The article discusses the evolving landscape of warfare, particularly focusing on the increasing use of drones in military operations, as demonstrated by recent events involving Ukraine and Pakistan. It emphasizes the shift towards asymmetric drone warfare, the historical context of drone usage, the implications for air defense strategies, and how countries, including India, are adapting to these threats.

Summary:

• Background on Drones in Warfare:

  • Drones have been part of military operations since World War II, gaining prominence in the 1990s after successful deployments in the Gulf War.
  • The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2020 highlighted drones' game-changing capabilities, influencing global military tactics.

• Recent Events:

  • On June 1, 2023, Ukraine executed Operation Spider’s Web using 100–150 FPV drones targeting five Russian airfields, reportedly damaging over 40 aircraft and causing losses of around $7 billion.
  • Earlier, in May 2023, Pakistan utilized drone swarms for attacks along the Indian western front, designed to overwhelm air defenses.

• Characteristics of Drone Warfare:

  • Modern military drones include various types, from semi-autonomous swarms to advanced AI-driven UAVs capable of real-time tactical decisions.
  • Swarm drones operate in coordinated groups, increasing resilience and effectiveness against air defenses.

• Market Dynamics:

  • The global military drone market was valued at $14.14 billion in 2023, projected to reach $47.16 billion by 2032.

• Threat Assessment:

  • Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan highlighted the emerging threats of small, undetectable drones which require new strategic thinking and integration across security frameworks, including local intelligence operations.

• Countermeasures Against Drone Threats:

  • Effective defense against drones incorporates detection systems like AESA radars and electro-optical sensors. Traditional kinetic measures (missiles, anti-aircraft guns) prove costly against swarm attacks.
  • Alternatives include:
    • Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): Utilize lasers and microwaves to disable drones.
    • Electronic Warfare (EW): Jamming signals to disrupt drone operations.
    • Interceptor drones and nets for close-range neutralizations.

• India’s Response to Drone Threats:

  • Since 2020, India has enhanced its counter-drone capabilities with systems such as:
    • Akashteer: Air Defense Control System for integrated tracking.
    • Bhargavastra: A micro-rocket system designed to combat swarm attacks.
    • DRDO’s Anti-Drone System: Offering advanced detection and neutralization capabilities.
    • Indrajaal: An AI-powered system for comprehensive aerial defense.

• Strategic Future of Warfare:

  • The global race for advanced drone technology and countermeasures is intensifying. Countries are ramping up capabilities to both deploy drones and defend against them.
  • General Chauhan remarks on the need for a layered defense system in an era where battles may increasingly involve autonomous machines.

Important Points:

• Major incidents involving drone warfare occurred in June 2023 in Ukraine and May 2023 in Pakistan.
• Drones are reshaping military strategies globally, with an emphasis on asymmetric warfare.
• The global military drone market is expected to nearly quadruple in the next decade.
• India is enhancing its counter-drone capabilities and integrating indigenous technology.
• The future of warfare will likely see a significant shift towards autonomous and AI-driven military operations.

The article discusses significant advancements in the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) within the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on prenatal care and forensic medicine in India.

Key Developments in AI and Healthcare:

• AI Model for Fetal Age Prediction:

  • Researchers from IIT-Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute have developed an AI model named Garbhini-GA2, which predicts fetal age using ultrasonography images.
  • The model was trained on ultrasonography scans from approximately 3,500 pregnant women at Gurugram Civil Hospital, Haryana, with testing conducted on an additional 1,500 and 1,000 scans from the same and another hospital, respectively.
  • The model’s error margin was only half a day, outperforming the current standard method, Hadlock’s formula, which can misestimate fetal age by up to seven days in Indian populations.

• High-Risk Pregnancies:

  • A 2023 study published in the Journal of Global Health indicates that nearly 50% of pregnancies in India are classified as high-risk due to conditions like severe anemia and high blood pressure.
  • Auxiliary Nurse-Midwives (ANMs) play a critical role in monitoring these high-risk pregnancies, particularly in rural areas.

• Training Initiatives:

  • An NGO called ARMMAN, in collaboration with UNICEF and state governments, has initiated programs to train ANMs in the management of high-risk pregnancies through classroom and digital learning.
  • The introduction of an AI chatbot aims to assist ANMs by answering queries with a 94% positive feedback rate.

