Category Archives: Business & Economy

GLOBAL: NATIONAL / SPACE : 40 years after astronaut Rakesh Sharma, Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to travel to space: Here’s how is gearing up for ISS

In a monumental step for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, TOI has reported.

This mission will mark India’s first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight in more than four decades, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission with the Soviet Union.

The Ax-4 mission is the result of a collaborative initiative between India and the United States. More than a year ago, during an official state visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Following this, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, a leading American company in human spaceflight services.

Shukla, an experienced IAF test pilot, will be part of an international crew, with fellow Indian astronaut and backup pilot Group Captain Prashanth Nair also from the IAF. The mission will be commanded by renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson. Sharing details of Shukla’s responsibilities, Whitson told The Times of India, “As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures. Training will prepare him to handle emergencies and perform critical system checks. Additionally, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments.”

The Ax-4 mission is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s space capabilities, particularly as the country prepares for its own crewed mission, the Gaganyaan project. In a recent Instagram Live session, Isro Chairman S Somanath revealed that the Indian astronaut will conduct five experiments aboard the ISS as part of the Ax-4 mission, gaining valuable experience in space operations and international collaboration.

Whitson further elaborated on the rigorous training that Shukla and his fellow crew members are undergoing. “We work closely with NASA and other international space agencies to ensure smooth integration with ISS. Additionally, Axiom invests in cutting-edge medical research and technology to monitor and maintain astronaut health during missions,” she explained. “By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to mitigate risks and ensure the success of our missions.”

Training for the mission will be conducted at multiple facilities, including NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The preparation covers all aspects of the mission, from safety protocols and health management to ISS systems operations. According to Whitson, “We practise in ISS mockups, reviewing procedures and enacting emergency scenarios to ensure we’re ready for any situation.”

The Ax-4 mission will utilize SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, known for its advanced life support systems and automated docking capabilities. This will ensure a safe journey for the crew, who will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS.

Joining Shukla and Whitson on the mission are specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznanski, an expert in radiation testing and space electronics, is a member of ESA’s 2022 Astronaut Reserve Class, while Kapu, selected for Hungary’s Hunor Astronaut Programme, brings his expertise in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.

Whitson emphasized the global significance of the Ax-4 mission, saying, “The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days aboard ISS. This mission will realize the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the space station in history and second govt-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years. This mission emphasizes how Axiom Space is redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally.”

In addition to strengthening international cooperation, the Ax-4 mission will support the development of commercial space activities. “Axiom Space missions play a pivotal role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organizations like ESA, Isro, and Hunor, Axiom fosters collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development,” Whitson explained.

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gears up for this groundbreaking mission, India is poised to make significant strides in space exploration, bolstering its role on the global stage.

(With TOI inputs)

source/content: economictimes.indiatimes.com (headline edited)






NATIONAL: INNOVATION for VISUALLY IMPAIRED : ### Umang Sharma, an 11th Grader, Creates Affordable Keyboard for the visually impaired using AI

Umang Sharma, a junior student of Class 11 at Princeton Day School, has developed an affordable keyboard for the visually impaired using artificial intelligence (AI). His interest in AI, robotics, and engineering, coupled with his passion for coding, led him to improve Braille technology with the help of experts. His success in creating this innovative keyboard is a result of his deep interest in computer building and technology.

Globally, around 284 million people are visually impaired, 39 million of whom are completely blind. A staggering 70% are unemployed, and 90% are illiterate, which significantly limits their opportunities. Umang’s journey began when he discovered that Braille keyboards cost over $7,000, a price he found to be unaffordable for many. Realizing the need for a cheaper alternative, he conducted research but found no better options.

A significant challenge faced by the visually impaired is the lack of access to technology, which contributes to high unemployment and illiteracy rates. Umang identified this as a vicious cycle, where the inability to afford technology like Braille keyboards prevents visually impaired individuals from securing jobs, yet employment is necessary to purchase such tools.

Current market solutions for Braille keyboards include audio keyboards built into operating systems, physical Braille devices, and one-time-use stickers for standard keyboards. After analyzing these options, Umang identified key issues, such as high cost, usability, and durability. He designed prototypes, consulted Braille experts, and made improvements to address these shortcomings.

The result is an affordable, user-friendly keyboard for the visually impaired, priced at just $10, and nearly free if donated keyboards are used. The keyboard utilizes 3D-printed keys that are durable and can be easily attached to any keyboard.

