Bangalore Astronomical Society promotes astronomy through regular sessions and workshops.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged industry and start ups to focus on quality and resolve to make excellence a benchmark in manufacturing.

In his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ address, Modi said Indian products should be synonymous with top quality and urged the industry to manufacture zero defect products. “Let us resolve to improve the quality of whatever we manufacture. Be it our textiles, technology, electronics or even packaging; an Indian product should become synonymous with ‘top quality’,” the prime minister said in his 130th Mann ki Baat address.

He also lauded the efforts of the youngsters, who participated enthusiastically in India’s start up journey that began 10 years ago in 2016.

“Today India has turned into the third largest start ups ecosystem in the world. These start ups are out of the box; they are working in sectors that were unimaginable even 10 years ago,” Modi said.

The prime minister said Indian start ups are working in sectors as diverse as AI, space, nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility, green hydrogen, biotechnology.

“You name it and you’ll find one Indian start up or the other working in that sector. I salute all my young friends who are associated with one start up or the other or want to start one of their own,” he said.

The prime minister also greeted the nation on National Voters Day and Republic Day.

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The microgravity tower at IIT Madras, the fourth largest operational facility in the world, installed on the campus in 2017
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

 

ExTeM, or Extraterrestrial Manufacturing, a centre at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras), found mention in the Prime Minister’s Maan Ki Baat recently. The PM said the researchers were working on technologies that could be developed and used in outer space. 

To elaborate, ExTem researchers, who come from various disciplines, are working to develop technologies for future human settlement on the Moon and Mars. Their experiments include tackling challenges of construction infrastructure, 3D printing tools, and extracting materials crucial for sustainable space exploration. 

Established under the Institute of Eminence scheme, ExTeM aims to advance India’s space 2.0 initiatives and broaden access to space for diverse industries, including resource extraction, infrastructure development, and pharmaceutical research. 

Microgravity drop tower 

The researchers are investigating the distinctive benefits of microgravity environments, which allow for the production of superior materials, such as crystal-free optical fibres with advanced properties and higher-quality diamonds, all with potential applications on Earth. Researchers are also studying the behaviour of beneficial microbes in microgravity. 

The ExTeM team includes professors and research students from civil engineering, metallurgy, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, and physics working on various areas, including developing construction materials, conducting parabolic flights, creating waterless concrete using Martian soil, strategies to enhance microbial growth, growing better crystals in space using microgravity, welding, and converting lunar soil into metals and ceramics. 

At the institute’s microgravity drop tower, the fourth largest operational tower in the world, experiments are done under microgravity conditions as found in outer space (artificial zero gravity), thanks to the work of Amit Kumar, an aerospace engineering professor. 

Making in space for space  

Institute director V. Kamakoti said as space stations are becoming important for exploratory studies, climate modelling, and enviro-studies, there is much talk about developing settlements on the Moon and Mars. It requires building technologies, which the institute has taken up as ‘Making in space for space’ project.  

It involves developing advanced techniques such as 3D printing of components and in-situ resource use to produce essential components, including lunar habitats and spacecraft parts. 

ExTeM’s second focus is ‘Making in space for earth’. “An example is the semiconductor crystals grown in space may have fewer defects suitable for next generation chips used in quantum computing. The same principle applies for advanced optical fibres and bioprinting for human implants like artificial hearts. On Earth, printing minute capillaries for the heart is challenging due to self-weight, which can collapse. However, in microgravity, where gravity’s effects are eliminated, printing becomes significantly more achievable,” Mr. Kamakoti explained. 

Researchers will harness resources available in outer space, such as lunar regolith and Martian soil, to reduce reliance on earth-based supply chains, significantly lowering costs and payload requirements. 

Sathyan Subbiah, coordinator of ExTeM, said the centre was addressing fundamental studies and technology developments. “A battery of microgravity tests is planned in platforms ranging from drop towers to parabolic flights and possibly extending to suborbital flights,” he said. 

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday highlighted India’s “historic achievements” in the field of Space.

“My dear countrymen, in the beginning of 2025 itself, India has attained many historic achievements in the field of Space,” PM Modi said.

He lauded Bengaluru-based private space-tech startup Pixxel for its significant contribution in strengthening the space sector of the country.