• Virtual Autopsy:

  • Dr. Amar Jyoti Patowary is pioneering the use of virtual autopsies (or virtopsies) in forensic medicine, which utilize CT and MRI technology to create 3D representations of deceased individuals.
  • This method is gaining traction as it allows doctors to conduct postmortem examinations more rapidly and less invasively compared to traditional methods.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Data Privacy and Legal Framework:

  • The Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 govern health data protection, though they do not specifically address AI technologies.
  • Concerns regarding automation bias are highlighted, emphasizing the need for health professionals to maintain a balance between AI recommendations and their clinical judgment.

• Limitations of AI:

  • Issues with AI include data and automation bias, privacy concerns, and the technology struggling with regional language variations, affecting the accuracy of voice recognition in healthcare applications.

• Case Studies on AI Reliability:

  • Research indicates that reliance on AI can lead to reduced accuracy among healthcare professionals, reinforcing the importance of training health workers on the limitations of AI tools.

Future Outlook:

• While the integration of AI in healthcare presents opportunities for enhanced, equitable, and faster care in India, it stresses the necessity for a strong regulatory framework, rigorous training for healthcare providers, and improved data governance to mitigate the inherent risks associated with AI in clinical settings.

Summary Points:

• AI model Garbhini-GA2 significantly improves fetal age prediction accuracy.
• High-risk pregnancies represent a serious concern in India, necessitating trained healthcare workers.
• Initiatives by ARMMAN are enhancing the capabilities of ANMs through technology.
• Virtual autopsies are evolving forensic methods, providing faster and insightful results.
• Concerns remain regarding data privacy, automation bias, and the need for regulatory frameworks.

The Axiom-4 Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), which was scheduled to launch on Wednesday from Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral, Florida, has been postponed due to a technical fault. This mission is notable as it includes a diverse crew of four astronauts: American Peggy Whitson, Indian Shubhanshu Shukla, Polish Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian Tibor Kapu. Shukhla will mark a significant milestone by becoming only the second Indian to venture into space.

Key Components of the Launch:

• Spacecraft and Rocket: The mission will utilize SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched by the Falcon 9 rocket, which is designed for low Earth orbit activities.

• Launch Logistics: Prior to a mission, scientists need to select an optimum launch window and calculate trajectories considering the dynamic nature of celestial bodies to ensure efficiency concerning fuel and time.

• Rendezvous and Docking Process:

  1. The Dragon spacecraft, traveling at a speed of around 28,000 km/h towards the ISS, must undertake a series of phasing maneuvers using its 16 Draco thrusters capable of generating 90 pounds of thrust each.
  2. The typical travel time for Dragon to reach the ISS from launchpad is approximately 28 hours. In contrast, other missions, like those conducted by Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft, can complete this in about 8 hours due to their longer operational history and established systems.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket:

• Design: The Falcon 9 is a partially reusable rocket that comprises two stages: the first stage boasting nine Merlin engines and the second stage containing a single Merlin engine.
• Operation: During launch, the first stage re-enters the atmosphere and lands back, while the second stage continues towards its intended orbit, releasing the Dragon capsule.

Docking Procedure:

• Final Approach: Upon nearing the ISS, the Dragon spacecraft makes contact with the space station’s systems to verify its docking plan. It enters a designated "keep-out sphere" of 200 meters around the ISS for final alignment.
• Autonomous Docking: The capsule employs an autonomous docking system aided by GPS, cameras, and Lidar sensors that collect data to guide its trajectory. Astronauts aboard can manually control the spacecraft if necessary.
• Post-Docking Procedures: After docking, it takes 1 to 2 hours for the spacecraft to stabilize before the astronauts can safely enter the ISS through transfer gates.

Conclusion:

The Axiom-4 mission exemplifies advancements in space exploration technologies and international collaboration in scientific research, while highlighting the meticulous planning necessary for success in space travel. The postponement of the launch serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in space missions.

