June 27, 2025 Friday 1 India This Week A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng New s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tinent Pub li s h ed From th e U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 34 No.26 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 01-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday June 27, 2025 Trump Announces “Complete and Total” Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran Washington DC/ Tel Aviv, June 24 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran, marking what he described as a significant de-escalation in a conflict that had threatened to engulf the Middle East. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump declared that the ceasefire had been jointly agreed upon by both nations and would take effect approximately six hours after his announcement. “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete gratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘THE 12 DAY WAR.’ This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!” Trump concluded with a broad message of hope and unity: “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched “Operation Rising and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” Trump wrote. According to Trump, Iran would begin the ceasefire first, followed by Israel. This staggered approach would lead to a complete halt in hostilities within 24 hours. He emphasized that during each side’s ceasefire window, the other would remain “peaceful and respectful.” He added, “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to con- Israel-Iran Ceasefire see page 17 Axiom-4, piloted by Indian Air Force officer Shukla to rewrite India's space flight history Florida [US], June 25 (ANI): The Axiom-4 mission is targeting a launch window of 2:31 a.m. EDT or 12 noon IST on Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US. The crew, piloted by India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, will travel to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft after launching on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 a.m. EDT on Thursday or 4 p.m. IST. The four-member crew, which has been in quarantine in Florida, will be commanded by Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight. The mission specialists are ESA project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The Ax-4 mission will “realize the return” to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, with each nation’s first government-sponsored flight in more than 40 years. While Ax-4 marks these countries’ second human spaceflight mission in history, it will be the first time all three nations will execute a mission on board the International Space Station. For Group Captain Shukla, this will be an opportunity to emulate fellow Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984, as part of the Soviet Remember: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall inherit the earth” Jesus Christ Interkosmos programme. Sharma spent seven days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station. At the space station, Rakesh Sharma conducted experiments, such as understanding yoga’s effects on the human body in weightlessness and taking photographs of India from outer space. When then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked him how India looked from space, he replied, “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” a phrase that has become an iconic milestone in India’s Space Odyssey. “I grew up reading about him in textbooks and listening to his stories from space. I was deeply, deeply impressed by him. This journey that I am on, it has been a long one for me. And it started out somewhere—I did not know that this is the path it is going to finally take. I would say that I’ve been extremely fortunate and extremely lucky to have gotten the opportunities to first fly all my life, which was a dream job for me, and then have the opportunity to apply to the astronaut’s corps,” said Group Captain Shukla in a YouTube video posted by the Ax-4 mission. The Ax-4 mission is also conducting major research. The research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. This will be the most research and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station to date, underscoring the mission’s global significance and collaborative nature to advance microgravity research in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The mission emphasizes scientific portfolios led by the U.S., India, Poland (in partnership with ESA), and Hungary. It aims to boost participation in these countries by involving diverse stakeholders, showcasing the value of microgravity research, and fostering international collaboration. The studies will enhance global knowledge in human research, Earth observation, and life, biological, and material sciences, demonstrating the space research capabilities of the crew’s home nations. For ISRO and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, this mission lays the groundwork for India’s space roadmap, with the goal to land an Indian on the Moon by 2040.
June 27, 2025 Friday India This Week H Mart Celebrates Young Artists in 2025 National "I Heart Children" Art Contest Children nationwide share heartwarming stories through food and creativity Lyndhurst, NJ – H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States, proudly announced the winners of its 2025 “I Heart Children” Art Contest—a celebration of imagination, family, and food. Held from April 14 to May 19, the contest invited children from across the country to depict their favorite memories shared over an H Mart meal. The result: a vibrant collection of artwork bursting with creativity and heartfelt stories. This year, 90 young artists were selected as winners, with two receiving the prestigious Grand Prize. Stephanie Hyerin Yang (Pre-K to 1st Grade) and Key Hwang (2nd to 5th Grade) were named the Grand Prize winners of the 2025 contest. Each will receive a $1,000 H Mart Gift Certificate and a personalized award plaque in recognition of their outstanding work. Prizes were also awarded across several categories: First Prize winners will each receive a $500 Gift Certificate and an award plaque. Second Prize recipients will be given a $300 Gift Certificate and a trophy. Third Prize winners will receive a $100 Gift Certificate and a trophy. Happy Prize honorees will take home a $20 Gift Certificate and a trophy. All winners have been notified via email and are invited to collect their prizes in person. Starting July 7, prizes can be claimed at the customer service center of the H Mart location where the artwork was submitted. Winners must bring a valid photo ID and their H Mart Smart Rewards Card for verification. H Mart shared, “Through this contest, children vividly expressed the joyful atmosphere of our stores, the warmth of shared meals, and their love for Asian