“Today, I am proud to convey that an Indian Space-Tech start-up, Bengaluru based Pixxel has successfully launched India’s first private satellite constellation – ‘Firefly’. This satellite constellation is the world’s topmost high-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that this achievement has not only made India a leader in modern space technology, but is also a big step towards a self-reliant India.

“This success is a symbol of the growing strength and innovation of our private Space Sector. On behalf of the entire country, I congratulate the team of Pixxel, ISRO and IN-SPACe for this achievement.”

PM Modi also mentioned ISRO’s successful docking of satellites.

“Friends, a few days ago, our scientists marked another major achievement in the Space Sector. Our scientists have undertaken space docking of satellites. When two Space crafts are connected in Space, this process is called Space Docking. This technology is important for sending supplies to Space Stations and crew missions in Space. India has become the fourth country to have achieved this success,” the PM said.

He said that Indian scientists are also making efforts to grow plants in Space and make them survive. For this, ISRO scientists chose seeds of cow pea.

” These seeds, sent on the 30th of December, germinated in Space itself. This is a very inspiring experiment which will pave the way for growing vegetables in Space in future. This shows how far-sightedly our scientists are working,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said that IIT Madras’s ExTeM Centre is working on new technologies for manufacturing in Space.

“This Centre is conducting research on technologies like 3D-printed buildings, metal foams and optical fibres in Space. This Centre is also developing revolutionary methods like concrete construction without water. This research of ExTeM will strengthen India’s Gaganyaan mission and the future Space Station. This will also open new avenues of modern technology in manufacturing,” he said.

“Friends, all these achievements are proof of how visionary India’s scientists and innovators are, in providing solutions to future challenges. Today, our country is setting new benchmarks in Space technology. I extend my best wishes to India’s scientists, innovators and young entrepreneurs on behalf of the entire nation,” he added.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest initiative – under ‘Create in India’ – to take Indian cinema and content global at a faster pace and greater scale – has earned praise from industry stalwarts Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. In his last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address to the nation on December 29, PM Modi announced that India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit or WAVES for the first time in February.

Speaking about it in detail, the prime minister said the initiative will be a global platform for Indian creative talents, fostering collaborations and showcasing the country’s potential as a hub for world-class content creation.

Talking about the vision for the global entertainment summit, PM Modi explained that it will comparable to global events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “Leaders from the media and entertainment industry worldwide will gather for the summit,” he said, adding that content creators, social media influencers, and creative minds from across the globe will be part of the global event too.

“This Summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation,” the prime minister said in his radio address.

The summit will also showcase India’s advancements in the fields of animation, gaming, entertainment technology, and regional as well as mainstream cinema. “Whether you are a young creator or an established artist, associated with Bollywood or regional cinema, a professional from the TV industry, an expert in animation, gaming, or an innovator in entertainment technology, I encourage you to be a part of the WAVES Summit,” PM Modi said, opening up the registration for the summit.

This initiative by the prime minister has earned big praise from several industry leaders, including global superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar.

Sharing a video of the event posted on X by PM Modi, Shah Rukh Khan called it “an occasion that champions and fosters creativity.” The actor-producer also said that he looks forward to being a part of it. “It is with great anticipation that I look forward to WAVES – a film and entertainment world summit – to be held in our country itself.”

Mr Khan also wrote that it will be “an occasion that celebrates our industry and acknowledges the role it plays in the Indian economy as well as its strength as a soft power.”

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to WAVES – a film and entertainment world summit – to be held in our country itself. An occasion that celebrates our industry and acknowledges the role it plays in the Indian economy as well as its strength as a soft power… and… https://t.co/QE52Rs11NZ

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 30, 2024

Akshay Kumar also lauded the prime minister for his vision for such a global summit, saying “Now this is Narendra Modi-ji’s vision towards promoting the media and entertainment sector. Quite a wonderful idea. Waves 2025 summit will hopefully be a fabulous global forum to have the entire entertainment industry come and grow together.”

Now this is PM @narendramodi ji’s vision towards promoting the Media & Entertainment sector. Quite a wonderful idea. Waves 2025 summit will hopefully be a fabulous global forum to have the entire entertainment industry come and grow together. https://t.co/IBtadmxjpZ

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 29, 2024

Several other celebrities including Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Ektaa Kapoor also welcomed the initiative.

The 5-day World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit will be held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 5-9, 2025.
 

