PM Modi's Handwritten Postcard 'Vande Matram' Reaches Space: What Else Did Skyroot's Vikram-1 Carry?

ISRO Employees Seek Govt Clarification Over Privatisation. Here's Why?

Deepika Bhatt — Sun, 6 Sep 2026 09:19:37 +0530

India's space sector is witnessing an unprecedented expansion of private participation. But within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), employee associations are seeking clarity on how far the government's privatisation push will extend and what it could mean for ISRO's role in developing rockets, satellites and launch infrastructure.

The issue has now reached the organisation's top leadership.

Days after the successful launch of the GSLV F-17/EOS-05 mission on September 4, employee associations from several major ISRO centres wrote to ISRO Chairman and Department of Space Secretary V Narayanan, seeking clarification on the government's plans, according to a report by The Times of India.

A five-page letter signed by nine representatives of employee associations from centres including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Space Applications Centre (SAC), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) reflects concerns among a section of the workforce.

The associations collectively represent around 5,000 employees, or roughly 27% of ISRO's stated workforce of 18,100.

What Does Privatisation Of ISRO Activities Mean?

The employee associations' concern is not about private companies entering India's space sector as such.

Since 2020, the government has been encouraging greater private participation across the space ecosystem. The policy seeks to enable private companies to design, manufacture and operate space systems, while ISRO increasingly concentrates on research and advanced technology development.

The associations have said they support legitimate private participation and commercialisation. Their concern is that activities currently carried out within ISRO could gradually be shifted outside the organisation.

Their concerns grew after Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, said at Business Today's India @ 100 Economy Summit that ISRO would eventually stop manufacturing launch vehicles, with private companies or public sector undertakings taking up the work.

For ISRO employees, this raises questions about what would happen to the organisation's existing engineering and manufacturing capabilities if it no longer builds its own rockets.

What Activities Are Already Being Transferred?

The employee associations have pointed to the transfer of SSLV technology and production to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

They have also highlighted the ongoing process for transferring technology related to the LVM3, India's largest launch vehicle, along with similar efforts involving the PSLV.

The associations have further referred to reports suggesting that routine satellite manufacturing could eventually be moved outside ISRO. They have also raised concerns about new launch infrastructure, including the Space Launch Complex being developed at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, potentially being opened to private players.

The associations' concern, therefore, is not necessarily about any one of these individual initiatives. Instead, they are seeking a clearly defined policy outlining which responsibilities will continue to remain with ISRO and where private participation will begin.

Why Are ISRO Employees Concerned?

According to the associations, rocket development is much more than a manufacturing activity. Designing, integrating, testing and launching a rocket requires decades of accumulated expertise, institutional knowledge, safety practices and technical capabilities.

They fear that moving these functions outside ISRO over time could result in the organisation losing some of the capabilities it has developed over several decades.

The potential impact on employees is another concern.

If private companies take over activities currently undertaken within ISRO, employees fear that the organisation could have less in-house work, fewer opportunities for promotion and skill development, and eventually lower recruitment.

The letter also raises the possibility that some existing employees could become surplus or be redeployed while private contractors undertake similar work using technology developed by ISRO.

Concerns Over Strategic Autonomy

The employee associations have also raised questions about strategic autonomy.

They argue that retaining critical capabilities related to launch-vehicle development, testing and launch operations within a public institution provides a certain level of accountability, quality control and safety oversight.

Their concern is that transferring too much of this capability outside ISRO could weaken these safeguards.

The central issue for the employee associations, therefore, is not opposition to private participation but clarity over the future division of responsibilities between ISRO and private players, and how the transition could affect both the organisation's capabilities and its workforce.

ISRO GSLV-F17 Launch: EOS-05 Satellite Successfully Placed In Orbit, Gaganyaan Mission Next

ABP Live Science — Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:39:27 +0530

A GSLV rocket carrying ISRO’s EOS-05 Earth observation satellite successfully lifted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh in a pre-dawn mission on Friday. The rocket blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 2:55 am IST.

Shortly after liftoff, the EOS-05 satellite was successfully injected into its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit, marking a successful mission for India’s space agency.

“I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05, the Geo-Imaging Satellite, into the intended and required orbit,” ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan said after the launch.

EOS-05 Becomes Heaviest GSLV Satellite

Thomas Kurian, Mission Director for the GSLV-F15 rocket mission, described the launch as a major milestone for the programme, saying EOS-05 was the heaviest satellite ever launched by the GSLV into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit.

“It is a moment of great pride and happiness for all of us. The success of GSLV has completed its 19th mission, and the mission carried the EOS-05, a uniquely configured Earth observation satellite capable of near-real-time imaging,” he said.

Kurian added that the satellite’s successful launch was the result of months and years of rigorous work, despite the launch itself lasting only a few minutes.

ALSO READ | ISRO's 'Naughty Boy' GSLV Liftoffs With EOS-05: What Will It Do?