ingredients—through colorful and imaginative artwork. We are committed to nurturing children’s creativity and will continue hosting cultural events that help communities grow together.” The winning entries will be featured in the 2026 H Mart calendar. A complete list of winners is available at hmart.com and will also be displayed on in-store posters. For further inquiries, please contact the H Mart Customer Service Center at 877-427-7386 or email customer_care@hmart.com. US Visa Applicants Must Make Social Media Accounts Public for Screening Washington [US], June 23 (ANI): In a significant shift to enhance visa screening and national security, the United States has mandated that all individuals applying for F, M, or J category non-immigrant visas must now adjust their social media account settings to “public” to enable thorough vetting. The U.S. Embassy in India (@USAndIndia) made the announcement via a post on X, stating: “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J non-immigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their personal social media accounts to ‘public’ to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States.” The F, M, and J visa categories pertain to international students, vocational trainees, and exchange visitors. These applicants are now expected to voluntarily provide access to their digital presence as part of the standard background screening process. This new requirement builds upon the 2019 policy where visa applicants were already required to disclose their social media identifiers on both immi- grant and non-immigrant visa application forms. The Embassy reiterated that the U.S. government “uses all available information” in screening visa applications to identify those who may pose a threat to U.S. national security. New 2025 Travel Ban Unveiled In a parallel development, the U.S. has also rolled out a sweeping new travel ban as part of its 2025 immigration policy overhaul. Nationals from 12 countries have been placed under a total visa ban, while citizens of seven other nations will face partial restrictions, such as heightened screening or limited visa categories. The full ban affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, including those for tourism, education, and employment. The countries primarily affected are in the Middle East and Africa, and the decision is being justified as part of the United States’ effort to close potential security loopholes and combat terrorism. India Not on the List, But Delays Persist The U.S. government clarified that India is not included in the list of affected countries. All visa categories for Indian nationals— including B1/B2 tourist visas, H-1B work permits, and F-1 student visas— continue to be processed. However, Indian applicants remain burdened by prolonged wait times, with U.S. consulates in India currently scheduling interviews up to 10–12 months in advance due to a high volume of applications and a persistent administrative backlog. Though India remains unaffected by the new visa restrictions, prospective travelers are advised to plan well in advance and stay updated on evolving consular policies.
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June 27, 2025 Friday India This Week Union Minister Jitendra Singh unveils ANI Chairman Prem Prakash’s book ‘History That India Ignored’ New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday unveiled History That India Ignored, a book authored by Asian News International (ANI) Chairman and veteran journalist Prem Prakash. Speaking at the launch event, Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, highlighted a passage from the book’s preface regarding the Congress party’s early political stance. “Till 1930, the demand of the Congress Party was only for home rule under the status of a Dominion of the British Empire, with the British monarch appointing a Governor General,” he said. “This is something which is going to trigger quite a few heads. In other words, however much the Congress Party might claim to be the torchbearer of India’s freedom struggle, its freedom struggle, if at all, on record began only after 1930,” Singh said. The Union Minister said that Congress’s entire span leading up to independence was only 17 years, of which 4 years were the Second World War. “The entire span leading up to independence is only 17 years, out of which 4 years are the Second World War. The high point was the Quit India Movement of 1942, which means that for only one decade, the Congress Party was apparently active as freedom fighters. But the drum beating has successfully carried on for all of us a century now, and that is where the book’s title finds its justification — History That India Ignored,” he said. Singh also drew attention to the book’s focus on revolutionary freedom fighter Madan Lal Dhingra. “I think the most telling revelation, or a lesser-known fact, brought to light by the author Prakash ji is that of Madan Lal Dhingra, who killed Curzon Wyllie on July 1, 1909, in London,” he said. Highlighting Dhingra’s defiance during his Tripura Becomes Third State to Attain Full Functional Literacy New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Tripura was declared fully literate on Monday, becoming the third Indian state to achieve this milestone under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme. The northeastern state joins Goa and Mizoram in the list of fully literate states, while Ladakh has attained this status among Union Territories. The announcement was made during a formal ceremony attended by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, senior officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives of the State Education Department, newly literate learners, and community stakeholders who played a key role in this achievement. Describing the occasion as a “historic milestone” in Tripura’s educational journey, Chief Minister Saha shared that the state’s literacy rate has reached 95.6 percent — a significant rise from just 20.24 percent in 1961. A state is considered fully literate under the ULLAS scheme when its literacy rate exceeds 95 percent. Saha attributed this success to the robust implementation of the ULLAS program, which aligns with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The ULLAS initiative targets individuals aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling, aiming to equip them with foundational literacy, numeracy, and essential life skills. Launched in 2022, the ULLAS scheme is being executed in mis- sion mode nationwide. In Tripura, the program was rolled out intensively across all districts through strong community mobilization, door-to-door surveys, and widespread use of the ULLAS mobile application, which facilitated digital learning and certification. The Ministry of Education praised the efforts of state authorities, volunteers, and learners for their collective commitment to making functional