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Articles by Srinivas Laxman
US nuke test detection experiment bid to assert its hegemony: Ex-nuclear chief Original
MUMBAI: Former chief of Atomic Energy Commission of India, Anil Kakodkar, who played a key role in the Pokhran nuclear weapons tests, said the main aim of the US conducting what is called a non-proliferation experiment last week was to assert its global nuclear hegemony and prevent other nations from conducting atomic tests. On Sept 30, the US conducted an experiment which will enable it to detect whether countries are carrying out low-yield nuclear explosions.
Initial fuel loading begins at Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s units 7 and 8
Mumbai: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) on Saturday commenced initial fuel loading of the 700MWe Rajasthan Atomic Power Stations units RAPP-7 and RAPP-8 at Rawatbhata, marking a significant milestone in India’s nuclear power programme. RAPP-7 and RAPP-7 are indigenous pressurised heavy water reactors.
India ready to share its nuclear & indigenous technology development expertise: Mohanty Original
MUMBAI: In a major step towards strengthening India’s nuclear diplomacy, Atomic Energy Commission chairperson AK Mohanty announced that the country is ready to share its nuclear expertise and experience in indigenous technology development, capacity building, closed fuel cycles and peaceful applications as a frontline nuclear power with proven capabilities.
India, US officials discuss nuclear energy cooperation in Washington
MUMBAI: Atomic Energy Commission chairperson, A K Mohanty, and the US secretary of the department of energy Chris Wright, held discussions to explore opportunities to further strengthen Indo-US nuclear ties for mutual benefit at the sidelines of an IAEA initiative for offshore atomic energy technologies in Washington on Wednesday Insiders in the nuclear fraternity in Mumbai said the talks gain significance in the context of India planning to attain 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047,...
70 Years Ago, Apsara Powered India Into The Atomic Age
Trending The role of the reactor was multipurpose---training scientists, doing experiments in what is known as neutron physics, the production of radioisotopes and studies in shielding of nuclear radiation Mumbai: Saturday. Aug 4 1956.
Fifth unit of Kudankulam nuclear power project likely to be operational by year-end
MUMBAI: The fifth unit of the 1,000-MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu—a joint Indo-Russian project—crossed a significant milestone on Monday with the erection of reactor pressure vessel inside the reactor building for its fifth unit, according to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Current indications suggest that the fifth unit is slated to become operational towards the end of this year. This was done after clearance from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Fifth unit of Kudankulam nuclear power project likely to be operational by year-end Original
MUMBAI: The fifth unit of the 1,000-MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu—a joint Indo-Russian project—crossed a significant milestone on Monday with the erection of reactor pressure vessel inside the reactor building for its fifth unit, according to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Current indications suggest that the fifth unit is slated to become operational towards the end of this year. This was done after clearance from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Institute in IIT Bombay, ISRO arm sign MoU for deep space observations
Srinivas Laxman Mumbai: In a first such initiative, a Mumbai-based institution will partner with Isro's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (Istrac) to conduct deep space exploratory observations. The Mumbai institution, Sameer (Society For Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research), and Istrac signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday.
Institute in IIT Bombay, Isro arm sign MoU for deep space observations
Mumbai: In a first such initiative, a Mumbai-based institution will partner with Isro’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (Istrac) to conduct deep space exploratory observations.The Mumbai institution, Sameer (Society For Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research), and Istrac signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday.Sameer is located in the IIT Bombay campus in Powai and is an autonomous R&D laboratory under the ministry of electronics and information...
New propulsion system to boost submarines’ staying power under water almost ready: DRDO chief Original
MUMBAI: A revolutionary air-independent propulsion system for submarines has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which will enhance the capability of the Navy, DRDO chairperson Samir V Kamat announced on Saturday during the commencement ceremony of IIT Bombay.Kamat said the land-based prototype of the system was tested in 2021 and the full version is now in the final stages of preparation at the L&T Hazira plant in Gujarat.“It will be handed over to...
Iran’s NPT vice president post sparks US-led backlash, nuclear tension Original
News World News Middle East News Iran’s NPT vice president post sparks US-led backlash, nuclear tension Trending UN headquarters building in New York City Mumbai: Iran’s election to a key post at Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference in New York triggered a sharp showdown Monday, with US, UK, Australia and UAE objecting on opening day.Iran was elected as one of 34 vice presidents representing Non-Aligned Movement at the conference led by Do Hung Viet.
