India is among the largest troop and police contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions; As of February 2026, UNIFIL’s force consists of 7,538 peacekeepers from 48 troop-contributing countries, including 642 personnel from India, the fourth highest after Italy (784), Indonesia (756) and Spain (660).

Indian peacekeeper serving with the UN mission in Lebanon, Major Abhilasha Barak, has been named the recipient of a prestigious military gender advocate award by the world body.

Barak has been honoured with the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outreach efforts with women and girls during her deployment in the West Asian nation.

“Proud to announce that Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 @UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She is being recognised for her outreach and community engagement activities for women and adolescent girls and gender sensitisation training for peacekeepers,” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a post on X Friday.

Barak is serving with the Indian Battalion as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET) in UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). She is also the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. She will be honoured at the UN headquarters when the world body commemorates the International Day of UN Peacekeepers that is marked annually on May 29.

Indian peacekeeper serving with the UN mission in Lebanon, Major Abhilasha Barak, has been named the recipient of a prestigious military gender advocate award by the world body.

Barak has been honoured with the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outreach efforts with women and girls during her deployment in the West Asian nation.

“Proud to announce that Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 @UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She is being recognised for her outreach and community engagement activities for women and adolescent girls and gender sensitisation training for peacekeepers,” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a post on X Friday.

Barak is serving with the Indian Battalion as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET) in UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). She is also the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. She will be honoured at the UN headquarters when the world body commemorates the International Day of UN Peacekeepers that is marked annually on May 29.

In a moment of pride for India, Barak is the third recipient of the award from the country, following Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, who were honoured for their commendable work while serving in UN Peacekeeping missions.

Gawani had served with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and received the 2019 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She was a co-recipient of the 2019 recognition along with Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo, a Brazilian Naval officer working in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Major Radhika Sen, who served with the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), received the prestigious 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

Created in 2016 by the Office of Military Affairs within the Department for Peace Operations (DPO), the award recognises the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. It underlines the contribution of the military peacekeeper who has best integrated a gender perspective into peacekeeping activities.

Each year, the awardee is selected from among candidates nominated by Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from all peace operations, according to UN Peacekeeping.

India is among the largest troop and police contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions. As of February 2026, UNIFIL’s force consists of 7,538 peacekeepers from 48 troop-contributing countries, including 642 personnel from India, the fourth highest after Italy (784), Indonesia (756) and Spain (660).

In March, India had condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon, urging all parties to ensure safety and security of the Blue Helmets. India had joined nearly 30 troop-contributing countries to the UN peacekeeping Force in Lebanon to express deep alarm at the escalation of hostilities in the West Asian country and strongly condemn Hezbollah’s “reckless decision” to join the Iranian attacks against Israel.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

The work was carried out by scientists at the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab and published recently in the journal Surfaces and Interfaces.

Researchers at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus have developed a new graphene-based electrode that could improve the performance and lifespan of supercapacitors, an emerging energy storage technology used in portable electronics, wearable devices, and microelectronic systems.

The work was carried out by scientists at the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab and published recently in the journal Surfaces and Interfaces. The research focuses on phosphorus-doped laser-induced graphene (PLIG), a material designed to increase the efficiency of supercapacitors while remaining low-cost and scalable for manufacturing.

Supercapacitors store and release energy much faster than conventional batteries and are considered important for future electronic systems. However, existing laser-induced graphene materials have faced limitations in energy storage capacity. To address this, the research team introduced phosphorus atoms into the graphene structure to improve conductivity and electrochemical activity.

The fabrication process involved mixing liquid polyimide with phosphoric acid, coating it onto filter paper, and exposing it to a blue diode laser. The laser converts the carbon-rich material into a porous graphene network without requiring expensive manufacturing techniques such as chemical vapour deposition or lithography.

According to the researchers, the new electrode showed nearly eight times higher conductivity than conventional laser-induced graphene. The study also reported high specific capacitance and about 98% capacitance retention after 6,000 charge-discharge cycles, indicating strong long-term stability.

Head, Center for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies at BITS Pilani here, Sanket Goel, also the corresponding author of the study, said the work demonstrates how controlled phosphorus doping can improve graphene performance while maintaining scalability for practical applications. Lead author Sowmya Sree Palavai said the focus was on developing a process suitable for real-world energy storage devices.