literacy a reality in Tripura. (ANI) trial, Singh said, “During the trial, he refused to hire an advocate. He was sentenced to death, and when he was asked to make the last statement, he wrote: ‘No English Court has the authority to arrest me… If it is patriotic for an Englishman to fight against the German if they were to occupy his country, then it is much more justifiable and patriotic in my case to fight against the English.'” He also criticised the Congress party for distancing itself from Dhingra. “The most important fact is that the Congress Party passes a resolution condemning the Dhingra Act, dissociating itself from Dhingra and Gandhi ji also unfortunately does… None of his family members visited him in prison till he was hanged, and did not even claim his body… There was only one person who had the courage and conviction to visit him in jail and meet him, and his name was Veer Savarkar,” Singh said. Prem Prakash’s book revisits the untold stories from the Indian freedom struggle that are not commonly known but essential for the spirit of India. (ANI) 3 dead, 3 injured as fire breaks out at factory near Delhi’s Rithala metro station New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Three people died and three were injured as a fire broke out in a polyethylene factory near the Rithala Metro Station in New Delhi, according to the Delhi police. A total of 15 fire tenders from the Delhi Fire Service rushed to the accident site after fire broke out in the polyethylene factory near the Rithala Metro Station. According to Divisional Fire Officer AK Jaiswal, the factory was engaged in printing on plastic and clothes. “Printing on plastic and clothes is done in this factory. The people here told us that 2-3 people have been taken to the hospital. 15 fire tenders are present at the spot. The fire is under control, but we cannot enter the second and third floors... When we are able to enter, then we will see if there is any casualty or not.”Firefighting operations are ongoing, and authorities are awaiting access to the upper floors to determine whether there are any casualties. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
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India This Week June 27, 2025 Friday ISRO to conduct key space experiments through Axiom-4 mission Florida, June 25 — In a major step forward for space science collaboration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to conduct a series of advanced scientific experiments as part of the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax4) mission, scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS). The Ax-4 mission will be one of the most research-intensive flights yet undertaken by Axiom Space, with a slate of approximately 60 scientific studies and activities involving contributions from 31 countries, including the United States, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and several European nations. This historic mis- Crop Seed Study ISRO will send six varieties of crop seeds to the ISS to examine how spaceflight affects germination and plant development. After the mission, the seeds will be grown over multiple generations on Earth, with plants displaying desirable traits selected for genetic analysis. The project aims to advance our understanding of space farming for future long-duration missions. sion marks a new chapter in international space collabo- The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- June 13, 2025 The Lie called “Peaceful Protest” Cars are burning, stores are looted, cops are assaulted Rioters waving Mexican flags, burn US flags— But left-wing journalists and politicians in unison cry, “It is a peaceful protest” they all repeat. Whoever says so does not believe what they claim, But forces us to conceal their role in the crime They commit against the state they call home— All to make a few dimes. The audacity to think people will believe their lies, As they speak in unison for their draconian cause, Denying what their own eyes behold every moment, As the fires burn, and the looters loot. It is beyond comprehension—what a plight For common folks who vote these politicians To power—who, in turn, fund the riots and mayhem, Leaving the cities dry, awash in blood. They want to regain the power they have lost, And preserve the power they still retain, So they embroil the cities they govern— Even whole states—without remorse. Human life holds little value; but power— That’s all they want. Once it’s gained, They run the country into the ground, Where mayhem reigns, and coffers are robbed. They let anarchy reign supreme, Prevent the enforcement of laws, Restrain the police, set criminals free, And fund atrocities with public money. Unless taxpayers realize this trap, And disempower dishonest politicians, This will not stop—and we will have To live with the choices of a deceived cult. by Rajan George ration, particularly between ISRO and NASA, which are jointly overseeing several of the onboard investigations. These studies span a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biology, agriculture, biotechnology, and human-computer interaction in microgravity. Key ISRO Experiments Among the Indian contributions to the Ax-4 mission are several cutting-edge experiments designed to explore the potential of sustaining human life and scientific activity in space over the long term. INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online for muscle-related conditions on Earth. Human-Computer Interaction In a study titled “Voyager Displays,” ISRO scientists will investigate how astronauts interact with digital screens in space. The research will track pointing tasks, eye movement, and stress indicators to improve the design of user interfaces aboard future spacecraft. Cyanobacteria Research Another experiment will assess how two strains of cyanobacteria— organisms capable of photosynthesis—respond to microgravity. These findings could contribute to the development of sustainable life support systems onboard future spacecraft. STEAM Outreach: STEMonstrations The mission will also include educational outreach activities for Indian students, featuring four STEAM demonstrations designed to inspire interest in space science and technology. STEAM integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Sprout Development A separate investigation will focus on how microgravity influences the germination and early growth stages of crop seeds. Researchers will evaluate genetic changes, microbial impact, and nutritional profiles across generations grown post-mission. Microalgae Growth ISRO will also examine how microgravity affects three strains of microalgae—organisms with potential applications in food, fuel, and air recycling systems. The study will compare growth rates, metabolism, and gene expression between space-grown and Earth-grown samples. Muscle Loss Study (Myogenesis) A biomedical experiment will explore the