The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a major hurdle in its 100th rocket mission after the NVS-02 navigation satellite, launched aboard GSLV-F15 on January 29, encountered a technical glitch. While the satellite was successfully injected into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit, its orbit-raising operations were stalled due to a failure in the oxidizer valve, preventing the thrusters from firing. This issue has delayed or potentially derailed its journey to the designated orbital slot.Despite the setback, ISRO confirmed that the satellite’s systems are healthy, with successfully deployed solar panels and established communication with ground stations. The organization is now exploring
In a major relief for the middle class, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that under the new tax regime, no income tax will be payable on income up to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75 lakh including standard deductions). This move, accompanied by enthusiastic support from BJP MPs, aims to increase disposable income, boost household savings, and encourage investment.The revised tax slabs under the new regime are:Up to ₹4 lakh – No tax₹4 to ₹8 lakh – 5%₹8 to ₹12 lakh – 10%₹12 to ₹16 lakh – 15%₹16 to ₹20 lakh – 20%₹20 to ₹24 lakh – 25%Above ₹24 lakh – 30%Additionally, TDS
The Indian government, through a High-Level Committee (HLC) led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has approved Rs 3,027.86 crore for various disaster mitigation projects across the country. The approved projects aim to reduce risks related to drought, lightning, and forest fires in several states, with the central government contributing significant financial support from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).A large portion of the funding, Rs 2,022.16 crore, is allocated for catalytic assistance to the 12 most drought-prone states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, with the central share of Rs 1,200 crore. Additionally, a mitigation project focusing
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone on Wednesday with the successful launch of the NVS-02 satellite, part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) series. This marked ISRO's 100th satellite launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.The GSLV-F15 rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at 6:23 am, carrying the 2,000 kg NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit within 19 minutes of liftoff. This was the 17th flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and its 11th mission using an indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage. Declaring the mission a success,
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently had a productive phone conversation addressing key bilateral and global issues. This marked their first discussion since President Trump’s second-term inauguration. Topics ranged from immigration and trade to global security, technology, and defense.President Trump emphasized the need for India to take back Indian immigrants who are in the US illegally, noting PM Modi's assurance of "doing what’s right." Reports suggest around 18,000 Indian migrants are residing illegally in the US. While Trump remains firm on addressing illegal immigration, he welcomed legal migration of skilled workers, an area where India
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between India and Indonesia. During a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, Subianto shared a light-hearted moment, revealing that a recent DNA test indicated he has Indian ancestry. "When I hear Indian music, I start dancing. It must be part of my Indian genes," he joked, eliciting laughter from dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.Subianto’s remarks underscored the enduring civilisational links between the two nations. He noted the strong influence of ancient Indian culture on
On the eve of Republic Day, the Centre announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards for 2025. Approved by the President of India, the list includes 139 distinguished individuals, comprising seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honors, recognize exceptional contributions across fields such as art, science, social work, public affairs, medicine, sports, literature, and education.This year’s list features 23 women awardees and ten individuals from the categories of foreigners, Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Thirteen of the awards
Mamta Kulkarni, a renowned Bollywood actress of the 90s, has embarked on a spiritual journey by renouncing her worldly life. At the Maha Kumbh, the actress assumed the identity of ‘Mai Mamta Nand Giri’ and was consecrated as a Mahamandaleshwar in the Kinnar Akhara, marking a significant transformation in her life.Mamta took ‘sanyas’ (renunciation) after performing the sacred ritual of ‘Pind Daan’ to honour her ancestors on the banks of the Ganga. Following her initiation, she received blessings from Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri. Dressed as a ‘sadhvi,’
In a chilling crime that has left Hyderabad shaken, Gurumurthy, a retired Army jawan, confessed to killing his wife, P Venkata Madhavi, dismembering her body, and disposing of the remains across various locations, including Jillelaguda Lake. Madhavi, a 35-year-old resident of Meerpet, was reported missing on January 18 by her mother after a heated argument with her husband two days earlier. Initially, Gurumurthy joined her family in filing a missing person report but later admitted to the gruesome act during police interrogation.According to his confession, the crime occurred in a fit of rage after Madhavi expressed her desire to visit