The researchers said the technology could be useful in wearable electronics, flexible energy storage systems, on-chip power devices, and other high-power electronic applications.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Rajnath Singh was joined by the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Patriots & Veterans Affairs in unveiling the war memorial at the Imjingak Park in Seoul.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (May 21, 2026) inaugurated the Indian War Memorial in South Korea’s Seoul and paid tributes to the Indian soldiers during a commemorative ceremony.

The War memorial has been constructed as part of commemorative events marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. It stands as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and humanitarian service rendered by the 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army and the Custodian Force of India (CFI) during the war.

Mr. Singh was joined by the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in unveiling the war memorial at Imjingak Park in Seoul.

The two Ministers laid a wreath at the memorial and paid homage to the brave Indian soldiers, whose service continues to be remembered by the people of the Republic of Korea, with deep respect and gratitude.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, military representatives, veterans, members of the diplomatic community and distinguished guests. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea dedicated this month in honour of Colonel Rangaraj.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the enduring legacy of India’s contribution to peace and humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula and stated that the shared history and sacrifices of the two nations continue to serve as a strong foundation for the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership. He added that commemorating the role of Indian troops helps strengthen people-to-people understanding and brings renewed attention to the historic bonds between the two countries.

He also extended appreciation to the Korean government for its valuable support and cooperation in the establishment of the memorial. The Indian War Memorial has been constructed in the same area where the CFI had established the ‘HIND NAGAR’ in September 1954, housing almost 22,000 prisoners of war till their peaceful repatriation.

The commemoration served as an important effort to honour a significant yet relatively lesser-known chapter of shared India-Republic of Korea history. The contributions of Indian personnel during the Korean War remain a powerful symbol of India’s long-standing commitment to peace, humanitarian assistance and international cooperation.

The inauguration of the Indian War Memorial also marked the conclusion of Rajnath Singh’s four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Tushar Kumar, a 23-yr-old Labour Party member took charge as mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood town in eastern UK. 

Rohtak-born Tushar Kumar has become the youngest-ever Indian-origin mayor in the United Kingdom (UK).

Tushar, 23, a Labour Party member, took charge as mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, a town in eastern UK.

His family, originally from Rohna village in Haryana’s Sonepat district, shifted to Rohtak, where Tushar was born, before moving to UK with his parents–Sunil Dhaiya and Praveen Rani–in 2013. A graduate from King’s College London, he is currently pursuing his postgraduation.

Speaking to HT about his journey, Tushar said his family has long been associated with community welfare and civic initiatives in Britain.

“In 2023, I became a councillor at the age of 20, representing a local council in eastern England. Two years later, I became deputy mayor and now the youngest mayor,” he said.

His mother also serves as a councillor while his father is a businessman. “As Mayor, I want to support local organisations, inspire more young people to enter politics and continue serving society,” he added.

Recalling his political journey, Tushar said neither he nor his family had any political background when they arrived in Britain. “We started with social and charity work, and gradually people gave us the opportunity to represent them,” he said.

Drawing a comparison between politics in India and the UK, Tushar observed that political growth in Britain is often shaped more by capability and public service than by family lineage. “In the UK, people look at your calibre and commitment towards the community. Age is not necessarily a barrier, although being young did bring its own challenges,” he said.

Speaking about the family’s social initiatives, Tushar said, “We teach Hindi free of cost and also have an MoU with Delhi University for British-born children to learn Hindi through both online and offline classes,” he added.

He added that the Indian community in the area is relatively small compared to the Jewish population, his family remained actively involved in charity and cultural activities. Despite settling abroad, Tushar said his family still remains connected to its roots in Haryana and they also own a house there. “The last time I visited India was in 2025, and we are planning to come to Rohtak again soon,” he said.

Looking ahead, Tushar said he now aspires to become a member of Parliament in Britain and hopes to play a larger role in British politics. “Hopefully, one day I would become the Prime Minister of Britain,” he said.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

The Indian Air Force in a post on X said that Squadron Leader Saanya’s historic achievement marks a proud milestone for the IAF and is an inspiration for aspiring aviators across the nation.

In another major milestone for women in the Indian armed forces, Squadron Leader Saanya has scripted history by becoming the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to earn the prestigious Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for women officers in military aviation and highlights the growing role of women in operational and training leadership positions within the Indian armed forces.

