The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), known for its pioneering and cost-effective space exploration mission, attained another success as 2024 comes to a close.

Anand Mahindra Lauds ISRO

The public-run space agency recently managed to successfully deploy SpaDeX or Space Docking Experiment, a twin satellite mission.

Many congratulatory wishes have poured in since the conclusion of this project. One of the individuals to extend their regards was Mahindra Group’s Anand Mahindra. Mahindra took to X to express his exuberance in his own style.

Relentless ISRO

In a post quoting ISRO’s post, Mahindra said, “The ‘R’ in ISRO can also stand for ‘Relentless.’ Relentless in the pursuit of their goals and their mission. They’re unstoppable.”

This mission is aimed at future missions thereby working towards maturing technologies related to docking, orbital rendezvous, and formation flying.

The mission consists of two modified IMS-1 class satellites weighing around 220 kilograms.

The space research agency intends to work towards its aim of aiding its future ambitions of human spacelight and landing an Indian on the Moon.

India’s space aspirations, including the construction and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India on the Moon, and sample return from the Moon, depend on this mission.

Cost Effective Missions

The space research organisation is known for managing to complete its missions at a much lower cost compared to its counterparts elsewhere, including Japan’s JAXA and Europe’s ESA.

As per reports, in 2022, the Indian agency had a total allocation of close to USD 2 billion. A far cry from the top three nations and their overall allocation that calendar year. In the same year, the aforementioned JAXA got a total allocation of USD 4.90 billion.

China’s China National Space Administration was bestowed with a sum of USD 11.94 billion. The United States topped the list with a whopping USD 61.97 billion for its renowned Space agency, NASA.

Mhow (Madhya Pradesh), Dec 31: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that India’s defence exports have surpassed a record level of Rs 21,000 crore from a mere Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago.

Addressing officers at the Army War College (AWC) here on Monday, he said the government has set a Rs 50,000 crore target for defence exports crore by 2029.

He highlighted the radical changes in warfare with unconventional methods like information warfare, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based warfare, proxy warfare, electromagnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks presenting a big challenge.

He stressed the need for the military to be well-trained and equipped to fight off such attacks and praised the training centres in Mhow for their valuable contribution.

Defence Minister Singh commended the training centres for constantly improving their training curriculum as per changing times, and striving to make the personnel fighting fit to take up every kind of challenge.

He urged the officers to explore the possibility of promoting integration through areas such as weapons training in Infantry School; AI and communication technology in the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), and leadership – junior and senior command in AWC.

He further stated that the Modi government is committed to strengthening integration and jointness among the three defence services.

“In the times to come, the armed forces will be able to face challenges together in a better and more efficient way,” the defence minister said.

He pointed out that some officers would work as defence attaches in the future, and they should strive to secure national interests at the global level.

“When you take up this post of defence attaches, you should imbibe the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Only through self-reliance can India strengthen its defence capabilities and gain more respect on the world stage,” he explained.

Defence Minister Singh said the government is committed to making India one of the strongest economic and military powers in the world.

“Economic prosperity is possible only when full attention is paid to security. Similarly, the security system will be robust only when the economy is strong. Both complement each other,” he observed.

Defence Minister Singh hailed the role of armed forces in securing the borders and being the first responders during natural disasters.

He was briefed by AWC commandant Lt Gen HS Sahi on the role and significance of the institute in training and empowering military leaders for warfighting across the spectrum of conflict.

The defence minister was also briefed on the significant steps in training methodology through jointness in multi-domain operations, infusion of technology in training curriculum and exchange programmes being undertaken with academia, universities and industries along with training of CAPF officers, a release stated.

He was also apprised about the global footprints of the institute achieved through training officers from friendly countries and contributing immensely towards military diplomacy.

The defence minister laid a wreath and paid homage to brave-hearts at the Infantry Memorial.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials of the Army were present on the occasion.

VinFast is set to make its India debut at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, showcasing its first India-specific electric vehicle alongside global models like the VF e34 and VF7 SUVs. Recent road tests of VinFast vehicles in India have sparked curiosity, offering a preview of their modern features and sleek design.

The Vietnamese EV manufacturer is also planning to establish a manufacturing facility near Chennai, demonstrating its commitment to India’s fast-expanding EV market. With its strategic approach, VinFast aims to provide innovative mobility solutions and position itself as a key player in the country’s electric vehicle segment.

VinFast is gearing up to make its mark in India with the launch of the VF e34, a compact electric SUV aimed at the growing EV market. Powered by a 110kW motor, the SUV offers a top speed of 130 km/h and a practical range of up to 318 km, thanks to its 41.9kWh battery. The VF e34 also features fast-charging capabilities, allowing a 10% to 70% charge in just 27 minutes. Positioned to rival models like the Maruti Suzuki eVitara and Hyundai Creta EV, the VF e34 blends global recognition with advanced features, making it a strong contender in India’s competitive EV landscape.

Scheduled from January 17 to 22, 2025, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo will take place across three major venues in the Delhi NCR region—Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, and the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida. This highly anticipated event will bring together leading domestic and international companies, showcasing a wide range of vehicles powered by electric, hybrid, CNG, and biofuel technologies. With a focus on sustainable innovation, the expo aims to highlight cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of mobility.