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest initiative – under ‘Create in India’ – to take Indian cinema and content global at a faster pace and greater scale – has earned praise from industry stalwarts Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. In 2024’s last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address to the nation on December 29, PM Modi announced that India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit or WAVES for the first time in February.

Speaking about it in detail, the prime minister said the initiative will be a global platform for Indian creative talents, fostering collaborations and showcasing the country’s potential as a hub for world-class content creation.

Talking about the vision for the global entertainment summit, PM Modi explained that it will comparable to global events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “Leaders from the media and entertainment industry worldwide will gather for the summit,” he said, adding that content creators, social media influencers, and creative minds from across the globe will be part of the global event too.

“This Summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation,” the prime minister said in his radio address.

The summit will also showcase India’s advancements in the fields of animation, gaming, entertainment technology, and regional as well as mainstream cinema. “Whether you are a young creator or an established artist, associated with Bollywood or regional cinema, a professional from the TV industry, an expert in animation, gaming, or an innovator in entertainment technology, I encourage you to be a part of the WAVES Summit,” PM Modi said, opening up the registration for the summit.

This initiative by the prime minister has earned big praise from several industry leaders, including global superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar.

Sharing a video of the event posted on X by PM Modi, Shah Rukh Khan called it “an occasion that champions and fosters creativity.” The actor-producer also said that he looks forward to being a part of it. “It is with great anticipation that I look forward to WAVES – a film and entertainment world summit – to be held in our country itself.”

Mr Khan also wrote that it will be “an occasion that celebrates our industry and acknowledges the role it plays in the Indian economy as well as its strength as a soft power.”

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to WAVES – a film and entertainment world summit – to be held in our country itself. An occasion that celebrates our industry and acknowledges the role it plays in the Indian economy as well as its strength as a soft power… and… https://t.co/QE52Rs11NZ

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 30, 2024

Akshay Kumar also lauded the prime minister for his vision for such a global summit, saying “Now this is Narendra Modi-ji’s vision towards promoting the media and entertainment sector. Quite a wonderful idea. Waves 2025 summit will hopefully be a fabulous global forum to have the entire entertainment industry come and grow together.”

Now this is PM @narendramodi ji’s vision towards promoting the Media & Entertainment sector. Quite a wonderful idea. Waves 2025 summit will hopefully be a fabulous global forum to have the entire entertainment industry come and grow together. https://t.co/IBtadmxjpZ

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 29, 2024

Several other celebrities including Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Sidhwani, and Ektaa Kapoor also welcomed the initiative.

The 5-day World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit will be held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 5-9, 2025.
 

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said on his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’ that the country can never forget the Chandrayaan-3 achievement and the scientific developments are happening because of the collective efforts of the people.

The Prime Minister said a lot is happening in 21st-century India, which is strengthening the foundation of a developed nation.

“…For example, on the 23rd of August, the country celebrated the first National Space Day. I am sure that all of you must have celebrated this day. Once again you all must have celebrated the success of Chandrayaan-3. Last year on this day, Chandrayaan–3 successfully landed at Shiv-Shakti point on the Southern part of the Moon. India became the first country in the world to achieve this feat,” said PM Modi.

He said the youth of the country have benefited a lot from the space sector reforms.

During the broadcast, PM Modi interacted with a team from Spacetech Startup Galaxeye, which was started by the alumni of IIT Madras.

One of the young scientists who interacted with PM Modi, Suyash said, “We all met in IIT Madras. We were all studying there, in different years. At that time we thought about a project called ‘Hyperloop’ …During that time we started a team named ‘Avishkar Hyperloop’ and we went to America with that idea. At that time, we were the only team from Asia which went there and hoisted our country’s flag. And we were among the top 20 teams out of the around 1,500 teams from around the world. During that achievement, our friendship deepened and with this, we gained the confidence to do such difficult projects.”

“Additionally, your decision to open up the space sector and its privatisation, a landmark decision was taken in 2020, and we were quite excited about this,” said Suyash.

Rakshit, hailing from Uttrakhand’s Almora district, talked about the benefits of his startup technology, during which, PM Modi joked about ‘Bal Mithai’, a delicacy of Uttarakhand.

Rakshit said that this technology of ours can see through the clouds from space and it can even see during the night. “So we can take a clear picture of any corner of the country every day and the data that we procure will be used to develop two areas — first, to make India extremely secure by monitoring borders, oceans and seas, as well as enemy activities, daily and second, to empower the farmers of India.”

