On a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). NASA said Thursday that the mission will launch “no earlier than spring 2025”. As a member of Axiom Mission 4, he is one of four private astronauts. The fourth commercial astronaut mission the corporation will send to the ISS will be piloted by him.

Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer and ISRO astronaut, will serve as the pilot of the Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, which will depart from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and go to the ISS no early than Spring 2025, the US space agency announced Thursday.

Tibor Kapu of Hungary and Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, both ESA (European Space Agency) project astronauts, are the two mission specialists.Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, expressed her excitement at the ongoing interest in and commitment to the private astronaut flights on the ISS.

“As NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit, private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment,” according to the US space agency.

In April 2022, Axiom flight 1, the first private astronaut flight to the station, departed for a 17-day stay inside the orbiting laboratory. Whitson also oversaw the launch of Axiom Mission 2, the second commercial astronaut mission to the station, which carried four private astronauts for eight days in space in May 2023.

Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
A notable pilot in the Indian Air Force is Shubhanshu Shukla. He is the youngest astronaut-designate, having been chosen at 39. He was personally chosen as one of the four astronauts for the historic Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first attempt at human spaceflight, which was organized by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

On October 10, 1985, Shukla was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. According to reports, Shubhanshu finished his higher studies at Lucknow’s City Montessori School. He received his degree from the National Defence Academy (NDA), which prepares upcoming Indian army, navy, and air force officers.

In June 2006, Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) jet wing, marking the beginning of his quest. He has 2,000 hours of flight experience in a variety of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. He is a combat leader and seasoned test pilot.

When Shubhanshu joined the program in 2018–19, his path to becoming an astronaut officially began. According to Suchi Shukla, Shubhanshu Sharma’s sister, “He spent the entire period in Russia for training during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Axiom trip 3, the most recent private astronaut trip, launched in January 2024 and docked to the space station for 18 days.”Working with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been a deeply rewarding experience,” Whitson stated.”

It is really amazing to see their unselfish devotion to broadening horizons and establishing chances for their countries in space exploration. Our mission is not only a scientific endeavor but also a demonstration of human inventiveness and teamwork, as each crew member contributes distinct abilities and viewpoints,” Whitson continued.

On Thursday, NASA announced that it and SpaceX are “working expeditiously” to safely return astronauts Butch Willmore and Sunita Williams, who are Indian-origin, who had been trapped in the ISS for 238 days.

NASA made this announcement after Elon Musk, the billionaire and founder of SpaceX, said that US President Donald Trump had ordered him to expedite Williams and Wilmore’s return.

On the anniversary of his passing, Mahatma Gandhi’s great contributions to the country and his everlasting dedication to truth and non-violence were honored at the Gandhi Smriti Memorial in Rajghat.

Along with other top dignitaries, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the somber ceremony honoring the Father of the Nation.

On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was killed. Since then, the day has been commemorated as Martyrs’ Day, also called “Shaheed Diwas” or “Sarvodaya Day,” in remembrance of him and the innumerable others who gave their lives in defense of India’s independence.

The devotional song “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” which Mahatma Gandhi himself popularized, was played throughout the occasion as a tribute. The bhajan has long been connected to Mahatma Gandhi’s political and spiritual development.

Prime Minister Modi paid his respects on X ,” Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices.”

J.P. Nadda, the president of the BJP and a Union minister, too paid his condolences, highlighting Gandhi’s belief in independence and wrote on X, “I pay my heartfelt tribute to the eternal worshiper of truth and non-violence, the great leader of the Indian freedom movement, ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his tribute, highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s role in uniting the nation and his global impact.

“On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay my tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the leading figure of the Indian freedom movement, who popularised the Indian values of truth, non-violence, and the fight against injustice across the world, on his death anniversary. Mahatma Gandhi strengthened the freedom movement by binding the country in the thread of unity. His thoughts towards cleanliness, self-reliance, and the empowerment of rural India will continue to inspire the countrymen” he wrote on X.

Respected as the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded India’s independence movement by promoting civil disobedience and nonviolence as effective strategies against colonial control. Global movements for justice and peace are still motivated by his teachings.

The Government of Odisha is hosting the flagship Global Investment Summit, the Utkarsh Odisha-Made in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar, with the goal of establishing the state as the focal point of the Purvodaya vision and a premier industrial hub and investment destination in India.