EOS-05 To Provide Continuous View Of India From Space

The mission carried EOS-05, an Earth observation satellite designed to provide India with a continuous bird’s-eye view from nearly 36,000 kilometres above Earth.

The GSLV-F17 launch vehicle stands 51.7 metres tall and has a liftoff mass of 420.5 tonnes, making it one of India’s largest operational launch vehicles.

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh welcomed the successful mission and said India’s space capabilities were continuing to reach new heights, strengthening the country’s position as a global space power.

“EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth Observation satellite and India’s first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, enabling advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands,” Singh wrote on X.

ALSO READ |

Gaganyaan Uncrewed Mission Targeted For This Year

The successful EOS-05 launch also came as ISRO continues preparations for the Gaganyaan programme.

ISRO chief Narayanan said “vigorous, systematic work” was underway for the launch of the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission during the current calendar year. Speaking after the EOS-05 launch, he said preparations for the mission were progressing “very vigorously and systematically”.

Narayanan also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and said ISRO has six more launches planned for the current financial year. The missions include the launch of the NVS-03 navigation satellite.

ISRO's 'Naughty Boy' GSLV Set For Liftoff With EOS-05 Tonight: What Will It Do?

ABP Live News — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 12:41:45 +0530

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch EOS-05, an advanced Earth observation satellite, aboard the GSLV-F17 mission from Sriharikota in the early hours of Friday. The satellite is significant because it will operate from a geosynchronous orbit about 36,000 km above Earth, allowing it to keep watching a particular region continuously.

For India, this capability could provide a major boost to surveillance of its borders and other strategically important areas. Unlike satellites in lower orbits that pass over a location at intervals, a geosynchronous satellite can remain focused on the same broad region for extended periods.

How EOS-05 Can Help Monitor India's Borders

EOS-05, also known as GISAT-1A, is designed to provide frequent imagery of the Indian subcontinent. Its position in geosynchronous orbit means it can maintain a persistent view of the region, making it useful for monitoring developments that require continuous observation.

This could be particularly valuable for keeping an eye on India's borders and strategic locations. The satellite can also help track rapidly developing events such as severe weather, fires and other changes on the ground.

ISRO has described EOS-05 as India's first state-of-the-art imaging satellite to be placed in a geosynchronous orbit. The mission is intended for both civilian and strategic applications.

Why A Geosynchronous Orbit Matters

Most of India's Earth observation satellites, including those from the Cartosat and RISAT series, operate in low Earth orbit, generally at altitudes ranging from around 60 km to 2,000 km.

Satellites in such orbits travel around the planet, meaning they only observe a particular location when they pass over it. Depending on the satellite and its orbit, another observation of the same area may take time.

A satellite positioned in geosynchronous orbit, however, travels at a speed that matches Earth's rotation. At roughly 36,000 km above the surface, it can appear to remain over a fixed region, enabling sustained observation.

This makes such satellites especially useful when events need to be tracked as they unfold rather than through occasional snapshots.

EOS-05's Imaging Capability

EOS-05 will carry two multispectral imaging instruments. One of them has a spatial resolution of 42 metres per pixel, which is described as the highest-resolution camera to be placed in a geostationary orbit.

The satellite is expected to generate detailed imagery and data that can be used for Earth monitoring, environmental applications and other activities requiring frequent observations.

A Second Attempt After Gisat-1 Failure

EOS-05 also marks a renewed effort after the earlier GISAT-1 mission failed during launch in August 2021. The satellite was lost after a technical problem with the cryogenic upper stage of the GSLV-F10 rocket prevented the stage from igniting properly.

Had that mission succeeded, GISAT-1 would have become India's first Earth-imaging satellite operating from geostationary orbit.

The GSLV-F17 mission therefore represents an important return to the launchpad for ISRO after a gap of nearly eight months, while EOS-05 is expected to add a new persistent-imaging capability to India's Earth observation programme.

China’s Chang’e-7 Mission To Hunt For Lunar Ice In One Of The Solar System’s Coldest Places

Animesh Bhardwaj — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:44:00 +0530

China is preparing to launch Chang’e-7, a highly advanced uncrewed lunar mission designed to search for frozen water in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon’s south pole. The mission will use a robotic lander, rover and “hopping” probe to investigate an extremely cold region of the lunar surface.

According to media reports, Chang’e-7 is scheduled to launch from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan on a Long March 5 rocket. The spacecraft will carry scientific equipment including water analysers, cameras and radars. After reaching lunar orbit, it will examine possible landing areas around the south pole before attempting a touchdown.

ALSO READ: China’s ‘Superman’ Robot Can Jump 2 Metres And Claims To Outrun Usain Bolt | WATCH

Why China Is Searching For Ice On The Moon

The key objective of Chang’e-7 is to investigate whether frozen water exists in the Moon’s permanently shadowed regions. Some craters around the lunar south pole have remained untouched by sunlight for billions of years.

