unexpected about-face. In a Tuesday (August 22) post&nbsp;on X, formerly Twitter, the former minister lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3, terming it a "historic moment for humankind."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pak media should show #Chandrayan moon landing live tomorrow at 6:15 PM… historic moment for Human kind specially for the people, scientists and Space community of India…. Many Congratulations," Hussain said on X.</p>

<p>This is a surprising twist, considering the fact that Chaudhry is the same minister who had taunted India with the hashtag "India Failed" following ISRO's unfortunate loss of contact with the Vikram lander during the previous&nbsp;unsuccessful mission.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-chandrayaan-3-to-make-historic-attempt-at-moon-landing-today-628136">India's Chandrayaan-3 to make historic attempt at moon landing today</a></p>

<p>Notably, in September&nbsp;2019, he penned several posts on X&nbsp;with the hashtag "#IndiaFailed."</p>

<p>The former minister had made a series of vile comments targeting and taunting India. His vitriolic comments also targeted the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Bollywood, India's cultural sentiments, and&nbsp;Indian Air Force fighter pilot&nbsp;Abhinandan Varthaman who downed Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets in February 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Change of heart?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Now the minister, who is well-known for his insulting remarks towards India, is urging his country to witness the live broadcast of Chandrayaan-3's moon landing on Wednesday evening. His tone has shifted from taunts to admiration.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-soft-landing-will-offer-basic-tech-for-landing-missions-to-other-planets-628071">Chandrayaan-3 soft-landing will offer basic tech for landing missions to other planets</a></p>

<p>This chapter in India's lunar exploration commenced on July 14 with a triumphant launch of Chandrayaan-3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.&nbsp;After gracefully entering the lunar orbit on August 5, the spacecraft is poised to execute a soft landing on the moon's surface on August 23.</p>

<h2><strong>A pinnacle moment awaits</strong></h2>

<p>Scheduled for a touchdown at 6:04 pm on Wednesday, the Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module is diligently scouting for an ideal landing spot on the lunar landscape. As per ISRO, everything till now has been going as per the plan and the lunar mission holds the promise of turning into an epochal event.</p>

<p>Onboard the Chandrayaan-3 are Lander&nbsp;Vikram and a rover named 'Pragyaan'.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Decoding Chandrayaan-3 landing: 'If problem arises, landing could be delayed'</strong></p>

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<p>The rover is&nbsp;employed with laser beams which it will use to melt a portion of the moon's surface known as regolith.</p>

<p>This will enable the analysis of the gases released during this procedure. This endeavour will help gain India an understanding of the lunar landscape and insights into its suitability for eventual human habitation.&nbsp;Upon successful landing, Chandrayaan-3 is poised to operate for a fortnight, embarking on a series of experiments.&nbsp;</p>

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Years after taking a jibe at India's lunar ambitions in 2019, Pakistan's former Minister of Science and Technology, Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, has now done an unexpected about-face.

Years after taking a jibe at India's lunar ambitions in 2019, Pakistan's former Minister of Science and Technology, Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, has now done an unexpected about-face. In a Tuesday (August 22) post on X, formerly Twitter, the former minister lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3, terming it a "historic moment for humankind." "Pak media should show #Chandrayan moon landing live tomorrow at 6:15 PM… historic moment for Human kind specially for the people, scientists and Space community of India…. Many Congratulations," Hussain said on X. This is a surprising twist, considering the fact that Chaudhry is the same minister who had taunted India with the hashtag "India Failed" following ISRO's unfortunate loss of contact with the Vikram lander during the previous unsuccessful mission. Also Read | India's Chandrayaan-3 to make historic attempt at moon landing today Notably, in September 2019, he penned several posts on X with the hashtag "#IndiaFailed." The former minister had made a series of vile comments targeting and taunting India. His vitriolic comments also targeted the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Bollywood, India's cultural sentiments, and Indian Air Force fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman who downed Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets in February 2019. Change of heart? Now the minister, who is well-known for his insulting remarks towards India, is urging his country to witness the live broadcast of Chandrayaan-3's moon landing on Wednesday evening. His tone has shifted from taunts to admiration. Also Read | Chandrayaan-3 soft-landing will offer basic tech for landing missions to other planets This chapter in India's lunar exploration commenced on July 14 with a triumphant launch of Chandrayaan-3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. After gracefully entering the lunar orbit on August 5, the spacecraft is poised to execute a soft landing on the moon's surface on August 23. A pinnacle moment awaits Scheduled for a touchdown at 6:04 pm on Wednesday, the Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module is diligently scouting for an ideal landing spot on the lunar landscape. As per ISRO, everything till now has been going as per the plan and the lunar mission holds the promise of turning into an epochal event. Onboard the Chandrayaan-3 are Lander Vikram and a rover named 'Pragyaan'. WATCH | Decoding Chandrayaan-3 landing: 'If problem arises, landing could be delayed' × The rover is employed with laser beams which it will use to melt a portion of the moon's surface known as regolith. This will enable the analysis of the gases released during this procedure. This endeavour will help gain India an understanding of the lunar landscape and insights into its suitability for eventual human habitation. Upon successful landing, Chandrayaan-3 is poised to operate for a fortnight, embarking on a series of experiments. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pak ex-minister praises Chandrayaan-3 mission, had taken jibes on Indian lunar mission in 2019

New Delhi will host India's first G20 Summit from 9-10 September. With just three weeks left, extensive preparations are underway in the capital. Monuments like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Humayun's Tomb are being illuminated. Sculptures are being set up in public spaces.

How is India preparing for the upcoming G20 Summit?

All government and private offices in New Delhi will remain shut between September 8th and 10th in view of the G20 Summit. The Summit in the Indian national capital is scheduled to take place on September 9th and 10th at Pragati maidan. The move aims to elevate any potential traffic congestion and also logistical challenges.

G20 Summit: Offices to remain closed as a measure to control traffic during the Summit

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