Proud milestone for IAF

In a post on X, the IAF said, “Excellence takes flight. Squadron Leader Saanya achieved a historic first by becoming the first woman officer to earn the coveted Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification.”

Highlighting her achievement, the Air Force added, “Her achievement embodies dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. A proud milestone for the IAF and an inspiration for aspiring aviators across the nation.”

Excellence takes flight.

Sqn Ldr Saanya achieved a historic first by becoming the first woman officer to earn the coveted Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification. Her achievement embodies dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.
A proud milestone for the… pic.twitter.com/K6hWya0iUi

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 18, 2026

Know all about IAF’s cat-A qualified flying instructor

The Air Force follows a structured grading system to assess the instructional expertise of its pilots. While Category-C is meant for trainee or probationary instructors and Category-B for instructors qualified to provide standard flying training, Category-A represents the highest level in the system. Officers with Cat-A qualification are authorised to train other instructors and evaluate advanced flying skills.

A Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) trains young aviators, assesses their progress, rectifies errors, builds confidence, and prepares them for the complex flying skills required for air combat operations.

The role demands exceptional flying ability along with patience, composure, clarity in instruction, and deep technical expertise. 

According to public service records, Sqn Ldr Saanya belongs to the Flying Branch and was commissioned into the IAF on June 20, 2015, through the 42 SSC (W) FP Course. She was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in 2017 and Squadron Leader in 2021.

source/content: indiatvnews.com (headline edited)

Efforts needed to bring back copper plates issued by an 8th-century Pandya ruler from the British Museum; inscriptions on Leiden copper plates record a Chola gift of land to build a Buddhist vihara.

The return of the Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates charter from the Netherlands this week marks a watershed event in the history of the repatriation of India’s invaluable bronzes, stone sculptures, and carved temple pilasters, according to historians and archaeologists.

The artefacts, which have been in the possession of Leiden University for almost two centuries and are popularly known as the Leiden copper plates, were presented in a ceremony at the Hague on Saturday (May 16), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten.

This is the first time that the Chola-period copper plates are being brought back to India,” said V. Vedachalam, an archaeologist who specialises in the Pandya, Pallava and the Chola copper plate charters, welcoming the development. “We should make efforts to bring back the Velvikkudi copper plates issued by the Pandya ruler Parantaka Nedunchadaiyan (regnal years 765 -815 CE) from the British Museum, London, to Tamil Nadu,” he added.

‘Enduring record of Tamil history’

Former Tamil Nadu Archaeology Minister Thangam Thenarasu, who is also a scholar of Chola history, said the Anaimangalam copper plate inscriptions were “enduring records of Tamil history, culture, and the grandeur of the Chola era.”

The late R. Nagaswamy, who was the director of the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, had described the artefacts in this way in a 2009 lecture: “One of the most important copper plates of Raja Raja Chola I (regnal years 985-1014 CE) is from Anaimangalam near Nagapattinam.”

The plates recorded Raja Raja Chola I’s gift of land at Anaimangalam village to a Buddha vihara, he had said. This vihara was built by the king Sri Mara Vijayotunga Varman of Java in the name of his father Sri Chudamani Varman, and so was called the Chulamanivarma Vihara. Unfortunately, the tower of the vihara itself was demolished by Jesuit priests in 1867, with the permission of the colonial government of Madras.

How Saivite kings helped build a Buddhist vihara

“The plates are an interesting example of how a Saivite king helped in building a Buddha vihara,” Nagaswamy said, according to an article published in The Hindu on December 25, 2009.

While Raja Raja Chola I gave the order for building the Buddha vihara, it was his son Rajendra Chola I (regnal years 1014-1044 CE), who implemented the command. This is mentioned in the larger Leiden plates, Dr. Vedachalam said. The Chulamanivarma Vihara was also called the Raja Raja Cholan Perumpalli (or the big vihara), during the time of Rajendra Chola I.

“The Leiden copper plates… are a complete set of 21 large plates and three small plates. The large plates were committed to writing by Rajendra Chola I in five Sanskrit plates and 16 Tamil plates, honouring his father Raja Raja’s oral commitment,” says K. Kirubanidhi in the book titled, Epic saga of the Cholas: Their art, temples and heritage, first published by The Hindu in August 2023.

