- India’s Commitment to Debris-Free Space Missions by 2030 –
- At the 42nd Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) annual meet, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath announced India’s pledge to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030. This commitment aligns with global efforts to ensure the sustainability of space exploration.
- Chairman Somanath highlighted ISRO’s comprehensive plan for space exploration and utilization, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in future missions.
- India aims to achieve debris-free space missions by involving all space actors, both governmental and non-governmental, by 2030. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to long-term space sustainability.
- With 54 spacecraft in orbit and numerous non-functional objects, ISRO has been actively taking measures to dispose of or remove space debris. Efforts include deorbiting spacecraft once their mission is complete and designing systems to minimize debris creation.
- ISRO emphasizes the importance of developing skills for future explorations beyond Earth’s orbit, including lunar and planetary missions. Additionally, plans for India’s own space station, ‘Bharatiya Antriksh Station,’ by 2035 are underway, with a focus on ensuring the sustainability of space in collaboration with other space actors.
- Takshvi Vaghani Sets New World Record for the Lowest Limbo Skating Over 25 Metres –
- In a remarkable display of skill, flexibility, and unwavering determination, India’s young skating sensation, Takshvi Vaghani, has etched her name in the record books by setting a new world record for the lowest limbo skating over 25 metres. On April 18, 2024, the 6-year-old prodigy from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, defied the boundaries of human agility, gliding across the 25-meter distance at a mere 16 cm (6.29 in) above the ground.
- Takshvi Vaghani’s achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and rigorous training. With her lithe movements and impeccable balance, she surpassed the previous world record held by Manasvi Vishal from Pune, who had skated the same distance at a height of 16.5 centimeters.
- The young skater’s remarkable performance not only showcased her extraordinary flexibility but also her unwavering determination to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of roller skating.
- India’s Indigenous Bullet Train: Vande Bharat Sets to Redefine High-Speed Rail Travel –
- In a significant stride towards advancing India’s rail infrastructure, the country is gearing up to launch an indigenous bullet train capable of reaching speeds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour (km/h). This groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize high-speed rail travel in India, showcasing the nation’s engineering prowess and commitment to cutting-edge technology.
- The Vande Bharat trains, manufactured by the Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, are at the forefront of this ambitious project. These state-of-the-art trains are designed to operate on the recently announced north, south, and east corridors, reaching a top speed of 220 kmph – faster than any existing train on the Indian Railways network.
- The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL), responsible for executing India’s first bullet train project, has made remarkable progress. It has already completed 300 kilometres of pier work, laying the foundation for the country’s journey into high-speed rail excellence. Additionally, the extensive land acquisition process for the entire 508-kilometre route was successfully completed in January, paving the way for seamless implementation.