US plans N-reactors in space orbit by 2028, on moon in 2030
Srinivas Laxman MUMBAI: Three days after the successful splashdown of Artemis-2, the Trump administration on Tuesday issued a memorandum which among other things includes safely deploying nuclear reactors in space orbit as early as 2028, and on the moon in 2030. Dated April 14, the document issued by Michael J Kratsios, assistant to the President for science and technology and director, office of science and technology policy, is titled "National Initiative For American Space Nuclear Power".
US plans N-reactors in space orbit by 2028, on moon in 2030 Original
News US plans N-reactors in space orbit by 2028, on moon in 2030 MUMBAI: Three days after the successful splashdown of Artemis-2, the Trump administration on Tuesday issued a memorandum which among other things includes safely deploying nuclear reactors in space orbit as early as 2028, and on the moon in 2030.Dated April 14, the document issued by Michael J Kratsios, assistant to the President for science and technology and director, office of science and technology policy, is titled...
60 yrs after Bhabha’s death, city yet to mark his presence with a memorial
News City News mumbai News 60 yrs after Bhabha’s death, city yet to mark his presence with a memorial Sixty years ago today—Jan 24, 1966—it was just another routine day in India, to start with. But around 12.30 pm, the news broke that the father of India's nuclear programme, Homi Bhabha, was among 117 passengers killed in an Air India Boeing 707 crash over Mont Blanc in the Alps, Switzerland.The flight was headed for London from Mumbai via New Delhi, Beirut and Geneva.
Big opening for US nuke energy firms under Shanti Act: Indian envoy Original
News India News Big opening for US nuke energy firms under Shanti Act: Indian envoy Trending MUMBAI: India’s new Shanti Act gives American firms an opportunity to collaborate in the fast-growing area of nuclear energy, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, New’s Delhi’s ambassador in Washington, has said.“As interests of the India-US partnership continuously converge and align in this space, American firms can now compete on a level playing field for one of the world’s largest nuclear markets,’’ Kwatra wrote...
Thorium key to expanding India’s energy independent nuclear programme, says Anil Kakodkar
News City News mumbai News Thorium key to expanding India’s energy independent nuclear programme, says Anil Kakodkar Trending MUMBAI: Former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Anil Kakodkar, and its current member, emphasised the use and importance of thorium for expanding India’s nuclear programme.Kakodkar delivered the Dr M R Srinivasan Memorial Lecture, jointly organised by the Thakur College of Engineering And Technology and the National Centre For Science Communicators, to mark the...
Nanda Devi espionage case: No radiation fears from 1965 nuke device lost in Himalayas, says Kakodkar
News India News Nanda Devi espionage case: No radiation fears from 1965 nuke device lost in Himalayas, says Kakodkar Trending AEC chairman Anil Kakodkar (File photo) NEW DELHI: Former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman Anil Kakodkar has allayed fears that a nuclear device, lost in an avalanche over 60 years ago after a failed attempt to place it near Nanda Devi peak in the Himalayas as part of a mission to monitor Chinese nuke tests, could cause radiation in Uttarakhand and the...
IIT Bombay’s December Techfest to be attended by 4 gaganyatris, including Shubhanshu Shukla, the 1st Indian astronaut to visit International Space Station | Mumbai News - The Times of India
News City News mumbai News IIT Bombay’s December Techfest to be attended by 4 gaganyatris, including Shubhanshu Shukla, the 1st Indian astronaut to visit International Space Station Trending Mumbai: One of the biggest takeaways of the forthcoming IIT-B Techfest between Dec 22 and Dec 24 is that the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) Shubhanshu Shukla, will be attending the festival and interact with students, faculty and visitors.Shukla flew to the space...
Scepticism over opening nuclear sector to private players Original
News India News Scepticism over opening nuclear sector to private players Trending MUMBAI: PM Narendra Modi’s Thursday announcement about govt moving towards opening up nuclear sector to private players has been welcomed, though with a fair degree of scepticism.According to Modi, privatisation would help in development of small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactors and innovation.
R Chidambaram played key role in making India a self-reliant nuclear nation
News R Chidambaram played key role in making India a self-reliant nuclear nation Mumbai: The late R. Chidambaram, who entered his 90th year on Wednesday, played a pivotal role in successfully executing the nuclear weapons tests at Pokhran in May 1974 and 1998.Addressing the staff and students of SIES College at Sion on Thursday, S.M. Yusuf, a colleague of Chidambaram at BARC, said that he was emphatic that India should be self-reliant and succeeded in making it a self-reliant nuclear nation.
