INDIAN DEEP SPACE NETWORK

ISRO completes Reusable Launch Vehicle technology demonstrations under challenging conditions

ISRO achieved a significant milestone with the successful third consecutive test of the Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment, demonstrating the autonomous landing capability of the launch vehicle under challenging conditions. Named 'Pushpak,' the winged vehicle executed cross-range correction maneuvers and a precise horizontal landing at the runway centerline after being released from an Indian Air Force Chinook Helicopter. This success reaffirms ISRO's expertise in acquiring critical technologies for the development of a Reusable Launch Vehicle.

Starlink, Project Kuiper requests for landing rights under process: IN-SPACe chairman

Both companies have yet to get permits to provide satcom services in India — their applications are pending before the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) — but Goenka said this would not delay the grant of landing rights to them by the space sector regulator.

India bags two more Lions at Cannes, total tally at 14

The total tally of metals won by the Indian contingent now stands at 14 at the time of going to press. Among the 59 shortlisted entries this year, Indian agencies have, so far, won two gold, five silver and seven bronze Lions. "We couldn't be prouder to take home a silver for our Mondelez Oreo #BringBack2011 campaign. This campaign is a powerful example of how creativity can play an effective role in driving business, fostering a deeper connection with the audiences and building the brand," said Rajdeepak Das, CCO Publicis Groupe-South Asia and chairman, Leo Burnett-South Asia.

Study finds direct impact of Yoga Nidra on deep relaxation, awareness

A study by researchers at IIT-Delhi, AIIMS, and Mahajan Imaging found that Yoga Nidra induces deep relaxation and heightened awareness, with more significant brain changes observed in experienced meditators. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology, the study explored how Yoga Nidra affects brain function, showing differences in Default Mode Network connectivity between meditators and novices. The practice is believed to help release buried subconscious patterns for improved health.

IN-SPACe announces launch of pre-incubation programme for space startups

IN-SPACe launches pre-incubation entrepreneurship programme to support early-stage space startups, chaired by Pawan Goenka.

India to become sixth country to have deep sea mission: Jitendra Singh

India is set to become the sixth country to have its own deep-sea mission, focusing on a resilient blue economy to empower people dependent on the ocean. The National Institute of Ocean Technology's Matsyayaan 6000 is a key development in this mission.

Russia boosts oil revenues as shipping and trading network grows

Russian oil exporters are selling oil to India at higher prices than at any time since the start of the Ukraine war, as more shippers and traders participate in the trade, weakening the impact of Western sanctions. The exporters have had to offer deep discounts to encourage shipping companies to move their crude since the invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, deals struck this month for Urals oil delivery to Indian refiners are at discounts of $3 to $3.50 per barrel to the global Brent crude benchmark, the narrowest since 2023.

Jio-SES JV Orbit Connect gets IN-SPACe authorisation to enter satcom space

Orbit Connect India, a joint venture between Reliance Jio Platforms and SES, has obtained crucial landing rights and market access authorizations from IN-SPACe, India's space regulator. This move positions Jio against Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Elon Musk's Starlink, and Amazon's Kuiper in India's satellite communications sector. Jio is also seeking trial satellite spectrum from the DoT for advanced trials on its nationwide satellite broadband network, aiming for an early allocation to begin trials.

India expresses deep concerns to Canada over providing political space to Anti-India forces

India to start talks for 26 Rafale Marine jets: Here's all about the 'omnirole' naval fighter plane

India and France will begin negotiations this week for a Rs 50,000 crore deal to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the INS Vikrant. The Rafale M was chosen for its compatibility with India's existing Rafale fleet, reducing maintenance costs. Capable of various missions, the Rafale M has a proven track record with the French military.

Cruel Summer: Rethinking how to live, work in a world that is getting warmer

As this year’s summer, with its extended heat waves and record temperatures, warns, how to adapt to a warmer world is no longer a hypothetical question. A new study by World Weather Attribution says climate change has made a 30-day heat wave in South Asia 45 times more likely and 0.85o C hotter. Experts say we need to rethink the kind of houses we live in and offices we construct, how we grow our crops and the way we look at the impact of heat on our bodies, even as we tackle reducing the use of fossil fuels.

