Shubhanshu Shukla shares space experience with NDA cadets

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared his experience related to his stay at the International Space Station with cadets of the National Defence Academy, an official said on Thursday.

“An informative, motivating and inspiring talk by Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla was held for the cadets of National Defence Academy, #NDA,” said a post by the Headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff.

“During the interactive session, the #IAF fighter pilot and recipient of #AshokChakra shared his experiences of the arduous #space training curriculum and the time spent at the International Space Station,” said the post.

The officer underscored the significant role NDA played in facilitating his trajectory into space and impressed upon the cadets on the importance of perseverance, resilience and self-discipline in goal accomplishment, said the statement.

Shukla was conferred with the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry honour, by President Droupadi Murmu during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path.

He travelled to the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission and undertook his space flight in 2025. After Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, he became the second Indian astronaut to travel to space.

He has been honoured for displaying exceptional courage, swift decision-making and unwavering commitment to duty during the mission.

During his stay in space, Shukla conducted several research experiments and also carried out agricultural trials. He successfully cultivated fenugreek and mung beans in space.

Experts believe his journey will inspire future generations, demonstrating that no goal is unattainable with determination and inner strength.

Despite extremely challenging conditions, he ensured the successful completion of the mission. His professional excellence, leadership and calm decision-making have been recognised through this prestigious honour.

His achievement is being seen as a matter of pride for the Indian Air Force and the nation, while his courage and dedication continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the youth.

–IANS

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Shahnawaz Hussain backs Salman Khurshid’s remarks on Pakistan, Article 370

New Delhi, May 31 (IANS) BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Saturday endorsed recent comments made by senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid regarding Pakistan and Article 370, asserting that Khurshid’s statements were accurate and reflected diplomatic maturity.

Khurshid, currently on a diplomatic visit as part of a delegation led by Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Jha, made headlines this week after he revealed that it was Pakistan that reached out for a ceasefire, not India. He also praised the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), crediting the move for the region’s growing stability and democratic progress.

Responding to Khurshid’s comments, Shahnawaz Hussain told IANS, “Salman Khurshid has said a good thing. After the abolition of Article 370, there has been a lot of prosperity in J&K. He has rightly said that no information was given to Pakistan. As someone who served as Foreign Minister during the UPA government and held key positions under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, he has ample diplomatic experience. Whatever he has said while representing the country is correct.”

Khurshid had firmly dismissed claims that India had initiated contact with Pakistan, stating, “It’s complete hogwash for anyone to say that we called them first. Why would we call them? Who was at the receiving end by the time the calls were made? It is more than clear to everybody that the call came from the DGMO of Pakistan to the DGMO of India.”

In his remarks, Khurshid also commended the PM Modi government’s bold step in removing Article 370.

“Kashmir had a major problem for a long time. Much of that was reflected in the thinking of the government in Article 370 of the Constitution, which somehow gave the impression that it was separate from the rest of the country. But Article 370 was abrogated, and it was finally put to an end,” he stated.

Shahnawaz Hussain further reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent two-day visit to Bihar.

“The Prime Minister reminded us of the jungle raj that prevailed during Lalu ji’s rule for 15 years. People still remember how difficult life had become during those years. PM Modi’s promises have delivered results. During his address in Jhanjharpur, he reiterated that terrorists would be taught a lesson—and that promise has been fulfilled,” Hussain said.

He highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor, claiming, “Nine terrorist bases of Pakistan were destroyed, 11 of their air bases were hit, over 100 terrorists were killed, and more than 50 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives. After that, the people of Bihar gave the Prime Minister a rousing welcome.”

Clarifying the current status of the military operation, he added, “Operation Sindoor has not been postponed; it has only been paused. If Pakistan commits any unholy act again, it will face the consequences. It will not be spared.”

Hussain further addressed remarks by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who recently demanded that PM Modi clarify how many Rafale fighter jets were allegedly downed by the Pakistani military during Operation Sindoor. Reddy further suggested that had Congress leader Rahul Gandhi been Prime Minister, India would have reclaimed Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“Congress leaders faced public backlash in 2019 when they questioned the surgical and air strikes. They asked for proof—where were the strikes, how many terrorists were killed?” Hussain said.

“After the incident in Pahalgam on April 22, we launched Operation Sindoor. As part of the operation, nine terrorist camps were destroyed, 11 air bases were hit, over 100 terrorists were eliminated, and more than 50 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Pakistan was forced to plead for a ceasefire. This was a major success, and Indian soldiers are being praised globally. Yet again, Congress leaders like Revanth Reddy are demanding proof.”

Condemning the Congress for what he termed as “double standards,” Hussain added, “On one hand, they are questioning the military’s actions, and on the other, they are planning to launch a ‘Jai Hind Yatra.’ The country will not forgive such actions. Congress must introspect on the mistakes it made in 2019 and avoid repeating them.”

