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...
India's Need for Foundational AI Models: A Path to Technological Sovereignty Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global landscape, influencing industries, governance, healthcare, and everyday life. While the world witnesses advancements in large language models (LLMs) and AI-driven automation , it is imperative that India develops its own foundational AI models tailored to its unique demographics, linguistic diversity, and cultural complexities. The Centre’s Principal Scientific Adviser recently emphasized the necessity of homegrown AI solutions, advocating that AI should support rather than replace human capabilities . Moreover, with the advent of quantum computing , India stands at the cusp of a technological revolution that demands sovereignty in AI research and development. Why India Needs Its Own AI Models 1. Unique Demographic & Linguistic Diversity India is home to 1.4 billion people with 22 official languages and thousands o...