The Make in Odisha Exhibition, which showcases the state’s accomplishments in creating a thriving industrial ecosystem, opened by Prime Minister Modi. The conclave will take place over two days, from January 28 to 29. It will provide a forum for business executives, financiers, and legislators to get together and talk about the advantages Odisha provides as a top investment location.

CEO and leader roundtables, industry-specific seminars, business-to-business gatherings, and policy talks to draw in international investors are some of the event’s main attractions. In order to ensure focused interaction with investors worldwide, the conclave will include CEOs and Leaders’ Roundtables, Sectoral Sessions, B2B interactions, and Policy Discussions.

The two-day summit is anticipated to draw about 7,500 delegates, including some prominent businesspeople, it said. According to officials, LN Mittal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Anil Agarwal, Karan Adani, Sajjan Jindal, and Naveen Jindal are among the businessmen anticipated to attend the summit.

Additionally, the PM will open the ‘Make in Odisha‘ exhibition, which will highlight the state’s accomplishments in creating an industrial ecosystem. In order to ensure focused interaction with investors worldwide, the conclave will include CEOs and Leaders’ Roundtables, Sectoral Sessions, B2B interactions, and Policy Discussions.

IT, renewable energy, textiles, chemicals, and food processing are the five main industries that will be the focus of the conclave. Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, Poland, and Cuba are among the twelve nations that have been invited to attend the conclave as “Countries of Focus.”

To establish Odisha as a major industrial hub, the government wants to attract investments totaling Rs 5 lakh crore. During the massive event, up to 100 Memorandums of Understanding are anticipated to be signed.

In addition to offering the complete Mahakumbh mapping, the AI chatbot will also share links to Google Maps and detailed information on each sector. At the Mahakumbh 2025, a new iteration of the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot is now directing pilgrims to parking lots, food courts, and medical facilities within a one-kilometer radius of the devotees.

These three new functions are included in the chatbot’s updated persona, which is intended to help devotees. In addition to offering the complete Mahakumbh mapping, the AI chatbot will also share links to Google Maps and detailed information on each sector. Devotees can obtain information about parking, transportation, banking, public water ATMs, and other amenities in a matter of seconds by using this chatbot.

The government claims that, according on their preferences, devotees can use the chatbot to download real-time PDFs with information about restrooms, lost and found centers, exhibitions, and other important areas.

Information about important locations can be easily accessed on a mobile device by scanning a QR code. This AI chatbot has already been used by millions of enthusiasts.

The government stated, “With its effective and user-friendly design, it is greatly enhancing the convenience for those attending the Mahakumbh.” The chatbot’s integration of faith and technology is simplifying and organizing the greatest religious gathering in the world.

To improve accessibility in 11 languages, the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has integrated Bhashini, an AI-driven language translation tool from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Through the “Digital Lost & Found Solution,” Bhashini‘s language translation ecosystem will assist attendees of the largest spiritual gathering in the world.

In addition to using the technology to translate text and voice in real time for convenient communication during the massive event, people can use it to record lost or found objects using voice in their original tongues. Additionally, it offers multilingual chatbot support for kiosk navigation and inquiries.

Devotees can communicate with police officers easily and translate recommendations into their native tongues using the mobile app. The Bhashini App and the Uttar Pradesh Police Department have partnered to teach field officers to use the app’s Converse feature to comprehend the complaints of concerned devotees requesting assistance when there is a language barrier.

On the eve of Republic Day, 2025, 942 members of the Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defense (HG&CD), and Correctional Services received medals for their courage and service.

On Republic Day 2025, the Central government recognized 942 members of the police, fire, home guard, and civil defense forces by announcing the recipients of heroism and service awards. Five recipients of posthumous gallantry medals are on this list. The honors recognize outstanding service and bravery in life-threatening circumstances.

According to a government statement released on Saturday, 942 members of the police, fire, civil defense, home guard, and correctional services had their names revealed for the various categories of service and heroism awards on the eve of Republic Day. This includes 95 gallantry awards given to employees for their exceptional bravery and valor, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement.

Of those who received the gallantry award, 28 were stationed in areas plagued by left-wing extremism, 28 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), three in the northeast, and 36 in other parts of the nation.

