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Next Indian astronaut will travel in indigenously built spacecraft: Jitendra Singh
In an exclusive video interview to PTI, Singh said Shukla’s three-week stay at the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission has given India valuable insights and experience in handling space missions as it prepares for its own Gaganyaan project.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch its human spaceflight mission – Gaganyaan – that will take two astronauts to a low earth orbit sometime in 2027.
“The next mission is going to be totally, totally indigenous, developed in India, right from the scratch. Indian astronauts going in for the first time in an Indian spaceship,” the Union Minister for Science and Technology said.
“It would also place us in that elite league of nations in the world which have actually been able to do so. And it would also pave the way for our future endeavours which includes setting up our own space station,” Singh said.
The International Space Station is operated in collaboration by five space agencies – NASA, Roscosmos, European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Canadian Space Agency. China has its own space station Tiangong.Singh said India was also working towards building its own space station and was open to hosting foreign experiments and astronauts when it becomes operational.”We are looking forward to having a space station of our own. Most likely it should be possible by the year 2035 and we have also decided to name it as Bharat Space Station,” he said.
Singh rejected criticism that Shukla’s travel to the ISS was a commercial mission and offered little scientific value.
“Absolutely not. I think there is some kind of a lack of understanding. In fact, he (Shukla) was the most important player of the four (astronauts who were part of the Axiom-4 mission),” Singh said.
ISRO has paid Rs 550 crore to Axiom Space for sending Shukla to the ISS and the costs included several months of training for him and backup crew Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair.
“Peggy Whitson, the commander, is of course a veteran. Whereas, Shubhanshu was the pilot who performed the bulk of the experiments on board the ISS,” the minister said, adding the outcome of the studies carried out by Shukla will benefit the entire mankind.
Singh said Shukla’s space travel gave a tremendous amount of experience, expertise for India’s future voyages and also put the country in a better position for large international collaborations.
“But most of all, it also sends out a huge, huge message across the globe. Now, India has come of age as far as the space sector is concerned,” the minister said.
Singh said the success of Chandrayaan-3, when ISRO landed a spacecraft near the southern pole of the moon, had placed India among the frontline space faring nations.
“After the success of this mission and after what Shubhanshu has conducted in space, the first of its kind, indigenous experiments, it has also sent out a message that India today is ready to accept the challenges,” he said.
Singh said the decision of the government to open the space sector for private players has given a boost to India’s space economy which is projected to grow from the current USD 8.4 billion to USD 44 billion by 2033.
The wildlife season is just around the corner, and we are excited about that. But this time, we are not here for that. For nature lovers, India’s diverse landscapes do not disappoint. Here we are looking at experiences beyond wildlife safaris, from lush valleys to serene backwaters. The winter months will provide perfect weather for exploring the outdoors. Here are eight exceptional nature trips across India to plan before the year ends.
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
From Shillong Airport, Mawlynnong is located just 90 km. Also known as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong’s forests, waterfalls, and living root bridges are some of the best things you will experience in Northeast India. Not to forget, winter is the time when Dawki River (located just 30 km from Mawlynnong) is at it’s best form. Crystal clear water of Dawki River will leave you mesmerised. When in Mawlynnong, stay in village guesthouses. They are budget-friendly, and will let you have authentic traditional stay experience.
Dandeli, Karnataka
Located just 125 km from Goa Airport, Dandeli is nestled in the Western Ghats’ foothills. Its dense forests and Kali River offer adventure and serenity. Its flat terrain and riverine landscape are photogenic, perfect for the ‘gram.’ If you can, take out time to go rafting on the Kali River, or trek to Kavala Caves.Bhitarkanika National Park, OdishaLocated just 150 km from Bhubaneswar Airport, this mangrove ecosystem and wetland, spans 672 sq km. It offers serene boat rides through creeks and sightings of crocodiles and migratory birds. Bhitarkanika is a beautiful mix of wildlife and offbeat travel. Cruise through mangroves, spot estuarine crocodiles, or visit the Olive Ridley turtle nesting site at Gahirmatha.Gokarna, KarnatakaGokarna is located approximately 150 km from Goa Airport. It’s a quieter alternative to Goa. Gokarna’s pristine beaches and coastal cliffs offer a laid-back nature escape, far from the hustle and bustle of an over-crowded (and expensive) tourist trap. Here’s what to do in Gokarna: Relax on Om Beach, trek to Kudle Beach, or visit Half Moon Beach for solitude. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is a beautiful addition to your serene coastal holiday.
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New Delhi: For the first time since 2001, excluding the Covid-19 years, the number of Indians visiting the United States has fallen as 2.1 lakh Indians travelled there in June 2025, which is an 8 per cent drop compared to 2.3 lakh in the same month last year, according to the US Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).
The downward trend seems to be continuing in July as well, with provisional data showing a 5.5 per cent decline compared to July 2024.
This slowdown is part of a broader global trend. NTTO data shows that overall international arrivals to the US also fell, with a 6.2 per cent drop in June, 7 per cent in May, 8 per cent in March, and 1.9 per cent in February.
Only January and April saw increases of 4.7 per cent and 1.3 per cent, respectively.
India continues to be the fourth largest source of international visitors to the US. Since Canada and Mexico share land borders with America, India ranks as the second largest overseas market after the UK, followed by Brazil in fifth place.
Together, these five countries contributed nearly 60 per cent of all international arrivals to the US in June.
Traditionally, Indian travellers to the US include students, business professionals, and those visiting friends and relatives.
Leisure travel to America has always been less popular compared to destinations like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The current slowdown is being seen most clearly among students, though experts believe that business and family visits could also be affected if visa delays and constraints continue.
The Indian diaspora in the US is strong, with over 50 lakh people, which has generally ensured a steady flow of travel.
In fact, NTTO data shows that every June since 2001 had recorded higher numbers than the year before — until now.
April this year had been a positive month for Indian travellers overall, with 29 lakh people flying abroad.
The UAE was the top destination, followed by Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, and the US.
(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
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