Nuke expo to witness global nuclear renaissance, says youth forum official Original
News Nuke expo to witness global nuclear renaissance, says youth forum official MUMBAI: The 2025 edition of World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) will witness a global nuclear renaissance, commitment to fusion energy as a long-term solution, and integrated global supply chain for fusion and nuclear energy, Indian Youth Nuclear Society (IYNS) vice-president Samyak Munot has said.India's nuclear achievements are being showcased at the three-day WNE, which began in Paris on Tuesday, by the 11-year-old...
Veteran space scientist EV Chitnis breathes his last in Pune at the age of 100
News City News pune News Veteran space scientist EV Chitnis breathes his last in Pune at the age of 100 Trending Mumbai: Veteran space scientist Eknath Vasant or EV Chitnis, who turned 100 on July 25 this year and played a key role in taking India to the stars in his lifetime, breathed his last in Pune on Oct 22. In the last six months, two Indian space legends have passed away.
Russia planning own space station: Former Russian cosmonaut Original
News World News Europe News Russia planning own space station: Former Russian cosmonaut Trending Former Russian cosmonaut Denis Matveev MUMBAI: Russia is planning to establish its own national space station with the first module slated for launch in 2027, said former Russian cosmonaut Denis Matveev.In an interaction with the media at the Nehru Planetarium on Thursday, Matveev, who was part of the Soyuz MS-21 mission in 2022, said the station will be open to international co-operation.His...
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre making reactor for Navy's next-generation nuclear-submarines
News Bhabha Atomic Research Centre making reactor for Navy's next-generation nuclear-submarines Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing a powerful 200 MWe reactor to significantly enhance the endurance of the Indian Navy's future submarines, including the S-5 class. This upgrade, more than doubling the power of existing reactors, is crucial for strengthening India's sea-based nuclear deterrent amidst China's growing naval capabilities.
Was never ‘stranded’ on ISS: Sunita Williams
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams refuted claims of being stranded at the ISS during her nine-month stay with Butch Wilmore, despite President Trump's remarks. She highlighted the diligent efforts of ground teams ensuring their safe return. Williams also mentioned NASA's focus on lunar missions, including vertical landing techniques, and her involvement in related training at Johnson Space Centre.
How Mumbai-born engineer behind US B-2 bomber landed 32-year jail term
How Mumbai-born engineer behind US B-2 bomber landed 32-year jail term Noshir Gowadia, now 81, helped design the B-2 stealth bomber’s propulsion system, the US warplane that recently bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. But then he got greedy Born in Mumbai, Noshir Sheriarji Gowadia was a prodigy whose engineering brilliance would shape one of America’s most secretive and deadly weapons — the B-2 stealth bomber.
India-born B-2 engineer's espionage revisited as US targets Iran with stealth bomber
News India News India-born B-2 engineer's espionage revisited as US targets Iran with stealth bomber Trending A brilliant Bombay-born engineer helped build America's deadliest ghost in the sky. Then he betrayed it. Sold its secrets to China. Decades later, the same B-2 stealth bombers he helped perfect unleashed bunker busters on Iran's nuclear facilities on June 22.Noshir Sheriarji Gowadia, now 81, sits behind bars in Colorado's Florence, serving a 32-year sentence handed down on Jan 24, 2011.
US air-sea platforms for nukes at end-of-service period: Report
The US Congressional Budget Office projects that the cost of operating, sustaining, and modernizing US nuclear forces will surge to $946 billion between 2025 and 2034, a 25% increase from the previous estimate. This substantial investment includes modernizing delivery systems, weapons, facilities, and command and control systems. The rise is attributed to the need to replace aging legacy weapon systems and address cost overruns in programs like the Sentinel ICBM.
‘Irrational response’ may trigger India-Pak nuke war: Declassified US reports | India News - The Times of India
News India News ‘Irrational response’ may trigger India-Pak nuke war: Declassified US reports Trending Declassified US intelligence reports from the 1980s and 90s, released amid the Pahalgam massacre outrage, reveal concerns about a potential India-Pakistan war escalating to nuclear exchanges due to miscalculation. A 1981 estimate assessed India's reaction to Pakistan's nuclear program, considering a possible attack on its facilities.
