In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
GARBHINI-DRISHTI: Advancing Maternal and Child Health Research

About GARBHINI-DRISHTI
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has launched GARBHINI-DRISHTI, a data dashboard at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad, Haryana. This initiative aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes by providing a comprehensive and structured database for research and healthcare applications.
Key Features of GARBHINI-DRISHTI
- Comprehensive Data Access: Provides a detailed overview of South Asia's largest maternal and child health database.
- Extensive Clinical Information: Includes clinical data, images, and biospecimens collected from:
- Over 12,000 pregnant women
- Newborns and postpartum mothers
- Part of GARBH-INi Program:
- GARBH-INi (Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on BirtH outcomes) is a flagship initiative of the DBT.
- It aims to use cutting-edge scientific methods to reduce pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes.
Significance of GARBHINI-DRISHTI
- Supports Advanced Research: The data will help scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals study pregnancy-related conditions.
- Enhances Predictive Healthcare: The platform can assist in early detection and prevention of complications such as preterm births, fetal growth restrictions, and other maternal health risks.
- Strengthens Healthcare Policies: Helps in policy formulation to improve maternal and neonatal health services.