Important Points:

• Axiom-4 Mission postponed due to a technical fault.
• Crew includes astronauts from the USA, India, Poland, and Hungary.
• Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the second Indian in space.
• SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 rocket utilized for the mission.
• Spacecraft requires a calculated launch window to align with the ISS's orbit.
• Dragon takes approximately 28 hours to reach ISS; Soyuz takes about 8 hours.
• Docking involves autonomous systems for precision alignment.
• Post-docking involves safety checks before astronaut transfer into the ISS.

The recent launch of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Axiom-4 mission represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts, establishing new capabilities within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This mission exemplifies India's growing prowess in the global space sector and lays the groundwork for the anticipated Gaganyaan human spaceflight initiative.

Key Highlights:

• Mission Overview: Shubhanshu Shukla is participating in the Axiom-4 mission, an important step forward for ISRO and India's ambitions in human spaceflight. His journey to the ISS marks the first Indian astronaut visit to this space station.

• Legacy of Rakesh Sharma: Reflecting on Rakesh Sharma's 1984 space mission as the first Indian in space, it is noted that Shukla's mission is fundamentally different due to the advanced infrastructure now available within ISRO and a clear roadmap for human space exploration.

• Importance of Gaganyaan: The upcoming Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space, originally scheduled for 2022, but has faced delays. Shukla’s experiences during Axiom-4 will provide critical insights that will enhance the safety and protocol adaptations needed for Gaganyaan.

• Complexity of Human Spaceflight: Human spaceflight is significantly more challenging than uncrewed missions, requiring stringent safety measures. Shukla's role as the designated pilot will involve making critical decisions during the flight, providing practical experience that will be invaluable for future Indian astronauts.

• Scientific Contributions: The Axiom-4 mission includes experiments designed by ISRO that address biological and technological challenges, such as studying muscle behavior in zero-gravity to separate the effects of gravity on muscle degradation. These experiments are curated to cater to Indian scientific needs.

• Future Prospects: After Gaganyaan, ISRO plans to pursue the establishment of its own space station, a long-term infrastructural project that will benefit from Shukla's insights gained from the ISS.

• Economic Impacts: Shukla’s mission is expected to promote a vibrant space economy in India, which currently holds a mere 2% of the $500 billion global space market. India aims to boost this to at least 10% by encouraging private sector participation, ultimately aiming for greater innovation and growth in the space sector.

• Inspiring Future Generations: The visibility of such missions is anticipated to inspire young students and foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, reflecting the transition from isolated achievements to a more integrated effort in space exploration.

Summary:

The successful launch of Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS represents a new chapter in India's space exploration journey. It underscores the advancements made since the days of Rakesh Sharma and illustrates ISRO's strategic commitment to safely executing human spaceflights through comprehensive training and real-world experiences. As India prepares for the Gaganyaan mission and further ventures, the emphasis on fostering a robust space economy and inspiring future generations remains paramount.

Shukhla's participation aligns with India's broader goals to enhance its standing in the global space market while nurturing talent in the field, paving the way for ambitious missions like a future Moon landing planned by 2040.

In June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United States, India and the US announced plans to finalize a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation. This partnership aims to enable an Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) by 2024, marking a significant leap in India's space exploration efforts. The decision was unexpected, as prior to this announcement, it was anticipated that India's first astronaut would be launched under the Gaganyaan mission, which has been under development since 2018. Although the original target to send humans to space by 2022 could not be met, the astronaut training programs and necessary systems are in an advanced stage.

Key Points:

• Timeline and Context:

  • June 2023: Modi's visit to Washington led to the announcement of a human spaceflight cooperation framework with the US.
  • Indian astronaut expected to reach the ISS by 2024.
  • Initial plans had focused on the Gaganyaan mission for human spaceflight, which faced delays from an initial target of 2022.

• Significance of the Collaboration:

  • Only three nations—US, Russia, and China—currently possess independent human spaceflight capabilities.
  • The 2023 announcement enhances preparations for Gaganyaan and provides real-life experience for Indian astronauts.

• Historical Background and Previous Collaborations:

  • The announcement resulted from several years of collaborative discussions between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
  • A joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission has also been in preparation, signifying a strengthened partnership aiming for a launch from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

• Formal Agreements:

  • Following the June visit, India signed the Artemis Accords—principles for responsible space exploration initiated by the US—facilitating unprecedented cooperation in space endeavors.