molecular mechanisms behind muscle degeneration in zero gravity. By identifying the causes of muscle loss in astronauts, the study may lead to new therapies for space travelers and also benefit medical treatment Tardigrade Survival Study ISRO will send tardigrades—tiny, resilient organisms known for surviving extreme conditions—to the ISS. The study will monitor their revival from dormancy, reproduction in space, and genetic expression compared to ground-based controls. The goal is to understand biological resilience and the boundaries of life in hostile environments. Paving the Way for Gaganyaan The Ax-4 mission serves as a key milestone ahead of India’s own crewed space mission, Gaganyaan. Under this program, ISRO plans to send a three-member crew to an altitude of 400 km in low Earth orbit for a three-day mission, followed by a safe return to Earth. By participating in Ax-4, ISRO not only showcases its growing expertise in life sciences and space biology but also strengthens its position as a critical player in the future of human space exploration. Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ
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June 27, 2025 Friday India This Week Axiom-4 mission piloted by Group Captain Shukla lifts off from Florida Florida [US], June 25 (ANI): The Axiom Mission 4 launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (12 Noon IST). This is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The crew is traveling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am Eastern Time (4 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. Once docked, the astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is in command of the mission, while Indian Space Research Organization Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serves as pilot. The two mission specialists are European Space Agency project astronaut Slawosz Uznan- ski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The astronauts are using the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, which provides them with advanced capabilities for space exploration while offering NASA commercially developed human systems needed to access, live, and work on and around the Moon. The advanced spacesuits ensure astronauts are equipped with high-performing, robust equipment and are designed to accommodate a wide range of crew members. The Ax-4 mission is set to conduct major research. The research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. This will be the most research- and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the Interna- tional Space Station to date. NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are collaborating to launch several scientific investigations. These studies include examining muscle regeneration, growth of sprouts and edible microalgae, survival of tiny aquatic organisms, and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity. The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, also was commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station. The International Space Station is a conver- gence of science, technology, and human innovation that enables research not possible on Earth. For more than 24 years, NASA has supported a continuous human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory, through which astronauts have learned to live and work in space for extended periods of time. (ANI) Shubhanshu Shukla carrying wishes, hopes of 1.4 billion Indians: PM Modi lauds successful launch of Axiom 4 mission New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful launch of the Axiom 4 mission and stated that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is carrying the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indian citizens.PM Modi said that Group Captain Shukla will be the first Indian to go to the International Space Station and also lauded the astronauts from Hungary, Poland and the US.” We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!” PM Narendra Modi’s ‘X’ post read. Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauded the successful lift off of Axiom 4 mission piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla stating that “India’s ascent to the pedestal of Viksit Bharat has started via space.””Congratulations Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla -- you are the first Indian Astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station . Indeed a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi have placed India as a frontline nation in Space exploration,” the Union Minister said in a post on X . He said that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will perform seven crucial experiments designed by the Indian institutes.The Union Minister also praised the efforts of the founding fathers of the Indian Space Programme, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan. The Axiom Mis- sion 4 was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (12 noon IST). (ANI) “From conquering the skies to touching the stars...”: Indian Air Force lauds Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla after Axiom-4 launch The Indian Air Force (IAF) has lauded the “indomitable spirit” of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is piloting the Axiom 4 Mission that lifted off to the International Space Station from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday. Taking to its social media platform X, the IAF wrote, “From conquering the skies to touching the stars -- a journey powered by the indomitable spirit of the IAF Air Warrior.” The Air Force re- membered Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma’s space odyssey and called it a ‘dèja-vu moment for India’. “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla sets forth on a landmark Space Mission, carrying the pride of the nation beyond Earth. This is a dèja-vu moment for India, 41 years after the mission of Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, who first carried our Tricolour beyond Earth,” the post read. “Being more than a mission -- it is reaffirmation of India’s ever-expanding horizon,” IAF wrote. The Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (12 Noon IST).Previously, Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Sharma spent seven days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station. Axiom-4 is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The crew is travelling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am Eastern Time (4 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26.Once docked, the astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is in command of the mission along with specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. (ANI)