In addition, 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) were given out, 85 to police officers, five to firefighters, seven to home guard and civil defense troops, and four to correctional professionals. 634 of the 746 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded to police officers, 37 to firefighters, 39 to house guards and civil defense, and 36 to correctional officers.

Medals for Gallantry (GM) are awarded for “exceptional and noteworthy acts of bravery in saving lives and property, or in preventing crime and apprehending criminals,” the central government said in a statement. Additionally, the responsibilities and obligations of the concerned officer are carefully taken into account when determining the level of risk involved.

While the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) recognizes valued service characterized by ingenuity and dedication to duty, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) is given for outstanding service records. The honors are a testament to the dedication and courage of the staff in preserving public order under trying conditions and protecting lives and property.

On Wednesday, the trailer for Chhaava, which stars Vicky Kaushal, was released. It provides an exciting look into the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This epic action biopic, which was directed by Laxman Utekar, attempts to honor one of the most famous people in Indian history and his services to the Maratha Empire.

The character played by Vicky Kaushal is that of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of the Maratha Empire’s founder, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After his father passed away in 1681, Sambhaji became the second Maratha emperor and took the crown. His path as a courageous and tenacious commander, committed to upholding the Maratha empire in the face of attacks from all directions, is highlighted in the trailer.

For those who do not know, Chhava is a historical drama that is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a Maratha warrior and the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maharani Yesubai, played by Rashmika Madanna, is incredibly attractive. Fans, however, respond to the same in different ways.

The South Indian actress is ready to embrace her role as the wife of the Maratha emperor after starring in a few Bollywood films. Maharani Yesubai, her character, is the epitome of courage, ferocity, and unflinching. Rashmika is depicted on the image donning a traditional Maharashtrian saree and a lot of gold jewelry. Known as Chhatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Kingdom, Maharani Yesubai was the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

In the movie, Sambhaji fights the Mughal Empire, which is headed by Emperor Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna). Intense battle sequences are teased in the movie, which emphasizes themes of bravery and resiliency. A pivotal scene in which Aurangzeb swears to murder Sambhaji at all costs sets the stage for an intense confrontation between two strong commanders.

The film features important roles for Rashmika Mandanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, and Suniel Shetty in addition to Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna. Chhaava, which was produced by Maddock Films, has music by A.R. Rahman that enhances the film’s majesty.

Laxman Utekar is the director of Chhaava, which also has Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh, Diana Penty, and Santosh Juvekar in supporting parts. In 2023, Laxman and Vicky worked together on the romantic comedy Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, in which Sara Ali Khan played the lead role.

Irshad Kamil wrote the film’s lyrics, and AR Rahman wrote the soundtrack and background score. Chhaava was originally scheduled to open on December 6 of last year, but it now opens on February 14. The release date was deliberately selected to fall on February 19, which is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti.

On the anniversary of Parakram Diwas, PM Modi sent a message to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, honoring his bravery and leadership. In 2021, the Modi administration proclaimed January 23, the anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth, to be “Parakram Diwas“.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is still a mighty representation of bravery and patriotism. The purpose of the day is to honor his legacy and inspire people—especially young people—to follow in his footsteps of bravery and patriotism.

Netaji’s life was characterized by selflessness and a steadfast dedication to justice. Bose, who came from a well-known Bengali family, started his education at Kolkata’s Presidency College before being dismissed in 1916 for his nationalist beliefs.

Read Here: 10 Famous Slogans From Freedom Fighters of India

On January 23, 1897, Subhash Chandra Bose was born in the Cuttack district of Odisha. Bose was a dynamic and well-liked politician who became president of the Congress but later had a falling out with the party because he supported a more powerful military to combat India’s colonial overlords.

He came from a well-known Bengali family, received his early education in Cuttack, and became a well-known leader whose unshakable commitment to India’s freedom struggle left an enduring impression on the country’s history. He eventually pursued his education at Calcutta’s Scottish Church College and Presidency College, where his fervor for nationalism was on full display. He was expelled in 1916 for his revolutionary efforts, but his determination only got stronger.

He attended the University of Cambridge to get ready for the Indian Civil Service after earning his degree from Scottish Church College in 1919. Bose returned to India to focus on the liberation movement after withdrawing his candidacy the next year, even though he had passed the civil service exam in 1920.