Pentagon orders to make nuclear triggers superfast
A recent Pentagon directive mandates nuclear weapon delivery within two minutes of message receipt, coinciding with the accelerated development of the B61-13 bomb, 24 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb. This directive, revealed in an unclassified document, aims to expedite nuclear command and control operations.
At NSC, operate a nuke plant virtually
Mumbai: It is an atomic journey down the ages both in India and abroad. And this trip takes place at the 7,000sqft, Rs 1.5-crore hall of nuclear power at Nehru Science Centre (NSC) in Worli with nearly 70 exhibits comprising touchscreen kiosks and videos, which was inaugurated on Monday by chairman and managing director of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) B C Pathak.
Rapp-7 nuclear-power plant connected to northern grid | India News - The Times of India Original
News India News Rapp-7 nuclear-power plant connected to northern grid Trending India's nuclear programme achieved a major milestone as the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station's seventh unit was connected to the northern grid. With the operation of 25 reactors and 13,100 MW capacity under construction, the indigenous 700 MW PHWR series plays a crucial role in reaching a goal of 100 GW by 2047.
Trump takes U-turn on Mars human mission; seen a clipping Musk’s wings | India News - The Times of India
News India News Trump takes U-turn on Mars human mission; seen a clipping Musk’s wings Trending US President Donald Trump has downplayed the priority of a human mission to Mars, despite earlier support for Elon Musk's colonization vision. This shift in stance coincides with Trump asserting final authority over staffing and policy decisions, ahead of a Space X Starship explosion.
Indian-origin Tushar Shah flies on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin
News Indian-origin Tushar Shah flies on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin Indian-origin MIT graduate Tushar Shah, part of a six-person crew, completed an 11-minute space journey on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin NS-30 mission from West Texas. Shah, a supporter of philanthropic causes, is also a hedge fund partner. The spacecraft traveled past the Von Karman line, returning safely after experiencing weightlessness and offering views of Earth. This mission reflects growing India-US space collaboration.
Donald Trump wants to plant US flag on Mars | India News - The Times of India Original
US President Donald Trump announced that American astronauts will plant the Stars and Stripes on Mars, raising questions about the future of NASA's Artemis moon mission. This aligns with Elon Musk's plans for Mars colonization. Experts suggest financial and technical issues may have sidelined the lunar mission, and SpaceX could benefit from Trump's support.
Rajagopala Chidambaram, India’s atomic weapons man, passes away at 88 | India News - Times of India
News India News Rajagopala Chidambaram, India’s atomic weapons man, passes away at 88 Trending Rajagopala Chidambaram, India's leading nuclear weapons designer and key figure in the Pokhran nuclear tests, passed away at 88. He contributed significantly to India's nuclear programme and scientific advancements. Tributes poured in from top scientists and political leaders, acknowledging his groundbreaking work and immense impact on India's strategic capabilities and scientific community.
Isro’s all-girls moon mission slated for September 2026 launch | India News - Times of India Original
News Isro’s all-girls moon mission slated for September 2026 launch Isro is preparing to launch Mission ShakthiSAT in Sept 2026, featuring 12,000 talented girls from 108 countries. The mission aims to encourage young female participation in space exploration. Selected participants will gather in Chennai to build payloads for scientific experiments. This initiative highlights the potential of untapped talent among young girls worldwide.
How Pakistan ‘copied’ design of India’s 1960 Cirus reactor | India News - Times of India
News India News How Pakistan ‘copied’ design of India’s 1960 Cirus reactor Trending In the early 1970s, Pakistan attempted to replicate India's Cirus reactor design, which was integral to India's first nuclear test in 1974. Munir Ahmed Khan led the effort, but challenges arose from differences between the Cirus reactor and Pakistan's Kanupp. Recently, the US imposed sanctions on Pakistan for its advanced missile technology.
‘Shameful if Chinese astronauts on moon before US’
Jaydeep Mukherjee, director of Nasa Florida Space Grant Consortium, warned that a Chinese lunar landing before the US would be embarrassing for America. He highlighted ongoing technical issues and cost overruns with Nasa's Artemis missions. Mukherjee stated that solving these problems is critical to achieving the 2026 target for a manned US lunar landing.
US nuke flight test 48 hours after Trump win | India News - Times of India
Two days after Donald Trump's presidential victory, the US conducted a nuclear weapons program flight test. The Los Alamos National Laboratory launched a payload to assess component and technology performance in missile-like conditions. This test aligns with the US's nuclear warhead upgrades and new designs, ensuring stockpile safety and reliability.