These locations can become extraordinarily cold. Temperatures in some of the shadowed terrain can fall to minus 203 degrees Celsius (minus 334 Fahrenheit), according to NASA.

Scientists believe these extremely cold environments could preserve ancient water and volatile organic compounds. For future lunar exploration, accessible water could be particularly valuable because it could provide drinking water and oxygen for astronauts and potentially be used as raw rocket propellant.

Chang’e-7 Targets The Moon’s South Pole

The mission will first assess possible landing locations after entering orbit around the Moon. One candidate area is close to the rim of the Shackleton crater, whose interior remains permanently shadowed while parts of its rugged rim receive almost continuous sunlight.

China has not publicly announced a specific landing date for Chang’e-7. However, space watchers cited in media reports estimate that a landing attempt could take place around November.

Once the spacecraft reaches the surface, its rover and hopping probe will begin surveying the region.

Why The Lunar South Pole Matters For Future Bases

The south pole is attracting attention not only because of its possible ice deposits but also because of its unusual lighting conditions.

Most parts of the Moon experience lunar nights lasting as long as 14 Earth days. In contrast, some high peaks and crater rims near the south pole receive near-constant sunlight.

Those areas could offer favourable locations for a future lunar outpost because they would have a relatively stable thermal environment along with a continuous source of solar power.

China is not the only country interested in the region. The United States, India and Russia have also targeted the Moon’s south pole. India landed near the region with Chandrayaan-3 in 2023.

China’s ‘Hopping’ Probe Will Enter Dark Craters

One of Chang’e-7’s most unusual components is its hopping probe. The steep terrain surrounding some lunar craters could make it difficult for conventional wheeled rovers to reach their deeply shadowed interiors.

The probe is designed to overcome that challenge using small thrusters. It will fly into the shadowed craters and then land using six articulated legs.

After exploring the dark terrain, the hopper is expected to return towards sunlit areas to recharge. It will also carry a water molecule analyser to investigate the presence of water.

Details including the hopper’s weight, engine performance and flight range have not been disclosed.

India And Other Countries Also Target Lunar South Pole

The competition to investigate lunar water resources is expected to intensify in the coming years. NASA’s VIPER rover, the European Space Agency’s PROSPECT drilling package and the Japan-India LUPEX rover are expected to head towards the Moon’s south pole.

For India, the region already holds significance following the Chandrayaan-3 landing in 2023. Chang’e-7’s exploration could add another major development to the international effort to understand the Moon’s water resources.

ALSO READ: Astronauts Remove Faulty ISS Antenna During Spacewalk

Chang’e-7 Part Of China’s Larger Lunar Plans

Chang’e-7 is also connected to China’s broader plans for lunar exploration. Beijing is working towards a crewed lunar landing before 2030 and plans to establish a joint research station with Russia by 2035.

The mission’s focus on lunar ice and the south pole could therefore be important beyond the immediate scientific survey. The data gathered by Chang’e-7 is expected to contribute to China’s longer-term ambitions for establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon. Media reports have described Chang’e-7 as a major step in that wider programme.

Astronauts Remove Faulty ISS Antenna During Spacewalk

PTI — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:40:09 +0530

Washington: Astronauts Anil Menon and Sophie Adenot ran out of time to replace the space-to-ground antenna of the International Space Station (ISS) during a spacewalk, with the task now set for a future date.

The two astronauts managed to remove the failed antenna and stow it away in their six-hour-23-minute spacewalk that began at 8.29 am EDT. This spacewalk will be the second for Menon, who traces his origins to Kerala in India, and the first for Adenot.

Adenot, an astronaut with the European Space Agency, became the first French woman to undertake a spacewalk.

The astronauts had twin tasks – remove the failed antenna and install a replacement. However, they ran into delays in removing the tight power and data connectors, installing locking pins in the antenna’s gimbal assembly and unbolting it from its boom.

The astronauts were seen putting in extra effort with the ratchet wrench as they removed the antenna from its boom.

The mission control decided there wasn’t enough time for the astronauts to move the failed antenna to its permanent storage location or to retrieve the spare antenna and install it.

“The installation work is expected to be completed during a future spacewalk,” NASA said in a statement.

It said near the end of the spacewalk, the crew also performed cleanup tasks and an inspection and swap of a portable foot restraint near the Quest airlock of the ISS.

"We got into this with the mindset that we wanted everything to go perfectly," said Menon as the spacewalk came to an end.

"Things were a lot different than expected, but what I would say that I am really impressed with is that all of those contingencies were well thought out," Menon said.

The antenna is a critical link NASA uses to transmit data, enabling high-speed communications between the Mission Control Centre in Houston and the space station.

The space station continues to operate with a fully functional Space-to-Ground antenna, which provides high-data rate communications with NASA’s Tracking Data and Relay Satellites and control centres across the world, including the agency’s Mission Control Center in Houston.