Generations of Indians have been inspired by Netaji, who is renowned for his unwavering spirit, innovative leadership, and commitment to equality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the 127th anniversary of his birth, praising him as a role model for India’s young who embodies bravery and hard work.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Today, on Parakram Diwas, I pay homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His contribution to India’s freedom movement is unparalleled. He epitomised courage and grit. His vision continues to motivate us as we work towards building the India he envisioned.”

There are also proposals to build a National Memorial on the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep in honor of Netaji.

The Indian Physical Disability Cricket Team made history by winning the PD Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating England by 79 runs in an exciting final at the FTZ Cricket Grounds, close to here. The Indian side decided to bat and scored a dominant 197/4 in the 20 overs they were given. After that, the squad won the title by bowling out England for 118.

Yogendra Bhadoria’s outstanding batting performance, which included four boundaries and five sixes at an amazing strike rate of 182.50, was the high point of the final. He outscored the English bowling attack with 73 runs off just 40 balls. With remarkable stats of 4-19 in 3.2 overs, India’s Radhika Prasad spearheaded the bowling attack. Ravindra Sante kept up the pressure with figures of 2-24 in his four-over session, while captain Vikrant Keni showed off his all-around skills with a frugal effort of 2-15 in three overs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India amassed a dominant 197 runs for 4 wickets in the 20 overs. Yogendra Bhadoria, the opener, put on an outstanding display, scoring 73 runs off of just 40 balls with four boundaries and five sixes at a remarkable strike rate, which served as the innings’ mainstay.

India’s aggressive batting style was established by Bhadoria, who successfully destroyed the English bowling attack and laid the groundwork for a commanding score.With fast running between the wickets and strong partnerships, the middle order made a substantial contribution to India’s innings-long momentum. Even before they started their pursuit, England was under tremendous strain from this group effort.

India’s bowlers put on a clinical display in defending their total, with Radhika Prasad being the most notable player. He often hit the proper spots and forced England’s batters to make mistakes, recording impressive stats of 4 wickets for just 19 runs in 3.2 overs.

With figures of 2/15 and 2/24, respectively, captain Vikrant Keni and Ravindra Sante demonstrated their all-around skills while keeping tight lines throughout England’s innings. As wickets fell at regular intervals, the unrelenting Indian bowling assault made sure that England’s pursuit never got going. India ultimately won a well-earned victory after England was knocked out for just 118 runs.

The Indian captain was extremely proud of his team’s performance after the game. Captain Vikrant Keni said “The proudest moment of my career is leading this amazing team to victory in the PD Champions Trophy. This team’s outstanding talent and unrelenting spirit are demonstrated by our playoff adventure. This trophy belongs to all people with disabilities who have ever aspired to play cricket for India, not just to us.”

The Indian Physical Disability Cricket Team’s victory at the PD Champions Trophy 2025 is a huge accomplishment that demonstrates their perseverance and commitment throughout the competition.

Donald Trump took the oath of office on 20th January as the 47th president of the United States, bringing with him broad pledges to transform the country. Trump overcame a turbulent four years, involving impeachments, indictments, and assassination attempts, to return to the White House, marking a historic milestone. The ceremony was performed indoors at the Capitol Rotunda because of the cold weather.

For a returning president who feels empowered and validated by his historic political resurgence, it was an assertive beginning. Trump has another opportunity to usher in what he referred to as “a golden age” for the nation, four years after he was voted out of the White House.

Trump’s inauguration, which had both a formal ceremony and free-flowing speech, served as a reminder that he can only maintain solemnity for so long before veering off course with a mix of anger and humor. Trump dodged reporters’ questions for almost an hour before departing the White House for an evening of inaugural festivities.

Trump stated that the nation was experiencing a “crisis of trust” in his inauguration speech and promised to restore safety, justice, and sovereignty. Additionally, he evaluated a number of executive actions intended to address topics like diversity initiatives, energy policy, and immigration in the federal government right away.

Trump made it clear early on that he intended to move swiftly and forcefully while in office. In addition to cracking down on illegal crossings and possibly reintroducing the “Remain in Mexico” policy, he is expected to sign a slew of executive actions aimed at immigration and border security.