India’s cosmic leap: Ladakh's Hanle gets world's highest imaging observatory
India on October 4 inaugurated Asia's largest and world's highest imaging observatory at Hanle, Ladakh. Built by BARC with ECIL and other partners, the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment Observatory will enhance Indian astrophysics and cosmic ray research. Situated at 4,300m, it aims to deepen understanding of energetic cosmic events like gamma ray bursts and supernovae.
US upgrading its nukes in view of evolving geopolitical environment, says report
The U.S. is undertaking a significant modernization of its nuclear arsenal due to heightened global tensions, highlighted by Russia's norm-breaking behavior and China's potential nuclear advancement. The report outlines ongoing modernization of several warheads and production plans to ensure a resilient deterrent. The Department of Energy oversees these efforts without underground explosives testing.
Indigenous fast breeder reactor set to become critical: AEC chief | India News - Times of India Original
The Department of Atomic Energy in India will soon see its first 500MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor near Chennai become critical. This reactor is part of India's closed-fuel cycle nuclear program. Additionally, new nuclear power units have started operations in Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a new fuel complex being commissioned in Kota.
Centre forms Ashvini, JV of nuclear and thermal power plants | India News - Times of India Original
MUMBAI: In a major step towards boosting nuclear power generation in the country, the govt has given the go ahead for the formation of a new firm — Ashvini — a joint venture between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). According to NPCIL, its share in the new organization will be 51% while NTPC will have 49%. With this, Ashvini is now authorized to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants in India.
Billionaire aboard SpaceX Dragon carries out first commercial spacewalk Original
MUMBAI: At about 4.20 pm (IST) on Thursday, when SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft was zooming at a speed of 25,271 kmh over the Indian Ocean at an altitude of 740 kms, world space history crossed a major milestone when billionaire Jared Isaacman emerged from the capsule, becoming the first non-professional and private spaceman to execute a flawless spacewalk. This was part of the Polaris Dawn mission which successfully carried out the world’s first private spacewalk.
Nuclear power plant on moon? India may join China, Russia in this mission | India News - Times of India
India and China may partner with Russia to set up a nuclear power plant on the moon. The project, led by Rosatom, aims to generate up to half a megawatt of energy for a lunar base. This collaboration aligns with India's plans for a manned lunar mission by 2040. This is an AI-generated image (Pic credit: Copilot) MUMBAI: Call it lunar diplomacy or what you may.
First-ever private spacewalk in making Original
MUMBAI: What may become a milestone in space history, US-based Polaris Dawn mission's crew will attempt the first-ever private spacewalk on August 26. The private mission also plans to land on Moon at a higher altitude, breaking the record set by Nasa’s Apollo missions 50 years ago. The 3-to-5-day mission, commanded by billionaire Jared Isaacman and including three crew members, is expected to achieve an Earth orbit altitude record of 1,400 km.
First Indo-US space mission delayed by 6 months | India News - Times of India Original
MUMBAI: The launch of the first Indo-US joint mission to international space station (ISS) with Shubanshu Shukla from India as the pilot has been deferred to March-April 2025 from Oct-Nov 2024. Isro is not responsible for the delay in the mission’s launch from Kennedy Space Centre. “The Ax-4 crew members are awaiting approval from multilateral crew operations panel to fly to ISS orbiting laboratory,’’ Nasa posted on X, explaining the delay. The panel regulates ISS tours.
Europe’s 1st lunar rover to fly to Moon by year-end
MUMBAI: Europe’s first lunar rover “Tenacious” will fly to the Moon by the Space X Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida towards the end of 2024, ispace Europe announced Thursday. ispace Europe — a subsidiary of ispace Tokyo — is a Luxembourg-based private space firm which designed, manufactured and assembled the micro rover. Tenacious will be dispatched to Japan next week to integrate into “Resilience”, the Hakuto-R Mission 2 lunar lander, the firm said in a statement.
Chandrayaan-3 awarded World Space Award for historic milestone Original
Chandrayaan-3 lander (Credits: ISRO) MUMBAI: Chandrayaan-3, whose success made India world’s first country to have landed near lunar South Pole, has been awarded World Space Award by International Astronautical Federation. Besides India, only the US, Russia and China have achieved the milestone of soft landing on the moon.
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