• Invitation from Axiom Space:

  • Axiom Space, a US-based private space company, subsequently invited India to participate in its crewed missions to the ISS as part of a private sector initiative endorsed by NASA.
  • Axiom's prior launches have included multinational crew missions, emphasizing the growing role of the private sector in space exploration.

• Mission Insights:

  • Axiom-4 mission, themed ‘Realize the Return’, will involve Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, with renowned former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson serving again as the commander. The mission signifies a return to space for countries like India, Hungary, and Poland, which have not sent astronauts since the 1980s.

This evolving space partnership between India and the US represents a strategic alignment fostering innovation and cooperative exploration of outer space, while contributing to India’s aspirations of bolstering its stature in international aerospace activities. Potential impacts include enhanced technological capabilities, economic benefits through participation in commercial space ventures, and an expanded workforce skilled in space sciences and engineering.

Additional Information on Indian Space Programs:

• Gaganyaan mission: Years of preparation under ISRO's initiative have included the selection and training of Indian astronauts.
• Previous missions: India has built reputation through successful missions like Chandrayaan (lunar exploration) and Mangalyaan (Martian explorer).

In summary, this space collaboration not only facilitates immediate opportunities for astronauts but also sets a robust framework for India's future endeavors in human spaceflight and deeper involvement in global space exploration initiatives.

In a historical narrative tracing the evolution of black hole theory, the article highlights the contributions of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and others in understanding these cosmic phenomena. The journey from the early theoretical concepts rooted in general relativity to current scientific acceptance involves critical milestones and discoveries.

Summary

1. Chandrasekhar's Early Contributions (1930): At 19, Chandrasekhar introduced groundbreaking mathematical insights regarding stars collapsing under their gravity. His theories posited that stars above a certain mass could not prevent their collapse, leading to the formation of black holes, remarkably dense objects from which light cannot escape.

2. Initial Rejection of Black Holes: Theoretical acceptance took time, with prominent physicist Arthur Eddington critiquing Chandrasekhar’s ideas during their presentation in London. At that time, even Albert Einstein regarded such extreme outcomes as improbable.

3. Foundational Theories: Before Chandrasekhar, Karl Schwarzschild derived the first exact solution to Einstein's equations of general relativity, elucidating the concept of the Schwarzschild radius, which mathematically defined conditions under which light could not escape gravitational pull.

4. Defining Black Holes: Black holes are regions where gravity is so intense that nothing, including light, can escape. Central to black holes is the singularity, which marks the breakdown of current physical laws, while the event horizon is the critical boundary beyond which escape is impossible.

5. Types of Black Holes:

   • Stellar-Mass Black Holes: Form when massive stars (over eight solar masses) exhaust their nuclear fuel, leading to core collapse. If the remaining core mass exceeds approximately three solar masses, a black hole forms.
   • Intermediate-Mass Black Holes: These black holes range from 100 to 10,000 solar masses. They are hypothesized to form through the merging of smaller black holes or in dense star clusters.
   • Supermassive Black Holes: Found at the centers of large galaxies, including the Milky Way, these black holes can be millions to billions of times more massive than the Sun, potentially originating from complex evolutionary processes in the universe.

6. Milestones in Black Hole Research: The first image of a black hole (M87) was captured by the Event Horizon Telescope in 2019. The Milky Way's central black hole, Sagittarius A*, is estimated to be about four million solar masses and played a significant role in influencing galactic structures.

7. Importance of Black Holes: Modern understanding acknowledges black holes not just as endpoints, but as entities that play a vital role in cosmic dynamics. The matter falling into black holes generates immense energy, forming accretion disks that can outshine entire galaxies. They also emit jets of particles and produce gravitational waves, which have broadened the observational spectrum of cosmic events since their first detection in 2015.

8. Recognition of Chandrasekhar: Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his contributions, transforming his earlier controversial findings into fundamental principles of astrophysics.

9. Broader Implications: The study of black holes prompts reflections on the nature of the universe, illustrating that even large, incredibly luminous stars may eventually succumb to silence, highlighting the mysteries that persist in understanding fundamental forces shaping existence.

