MODI GOVERNMENT ISRO PRIVATIZATION
First drones, now missiles. The spending is certain, who gets the maximum is not: 14 stocks from the defence ecosystem
The defence sector’s positives are well known. But there are some unknowns. For “security reasons” we will never know how or why orders are placed, or how the focus areas are decided. Not surprising. No government will announce what it plans to do for its own defence. The only certainty is that there will be an increase in spending. Just Google how many countries have said that their defence spending as a percentage of GDP will see a sharp rise in the next three years. The number and names on the list may surprise you.
PM Modi, VP Radhakrishnan hail Ramakrishna Hegde’s legacy of decentralised governance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan honored Ramakrishna Hegde on his birth centenary. They recalled his significant contributions to decentralized governance and democratic institutions. Hegde's efforts to strengthen grassroots democracy and public administration were remembered. His principled stand against the Emergency was also highlighted by leaders. The celebrations offered a chance to reflect on his impact on India's democratic journey.
Tourist destinations, not government assets
India's tourism sector is shifting focus towards destination-wide partnerships. Private sector involvement is crucial for designing and managing visitor experiences. Governments must resolve land and approval issues before seeking investment. Viability and public support are essential for successful tourism projects.
Nandan Nilekani panel seeks public suggestions to overhaul exam system
A high-powered task force seeks public suggestions for reforms to India's examination system. The panel is examining ways to strengthen institutional mechanisms and safeguard examination integrity. It aims to create a robust, secure, and transparent examination system for all. Suggestions are invited from students, parents, teachers, and civil society organizations. The task force will use these inputs to formulate recommendations for the government.
India’s space economy may grow 5x to $45 billion by 2030. Who is leading the boom?
India’s private space sector is shifting from prototypes to commercial operations, with the government targeting a fivefold expansion of the space economy to $40–45 billion by 2030. The startup ecosystem has grown to over 400 companies, with Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel, Agnikul Cosmos and Digantara emerging as key private players.
Khalistani separatist Pannun says FBI has warned him of new threat on his life
Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has been reportedly warned by the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This warning comes as Indian national Nikhil Gupta is set for sentencing in connection with a previous plot.
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Why strangulate ISRO with privatisation push: Congress
Congress accuses the government of aggressive privatization of India's space program. This agenda will limit the Indian Space Research Organisation's rocket development and manufacturing. The party questions why ISRO is being strangulated and emasculated by this policy. Much of ISRO's satellite assets may transfer to private companies under this plan.

Government plans to award 11 airports in 5 bundles to private players under public-private-partnership model
The government plans to award eleven airports to private players in five bundles. Five major airports will be bundled with six smaller airports for development. The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee has given its in-principle nod for this proposal. Concessionaires will invest an estimated Rs 8,622 crore in these airport operations.

Can divorced central govt woman employee add parents to health scheme? DAE clarifies CHSS rule
The central government has clarified that married female employees can now list their parents or parents-in-law as beneficiaries in the CHSS scheme. Even after a divorce, biological parents remain eligible for benefits if they are dependent on the employee. This guidance was prompted by inquiries from DAE employees, who also received clarifications regarding CHSS facilities available for disabled children.

India’s satellite launch cost 4 times higher than US, Cambridge study finds; Space Dept disputes findings
A new study reveals that satellite launch costs in India are the highest among key markets. Government sources challenge this perception, highlighting the advantages of subsidies and strategic savings. To support the growth of private sector space ventures, various funding schemes are being implemented, with expectations of a sharp decrease in launch fees in the near future.

National Space Day 2026: From bicycles to global space leadership, ISRO chief recalls India's journey
India observed its third National Space Day, commemorating the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan recalled the agency's humble beginnings and current global standing. He highlighted Chandrayaan-3's soft landing near the Moon's south pole in August 2023. The mission's scientific data was shared globally, inspiring millions of Indians worldwide. This year's theme focuses on innovation and collaboration for global space leadership.

From Thumba to tomorrow: Indian space programme is preparing for its biggest leap yet
India's space program began with a small rocket range in 1962. It progressed to launching its first satellite and developing indigenous launch vehicles. Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing marked a significant achievement for the nation. The program now includes private sector involvement and ambitious future goals. India aims for a space station by 2035 and a lunar landing by 2040.

PM Modi wants India to ‘create an aura’ that can draw space talent; urges startups to build global businesses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to lure global expertise to India's expanding space landscape. He identifies the private sector's potential as a crucial asset for global competition. Key advantages include India’s affordability and its appetite for innovation. To foster investment in the demanding space sector, maintaining consistent policies is vital. Meanwhile, Indian startups are setting their sights on global markets to elevate their reach.