June 27, 2025 Friday 9 “Honoured to be Democratic nominee for New York City Mayor”: Zohran Mamdani New York [US], June 25 (ANI): New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani has said that he is “honoured” to be the Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City. He even referred to former South African President Nelson Mandela’s quote. “In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done. My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City,” he posted on X. Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a New York State Assembly member and democratic socialist, is the leader as first-choice votes are tallied in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. Born in Uganda, Indian-American Mamdani is the first South Asian man to serve in the New York State Assembly, the first Ugandan, and only the third Muslim ever to be a member of the body. He was born to In- dian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Indo-Ugandan professor Mahmood Mamdani. Earlier, former Governor Andrew Cuomo had conceded the Democratic primary for New York City mayor to Zohran Mamdani, telling his supporters at his election night party, “Tonight was not our night, but it was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night,” NBC News reported. “Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night, and he put together a great campaign, and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote, and he really ran a highly impactful campaign,” Cuomo said. “I called him. I congratulated him,” Cuomo added. Incidentally, Mamdani is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair.Cuomo said, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it.” He added, “He won.” In his remarks, Andrew Cuomo said he wants to “look at all the numbers as they come in”, mentioning that the primary is heading to rounds of ranked choice voting. He said the city is facing “important issues” and made a veiled reference to a looming decision that he could still appear on the November elections after he launches his new party. He stated, “The challenges we face are real, and they deserve real consideration. And I want to give some thought about the best way to help address them, the best way to help the party, but most of all, the best way to help the city, and that’s what we’ll be thinking about as we go forward.” If elected, Mamdani (33) would be the city’s first Muslim mayor. He has gained support in the closing weeks of the race as he has presented a progressive vision for the city. His election campaign has focused on tackling higher costs, promising to freeze rents and offer free buses, universal childcare and other progressive poli- cies that would be paid for in part by raising taxes on the rich, NBC News reported. He has become the focal point for an anti-Cuomo movement that has been united under the banner of “Don’t rank Cuomo,” stressing that he does not deserve a successful political comeback after resigning from office in 2021 over sexual harassment allegations, NBC News reported. Zohran Mamdani has also been able to reach cross-endorsement deals with fellow candidates, including city Comptroller Brad Lander and former DNC vice chair Michael Blake, as per the report. He also received support from Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York Working Families Party, and Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders. State Attorney General Letitia James has asked supporters to include Mamdani on their ranked-choice ballots. (ANI) Tears of joy: Group Captain Shukla’s parents get emotional after he lifts off into space Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 25 (ANI): As Axiom Mission 4 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it marked not just a historic milestone, but also an emotionally significant moment for one family, watching from Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow.Asha Shukla, mother of Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, gets emotional as she cheers for her son and says, “Everyone is happy. These are tears of joy...”Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said, “It feels great. This was all God’s blessings...”Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green, Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia and others share sweets to celebrate the launch of Axiom 4 Mission piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is piloting the Axiom-4 mission that launched from Florida on Wednesday, said that India is returning to space after 41 years and called it an “amazing ride.” Stating that the journey is the beginning of India’s human space programme, he said the chest of Indians “should swell with pride.” The Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (12 Noon IST).In his remarks from onboard the Dragon spacecraft, Shukla said, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen, what a ride. We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India’s Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride. You all also show excitement. Together, let’s initiate India’s Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!” For Group Captain Shukla, this will be an opportunity to emulate fellow Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Sharma spent seven days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station.This is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The crew is travelling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am Eastern Time (4 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. Once docked, the astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. Peg- gy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is in command of the mission, while Indian Space Research Organisation Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serves as pilot.The two mission specialists are European Space Agency project astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The astronauts are using the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, which provides them with advanced capabilities for space exploration while providing NASA with commercially developed human systems needed to access, live, and work on and around the Moon. The advanced spacesuits ensure astronauts are equipped with high-performing, robust equipment and are designed to accommodate a wide range of crew members. The Ax-4 mission will conduct major research. The research com- plement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.This will be the most research and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station. NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are collaborating to launch several scientific investigations. These studies include examining muscle regeneration, sprout and edible microalgae growth, tiny aquatic organism survival, and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity. The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, was also commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station. (ANI)
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