This spacewalk was the 282nd in support of space station assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.

Earlier this month, Menon and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir spent six hours and 27 minutes outside the station, preparing part of its power system for the future installation of another roll-out solar array.

The operation forms part of essential maintenance work required to keep the station operational as it approaches its third decade of continuous human habitation.

The spacewalk of August 18 was originally scheduled for August 13, but had to be delayed. The decision to put it off was taken after a carbon dioxide sensor on Menon's spacesuit gave "an unexpected data reading" after the August 6 spacewalk.

On the ground, mission planners will discuss the forward plan for the work scheduled to be completed during the next spacewalk, which is currently planned for August 25.

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Devdutt Padikkal’s Maiden Test Ton Puts India In Command After Rain-Hit Day In Galle

Prateek Thakur — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:13:47 +0530

SL vs IND Test, Day 1 Highlights: India finished Day 1 of the opening Test against Sri Lanka on 288/2 in 73 overs at Galle after winning the toss and opting to bat. Devdutt Padikkal led the charge with an unbeaten 131 off 178 balls, while Rishabh Pant was 27 not out at stumps. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 32, Shubman Gill made 16 and KL Rahul retired hurt on 77.

Padikkal Turns Test Return Into A Statement

Padikkal made the most of his opportunity at No. 3, producing his first Test century in only his third Test appearance.

The left-hander completed his hundred from 134 balls and continued to bat positively thereafter. He finished the day with 131 runs from 178 deliveries, including 12 fours and a six.

His century also earned him a place alongside Sourav Ganguly in a notable Indian record. Padikkal became only the second Indian left-hander in the 21st century to score a Test hundred at No. 3, after Ganguly's 2002 century against England.

Padikkal's innings came after Jaiswal's dismissal at 47. The Karnataka batter then combined with Rahul to take India through a crucial period of the opening day.

Rahul’s 77 Gives India A Strong Platform

Rahul played a typically patient innings, scoring 77 off 162 balls, with nine fours and a six.

He and Padikkal added 150 runs for the second wicket, turning India's position around after Jaiswal's departure. Rahul was eventually forced to retire hurt after suffering severe cramps, with the team physio accompanying him from the field.

The setback did little to derail India's progress. Padikkal continued to control the innings alongside Shubman Gill, who added 16 before being dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya.

Pant Joins Padikkal As India Finish Strong

Gill's dismissal left India at 236/2, but there was no late collapse.

Rishabh Pant walked in and immediately settled into the innings alongside Padikkal. The pair added an unbeaten 52 runs, taking India to 288/2 before stumps.

Pant ended the day on 27 off 36 balls, including three fours and a six, while Padikkal remained unbeaten on 131.

Earlier, Jaiswal and Rahul had added 47 for the opening wicket before a mix-up resulted in Jaiswal being run out for 32.

Rain Interrupts Sri Lanka’s Fightback

Sri Lanka's bowlers struggled to make regular breakthroughs as India's batters kept the scoreboard moving. Prabath Jayasuriya eventually provided the hosts with their second wicket when Gill edged behind for 16.

Rain also disrupted the day's proceedings, but India remained in control whenever play resumed.

With eight wickets still in hand, Padikkal and Pant at the crease, and a sizeable first-innings total within reach, India will start Day 2 in a commanding position. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need early wickets to prevent the visitors from turning their strong opening day into a potentially decisive first-innings advantage.

EXCLUSIVE | Inside Rajasthan’s Sustainable Hospitality: Solar Power, Water Recycling And Local Sourcing

Somrita Ghosh — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:02:35 +0530

On an extremely hot summer weekend when temperatures soar above 40 degrees in India's pink city, Jaipur, tourists were enjoying their lunch inside the ITC Rajputana hotel. Contrary to the belief that Rajasthan doesn't see many visitors during summers, the hotel was booming with nearly 50 per cent occupancy. Instead of work pressure being less compared to peak seasons, it was rather another busy day for the chief engineer of the luxury hotel, Siddharth Bisht.

While visitors were relaxing in the pool area taking a dip in cold water, Bisht walked from one corner to another, checking upon the 250 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and a 30 KLD Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), enabling extensive recycling and reuse of treated water for landscaping, cooling towers, and flushing.

"No matter what the occupancy is, the machines are running every day. The property has centralised air conditioning, and irrespective of the occupancy, some areas need cooling round the clock. And it is very important that the cooling functions smoothly. Rather, the pressure is higher during summers. So firstly, the water that is being used is fully recycled, and then we use renewable energy to operate these machines. Now we are no longer dependent on fresh water resources for supporting circular water management practices," added Bisht.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

India's desert land has always been a hub of tourism and a popular destination. From top-notch hotels, havelis and luxury resorts, the hospitality sector in Rajasthan is now witnessing a tilt towards responsible tourism and stay. Focusing on reducing carbon emissions, using renewable energy, growing organic food, applying cooling wall coats, and opting for traditional jharokas for natural ventilation, the hospitality sector is trying to adopt more and more eco-friendly measures and seeing a change in its approach in the state.