Yogi Adityanath attacks Rahul Gandhi over Manusmriti remarks, asks 'why destroy India's heritage?'
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sharply criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. He accused Gandhi of undermining India's traditions and democratic institutions. Adityanath referenced Gandhi's recent comments regarding the Manusmriti and past remarks on Lord Ram. The Chief Minister also questioned Gandhi's commitment to democracy and his role as opposition leader. He suggested Gandhi study ancient texts for a better understanding of Indian heritage.

Modi government strangulating, emasculating ISRO, says Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh
The Congress party criticises the Modi government's aggressive privatisation agenda for India's space program. They question the rationale behind weakening ISRO's capabilities and transferring its assets. Reports indicate ISRO's role in rocket development will be severely limited by this new policy. The party also notes that key ISRO professionals have recently resigned from their positions. Concerns are raised about the future of ISRO's historic spaceports under this privatisation drive.

ET World Leaders Forum: Trust-based reforms transformed India’s middle class, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's transformative reforms and trust-based governance. He noted significant changes for the middle class, which are still a dream elsewhere. The government shifted from punishment to incentive models, creating millions of new jobs. Digital revolution and infrastructure upgrades have improved citizens' ease of living. India is becoming self-reliant in defence and other key sectors.

'India will establish its own space station by 2035': ISRO Chief V Narayanan
India plans to establish its own space station by the year 2035. The first module for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station has already received approval. This ambitious project aligns with the nation's growing space capabilities and aspirations. National Space Day celebrates India's achievements and future endeavors in space exploration.

Fire in the belly: Defence industry must move from 'Make in India' to 'Own in India'
Amidst ongoing discussions in Indian defense, leaders emphasize the importance of fostering indigenous intellectual property and scalable production capabilities. The sector is eager to play a larger role in sophisticated weaponry while enhancing export opportunities. Private enterprises are showcasing their proficiency in intricate systems, aiming to reduce reliance on imports.
ET World Leaders Forum: PM Modi stood by president Trump in tough times, says US ambassador Sergio Gor
US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the personal friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump remains a key anchor of India-US ties, with Trump remembering Modi’s support during his four years out of office.

Space, AI and other tech integration to shape a nation's geopolitical future: Minister Shekhawat
Privatisation of space is the "democratisation of space opportunities," Shekhawat asserted at the event, organised by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Science. The minister also hailed the visionary leadership of Indian scientist Vikram Sarabhai and his contributions to the field of space and technology.

PM Modi urges private space startups to build solutions for agriculture, climate and global challenges
Modi made the remarks during a meeting with 20 space technology startups at his office on Friday morning. He praised the founders for entering a challenging domain, taking risks and showing faith in the government’s space sector reforms.

PM Modi urges space startups to explore applications in agriculture, livestock, environment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged young space entrepreneurs to innovate for agriculture and daily life. He highlighted the potential of India's private space sector for global impact. Startups were urged to engage with schools and inspire future generations. Modi acknowledged the risks taken by entrepreneurs and the government's reform process. The government will continue supporting startups to build national space capabilities.

Walchandnagar Industries shares rise 2% on Rs 30.53 crore order from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Walchandnagar Industries shares rose on Friday after the company secured a Rs 30.53 crore order from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for fabricating, testing and supplying HS200 motorcase segments for the Gaganyaan mission. The order, which includes all three segments, is scheduled for completion over four years, according to the company’s filing.

No end to march of grave ecological folly in Great Nicobar: Cong slams govt
Amid environmental concerns, the Congress party is vocally opposing the Modi administration's Great Nicobar project. They deem it an ecological disaster waiting to happen and advocate for its cancellation. The party underlines that the abandonment of recent data center proposals illustrates the pressing need to prioritize genuine community and ecological interests over what they perceive as commercial exploitation.

Local funds' share rises in private credit market: EY report
Private credit investments were broadly similar to the second half of 2025 levels of $3.4 billion, with refinancing, holding-company funding and acquisition financing serving as key drivers of activity. "The growing share of domestic capital is one of the most significant developments in India's private credit market," Vishal Bansal, partner, debt and special situations, EY India, said.

Worked 8-hour shifts at Intel, then studied after work: How this IIT Delhi engineer cracked ISRO recruitment with AIR 7 for Scientist 'A'
Hemant Kumar Bhukar transitioned from Intel engineer to ISRO scientist after diligent preparation. He secured All India Rank 7 for Scientist 'A' while working full-time. Bhukar's journey highlights dedication and leveraging prior experience for new goals. His success inspires students from rural backgrounds towards science careers. This achievement brought pride to his family and Rajasthan village.

ISRO official says docking technology key to future lunar, human space missions
Docking technology is vital for future lunar sample return missions. This capability will also support India's planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station. ISRO's successful docking experiment provides valuable experience for these endeavors. Chandrayaan-3's soft landing on the Moon was a significant technological achievement. National Space Day celebrates this success and inspires young Indian minds.

First industry-built PSLV launch slips to March 2027
The launch has seen multiple schedule changes since NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), awarded the contract to the HAL-L&T consortium in 2022.
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