Umang presented his project at two workshops held at the National Blind Association, Delhi, and the Silver Lining Blind School, where visually impaired youths from underprivileged backgrounds tested the keyboard. The feedback confirmed the effectiveness of the design, particularly for blind students and young children learning Braille. The keyboard helped improve their typing speed and key recognition, proving to be a faster alternative compared to conventional keyboards that require pressing each key to find the right one.

The National Blind Association, Delhi, praised Umang’s efforts, and the Silver Lining Blind School expressed gratitude for his dedication and hard work in serving the visually impaired. Umang has donated over 20 keyboards and is working on providing more units, benefiting over 250 students.

Following this success, Umang plans to distribute his innovative Braille keyboards to blind schools globally and has founded a non-profit organization called “Zedable” to support his mission.

source/content: pressnote.in (headline edited)

Make ‘BHASKAR’ one-stop digital platform for Indian startups: Piyush Goyal

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday launched the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative, saying the platform will help bring hope, aspirations and success for the entrepreneurs to kickstart ambitious revolutions in the country.

Launched under the ‘Startup India’ programme in the national capital, BHASKAR — meaning ‘Rising Sun’ — has been aptly chosen to be the name of the digital platform.

Minister Goyal emphasised to make it a one-stop digital platform for data dissemination, exchange, interaction for the entire startup ecosystem, through simple easy to use links and easy to navigate technology — catalysing the growth and success of the startup ecosystem across India and beyond.

“BHASKAR as a concept will try to integrate all the people who are dreamers, doers and disruptors,” said the minister.

The government will put in more efforts to make the ecosystem socialised, democratic and visible to the world.

“Technology and interconnectivity will help Indians build ‘Brand India’ as a tool to market our products and services across the world and help us change the image of India to the rest of the world,” the minister noted.

Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of shaping policies for the future, Minister Goyal said that Startup India’s strength will contribute to the India growth story.

He added that encouraging Indians to be job creators and help them see failures to be stepping stones to a brighter future will help big ideas fructify.

Goyal also suggested the participants set up a Section 8 company to bring the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) within the ambit of the new startup company.

He emphasised that the government aims for the startup industry to be independent and attain global level while maintaining integrity, quality and conviction to succeed in the world.

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said the initiative will cohesively propel the Indian startup ecosystem as the flag bearer amongst its peers across the globe.

“The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry will act as a catalyst for innovation and will foster greater connectivity between startups, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, ensuring that innovation is inclusive, and opportunities are accessible to all,” he mentioned.

With over 1.4 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups, India has established itself as one of the largest and most vibrant startup ecosystems globally.

source/content: ianslive.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SCIENTISTS: Joe Biden honours 2 Indian-American scientists Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh for remarkable medical discoveries

Two Indian American scientists were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday.

Two Indian American scientists were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday.

The two Indian-Americans — Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh — were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the National Medal of Science, respectively.

President Biden also honoured leading American scientists, technologists, and innovators at the award ceremony.

The scientists, who were honoured at the event, made discoveries enabling lifesaving medical treatments, helping fight the opioid epidemic, improving food security, advancing accessibility, and much more.

“Today, President Biden is awarding the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to a number of Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology, and innovation to strengthen our nation’s well-being, ” the White House said in a statement.

The National Medal of Science is the nation’s highest scientific honour, established by the US Congress in 1959 and administered by the US National Science Foundation. “It is bestowed by the President of the United States on individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions in biology, computer sciences, education sciences, engineering, geosciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social, behavioural, and economic sciences, in service to the Natio,” the statement added.

“Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” it added.

Further, according to the official statement, these trailblazers harnessed the power of science and technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver innovative solutions for Americans and communities worldwide.

The accomplishments made by the awardees have advanced American leadership in science, technology, and innovation and their work inspires the next generation of American minds, it added.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: IT TECH BENEFITS :Adobe Express adds support for eight Indian languages, new features

Content creators in India can leverage Adobe Firefly powered GenAI features in Adobe Express to create localised videos, flyers, banners, logos, and more.

Adobe Express

Adobe has added Indian language updates to its content creation app Adobe Express. According to the company, the interface for Adobe Express on Desktop Web and mobile is now available in Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali. Furthermore, the Translate feature in Adobe Express for Desktop Web now supports eight Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Content creators in India can leverage Adobe Firefly powered GenAI features in Adobe Express to create localised videos, flyers, resumes, banners, logos, and more.

What are the new features?