His other aims include blocking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities within government agencies and accelerating fossil fuel development by reversing climate policies from the Biden administration. It is anticipated that an order requiring federal agencies to halt practices that offer preference based on race, gender, and sexual orientation will dismantle these DEI programs, which conservatives have long condemned.

Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, which prioritizes national sovereignty, will be rekindled upon his return to office. “Make America great again,” he vows.

One of the numerous executive orders that are anticipated to be issued on his first day in office is probably going to eliminate the effective ban on TikTok, the social media platform that is controlled by Chinese people.

Trump has previously adopted a tough posture toward China, but as both countries negotiate a more volatile geopolitical landscape, his administration‘s relationship with the nation will be crucial.

He pardoned almost 1,500 individuals charged with the Jan. 6 attack, even if they had been found guilty of attacking police officers, as his first move after taking office. Trump also commuted the sentences of 14 additional individuals, including Oath Keepers leaders and the Proud Boys.

Trump has also stated that he will give immigration reform and border security top priority. Among the most contentious actions will be a fresh attempt to impose a state of national emergency along the southern border and a constitutionally dubious attempt to terminate birthright citizenship.

Together with legislative initiatives from the Republican-controlled Congress, these actions imply that Trump’s government will quickly reverse policies put in place under Biden’s administration and step up his prior plan to tighten security and restrict immigration.

Trump’s second term is expected to be characterized by forceful executive actions, conservative-driven policies, and an emphasis on reversing the legacy of the previous administration, now that his electoral comeback is complete. As Democrats struggle with how to cooperate or fight a revitalized Trump White House, the political landscape is poised to become extremely polarized.

PM Narendra Modi congratulated on X and wrote, “Congratulations my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump on your historic inauguration as the 47th President of the United States! I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world. Best wishes for a successful term ahead!“

Team India made athletic history by winning the first Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title in a spectacular display of speed, talent, and strategy at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on a lovely Sunday night.

India’s men’s and women’s teams won the first Kho Kho World Cup on Sunday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, marking a historic occasion in sports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the two wins and said it was a great day for Indian sports and a significant boost for one of the nation’s oldest traditional activities.

In the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, the Indian women’s team defeated Nepal 78–40 in a decisive match to win the title. The women’s team’s triumphs included decisive wins in the group stages against South Korea, Iran, and Malaysia, as well as victory against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals and South Africa in the semi-finals.

Thanks to strong efforts from tournament star Ramji Kashyap and skipper Pratik Waikar, the Men in Blue easily defeated Nepal 54-36 in the final. They were added to the women’s team, who won a decisive 78-40 victory over Nepal in another outstanding final.

The Indian men’s team had an incredible road to the championship. India’s resounding wins over Brazil, Peru, and Bhutan in the group rounds set the stage for their dominance throughout the competition. They maintained their momentum throughout the knockout stages, defeating a formidable South African team in the semifinals and outperforming Bangladesh in the quarterfinals.

In spite of frequent touches from players like Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, the team maintained a 26–18 lead going into the second half of the match thanks to Aditya Ganpule and captain Pratik Waikar.

First to attack, Ramji Kashyap’s spectacular skydive won Suraj Pujara of Nepal. India got off to a fantastic start with 10 points in only 4 minutes when Suyash Gargate touched Bharat Sahu. The Men in Blue were known for their skill in skydiving, which gave them a strong start in Turn 1 and kept their opponents from making the Dream Run. The Indians had a terrific start as the score at the end of the turn was 26-0 in their favor.

Nepal made a valiant effort to rally against Team India in Turn 4. However, the defenders, who were once more headed by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo, also affectionately known as Chingari, proved to be too formidable. With equally outstanding performances from Mehul and Suman Barman, Team India won a well-earned championship in the end, winning 54-36.

“Today’s a great day for Indian Kho Kho. Incredibly proud of Indian Men’s Kho Kho team for winning the Kho Kho World Cup title. Their grit and dedication is commendable. This win will contribute to further popularising Kho Kho among the youth,” PM Modi wrote on X.

In addition, the Prime Minister praised the Indian women’s team for their historic victory, stating, “Congratulations to the Indian women’s team on winning the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup! This victory, driven by their unparalleled skill, determination, and teamwork, will inspire countless young athletes across the nation.“