The return of the Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates charter from the Netherlands this week marks a watershed event in the history of the repatriation of India’s invaluable bronzes, stone sculptures, and carved temple pilasters, according to historians and archaeologists.

The artefacts, which have been in the possession of Leiden University for almost two centuries and are popularly known as the Leiden copper plates, were presented in a ceremony at the Hague on Saturday (May 16), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten.

“This is the first time that the Chola-period copper plates are being brought back to India,” said V. Vedachalam, an archaeologist who specialises in the Pandya, Pallava and the Chola copper plate charters, welcoming the development. “We should make efforts to bring back the Velvikkudi copper plates issued by the Pandya ruler Parantaka Nedunchadaiyan (regnal years 765 -815 CE) from the British Museum, London, to Tamil Nadu,” he added.

‘Enduring record of Tamil history’

Former Tamil Nadu Archaeology Minister Thangam Thenarasu, who is also a scholar of Chola history, said the Anaimangalam copper plate inscriptions were “enduring records of Tamil history, culture, and the grandeur of the Chola era.”

The late R. Nagaswamy, who was the director of the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, had described the artefacts in this way in a 2009 lecture: “One of the most important copper plates of Raja Raja Chola I (regnal years 985-1014 CE) is from Anaimangalam near Nagapattinam.”

The plates recorded Raja Raja Chola I’s gift of land at Anaimangalam village to a Buddha vihara, he had said. This vihara was built by the king Sri Mara Vijayotunga Varman of Java in the name of his father Sri Chudamani Varman, and so was called the Chulamanivarma Vihara. Unfortunately, the tower of the vihara itself was demolished by Jesuit priests in 1867, with the permission of the colonial government of Madras.

How Saivite kings helped build a Buddhist vihara

“The plates are an interesting example of how a Saivite king helped in building a Buddha vihara,” Nagaswamy said, according to an article published in The Hindu on December 25, 2009.

While Raja Raja Chola I gave the order for building the Buddha vihara, it was his son Rajendra Chola I (regnal years 1014-1044 CE), who implemented the command. This is mentioned in the larger Leiden plates, Dr. Vedachalam said. The Chulamanivarma Vihara was also called the Raja Raja Cholan Perumpalli (or the big vihara), during the time of Rajendra Chola I.

“The Leiden copper plates… are a complete set of 21 large plates and three small plates. The large plates were committed to writing by Rajendra Chola I in five Sanskrit plates and 16 Tamil plates, honouring his father Raja Raja’s oral commitment,” says K. Kirubanidhi in the book titled, Epic saga of the Cholas: Their art, temples and heritage, first published by The Hindu in August 2023.

“The small plates in Tamil, later given effect to by Kulottunga Chola I (regnal years 1070-1120 CE), talk about the additional grants made to the sangha associated with the vihara in Nagapattinam,” Mr. Kirubanidhi wrote.

Dr. Vedachalam added that two emissaries from the Javanese kingdom appealed to Kulottunga Chola I to ensure the implementation of Raja Raja Chola I’s order. Kulottunga not only gave them that assurance but made a grant of 4,500 kalam (a unit of measurement) of paddy plus land to the Chulamanivarma vihara. This was in addition to Raja Raja Chola I’s grant of 8,943 kalam of paddy.

Chola insignia

The Leiden plates were strung together by a ring bearing the royal insignia of the Chola dynasty. These included a tiger, the royal emblem of the Cholas, the two fish of the Pandyas, the bow of the Cheras, two chamaras, the royal parasol, lamps, and a swastika. The inclusion of the two fish and the bow signified that the Cholas had defeated the Pandyas and the Cheras.

The bigger Leiden plates carry the word ‘Anaimangalam’ in Tamil on the royal emblem, and a short sloka in Sanskrit in praise of Rajendra Chola I, Dr. Vedachalam said. The small plates carry a brief sloka lauding Kulottunga Chola I.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Demand for the company’s technology has surged amid rising global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

ICEYE, a global leader in space-based intelligence, is set to establish its first Indian production facility within the next year to manufacture small satellites for defence, surveillance and environmental monitoring.

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE, said that the facility will serve as the company’s primary manufacturing hub for the Asia-Pacific region, complementing its existing operations in Europe and the US.