CJI DY Chandrachud says Indian courts have come to be reimagined as democratic spaces of discourse

CJI Chandrachud emphasized the transformation of courts into democratic spaces of discourse due to COVID-19 challenges at the J20 summit in Brazil He highlighted the Supreme Court's Program to Fight Disinformation and the use of technology like SUVAS for translation and Digital Supreme Court Records for easy access to judgments. He stressed the importance of addressing inequalities in judicial processes and the need for sustained efforts to tackle issues like AI bias and misinformation.

TIPS 4.0 sparks deeptech innovation: Over 40 deeptech startups garner funding commitments

The 4th National Workshop on Technology Innovation in Cyber-Physical Systems was hosted by the Technology Innovation Hub for IoT & IoE (TIH-IoT) at IIT Bombay.

Election concerns weigh as only 11 smallcaps post double-digit weekly returns

Both the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices lost over 4% each. In the smallcap pack, 11 stocks rose, with CarTrade Tech leading with 24% returns.

Netweb Technologies starts commercial production at a new facility in Faridabad

Netweb Technologies launches high-end computing production at new Faridabad facility, aiming for Rs 2,000 crore turnover. Expansion plans include employee increase and international exports of Nvidia computers.

Behind ghost shopping malls, a new consumer trend glimmers

Ghost shopping malls with a vacancy rate of 40% or higher in 2023 are on the rise, with a 59% year-on-year increase in top 8 metros, resulting in 13.3 million sqft of retail space remaining vacant. The loss in value amounts to $800 million. High-grade malls are thriving due to premiumisation and a focus on consumer experience, leading to larger store sizes and better shopping experiences. New factory outlet malls are also set to surge in India.

Access to international orbital slots opens new doors for Indian satcom companies

Experts and industry executives said this will allow Indian players to tap surplus international satellite capacities to deliver satcom services at competitive rates in India.

Chandrayaan-3 launch delayed by 4 seconds to avoid collisions with debris, reveals ISRO report

ISRO's recent report discloses a 4-second launch delay for Chandrayaan-3 to prevent collisions with debris objects and satellites. The Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023 highlights space asset vulnerability to environmental hazards, emphasizing the need for Space Situational Awareness (SSA). The report also details India's satellite count, active deep space missions, satellite re-entries, and successful launches in 2023. ISRO implements collision avoidance maneuvers based on IS4OM/ISTRAC analyses to protect operational spacecraft.

IGX launches ssLNG contracts, to take gas availability beyond national grid

"The introduction of ssLNG contracts on IGX aims to address the growing gas demand from industries and CGD (City Gas Distribution) companies that do not have access to pipeline networks," IGX said in a statement.

CDS asks military, DRDO to work with startups to get cutting-edge space tech to reduce gap with adversaries

In an effort to boost collaboration between the Indian space and defence sectors, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan today asked the three defence forces and DRDO to engage with the Space industry and startups to develop cutting-edge technology to reduce the gap with the adversaries.

NASA's big experiment: This cat video streamed 19 million miles from deep space

NASA achieved a remarkable milestone by beaming a cat video from deep space, covering an astounding distance of 19 million miles. This achievement was part of a comprehensive test for the Deep Space Network (DSN) and showcased the effectiveness of Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) in facilitating communication with spacecraft in distant cosmic territories. The selection of a cat video, starring Taters the cat, exemplified NASA's innovative and relatable approach to testing communication technologies in the vast expanse of space.

Armed forces line up Rs 25,000 crore to boost defence space capabilities: CDS Gen Chauhan

Indian armed forces allocate Rs 25,000 crore for defence space requirements including surveillance satellites and secure communications networks. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan urges private space sector to help make India self-reliant in this sector. He emphasizes the need for developing ISR capabilities, multi-sensor satellites, launch-on-demand services, and a robust ground station network. Gen Chauhan also highlights the importance of indigenous PNT services and strengthening the NAVIC constellation.

Human spaceflight tests, deep ocean exploration: 2024 packed year for Indian science

After a successful moon landing, India gears up for ambitious space endeavors in 2024, including human spaceflight and lunar sample return missions. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans the launch of XPoSat to study X-rays and black holes. NISAR, a USD 1.2 billion collaboration with NASA, aims to study climate change.