Currently, there are more than 7,000 hotels registered in Rajasthan, and over 3,000 of these hospitality units are registered on the Ministry of Tourism's national SAATHI portal, with local state-run properties also listed directly through the Rajasthan Tourism network.

Though there are concrete data on Rajasthan's power consumption by the hospitality sector, reports suggest that a modern hotel guest room uses approximately 25 kWh of electricity per day, accounting for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, fixed lighting, portable lamps, TV, radio, and a minibar. This is a general global estimate. When it comes to luxury properties, the numbers are significantly higher. A study suggests that average one-room-night consumption in a 5-star hotel is around 118 kWh of electrical energy. A typical 1.5-ton AC used for 8 hours a day emits approximately 5 to 8 lbs (2.2 to 3.6 kg) of carbon dioxide daily. A hotel's carbon footprint comes from HVAC, hot water, lighting and plug loads, and food and beverages. The average hotel night produces approximately 35 kg of carbon dioxide per room, while that of a five-star hotel is 60–90 kg.

Having the tag of being the only hotel in Rajasthan to secure a LEED Zero Carbon certificate comes with the pressure of maintaing the value of it. The hotel stated that it is supported by 2.5 MW of captive offsite wind power along with a 100 kW onsite rooftop solar installation. "ITC has its own windmills in Jaisalmer. The power generated from renewable energy is clubbed with the electricity supply and used for everyday functioning. We have electrical boilers, heat pumps, and hot and cold water, which are all running on renewable energy," said Bisht.

Innovative Cooling Ways

In order to lower carbon emissions from air conditioners, many hotels are focusing on well-ventilated and mud walls that don't trap heat. Additionally, many present-day travellers are choosing off-beat accommodations, further encouraging hotels to come up with innovations.

Say, boutique luxury hotels that are also adopting sustainable measures. Brij Lakshamsagar, located in Pali district, has been making headlines for its innovative architecture. A 19th-century old hunting house, converted into a luxury stay, using a rough Chini style mud-and-stone construction reinterpreted from indigenous Rajasthani architecture. Pali, particularly Jawai Bandh, is a growing tourist spot known for leopard spotting.

"When the project was conceived, we recognised that simply converting the 19th-century royal hunting lodge into another heritage hotel would add little value. Instead, we chose to preserve the site's natural character and celebrate the region's vernacular traditions by sourcing building materials, craftsmanship, and even food from the immediate vicinity. This approach minimised environmental impact, supported local artisans and communities, and ensured that the architecture blended seamlessly into the existing terrain rather than dominating it," said Gauttam Khanna, Vice President, Operations, Brij Hotels.

Rooms made of high thermal mass, breathable walls, shaded verandas, and passive ventilation reduce dependence on mechanical cooling and lower operational energy demand over the building's lifetime. Brij Lakshman Sagar currently draws its electricity from the grid, with water heating run via a motor-based system rather than solar thermal.

"Solar installation is something we're evaluating for the future as the resort develops further, though no commitment is in place yet. Where we do conserve energy is through passive, architectural, and behavioural measures rather than renewable generation. The heritage architecture itself, thick walls, courtyards, and natural ventilation substantially reduce cooling load, and we follow occupancy-based energy management, switching off AC and lighting in vacant rooms rather than running them continuously," he added.

Even stand-alone villas that have been operating for nearly 24 years are leaving no stone unturned to adopt renewable energy and sustainable methods to reduce carbon emissions. Dev Vilas, located in an eco-sensitive zone in Ranthambhore Sawai Madhopur, makes it crucial for owners to maintain the ecosystem of the forest. The vila draws nearly 62 per cent of its power supply from solar energy. Using traditional storage systems, the hotel harvests rainwater and recharges groundwater as well. The property also recycles water, which is used for irrigation of non-consumable plants inside the property.

Balendu Singh, owner of Dev Vilas and former wildlife warden in Ranthambhore, recounted that the property had only two trees when he initially started, which has now expanded to more than a thousand trees. "We have traditional buildings with high ceilings and wide verandahs, which are energy-friendly. We do not have any central cooling system and operate ACs as per requirement. That saves a lot of electricity consumption in the summer season. As far as water conservation is considered, we use aerators so that the water flow looks very strong, but almost 55 per cent of it is air. We encourage all our guests to follow norms like minimum washing of linens. Out of a total of 28 rooms, only 12 rooms are on a heat converter, which are connected. So only when all the entire 12 rooms are operational, then we turn on the single heater," Singh said.