The company’s satellite constellations currently serve sectors ranging from defence and intelligence to insurance and emergency management. Demand for ICEYE’s technology has surged amid rising global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“There is a strong alignment between what India needs and what we offer. Globally, we are seeing two key trends: increasing defence spending and rapid adoption of space-based capabilities,” Modrzewski told PTI in an interview.

“India reflects both these trends. Countries are learning from recent conflicts that space is the next frontier for intelligence and defence. We specialise in defence and intelligence, so naturally, we see India as an important market for our solutions,” he said.

Modrzewski said ICEYE specialises in defence intelligence capabilities, particularly national intelligence systems based on space-based data.

Traditionally, intelligence systems relied on multiple data sources, with space-based data being just one layer.

Today, that is changing as space-based assets are increasingly becoming the primary source of intelligence. We manufacture small satellites at scale, which allows us to deploy large constellations quickly,” he said.

“We provide not just satellites, but also ground segment infrastructure and training to governments globally. Our customers span Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Brazil, Canada and the United States,” he added.

Declining to share the quantum of investment that ICEYE is looking to make in India, Modrzewski said the company aims to manufacture around 10 satellites in the first year and will scale it up to 20 to 40 satellites annually in the successive years.

“Investment will be significant, likely in the range of tens of millions of dollars, though exact numbers are still being finalised,” he said.

ICEYE owns the world’s most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation and provides intelligence and surveillance services to its customers.

“Yes, it is fair to say that India could become our Asia-Pacific hub, alongside Europe and the United States,” Modrzewski said.

He said the plan is to put a supply chain and manufacturing facility in place in India within the next six to 12 months.

Modrzewski said ICEYE is keen to have a foothold in India as it represents a strong growth opportunity due to a large and highly skilled talent pool, a rapidly growing economy and increasing complexity of challenges requiring advanced intelligence solutions.

At present, ICEYE produces around 50 satellites annually and it plans to take the number beyond 100 annually by 2028.

“We are planning to deploy hundreds more satellites in the coming years

“Satellites manufactured in India will serve global markets, while also supporting local demand. We are not making our India presence dependent solely on government orders. We are committed to building here regardless of the order book,” Modrzewski said.

“We already have customers in India through our existing operations. We are in active discussions with both existing and potential customers, including government stakeholders, but cannot disclose details at this stage,” he said.

Modrzewski indicated that ICEYE is holding talks with the relevant government departments on its ambitious plan.

“We are an established company and can operate independently. However, we value open dialogue and collaboration with the government, especially where there is alignment in capabilities and priorities. So far, we have not encountered any major challenges,” he said.

The ICEYE CEO also said that the company is looking at a potential collaboration in India including with satellite launch providers such as ISRO and private players, manufacturers of electronics and other components, technology partners and players in the defence ecosystem such as drones and integrated systems.

Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1,000 employees across Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece and the US.

It has crossed approximately USD 280 million in revenue this year and is aiming to double it. “India is a priority market for us this year, and we are committed to building a strong presence here,” Modrzewski said.

ICEYE, a global leader in space-based intelligence, is set to establish its first Indian production facility within the next year to manufacture small satellites for defence, surveillance and environmental monitoring.

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE, said that the facility will serve as the company’s primary manufacturing hub for the Asia-Pacific region, complementing its existing operations in Europe and the US.

The company’s satellite constellations currently serve sectors ranging from defence and intelligence to insurance and emergency management. Demand for ICEYE’s technology has surged amid rising global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“There is a strong alignment between what India needs and what we offer. Globally, we are seeing two key trends: increasing defence spending and rapid adoption of space-based capabilities,” Modrzewski told PTI in an interview.

“India reflects both these trends. Countries are learning from recent conflicts that space is the next frontier for intelligence and defence. We specialise in defence and intelligence, so naturally, we see India as an important market for our solutions,” he said.

Modrzewski said ICEYE specialises in defence intelligence capabilities, particularly national intelligence systems based on space-based data.

Traditionally, intelligence systems relied on multiple data sources, with space-based data being just one layer.

“Today, that is changing as space-based assets are increasingly becoming the primary source of intelligence. We manufacture small satellites at scale, which allows us to deploy large constellations quickly,” he said.

“We provide not just satellites, but also ground segment infrastructure and training to governments globally. Our customers span Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Brazil, Canada and the United States,” he added.