–IANS

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BJP dismisses Rahul Gandhi’s narrative on PLI scheme, jobs as ‘misinformed’

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s surprise visit to south Delhi’s computer hardware market in Nehru Place and his stinging criticism of a ‘decline in manufacturing since 2014’ invited a sharp rebuttal from the BJP that dismissed his narrative as ‘misinformed and disconnected from reality’.

Amit Malviya, in charge of the BJP’s National Information and Technology Department, listed the gains from the government’s policies and offered a point-wise response to Gandhi’s allegations on the failure of ‘Make in India’ and job creation efforts.

“India is now the world’s 2nd largest mobile phone producer. From just two mobile manufacturing units in 2014 to over 300 today. The so-called ‘failed’ PLI scheme, as labelled by Rahul Gandhi, has led to cumulative investments of Rs 10,905 crore; total production worth Rs 7.15 lakh crore and exports of Rs 3.9 lakh crore,” wrote Malviya on X.

In a message loaded with data, he said, “Electronics production value rose from Rs 18,900 crore (FY14) to Rs 4,22,000 crore (FY24), mobile phone exports surged 77-fold from Rs 1,566 crore (2014-15) to Rs 1.2 lakh crore (2023-24) and 99.2 per cent of mobile phones sold in India are now made in India, up from just 26 per cent in 2014-15.”

The BJP leader reminded Gandhi that “the government has approved landmark semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.52 lakh crore, a critical leap into deep-tech manufacturing and overall, electronics production is projected to reach $300 billion by 2026”.

He said that under the PLI scheme for electronics alone, 1,39,670 direct jobs have already been created; 1.8 lakh new companies were registered in 2023-24, marking a 16 per cent increase over the previous year, and electronics exports hit $38+ billion in FY24-25, a 32 per cent year-on-year increase.

Earlier, Gandhi said on X, “Make in India promised a factory boom. So why is manufacturing at record lows, youth unemployment at record highs, and why have imports from China more than doubled?”

“Modi ji has mastered the art of slogans, not solutions. Since 2014, manufacturing has fallen to 14 per cent of our economy,” said the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Sharing his experience about his Nehru Place visit, Gandhi said, “I met Shivam and Saif — bright, skilled, full of promise — yet denied the opportunity to fulfil it. The truth is stark: we assemble, we import, but we don’t build. China profits. With no new ideas, Modi ji has surrendered.”

He said even the much-hyped PLI scheme is now being quietly rolled back. India needs a fundamental shift — one that empowers lakhs of producers through honest reforms and financial support.

“We must stop being a market for others. If we don’t build here, we’ll keep buying from those who do. The clock is ticking,” said the Congress leader.

–IANS

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Madhya Pradesh: Five killed in two separate road accidents

Bhopal, April 8 (IANS) Five persons, including three women, died in two separate road accidents in Madhya Pradesh.

In Sheopur district, an incident occurred when a tractor-trolley carrying 10 villagers overturned on the Sansuwada-Awada road at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The villagers were on their way to a temple in Karahal when the accident claimed the lives of three individuals: Savitri (36), Guddi (45), and Ashu (6), all residents of Tongra village. Seven others sustained injuries, with four being treated in Karahal and three in Kelwada, located in neighbouring Rajasthan. Police authorities have since registered a case against the driver.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences on his social media platform, stating, “The sudden loss of two women and a child in this tragic accident is heart-wrenching. We stand in solidarity with the grieving families during this difficult time.”

He announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured individual from the Chief Minister’s Vishvagyanudan fund. Additionally, the district administration has been instructed to ensure appropriate medical care for those affected.

Meanwhile, another fatal accident occurred near Patharouta in Itarsi, Narmadapuram district. A passenger bus en route from the Ordnance Factory to Itarsi lost control and overturned, resulting in the deaths of passenger Najma Khatun and conductor Narendra Singh Chauhan. Thirteen others sustained injuries in the incident. Police investigations revealed that a faulty leaf spring, colloquially known as ‘Kamani,’ caused the steering mechanism to fail, leading to the driver losing control of the steering wheel. In his attempt to stabilise the vehicle, it tragically overturned.

Sanjeev Pawar, Station In-Charge of Patharouta, confirmed that a case has been registered against the bus owner under charges of negligent maintenance under section 304 (a) and 106 of IPC. While most injured passengers were discharged after initial treatment, one individual remains hospitalised with a leg fracture. The dual tragedies have cast a shadow of sorrow over the state, as residents and authorities grapple with the aftermath of these heart-rending events.

Measures to ensure better road safety and stricter vehicle maintenance are urgently warranted to prevent such incidents in the future.

–IANS

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