This was PM Modi’s 113th Mann Ki Baat episode.

In his last episode, PM Modi lauded the Paris Olympians who represented India on the global stage. “…the Olympics provide our athletes with the opportunity to hoist the Tricolour on the global stage and do something remarkable for the country. You too, encourage our athletes and Cheer for Bharat!”

PM Modi also appreciated the Mathematics Olympiad winners. India won four gold and one silver medal in Mathematics Olympiad. He also interacted with the winners.

He also spoke about the MANAS helpline for curbing the drug menace and emphasised the government’s proactive measures to combat this growing menace. PM Modi mentioned Assam’s Charaideo Maidam, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list recently, and urged people to plan their trips to the place.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the citizens to cheer for the athletes who have gone to Paris to represent the country in the Olympics and also extended his best wishes to them.

PM Modi addressed the 112th episode of his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’, his second after coming to power the third time in a row.

“Right now, the entire world is engrossed with the Paris Olympics. The Olympics provide our athletes with the opportunity to hoist the Tricolour on the global stage and to do something remarkable for the country. You too, encourage our athletes and Cheer for Bharat!” he said.

He also interacted with the participants of the International Mathematics Olympiad.

“A few days ago an Olympics has also taken place in the field of Maths — International Mathematics Olympiad. In this Olympiad, the students of India have performed very well. Our team has given its best performance and won four gold medals and one silver medal. Youth from more than 100 countries participated in the International Mathematics Olympiad and our team was in the top five in the overall tally. The names of these students who have brought laurels to the country are — Aditya Ventaka Ganesh from Pune, Siddharth Chopra also from Pune, Arjun Gupta from Delhi, Kanav Talwar from Greater Noida, Rushil Mathur from Mumbai and Ananda Bhaduri from Guwahati,” PM Modi said.

He had specially invited these young winners to participate in the Mann Ki Baat episode. He asked the students about their experiences and to share those with the country. The students said that their interest in Maths was the main reason for their winning performances.

Aditya and Siddharth from Pune attributed their win to the opportunity and learning they got from their Maths teacher, Prakash.

Arjun Gupta expressed his pride in getting to talk to the Prime Minister. He said, “Maths helps us to develop problem-solving ability, which not only helps in one subject but also every aspect of life.”

Kanav Talwar said that his likeness for Maths was developed because of his parents and his sister. He also shared his experience of failing to secure a seat in the team last year, however, he did not give up. He said, “My parents taught me that either we win or we learn and it is the journey that matters, not the success.”

Rushil Mathur said that Maths is not only about logical thinking but also about creativity because it helps the students to think out of the box while solving questions.

Ananda Bhaduri said that this was his second International Mathematics Olympiad, and both experiences were nice. “I got to learn a lot from it,” he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi resumed the broadcast of Mann Ki Baat with its 111th episode on Sunday. From Kerala’s Karthumbi umbrellas to Andhra Pradesh’s Araku coffee to Kashmir’s snow peas, he spoke extensively about the contributions of various communities among other things to celebrate in India.

Mann Ki Baat resumed after a gap of three months in the light of the Model Code of Conduct enforced before the 18th Lok Sabha election. The Prime Minister congratulated 65 crore voters of India and all others associated with the poll process for keeping faith in democracy and executing the world’s largest election this year.

IANS condenses 10 things PM Modi specifically spoke about in his Mann Ki Baat address.

1. Beginning with commemorating June 30 as Hul Diwas, the Prime Minister recounted the sacrifice of the brave Murmu brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu, who in the Santhal Rebellion of 1855, rebelled against the foreign (British) rule. This had happened before the popularly believed earliest Revolt of 1857 against British rule. The PM dedicated a Santhali song in honour of these bravehearts.

2. Invoking the emotion of attachment to one’s mother, PM Modi initiated #PLANT4MOTHER: plant a tree dedicated mother as a gesture of acknowledging the “unpayable debt to her.” He encouraged citizens to share their picture of planting a tree with their mother or her picture as a mark of respect to her and Mother Earth.