Declining to share the quantum of investment that ICEYE is looking to make in India, Modrzewski said the company aims to manufacture around 10 satellites in the first year and will scale it up to 20 to 40 satellites annually in the successive years.

“Investment will be significant, likely in the range of tens of millions of dollars, though exact numbers are still being finalised,” he said.

ICEYE owns the world’s most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation and provides intelligence and surveillance services to its customers.

“Yes, it is fair to say that India could become our Asia-Pacific hub, alongside Europe and the United States,” Modrzewski said.

He said the plan is to put a supply chain and manufacturing facility in place in India within the next six to 12 months.

Modrzewski said ICEYE is keen to have a foothold in India as it represents a strong growth opportunity due to a large and highly skilled talent pool, a rapidly growing economy and increasing complexity of challenges requiring advanced intelligence solutions.

At present, ICEYE produces around 50 satellites annually and it plans to take the number beyond 100 annually by 2028.

“We are planning to deploy hundreds more satellites in the coming years

“Satellites manufactured in India will serve global markets, while also supporting local demand. We are not making our India presence dependent solely on government orders. We are committed to building here regardless of the order book,” Modrzewski said.

“We already have customers in India through our existing operations. We are in active discussions with both existing and potential customers, including government stakeholders, but cannot disclose details at this stage,” he said.

Modrzewski indicated that ICEYE is holding talks with the relevant government departments on its ambitious plan.

“We are an established company and can operate independently. However, we value open dialogue and collaboration with the government, especially where there is alignment in capabilities and priorities. So far, we have not encountered any major challenges,” he said.

The ICEYE CEO also said that the company is looking at a potential collaboration in India including with satellite launch providers such as ISRO and private players, manufacturers of electronics and other components, technology partners and players in the defence ecosystem such as drones and integrated systems.

Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1,000 employees across Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece and the US.

It has crossed approximately USD 280 million in revenue this year and is aiming to double it. “India is a priority market for us this year, and we are committed to building a strong presence here,” Modrzewski said.

Last week, ICEYE handed over MikroSAR, Poland’s sovereign radar satellite reconnaissance system, less than 12 months after contract signing.

According to publicly available data, this marks the fastest deployment of an operational satellite programme in the world.

The sovereign satellite system gives the Polish Armed Forces complete independence in satellite reconnaissance, allowing them to acquire imagery from anywhere in the world, day or night and in any weather.

Each satellite in the constellation carries a SAR radar that emits microwave pulses and turns their reflections into detailed images with a resolution as fine as 25cm.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

‘I have made a new decision. We will provide Rs 30,000 immediately after the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child. Isn’t this the right decision?’ Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday announced incentives of Rs 30,000 for the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth, as part of efforts to reverse the state’s declining population trend.

Addressing a public meeting at Narsannapeta in Srikakulam district, Naidu said the government had taken the decision and would announce further details within a month.

I have made a new decision. We will provide Rs 30,000 immediately after the birth of a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth child. Isn’t this the right decision?” Naidu said on the sidelines of the SwarnaAndhra–SwachAndhra cleanliness programme.

Although he had once advocated population control measures, the CM said the time had now come for society to work together to increase the birth rate.

Naidu’s latest announcement follows an earlier proposal to provide a Rs 25,000 incentive for the birth of a second child.

On March 5, the CM informed the Assembly that the state government was considering an incentive of Rs 25,000 for couples having a second child.

However, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav later told PTI that the government had decided to extend the incentives to families having a third child and beyond.

According to Naidu, some couples are opting to have only one child as their incomes rise, while others choose to have a second child only if their firstborn is not a boy.

As a result, he warned that the state’s population growth rate is declining and stressed the importance of maintaining the replacement-level Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1.

Naidu noted that a population remains stable only when the average fertility rate is 2.1 children per woman. He claimed that declining populations and ageing societies in several countries have negatively affected their economies.

Rejecting the notion that children are a burden, Naidu argued that they are an asset and said he would prove it.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Lung cancer is among the most common cancers in India, with about 80,000 people detected with it annually.

Cancer patients and their caretakers in India often spend long, arduous hours in hospitals for conventional treatment.

But now with the launch of the world’s first subcutaneous or under-the-skin immunotherapy for lung cancer on Thursday, treatment is available in approximately seven minutes.

