Government News Brief (June 27, 2025)
India's space science program, under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Vishwabandhu Bharat (India as a friend to the world), has made significant strides in 2024-2025. Notable achievements and ongoing projects have put India on a prominent trajectory in global space leadership.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to become the first Indian astronaut in over four decades, flying as Mission Pilot on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla will conduct seven fully indigenous microgravity experiments developed by Indian institutions, exemplifying India's self-reliance and commitment to sharing scientific knowledge globally.
ISRO launched several high-profile missions during this period, including the Aditya-L1 mission, which deployed solar observatories like the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) capturing unprecedented solar phenomena. The NISAR mission, a joint Indo-US satellite project aimed at earth observation, was also successfully launched. ISRO's focus on innovation is evident in its support of 114 research projects during the financial year 2024, with about 77% focusing on space technology. The agency now holds 589 worldwide patents (408 active).
ISRO's commercial success is demonstrated by its launch of 393 foreign satellites from 34 countries over the last decade. This includes satellites from developed countries like the USA, UK, and Canada. The economic impact of ISRO is significant, with analyses showing that India gets Rs 2.54 back for every rupee invested in ISRO.
In the realm of environmental conservation, Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) was identified as a major challenge. To address this, Regional Action Plans for HEC in Southern and North-Eastern India are being developed. Institutions like SACON, IIFM, WII, and state forest training centres are being urged to lead awareness programmes.
Meanwhile, SMFCL has been launched to bridge financing gaps in the maritime ecosystem and provide sector-specific financial solutions to ports, MSMEs, startups, and educational institutions. The Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Annual Report 2024-2025 was released, showcasing impactful innovations in various sectors like EV charging infrastructure, AR/VR artisan marketplace, One Delhi digital transit app, diabetic foot screening mats, e-waste management systems, and pacemaker lead development.
The 21st Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant was chaired by the Union Environment Minister in Dehradun, with the focus on reviewing the progress of Project Elephant and discussing future plans. A total of 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods worth approximately ₹9 crore have been seized, and one importer has been arrested so far under Operation Deep Manifest, launched by DRI to crack down on illegal imports of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, especially via Dubai, UAE.
In summary, India’s space program under the combined ethos of self-reliance and global friendship has achieved landmark missions in solar and earth observation, human spaceflight, innovation, and international collaboration, placing the country on a prominent trajectory in global space leadership. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to address challenges like HEC and illegal imports, while fostering technological growth and economic progress through initiatives like SMFCL and the S&T Clusters.
- The economy benefits significantly from India's space program, with an return of Rs 2.54 for every rupee invested, as demonstrated by ISRO's successful launch of foreign satellites from various countries including the USA, UK, and Canada.
- Not only is India making strides in space and science, but the health-and-wellness industry is also seeing impactful innovations, such as diabetic foot screening mats, e-waste management systems, and pacemaker lead development, showcased in the Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Annual Report 2024-2025.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's upcoming mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is a testament to India's commitment to the field of science, as he will conduct indigenous experiments during his spaceflight, demonstrating self-reliance and a desire to share scientific knowledge globally.
- In the domain of environment and conservation, regional action plans are being developed to address the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Southern and North-Eastern India, with institutions like SACON, IIFM, WII, and state forest training centers leading awareness programs.
- The transportation sector is also embracing technology, as seen in the development of One Delhi digital transit app, which showcases the potential for growth and progress in various industries under India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vishwabandhu Bharat visions.
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