Key Points

• Chandrasekhar’s 1930 journey led to the foundational theory of black holes.
• Initial resistance from the scientific community, including perspectives from Eddington and Einstein.
• Different types of black holes (stellar-mass, intermediate-mass, supermassive) have been categorized based on their formation and characteristics.
• The pivotal discovery of black holes' influence on galaxy structure and evolution.
• Chandrasekhar’s acknowledgment with a Nobel Prize underscores the transition of black holes from theoretical curiosities to essential components of astrophysical science.

The launch of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed due to a technical issue, specifically a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. SpaceX announced this delay on Wednesday, indicating that the new launch date would be shared soon once the repairs are completed. This mission is significant as it is set to send Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS, marking a historic moment as he will be the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma's journey in the 1980s.

Key points from the article:

• Mission Postponement: The Axiom-4 mission, which was scheduled for launch, has been delayed due to an LOx leak detected during a static fire test of the Falcon 9 rocket.
• SpaceX Statement: SpaceX confirmed the standing down from the launch to allow time for repairs on the LOx leak and indicated a new launch date would be announced once rectifications were complete and range availability was confirmed.
• Indian Astronaut: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of the mission and is poised to be India’s second astronaut in space, following Rakesh Sharma.
• Collaborative Efforts: The mission is a collaborative venture involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NASA, and SpaceX, and aims to conduct various customized experiments aboard the ISS, benefitting India's future space missions.
• ISRO's Involvement: ISRO clarified that the delay stems from the detection of the LOX leak during a seven-second hot test carried out as part of the launch vehicle preparation to validate the Falcon 9 launch vehicle's performance.
• Ongoing Delays: This marks the fourth delay for the Axiom-4 mission. The launch had previously been rescheduled to June 11, 2025, due to unfavorable weather conditions including high chances of rain and strong winds.
• Mission Duration: Astronauts participating in the Axiom-4 mission will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, focusing on experiments related to microgravity and life sciences.

The Axiom-4 mission's postponement underlines the complexities and challenges involved in space missions. The technical issues encountered also highlight the importance of rigorous safety checks and validations necessary for human spaceflights. Efforts to correct the identified leak will precede further preparations for the launch, ensuring the integrity and safety of the mission that encompasses scientific advancements and international cooperation in space exploration.

Summary: Researchers Discover Potential Methods to Extend Female Fertility

Researchers at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), under the leadership of Prasad Rao, have made a groundbreaking discovery that may offer new strategies to extend female fertility. The study, published in the journal Aging Cell on June 11, 2025, highlights the role of a cellular protein called 'Cathepsin B' (Cat B) in the aging of ovaries.

Key Findings:

• Research Focus: The research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms behind reproductive aging.
• Methodology: The team conducted experiments using live mouse models and cultured goat ovaries.
• Key Discovery: Reducing the activity of Cathepsin B was found to help preserve the ovarian reserve, the finite pool of egg cells (oocytes) that females possess at birth. Unlike sperm, oocytes are not regenerated.

Implications of the Findings:

• Decline in Fertility: As women age, particularly after their early 30s, there is a natural decline in the quantity and quality of their oocytes due to factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular degradation, which is expedited with age. This culminates in an increased risk of infertility, miscarriage, and chromosomal disorders in women over 40.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Although options such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) exist, they can be costly, invasive, and less effective in older women. Therefore, the potential of a safe biological method to slow ovarian aging could transform fertility preservation techniques for women.
• Impact on Agriculture: The findings also have significant implications for livestock management. An intervention that extends the reproductive lifespan of livestock could enhance herd productivity, mitigate stray cattle populations, and bolster the incomes of smallholder farmers in India, thus addressing rural economic sustainability.

Wider Context:

• Social Relevance: The findings reflect a broader societal issue where both human and livestock fertility is declining. This research connects animal science with human reproductive health, marking a potentially transformative moment for managing fertility across different contexts.
• Expert Commentary: G. Taru Sharma, NIAB director, emphasized the profound implications of this research as it addresses the dual challenges of rural sustainability and reproductive health in India.

Conclusion:

This discovery by the NIAB team signifies a notable advancement in the understanding of reproductive aging and suggests practical applications that could benefit both human health and agricultural productivity. By addressing the biological mechanisms of fertility decline, it opens up possibilities for innovative solutions to an increasingly pressing issue.