With local language capabilities in Adobe Express, users will be able to create a wide range of content in eight Indian languages. Local language users will now be able to navigate the tool with ease, improve productivity, and browse relevant features and templates, leading to quicker task completion, said Adobe.

Furthermore, users can easily translate text across single and multiple-page files, eliminating the need for manual translations and external tools. However, the Translate feature is a premium offering but is  currently available for free for a limited period.

Also, the user interface is now available in Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali. Users can selectively control which text elements are translated as per their need.

Govind Balakrishnan, senior Vice President, Adobe Express and Digital Media Services, said “With millions of active users, Adobe Express is seeing rapid adoption in India, and we’re excited to double down on this diverse market’s fast expanding content creation requirements by introducing user-interface and translation features in multiple Indian languages.”

The Adobe Express Free plan is available for free on web and mobile apps.

source/content: moneycontrol.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: GCC – WEST ASIA: Jaishankar arrives in Riyadh for first India-GCC Foreign Ministers’ meeting

EAM Jaishankar was warmly welcomed in Riyadh by Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, Abdulmajeed Al Smari. After arriving, Jaishankar shared on social media platform X, saying, “Arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to participate in the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Thank Abdulmajeed Al Smari for the warm reception.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to participate in the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The EAM received a warm welcome from Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Abdulmajeed Al Smari in Riyadh.

After his arrival, EAM Jaishankar took to the social media platform X and said, “Arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to take part in the First India – Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Thank Abdulmajeed Al Smari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs for the warm reception.”

During his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia (September 8-9), EAM Jaishankar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.

“India and the GCC enjoy a deep and multifaceted relationship, in areas including political, trade & investment, energy cooperation, cultural and people–to-people ties. The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to a large Indian expatriate community, numbering around 8.9 million. The Foreign Ministers meeting will be an opportunity to review and deepen institutional cooperation between India and the GCC across various sectors,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

After concluding his Riyadh visit, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin for a two-day visit starting September 10 which will be his third bilateral visit to Germany.

Both India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership and Germany is one of India’s prominent trading partners and among the largest Foreign Direct Investors.

On September 12, the External Affairs Minister will travel to Geneva, home to a large number of UN bodies and international organisations, for an official visit.

source/content: telanganatoday.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ECONOMY: Nuclear to LNG, India & UAE ink 4 key pacts to expand energy ties

An agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and another between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) are among the four pacts.

India and the United Arab Emirates on Monday signed four pacts to expand energy cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with the visiting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

An agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and another between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) are among the four pacts.

Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) also inked an MoU for operation and maintenance of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, Ministry of External Affairs said.

The fourth pact is a production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC. A separate pact was inked between the Gujarat government and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC on setting up food parks in India.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said PM Modi and Crown Prince Al Nahyan discussed the multifaceted relations between India and the UAE with an aim to broaden comprehensive strategic partnership. “India-UAE ties taking greater strides! PM @narendramodi met with HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi today,” he said on X.

“The two leaders discussed the multifaceted India-UAE relations and avenues to broaden the comprehensive strategic partnership to new and emerging areas,” Jaiswal said.

In their talks, Modi and Al Nahyan are understood to have also deliberated on pressing global challenges, including Gaza.

Al Nahyan also called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where discussions covered the “warm, historic and comprehensive ties between the two countries and the several initiatives taken in recent years”. “President Murmu expressed her gratitude to the leadership of the UAE for hosting more than 3.5 million Indians,” the MEA said.

The Crown Prince also visited Rajghat and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He became the third-generation leader from the UAE to plant a sapling at Rajghat, following Sheikh Zayedbin Sultan Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE in 1992; and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in 2016.

The Crown Prince will visit Mumbai Tuesday and participate in an India-UAE Business Forum. A soft launch on the commencement of work on the India-UAE virtual trade corridor and MAITRI interface to facilitate VTC will also take place in Mumbai on Tuesday.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL: SPACE RECORDS: Historic first! India’s Chandrayaan-3 records more than 50 moonquakes. Here’s what it means

The researchers have identified more than 50 instances in which it was observed that the seismic signal had significant amplitude in comparison to the expected background levels.

In a historic achievement, Chandrayaan-3 became the first lunar mission to have detected more than 250 seismic signatures from the south pole of the Moon, since the Apollo missions.

These 250 seismic signals included 50 unique signals that are likely to have links with moonquakes, which refer to the earthquake on the lunar soil.
 
This is the first time seismic data has been collected from the South Pole of the lunar surface and also the first time such an activity has been recorded since the Apollo missions.

