New Delhi, Aug 23: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday extended his greetings to scientists and the people of the state on National Space Day, describing the occasion as a celebration of India’s scientific talent, innovation and remarkable journey in space.

In a post on X, CM Yogi highlighted India’s growing achievements in science, research and space technology, while praising the country’s expanding global recognition.

He said India’s progress in the space sector reflects the spirit of innovation and the broader vision of building a developed and self-reliant nation.

“Heartiest congratulations to all scientists and the people of the state on National Space Day, a radiant symbol of India’s scientific talent and the power of innovation. This day is a celebration of India’s bold flight—from the Moon to the infinite possibilities of space—as well as the extraordinary journey of scientific capability and innovation. Under the illustrious leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the new India is continuously setting new milestones in the fields of science, research, and space technology, giving renewed momentum and global recognition to the resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat-Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he said.

National Space Day is celebrated in India on August 23. The day marks the historic soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander near the Moon’s south pole in 2023, making India the first nation to reach that region of the Moon. The achievement became a defining milestone in the country’s space programme and demonstrated the growing strength of India’s scientific and technological capabilities.

As India observes National Space Day 2026, ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space Dr V Narayanan has called for greater innovation, collaboration and ambition as the country works towards becoming a global leader in space.

The 2026 celebrations are being held under the theme, “Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership.” The theme reflects India’s ambition to strengthen its scientific and technological capabilities while encouraging innovation, partnerships and greater participation in the global space ecosystem.

In his National Space Day 2026 message, Dr V Narayanan emphasised the importance of continuing to push the boundaries of science and technology while building partnerships that can strengthen India’s space ecosystem.

Shillong, Aug 23: Security was intensified across Shillong as the Army and Rapid Action Force (RAF) conducted a flag march in the Meghalaya capital following violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally on August 19, officials said.

The security buildup came on Saturday amid heightened tensions after vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked during a KSU black-flag protest.

Several vehicles were vandalised, with their windows and windshields smashed, while some tourists were reportedly injured.

Public property was also damaged during the violence.

The Centre has approved the deployment of five companies of central armed forces in Meghalaya to assist the state police in maintaining law and order amid the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a high-level meeting with senior officials of both states in Guwahati on Saturday to assess the situation and discuss steps to prevent further escalation.

The meeting came against the backdrop of tensions following the Shillong violence and protests at Jorabat, the key entry point between Assam and Meghalaya.

Bora termed the Shillong incident “unwarranted and unfortunate” and said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had acted promptly after the violence.

He said Assam CM Sarma spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who subsequently asked Dhar to engage with Assam and explore measures to restore peace and ensure smooth movement between the neighbouring states.

Bora appealed to the people in both states to maintain peace and harmony, stressing the longstanding ties between Assam and Meghalaya.

The Shillong incident triggered protests by motor vehicle workers’ unions in Assam.

Demonstrations at Jorabat began the following day, with protesters stopping Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam and, in some cases, forcing them to turn back.

The protests continued for a third day on Friday, with demonstrators seeking compensation for vehicles damaged in Shillong and an apology from the authorities.

Heavy deployment of police and reserve personnel was made at Jorabat to prevent any fresh violence.

Three senior KSU office-bearers — president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar — were arrested late Wednesday in connection with the violence.

The situation has also prompted sharper reactions in Assam.

The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) called for an economic blockade and warned of action against Meghalaya residents in Assam if attacks on Assamese people in Shillong continued.

With additional security forces deployed in Shillong and police maintaining a strong presence at Jorabat, authorities in both states are now working to contain tensions, prevent retaliatory incidents and ensure uninterrupted movement of people and vehicles.

New Delhi, Aug 22: In a major crackdown on the illegal transportation and supply of liquor, the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) team of the North-East District of Delhi Police arrested three persons and recovered 778 quarters of Haryana-marked illicit liquor along with two taxis allegedly used to transport the consignment.

The action was carried out on August 21, 2026, after Head Constable Deepak, along with Head Constable Anuj and Constable Mukesh, was conducting area patrolling duty near Maujpur Chowk.

At around 6:30 a.m., the police team received information from a secret informer that two taxis carrying illicit liquor from Haryana would arrive near Seelampur Metro Station. The taxis’ numbers were also shared by the informer.

Acting on the information, the police team reached the location. At around 7:30 a.m., both taxis arrived and were intercepted. Three persons were apprehended, while another individual reportedly managed to flee from the spot.

A search of the vehicles led to the recovery of 399 quarters of illicit liquor from taxi HR55AX3345 and 379 quarters from taxi DL1ZD5015, taking the total recovery to 778 quarters.

The arrested accused have been identified as Vinit Chauhan (35), owner of taxi bearing number — HR55AX3345; Akash Sharma (25), driver of taxi bearing number — DL1ZD5015; and Vishal (23), who was allegedly accompanying the other accused.

During interrogation, the accused reportedly disclosed information about the source of the illicit liquor. Police are verifying the information and conducting further investigation to identify other individuals allegedly involved in the supply chain.

A case has been registered as FIR No. 288/26 under Section 33 of the Delhi Excise Act at Seelampur Police Station. Police said none of the three arrested accused has any previous criminal involvement on record. Further investigation is underway, according to police.