Important Points:

• NIAB's Discovery: Focus on Cathepsin B to slow reproductive aging, preserving ovarian reserve.
• Research Methods: Experiments on mouse models and goat ovaries.
• Significance: Understanding and potentially mitigating the decline in fertility in women and livestock, linking health and agriculture.
• Potential Solutions: Safe biological methods could enhance fertility preservation.
• Broader Implications: Affects rural economies and addresses fertility crises.
• Publication: Research published in Aging Cell on June 11, 2025.

This research exemplifies the intersection of scientific inquiry and practical applications that could reshape reproductive health paradigms in India and beyond.

On April 3, 1984, Rakesh Sharma, an Indian Air Force officer, became the first Indian citizen to travel to space aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Soviet Kazakhstan. His voyage marked a significant landmark in the history of India-Soviet relations and was part of the Soviet Interkosmos program designed to enhance cooperative relationships through joint space ventures.

Key Facts:

• Mission Context: Sharma's mission was pivotal in the backdrop of the 1960s-1980s Cold War dynamics, during which India gravitated towards the Soviet Union. The Interkosmos initiative sent 17 non-Soviet astronauts/ cosmonauts into space between 1978 and 1991.

• Selection & Training: In 1980, Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev proposed a joint space mission to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which was officially confirmed a year later. The selection of Rakesh Sharma and fellow IAF pilot Ravish Malhotra for the mission was entrusted to the Indian Air Force, leading to their rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, near Moscow, starting September 1982.

• Launch and Voyage: The Soyuz T-11 lifted off at 6:38 PM IST on April 3, 1984, making Sharma the 138th individual to enter space and India the 14th nation to send a person into space. The craft docked with the Salyut 7 space station approximately 25 hours later.

• Duration in Space: The crew spent a week conducting various scientific experiments, including the "Terra experiment," which involved photographing India's geographical resources to assist in resource management and environmental studies. Other experiments focused on understanding microgravity's effects on materials and human physiology, including a unique study assessing yoga's impact on acclimatization to weightlessness.

• Symbolic Significance: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi hailed the mission as a proof of constructive cooperation between India and the USSR. The journey was also filled with symbolic gestures, such as taking soil from Raj Ghat and Indian foods for consumption, emphasizing national pride amidst an evolving Indian space program.

• Historical Impact: Despite limited direct benefits for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at that time, Rakesh Sharma's journey served as an inspirational moment for millions of Indians, symbolizing national identity and the potential for future advancements in science and technology.

• Return to Earth: The crew returned safely to Earth on April 11, 1984. During his time in space, Sharma made a notable televised interaction with Prime Minister Gandhi, famously declaring India's beauty from space as "Sare jahan se achcha" (better than the entire world), echoing a line from Iqbal's patriotic poem.

In summary, Rakesh Sharma’s space mission stands as a significant milestone not just in the context of India's growing collaboration with the Soviet Union during the Cold War but also as an emblem of national achievement and inspiration, laying the groundwork for future endeavors in the Indian space program.

Important Points:

• Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space on April 3, 1984.
• The mission was part of the Soviet Interkosmos program for international space cooperation.
• Training was conducted at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
• The Soyuz T-11 spacecraft lifted off at 6:38 PM IST.
• Sharma's crew conducted various scientific experiments, including a unique study on yoga and its effects in space.
• The mission boosted Indo-Soviet relations and evoked national pride in India.
• Returns to Earth were completed on April 11, 1984, making it a week-long mission.

Comprehensive Summary of Tardigrade Research at the International Space Station

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is conducting a notable experiment during his two-week stay at the International Space Station (ISS), which focuses on the study of tardigrades, also known as "water bears." The experiment, named the Voyager Tardigrades experiment, aims to explore the survival, revival, and reproductive capabilities of these microscopic organisms in outer space.

Overview of Tardigrades:

• Definition: Tardigrades are small, resilient aquatic animals measuring about 0.5 mm in length and possess four pairs of legs equipped with claws.
• Historical Significance: They have existed for over 600 million years, surviving all five major mass extinctions and are believed to outlast humanity.
• Habitat: Found globally, they thrive in various environments, particularly in the thin film of water on mosses and lichens, earning them the nickname “moss piglets.”