Launched by Swiss pharma giant Roche on Thursday, Tecentriq SC (atezolizumab), a breakthrough innovation, promises to dramatically improve the cancer treatment experience of patients, reduce treatment time by 80 per cent, lower indirect treatment costs, minimise the need to travel long distances, and enable caregivers to spend less time in hospitals.

Approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) three months ago for treating patients with adjuvant and metastatic Lung Cancer (NSCLC), it costs Rs. 3.7 lakh per dose, given once in a 21-day cycle. The drug is also available to CGHS cardholders.

Lung cancer is among the most common cancers in India, with about 80,000 people detected annually.

Driven heavily by smoking, especially beedis and air pollution, it is the most common cancer among Indian males and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with 80-90 per cent of patients diagnosed with it at advanced stages.

Roche Pharma India Chief Medical Officer Dr Sivabalan Sivanesan said, “Cancer care is evolving beyond survival outcomes alone towards approaches that also prioritise patient experience, convenience and quality of life.”

“With Tecentriq SC, we are bringing an innovation that meaningfully reduces treatment time while maintaining the established efficacy and safety profile of Tecentriq. We believe such advances can play an important role in enabling more patient-centric and future-ready cancer care delivery in India.”

Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit, Director and Head of Medical Oncology at Medanta, said, “Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment landscape for people living with cancer, but conventional IV administration can be long and arduous for patients while also placing significant pressure on tertiary care hospitals. Repeated hospital visits and long treatment hours add to the emotional and physical burden of cancer care. Subcutaneous administration can allow patients to be treated much more quickly and easily, improving their overall treatment experience while reducing waiting times and treatment delays.”

Approved in 85 countries, Tecentriq SC has benefited 10,000 patients globally. It has the potential to treat up to five patients in the time required to treat one patient via intravenous infusion, helping optimise healthcare resources.

Dr Rajpurohit said the drug can be used as a monotherapy (chemotherapy-free) in eligible adults with adjuvant and metastatic NSCLC.

“We have been using the drug in our hospital since February. It has reduced both mental and physical pain for our patients. Subcutaneous delivery reduces pain, is effective, and has fewer side effects. We are moving away from more and more invasive ways to use more comfortable, more accurate ways to either diagnose or treat our patients,” he added.

Dr Amit Rauthan, Consultant and HOD of Medical Oncology at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, said, “India’s growing cancer burden requires us to rethink how cancer care is delivered. Innovations such as subcutaneous immunotherapy have the potential to simplify treatment administration, reduce pressure on hospital beds and support more decentralised models of care beyond large metro hospitals. Shorter administration formats can help improve accessibility and make cancer care more practical for patients and healthcare systems alike.”

He further said that the entire process of receiving immunotherapy was very cumbersome for patients. “But now with this innovation, things have changed. From the patient’s point of view, they now have to go to an infusion chair, take their dose, and then they are fit to go back home. Not like earlier times when they had to spend hours getting their treatment.”

“From an oncologist’s perspective, it’s again very useful. In our setups, we have limited daycare beds. Sometimes we have to rush through multiple shifts: patients come in the morning, go through treatment, and when they finish, the next patient is taken in. We run through beds because many of these drips and infusions of immunotherapy take a long time. So having a subcutaneous injection for us is a boon because patients can take it up very quickly and finish their treatment fast, and we save the chair time or bed time,” he added.

“This drug is a win-win for the patient, doctor, hospitals, and various therapy centres. It will have a major impact on most patients’ lives,” he added. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Mr. Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi attached high importance to creating a database of the Girmitya community and conducting research on its legacy.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said an archival cooperation agreement between India and Trinidad and Tobago would help members of the Indian diaspora trace their ancestral roots and reconnect with families, as he underlined New Delhi’s efforts to preserve the legacy of the Girmitya community.

Girmitya refers to Indian indentured labourers transported by the British to colonies in Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, and the Caribbean between the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Addressing a gathering at the historic Nelson Island on Saturday (May 9, 2026), Mr. Jaishankar recalled the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. He paid tribute to their “fortitude, determination and resolve” in building new lives under difficult circumstances.

He said the immigrants had carried with them their traditions, faith and way of life, adding that it was fitting for such history to be preserved as a heritage site.

Mr. Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi attached high importance to creating a database of the Girmitya community and conducting research on its legacy.

He said India was working towards establishing a dedicated Girmitya Studies Centre on Modi’s directions.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)