Challenging Weather Conditions

Rajasthan government's decision to provide a tourism industry tag has helped the hospitality sector in a major way. Luxury hotels have been able to reduce prices and, contrary to the belief that summers don't see many visitors, technically called the 'off season', these hotels and luxury boutiques see good occupancy, especially during weekends. Footfall from neighbouring states of Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh increases because the tariffs are further slashed during the summers and visitors get to taste luxury without burning a big hole in their pockets.

Considering the harsh climate, operating hospitality during extreme summer comes with its own challenges in Rajasthan. ITC Rajputana stated that for a large-scale luxury property operating in Jaipur’s climatic conditions, the transition towards 100 per cent renewable energy requires careful balancing of operational reliability, energy availability, and sustainability goals.

"Jaipur’s extreme summer temperatures also result in very high cooling requirements, which makes continuous investments in energy-efficient technologies and operational optimisation essential to maintaining guest comfort standards," noted Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North), ITC Hotels & General Manager, ITC Maurya.

To address extreme heat, structural upgrades have been implemented at ITC Rajputana to reduce roof surface temperatures and limit heat absorption. In addition, double-glazed windows have been installed to improve insulation and reduce heat ingress, thereby lowering air-conditioning demand and enhancing energy efficiency.

"The hotel has adopted solutions such as membrane-based, high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) coatings, which reflect sunlight and help reduce roof surface temperatures, thereby lowering indoor cooling requirements," Kidwai added.

At Brij Laksham Sagar, during the peak summer months of May and June, the resort entirely shuts down rather than operate at a loss and relocates staff to its hill property instead of laying anyone off. "All staff continue to be paid in full through this period. Rather than treating the shutdown as downtime, we use it for deferred maintenance that's hard to do while operating, like roof patch-up and covering, re-mudding and re-plastering cottage walls, deep cleaning of pools and water bodies, and a full property-wide deep clean. The resort reopens each season in better condition than it closed, while our team retains continuous employment and income stability," mentioned Gauttam.

Vocal For Local

The emergence of new concepts of hospitality has also opened doors for introducing local farming or procuring resources from locals, which is adding a great boost to the local communities. Balendra noted that local farmers are greatly benefited from an increase in tourism, be it land value or supplying daily required products.

While Brij has its own farm and growing is aligned with seasonal menu demands, it claims to help local communities by empowering them rather than employing them.

"We work with Rabari shepherds, village artisans, and local farmers through active guest involvement and storytelling. Local farmers cultivate produce aligned with our kitchen's seasonal demand, and Rabari communities are engaged through livestock products, crafts, and cultural experiences; our dairy is homemade or Rabari-sourced, including white butter and goat cheese. We even grow all our vegetables there and source less than 10 per cent from outside, as we feed all our guests the produce that we grow. Currently, approximately 70 per cent of our operational expenditure is retained within a 10 km radius through local sourcing, community partnerships, wages, and vendor procurement, with the goal of progressively increasing this share each year," said Gauttam.

Green Bonds

Post industry status by the state government, the hotel chains and individual hotel owners are eyeing to align with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. This is more so since the big hotel chains such as ITC, Taj, Oberoi -- the listed companies, are racing to meet the SEBI Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) mandate. Independent hotels are also adopting ESG goals to raise money from global as well as Indian investors.

Companies with high carbon footprints are getting more and more restricted by global investors and Indian mutual funds. A hotel chain that is listed and also achieves high BRSR scores has higher chances to gain green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and ESG-focused equity funds.
Compared to traditional corporate debt, such capital has significantly lower interest rates.

Venkatakrishnan Srinivasan, a bond market veteran expert, explained that the real challenge in India is the lack of a dedicated domestic investor base for green or sustainability bonds, unlike what is seen abroad. Under SEBI guidelines, issuers also face strict fund allocation rules where capital must be kept in separate accounts earmarked exclusively for green projects. If a project disbursement is delayed by even a few months, that capital sits entirely idle, creating structural hesitations for hotel operators looking to dive into ESG financing.

"Hotels navigating the green bond market go through the gruelling process of securing certifications, obtaining costly second-party opinions, and ensuring strict compliance with SEBI regulations. Yet, after jumping through all these regulatory hoops, operators are left asking what the actual benefit is? Because India lacks a specific, dedicated ESG investor base, issuers are not receiving any tangible pricing premium or interest rate discounts for going green. While the use of green bonds hasn't fully emerged in the hospitality sector yet, there is immense scope for growth. Most properties are already implementing green measures, from rooftop solar and rainwater harvesting to advanced sewage treatment plants for wastewater reuse. In larger heritage palaces and luxury hotels, we are seeing electric vehicles for guest transport, sustainable landscaping, and low-carbon construction materials. Green bonds can act as the structural bridge to formalise, scale, and finance these exact kinds of localised sustainability efforts," he further added.