Scientific Importance:

• Resilience: Tardigrades are renowned for their ability to endure extreme conditions such as:

  • Temperatures ranging from -272.95°C to 150°C
  • High levels of ultraviolet radiation and extreme pressures, akin to those found 4 km underwater.
  • They can survive in a dormant state for decades, even after being frozen for 30 years.

• Mechanism of Survival: Their resilience is attributed to cryptobiosis, allowing them to halt their metabolism under stress. The state of anhydrobiosis is characterized by a loss of over 95% of their water content. They enter a durable state known as tun, alongside producing special proteins such as cytoplasmic-abundant heat soluble (CAHS) proteins, which protect their cellular structures.

Objectives of the Voyager Tardigrades Experiment:

• The experiment will assess the tardigrades' biological processes post-irradiation and microgravity exposure after being revived from their tun state.
• Scientists aim to identify the genes responsible for their remarkable survival traits, enhancing understanding relevant to:
  • Protecting astronauts from space radiation.
  • Preventing muscle and bone density loss during long-term space missions.
  • Advancing preservation techniques for biological materials in space.

Historical Context of Tardigrades in Space:

• Tardigrades were first sent to space in 2007 aboard the European Space Agency's Foton-M3 mission. They were successfully rehydrated upon return to Earth, demonstrating a remarkable survival rate despite exposure to space's harsh environment, essentially establishing tardigrades as the first animals to endure space exposure without protective gear.

Potential Applications of Research:

• Insights from tardigrade studies could lead to:
  • Development of hardier crops to aid in food security.
  • Creation of advanced sunscreens to combat UV radiation.
  • Improved preservation methods for human tissues and organs for transplantation.

Conclusion:

The ongoing research into tardigrades at the ISS represents a significant intersection of astrobiology, genetics, and potential applications for human space travel and biological preservation, underscoring the remarkable adaptability of life forms even in extraterrestrial environments.

Key Points:

• Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS experiment focuses on tardigrades to understand resilience.
• Tardigrades have existed for 600 million years, surviving extreme conditions.
• Their survival is linked to cryptobiosis and anhydrobiosis.
• The Voyager Tardigrades experiment aims to explore gene expression related to resilience in space.
• Previous experiments since 2007 have proven the survival and reproduction capabilities of tardigrades in space.
• Outcomes may benefit astronauts and medical science significantly.

Summary of the ITU FG-AINN Meeting in New Delhi

India has taken a significant step in advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in telecommunications by hosting the third meeting of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence Native for Telecommunication Networks (FG-AINN) in New Delhi from June 11-13, 2025. The event is organized by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Key Highlights:

• Bharat Gen Initiative: India is promoting AI in telecommunications through initiatives like ‘Bharat Gen,’ which is the country's first government-funded, indigenously developed AI-based multimodal large language model designed for Indian languages. This aims to enhance inclusivity in digital communication.

• Importance of AI in Telecom: Mr. Sanjeev Bidwai, a member of the DoT, addressed how AI-Native Networks (AI-NN) signify a transformative shift in telecom infrastructure, allowing for better functionality through intelligent orchestration and adaptive solutions. Emphasis was placed on ethical and secure deployment of AI technologies.

• International Participation: Contributions from global ITU officials, including Mr. Seizo Onoe and Ms. Atsuo Okuda, underscored the potential of AI-native networks in enabling next-generation telecom through intelligent automation. The discourse also highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region is pivotal for digital innovation.

• India’s Nomination and Bid: During this meeting, India requested support for its candidacy to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030 (PP-30) and nominated Ms. M. Revathi as the first woman and first Regional candidate for Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (2027–2030).

• Objectives of FG-AINN: Established in July 2024 under ITU-T Study Group 13, FG-AINN seeks to explore network architecture changes necessary for leveraging AI technologies fully. Its goal is to redefine telecom networks, embedding AI to create self-optimizing, resilient systems that improve connectivity.

• Focus on Future Applications: The meeting is set to facilitate discussions around various cutting-edge topics, including:

  • Federated learning for telecom operations.
  • AI/ML models applicable to next-gen wireless systems.
  • Deployment of AI in potential 6G applications.
  • Development of autonomous AI agents and enhanced SIM verification processes.

