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...
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has once again positioned itself at the forefront of scientific innovation with a groundbreaking advancement in solar technology. This breakthrough promises to significantly enhance the efficiency, affordability, and scalability of solar energy solutions. As the world grapples with energy crises and climate change, this discovery could pave the way for a sustainable and renewable future. The Breakthrough: Next-Generation Solar Cells The research team at IIT Bombay has developed high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with a record-breaking energy conversion efficiency . These next-generation solar cells have demonstrated efficiencies exceeding 25% , a remarkable improvement over conventional silicon-based solar cells, which typically have efficiencies ranging between 15-22% . Key Features of IIT Bombay’s Innovation Perovskite-Based Solar Cells – These cells use perovskite materials that can absorb more sunlight and convert it ...