3. Further, in the view of monsoon, PM Modi spotlighted Karthumbi umbrellas made in Attappadi in Kerala. These umbrellas are made by tribal women and are sold online under the supervision of Vattalakki Cooperative Farming Society, headed and led by tribal women of Attappadi. They have also established a bamboo handicraft unit. With the aim of introducing their culture to the world, they will open a retail outlet and a café.

4. Speaking about the Paris Olympics that will take place next week, he wished the Indian contingent the best for the upcoming games. Refreshing memories of the Tokyo Olympics when athletes won medals and did India proud, he mentioned that these athletes have participated in about 900 international competitions. Paris Olympics will have some firsts from India. He cheered for them with #CHEER4BHARAT.

5. Subsequently, with an audio clip (in Hindi) from a Kuwaiti radio broadcast, he said that the government of Kuwait has started a half-hour programme in Hindi on its national radio every Sunday. This show will be about the vibrant Indian culture, films, and art that is popular among the Indian community there, as well as among Kuwaiti natives. He thanked their government for this initiative.

6. Speaking about the popularity and respect commanded by Indian culture across the globe, PM Modi mentioned that Turkmenistan celebrated in May the 300th birth anniversary of their national poet. On the occasion, their president unveiled statues of 24 famous poets of the world, including Rabindranath Tagore—an honour for both Gurudev and India

7. Likewise, Indian communities in two Caribbean countries celebrated their Indian heritage with fervour: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on June 1 and Surinam on June 5. Along with Hindi, Bhojpuri is a popular language here.

8. PM Modi also spoke about the 10th International Day of Yoga observed across the world on June 21. He said: “Several records have been created across the globe. For the first time in Saudi Arabia, a Saudi woman instructed the main Yoga session. A photo of a Yoga session conducted on beaches of Red Sea at the bank of Nile River in Egypt has gone viral.”

The PM also mentioned the special Yoga sessions conducted in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, US and Bhutan. He also advised people to include Yoga in their daily routine to bring positive changes in life. PM Modi, this year, had celebrated Yoga Day in J&K’s Srinagar.

9. Talking about Kashmir, the PM said that the first consignment of snow peas was dispatched from Pulwama to London last month, putting the region’s exotic vegetable on the world map. An inspired Abdul Rashid Mir of Chakura village consolidated land and began growing snow peas. This pursuit has ushered prosperity for many people in J&K.

10. Stating that there is no dearth of unique products in India, and in a bid to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, PM Modi spotlighted Araku coffee produced in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district on a large scale. This coffee is known for its rich flavour and aroma.

He said: “Around 1.5 lakh tribal people are associated with Araku coffee cultivation. Girijan Cooperative has played a huge role in taking Araku Coffee to new heights. This has brought farmer brothers and sisters together. Because of this, farmers’ income has also increased and they are now leading a respectable life.”

PM Modi also recounted his experience of tasting this coffee with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Visakhapatnam.

The Prime Minister concluded his address with a pitch for the promotion of Sanskrit language, PM Modi congratulated All India Radio family for connecting people with the ancient language. He said: “On June 30, the Sanskrit Bulletin of Akashwani is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Sanskrit has played a big role in the progress of ancient Indian knowledge and science.”

He also mentioned an initiative in Bengaluru where these days, local people gather in a park once a week and converse in Sanskrit.

–IANS

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(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today resumed his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann ki Baat’, days after taking charge as the Prime Minister for a third consecutive term.

PM Modi’s last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ was aired on February 25, before the poll schedule was announced. The BJP-led NDA won 292 seats and prevailed over the opposition alliance, INDIA, which bagged 232 seats.

In today’s ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi said the 2024 general election was the biggest election in the world. “Such a big election has never taken place in any country in the world. More than 65 crore people voted in the election,” he said.

He also thanked voters for re-electing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the elections. “People reposed their unbreakable trust in the Constitution and democratic process in the Lok Sabha elections,” he said.

The Lok Sabha elections were held from April 19 to June 1 in seven phases. The counting took place on June 4.

PM Modi talked about the Centre’s new campaign – ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ – to honour mothers by planting a tree. “I have also planted a tree in the name of my mother and I have appealed to all the countrymen to plant a tree to honour their mothers,” he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about Indian athletes who will be competing in the Paris Olympics next month. He noted that Indian athletes have participated in more than 900 international competitions.

The country expects its players to put up an excellent performance in the Paris Olympics, he said while urging the people to use ‘cheer4Bharat’ hashtag to motivate them.