ISRO Chairman S Somanathan spoke at the 13th convocation ceremony of IIIT Delhi, highlighting the need for India to undergo a revolutionary change driven by technological advancements and product development. He praised Elon Musk for inspiring global efforts in the space sector and encouraged young engineers to be innovative. He also applauded the government's recent initiatives to open the space sector to private players, saying it will enhance the country's global competitiveness.
ISRO Chairman Emphasizes the Need for India's Technological Revolution
At the 13th convocation ceremony of IIIT Delhi, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S Somanathan stressed the importance of a technological revolution in India. He urged the country to move beyond incremental innovation and instead strive for transformative changes driven by advanced technologies and product development.
Somanathan's Perspective
Somanathan lauded the efforts of Elon Musk's SpaceX in igniting global interest in the space sector. He inspired young engineers to embrace innovation and push the boundaries of technology. He also applauded the Indian government's recent initiatives to open the space sector to private companies, recognizing their potential to enhance India's global competitiveness.
India's Technological Journey
India has made significant strides in the space arena, with ISRO playing a pivotal role. From launching communication satellites to lunar exploration missions, the organization has established India as a leader in space research. However, Somanathan emphasized the need for India to move beyond these achievements and focus on becoming a technology powerhouse.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the significance of ISRO Chairman S Somanathan's speech?
Answer: Somanathan's speech highlights the urgent need for India to invest in technological advancements and product development to drive economic growth and global competitiveness.
2. How has Elon Musk influenced the space sector?
Answer: SpaceX, founded by Musk, has revolutionized the space industry through its innovative technologies and cost-effective approaches. Its success has inspired global efforts to explore space and develop commercial applications.
3. What initiatives has the Indian government taken to promote the space sector?
Answer: The government has opened up the space sector to private companies, allowing them to participate in satellite launch, spacecraft development, and other space-related activities. This move aims to boost innovation and foster industry growth.
4. What are ISRO's future plans?
Answer: ISRO plans to launch a series of missions to further explore space, including a lunar lander and rover mission, a human spaceflight mission, and a Venus orbiter mission.
5. How can young engineers contribute to India's technological revolution?
Answer: By embracing innovation, pursuing cutting-edge research, and collaborating with industry, young engineers can play a crucial role in developing transformative technologies and shaping India's future.
Conclusion
ISRO Chairman S Somanathan's speech serves as a wake-up call for India to embrace a technological revolution. By investing in advanced technologies, fostering innovation, and partnering with private players, India can unlock its full potential and become a global leader in the technology-driven era.
On the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the ‘Missile Man’ of India, tributes pour in on social media celebrating his life, vision and impact. A visionary scientist, inspiring leader and true patriot, Dr. Kalam's humility, compassion and constant interaction with students continue to inspire generations. His tireless efforts in defense, science and youth empowerment have strengthened India's path towards self-reliance and his legacy continues to motivate young minds to dream big and work hard for the nation.
Recent studies have found that extreme heat, particularly when combined with high humidity, can have a significant impact on mental health. A study in India showed that when wet bulb temperature exceeded 27°C, the probability of reporting severe depression increased by 0.5%, even when the temperature was slightly lower. This finding is consistent with global reviews that have linked high temperatures to mood disorders, increased hospital admissions for psychiatric conditions, and even elevated suicide risk. The Lancet has also published evidence that rising temperatures worldwide are a growing threat to emotional and cognitive health.
In a meeting with university officials in Udaipur, Rajasthan Governor Hari Bhau Bagde stressed the importance of incorporating India's ancient knowledge traditions into academic research. He highlighted the deep repository of knowledge in India since ancient times and urged scholars and scientists to draw upon this tradition in their work. Bagde also suggested making ancient texts available in university libraries for study and research purposes, in order to shape the intellectual abilities and love for the nation among the younger generation.
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering research into quantum mechanical tunnelling. Their discovery has opened new possibilities for quantum technologies, and will be formally presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. This announcement follows the tradition of recognizing transformative contributions to science, and the award carries a prestigious prize of 11 million Swedish kronor.
The US-Japanese trio of Mary E Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi have won the 2025 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine “for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance". Through their research, they have shown how the immune system is kept in check and why serious autoimmune diseases do not affect everyone. Sakaguchi found a new class of T cells, while Brunkow and Ramsdell discovered the explanation behind a specific mouse strain's vulnerability to autoimmune diseases. Together, they have significantly advanced our understanding of immunology and autoimmune diseases.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently completed a 20-day space mission, shared his insights and experiences at the convocation ceremony of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University. He highlighted the importance of patience, focus, and the inevitability of change in achieving success, and urged the graduating class to actively contribute to shaping a fearless and ambitious India.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued a weather alert for parts of Tamil Nadu, with thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall expected on Saturday. The alert was issued due to the strengthening of a cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify and form a low-pressure area. The system is expected to affect Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The public is advised to stay updated and take precautions, especially in hilly and western districts.
As a step towards advancing India's deep-sea research capabilities, the Union Science Minister announced a landmark contract with the International Seabed Authority to conduct mineral exploration in the Indian Ocean for the next 15 years. This move will not only help India in expanding its scientific knowledge about the deep sea but also has the potential to strengthen its position as a leading player in the international seabed mining industry.
President Trump has signed a proclamation that makes significant changes to the H-1B visa program. These changes include a new $100,000 fee for employers to sponsor H-1B workers entering the US, as well as higher wage levels and priority for senior, high-paying positions. While workers currently inside the US on valid H-1B status are not directly affected, anyone traveling abroad and seeking re-entry must comply with the new requirements. The lasting impact on the flow of talent, technology, and jobs between India and the US remains uncertain.
On September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse, known as a "Blood Moon," was visible to sky-watchers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This event, which lasted from 8:58 pm to 2:25 am in India, is the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022 and only the second clearly visible Blood Moon in India since 2018. The Moon appeared red due to the Earth's atmosphere bending sunlight and filtering out blue light, providing ideal viewing conditions for Indian observers in the late evening and early hours of September 8.