Costly Affair

The transition to green energy and sustainable hospitality in Rajasthan is neither easy nor smooth. Opting for rainwater harvesting, solar panelling, wall cooling paints is always expensive. This is mainly because there is no subsidy for commercial utilisation by the central government. So the tentative cost of setting up a 100 KW solar power plant will easily come to around Rs 35 lakh to Rs 45 lakh, while that with a battery storage system will amount to Rs 60 lakh to Rs 90 lakh. The cost of wall cooling thermal paints ranges from Rs 600 per litre for standard to Rs 3,500 per litre for specialised high-temperature coats.

The latest government policy might affect further expansion of solar energy in the state. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on June 1 made it mandatory for all government-backed, net-metered and open-access solar projects to use solar cells that are domestically produced. This goes for all commercial, industrial or household projects, including the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. This will take up the cost of solar projects by nearly 30 per cent, as the ones imported were much cheaper at cost. Hence, it is likely that many hotels which were planning to expand their solar power set-up will put their plan on hold.

Even the sustainable resorts and hotels that are built on wood or mud come with their own share of cons. "A lot of hotels have wooden floors, and it is like an open invitation to white ants, waiting to be eaten. Similarly, ants eat mud walls and litres of pesticides have to be used to keep them away. The purpose of environmental conservation dies there itself. Like a lot of tents coming up, it looks appealing but requires more cooling compared to an average hotel room," Balendu stated.

Damage To Nature

Another of Rajasthan's growing concerns is depletion of groundwater, and most of the tourist zones are in 'dark zone' - where groundwater availability is the lowest. Areas such as Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, and Udaipur, which witness heavy tourism, have the lowest groundwater levels. Almost all the hotels, including the ones that the correspondent spoke to, use groundwater for the supply of drinking water.

"The resorts may term themselves as eco-friendly, but not much is being done to preserve nature. Most of the unique resorts are coming up inside core forest areas and sanctuaries where technically hotels shouldn't be allowed at all. Hotels just place solar panels but don't utilise it well. The amount of carbon emitted from generators, AC machines, and accumulated waste is actually harming nature. A tent requires more AC usage than a room, so where exactly they are saving nature is not clear. And depleting groundwater is a major concern; most resorts have pools nowadays which draw water from borewells," said Rajendra Tiwari, an environmentalist based in Jaipur.

The state tourism department was contacted for a response, which remained unanswered till this article was filed. An official email has also been sent seeking answers. The response will be updated when received.

(This story is supported by the Just Transition Research Center (JTRC) Fellowship offered jointly by IIT Kanpur, Climate Trends, and supported by the Earth Journalism Network).

(Ghosh is an independent journalist with a focus on health, climate change, environment and human interest stories. She is also a research contributor for Media Mavericks)

Quote Of The Day | Jane Goodall's Inspiring Words On Creating A Positive Impact

ABP Live Science — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 22:30:00 +0530

Renowned primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall has spent decades inspiring millions through her groundbreaking research and unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife and the environment. Her quote, "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make," serves as a powerful reminder that every individual has the ability to influence the world through their choices and actions. Whether in protecting nature, helping others, or striving for personal growth, Goodall's message encourages people to recognise their responsibility and use it to create positive change.

Quote And Meaning

"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall

This quote emphasises that no action is too small to matter. Every decision we make—whether in our personal lives, careers, communities, or the environment creates a ripple effect. Rather than believing that change depends solely on governments or large organisations, Goodall encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own actions. The message inspires people to act with compassion, purpose, and integrity, reminding them that meaningful change begins with everyday choices.

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When And Where Was It Said?

Jane Goodall has shared this message in numerous speeches, interviews, and public discussions over the years while advocating for environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable living. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact occasion when she first expressed these words, the quote has become one of her most recognised statements and reflects the philosophy she has championed throughout her decades-long career.

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Best known for her pioneering research on wild chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park, Goodall transformed the world's understanding of animal behaviour and became one of the most influential voices in global conservation. Through her work with the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots youth programme, she has inspired people of all ages to believe that individual actions can collectively make a lasting impact on the planet.

SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 Completes Soft Indian Ocean Splashdown After Starlink Launch. VIDEO

Bharathi SP — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:53:19 +0530

SpaceX marked another important milestone in the development of its next-generation launch system on Saturday as Starship completed its thirteenth integrated test flight, successfully reaching key mission objectives despite falling short of a flawless booster recovery.

The massive rocket lifted off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, at 4:21 am IST after an earlier launch attempt earlier in the week was called off moments before liftoff because of an engine-start issue. The latest mission demonstrated several critical capabilities aimed at advancing SpaceX's long-term goal of building a fully reusable rocket capable of supporting missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The test flight also carried 20 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, showcasing Starship's ability to deploy payloads while simultaneously validating technologies required for future operational missions.

Mission Achieves Key Objectives Despite Booster Setback

The flight progressed largely as planned through its initial phases. Around two minutes after launch, the Super Heavy booster separated from the Starship upper stage, allowing the spacecraft to continue its ascent while the booster initiated its return sequence.