• Collaboration and Innovation: A collaborative Build-a-Thon will occur on June 13, 2025, where experts from academia and industry will co-create AI-native solutions, aiming to foster international cooperation and advance research in intelligent communication systems.

• Expected Outcomes: The FG-AINN meeting intends to produce actionable insights to advance AI-native network research, establish future standards, and support the global telecom industry in moving toward more intelligent systems that can meet diverse public needs.

Conclusion:

The ITU FG-AINN meeting in New Delhi represents a pivotal moment for India in its quest to integrate AI into telecom, addressing future needs while reinforcing its leadership role in global telecommunications. The discussions and collaborations initiated here will shape the trajectory for next-generation communication networks on an international scale.

Important Points:

• Event: ITU FG-AINN Meeting, New Delhi (June 11-13, 2025)
• Organized By: Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
• Key Participants: Industry leaders, DoT officials, global ITU representatives
• Goals:
  • Drive AI-native network research.
  • Foster a collaborative approach to AI in telecommunications.
  • Establish India’s position in global telecom leadership.
• Future Initiatives: FG-AINN Build-a-Thon (June 13, 2025) aimed at developing practical AI solutions.
• Strategic Importance: Enhance infrastructure to deliver seamless connectivity and support emerging use cases across various sectors.

The article discusses a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature on April 30, 2025, which reveals an innovative and sustainable method for nickel extraction using hydrogen plasma instead of carbon. Conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany, the study aims to address the environmental impact of traditional nickel extraction processes that are carbon-intensive and inefficient.

Key Findings:

• Nickel is a critical metal in various green technologies, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs). However, conventional extraction processes emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with over 20 tonnes emitted per tonne of nickel produced.
• The new method proposed in the study utilizes hydrogen plasma, which can significantly reduce carbon emissions by up to 84% and increase energy efficiency by approximately 18%. This is done through a one-step process that replaces carbon with hydrogen as the reducing agent.
• The research focuses on laterite ores, rich in nickel, which traditionally have been challenging to process. The method effectively extracts nickel from lower-grade ores, thereby unlocking the potential of underutilized resources.

Process Overview:

• The innovative extraction technique involves heating nickel oxide with hydrogen plasma produced by high-energy electrons. This process operates in an electric arc furnace, resulting in pure nickel and water as the only byproduct.
• The researchers highlight the kinetics of the reaction, explaining that hydrogen's reactivity in plasma state improves the process speed and efficiency while eliminating carbon dioxide emissions.

Implications for India and the Global Context:

• India is noted for its substantial reserves of nickel laterite, particularly in the Sukinda region of Odisha. The adoption of this new extraction method could bolster local industrial growth while aligning with India’s climate goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• The technology could help India leverage its mineral resources better, reducing its reliance on imports of high-grade ores and maximizing domestic production potential.
• The study’s authors underline the urgency for nations like India to balance economic development with sustainability, as the demand for nickel is anticipated to exceed six million tonnes annually by 2040.

Challenges and Considerations:

• While the study presents an attractive alternative to existing nickel extraction methods, concerns regarding the scalability and implementation of the technology remain. High initial infrastructure investments and potential limitations in ore applicability are cited as significant hurdles.
• Further research is deemed necessary to explore the thermodynamic kinetics involved in the process and to establish a continuous supply of free oxygen species, critical for sustaining the reaction at an industrial scale.

Conclusion:

The study represents a pivotal advancement in sustainable mining practices, potentially transforming how nickel is extracted and addressing the environmental challenges associated with its production. The innovative approach aligns well with global and national sustainability efforts, highlighting an opportunity for greener technologies in the transition toward carbon neutrality.

Important Points:

• Date and Publication: Study published in Nature on April 30, 2025.
• Key Innovation: Hydrogen plasma extraction method reduces carbon emissions by 84%.
• Efficiency Gain: Method is 18% more energy-efficient compared to traditional processes.
• Focus on Laterite Ores: Technological advantage in processing underutilized nickel resources.
• Implications for India: Supports industrial growth, climate goals, and minimizes imports.
• Challenges: Scalability issues, high initial investment, and further research needed.

This study is instrumental in potentially shifting the paradigm of nickel extraction from an environmentally damaging practice to a sustainable and efficient method, positioning it as a promising solution for the burgeoning demand for clean technologies.