According to the media reports, 250 seismic signatures have been detected by the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) aboard the Vikram Lander during its operational period from August 24 to September 4, 2023, between the coordinates of 69.37 degrees south and 32.32 degrees east.

In 2023, the India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that the ILSA payload on Chandrayaan 3 Lander has been able to record the movements of Rover and other payloads.

The ILSA payload is the first Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology-based instrument on the moon that utilises sensors manufactured with cutting-edge silicon micromachining technology.

All about 250 seismic signals detected by Chandrayaan-3

Among the 250 seismic signals, nearly 200 of them were said to have been produced by different mission activities like the Pragyan rover’s movements or the operation of scientific instruments like the ChaSTE thermal probe or Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS).

However, the remaining 50 signals were classified as “uncorrelated” and the scientists were not able to draw a connection between them and any mission-related activities. This raised the possibility of these signals being produced from real moonquakes.

These findings related to the moonquakes were mentioned in a recent paper published in ICARUS, which is a famous scientific journal.

Commenting on the findings, LEOS Director Sriram said, “Out of the 250 seismic events, about 200 correlate with Pragyan’s movements or other instrument operations. The remaining 50 signals do not align with any known activities, warranting further investigation to understand their origins.”

The study emphasised that the longest continuous seismic signal recorded had lasted 14 minutes.

(With inputs from agencies)

source/content: wionews.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: WEST ASIA: EAM to attend first India-GCC foreign ministers meet in Riyadh on September 8-9

Jaishankar will travel to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, on September 8-9 to attend the first India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting. During the visit, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, will be in Saudi Arabia, Germany and Switzerland from September 8 to 13, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

Jaishankar will travel to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, on September 8-9 to attend the first India–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting. During the visit, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from GCC member countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that “India and the GCC enjoy a deep and multifaceted relationship, in areas including political, trade & investment, energy cooperation, cultural and people – to – people ties. The GCC region has emerged as a major trading partner for India and is home to a large Indian expatriate community, numbering around 8.9 million. The Foreign Ministers meeting will be an opportunity to review and deepen institutional cooperation between India and the GCC across various sectors.”

On the second leg of the visit, Jaishankar will travel to Berlin, Germany for a 2 – day visit from 10 – 11 September. This will be his 3rd visit as Minister to Berlin.

“Both India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership and Germany is one of India’s prominent trading partners and among the largest Foreign Direct Investors,” the MEA said.

During the visit, MEA said that Jaishankar will meet the German Federal Foreign Minister as well as the leadership and other ministers from the German government with an objective to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations between India and Germany.

The External Affairs Minister will thereafter travel to Geneva, Switzerland for an official visit on September 12-13.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SCIENCE & HEALTH : VACCINES: Chhattisgarh scientists develop new biomarkers to predict Covid severity

The new biomarkers have been designed to diagnose early stages of infection in patients who are affected with severe COVID-19 illness.

In a major breakthrough, the scietist of the Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit (MRU) in Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar hospital, Raipur, have introduced the country’s first-ever bio marker kit that could provide early-stage severity assessment of Covid.

The research, published in Scientific Reports, a journal by the Nature Publishing Group, holds promise for enhancing patient care during the pandemic. The new biomarkers have been designed to diagnose early stages of infection in patients who are affected with severe COVID-19 illness. With the help of an invented kit, doctors will be able to decide whether it is necessary to hospitalise the patient or he can recover at home through medicines.

Under the headship of Dr Jagannath Pal, the team utilising leftover samples from routine Covid-19 tests, has developed a method with impressive accuracy-boasting a sensitivity of 91 per cent and a specificity of 94 per cent in non-comorbid.

The MRU’s research also aligns with the Prime Minister’s “Make in India” initiative. The project was supported by the health administration of Chhattisgarh and funded by the Department of Health Research (DHR), Government of India.

How the kit works

The test results determine the response of adaptive immunity to new virus infection. The test required input of leftover RNA followed by the routine COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR. Complementary DNA is prepared from RNA samples by reverse transcription.

The complementary DNA is used for subsequent qPCR reactions to determine the expression of the signature genes. By analyzing the level of the genes we determine a “Severity Score”. If the score is lower than a cut-off value it indicates the good immune response (T-cell) suggesting low risk and the patient could recover without the requirement of advanced medical facility or extra drug treatments. If the score is higher than a cut-off value it indicates a poor immune response (T-cell) suggesting high risk and patients may require advanced medical facility or extra drug treatments for recovery. The same test could be used for other virus infection also.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)