However, the recovery attempt did not conclude successfully. During the landing burn, several Raptor engines failed to reignite, preventing the booster from generating enough thrust for a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.

Despite the unsuccessful landing, the upper stage continued its mission, with SpaceX later releasing footage showing Starship travelling through space, highlighting the overall success of the test beyond the booster recovery issue.

Splashdown confirmed! Congratulations to the entire SpaceX team on the 13th flight test of Starship! pic.twitter.com/g27YJCQgiN
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 24, 2026

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Significant Improvement Over Previous Test Flight

The latest mission represented a notable improvement compared with Starship Version 3's debut flight in May, which encountered multiple technical challenges, including engine relight failures and an in-flight engine malfunction aboard the spacecraft.

Ahead of Flight 13, engineers also replaced six engines after moisture-related issues were identified during a previous launch attempt that was aborted shortly before liftoff.

Following the successful launch, SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot described the mission as "Lucky Number 13", referencing the thirteenth integrated flight of the Starship-Super Heavy launch system.

The smoother overall performance suggests SpaceX has addressed several of the issues encountered during earlier tests while continuing to gather valuable engineering data.

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Heat Shield Remains A Critical Focus

One of the primary objectives of the latest campaign was evaluating Starship's thermal protection system. The spacecraft's ceramic heat shield plays a vital role during atmospheric re-entry, protecting the vehicle from the extreme temperatures generated as it returns to Earth at hypersonic speeds.

To improve observations, SpaceX delayed the launch by a day to secure better viewing conditions during ascent. The company also equipped satellites with cameras dedicated to monitoring the condition of the heat shield throughout the mission.

The data collected will help engineers assess how the thermal protection system performs under real flight conditions and guide future design refinements.

Starship Moves Closer To Operational Missions

Flight 13 expanded the scope of Starship testing beyond simply surviving launch and re-entry. The mission included payload deployment, in-space engine relight demonstrations and further validation of systems needed for routine operations.

The rocket remains central to SpaceX's long-term plans, including launching larger Starlink satellites, supporting NASA's Artemis lunar programme and eventually transporting astronauts and cargo to Mars.

PM Modi's Handwritten Postcard 'Vande Matram' Reaches Space: What Else Did Skyroot's Vikram-1 Carry?

Sneha — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:21:16 +0530

India's first private orbital rocket mission achieved more than just a historic satellite launch. The four-stage Vikram-1 rocket lifted off from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 12.05 pm on Saturday, making Skyroot the first private Indian company to place payloads into orbit. The milestone also places India alongside the United States and China as one of the few countries with private orbital launch capability.

What Did Skyroot's Vikram-1 Carry Into Space?

Along with multiple technology-demonstration payloads, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket also carried symbolic items, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handwritten postcard, an 18-carat gold rocket, and a lab-grown diamond shaped like a lotus, all of which were successfully placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

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The handwritten postcard from Prime Minister Narendra Modi carrying the message "Vande Mataram." After the successful deployment, Skyroot CEO and co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana informed the Prime Minister that his postcard had reached orbit.

"Your card has successfully reached orbit. Vande Mataram is in orbit," Chandana told Modi during a phone call.

Responding to the achievement, Modi noted that India is celebrating 150 years of "Vande Mataram", saying the national song had inspired generations of Indians.

Gold Rocket And Lotus-Shaped Diamond Also Sent Into Orbit

The mission also carried two unique symbolic payloads:

Cosmic Bloom – a lab-grown diamond crafted in the shape of a lotus.
An 18-carat gold miniature rocket featuring micro-sculptures of Indian space pioneers Vikram Sarabhai, Sir C.V. Raman and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

These payloads accompanied the primary technology demonstration satellites deployed into a 450-km Low Earth Orbit.

Multiple Technology Payloads Successfully Deployed

Following launch, Vikram-1 sequentially deployed several technology demonstration payloads, including:

SCOPE – Skyroot Aerospace's in-house experimental satellite.
Solaras by Grahaa Space.
Embrace by Cosmoserve Space, designed to demonstrate robotic arms for future space debris removal.
German technology payloads uD3PP and mD3RN by Dcubed.

Skyroot said data collected during the mission would help validate the rocket's guidance and navigation systems ahead of future commercial launches.

PM Modi Hails Historic Achievement

Congratulating the Skyroot team, Prime Minister Modi described the mission as a defining moment for India's space ambitions.

"Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1. This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation. This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly," he posted on X.

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Chandana highlighted that the rocket was completely designed and built in India, calling the mission a landmark for the country's private space sector.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan also praised the achievement, noting that India had just one space startup when the sector was opened to private players in 2020. Today, the country has more than 400 space startups, with Skyroot becoming the first to successfully achieve an orbital launch.