India’s Scientific Achievements and Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Mission
Indian scientist Shubhanshu Shukla returned safely after spending two weeks in space conducting various experiments. He was the mission captain of a four-member international team sent by NASA. Selected by ISRO, Shukla and his team departed for space on June 25 and returned to the California coast on July 15 (Asharh 31).
During his 20 days in space, Shukla successfully completed 60 scientific experiments. He became the second Indian astronaut to walk in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. The Government of India covered the mission cost, which was approximately INR 500 crore.
Shukla's experiments included testing supplements to prevent muscle loss, growing mung beans and fenugreek in space, studying the effects of digital screens on eyes, oxygen production, and bacterial behavior. His mission contributed valuable insights into physics, biology, agricultural research, and space health management.
Shubhanshu Shukla Inspires Indian Youth
Shukla's success is hailed as an inspiring example for Indian youth. Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, his achievement is a matter of pride not only for his family but for the entire city. During a visit to Lucknow, a local auto driver remarked with joy that Shukla had brought recognition to their city by reaching space.
Highlighting India’s Scientific and Technological Growth
This mission reflects India’s growing strength in science and technology. Shukla has become a national figure. His journey is widely discussed not just in India, but globally.
During a field trip organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs under its External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division, a joint group of 10 journalists from Nepal and India visited multiple locations, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Lucknow on July 7 (Asharh 23). HAL manufactures components for air, helicopters, and military aircraft and aims to be a global leader in the aerospace and defense industry.
Established in December 1940, HAL is one of the world’s oldest and largest aerospace manufacturers. It began aircraft production in 1942 under license for the Indian Air Force. Today, it operates 11 R&D centers and 21 production units across India. In 2024, it was awarded 'Maharatna' status.
India’s Aerospace Strength and Indigenous Defense Development
HAL manufactures advanced fighter jets, helicopters, jet engines, marine gas turbines, avionics, and components. Aircraft such as Tejas, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Dhruv ALH, HAL Rudra, Mirage 2000, Sitara, MiG-21, and Jaguar have been produced.
Shukla, who joined the Indian Air Force as a pilot in 2006, has flown fighter jets built with HAL components including Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, and Jaguar. During past conflicts, indigenous warplanes played a key role. India has also developed advanced weapons systems such as the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos in collaboration with Russia. This missile can strike from land, sea, and air and is named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers. Replicas of BrahMos can be seen in parts of Lucknow, symbolizing India's defense capabilities.
India’s Leadership in Medicinal Plant Research
The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), located in Lucknow, is a premier research institution under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. It focuses on research, development, and commercial application of medicinal and aromatic plants.
CIMAP supports genetic enhancement, extraction of new medicinal compounds, aromatic oils, and transfer of biotechnology to farmers and industries. It has developed over 150 technologies and operates 38 laboratories. Director Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi mentioned ongoing collaborations with Nepal’s Department of Plant Resources for research on Himalayan herbs and medicinal plants.
Breakthroughs in Indian Railways Through Technology
India has made significant progress in railway technology. The Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), under the Ministry of Railways, is headquartered in Lucknow. It handles research, assessment, and standardization of new technologies.
Its indigenous safety system ‘Kavach’ and the ‘Vande Bharat’ high-speed train are key innovations under the 'Make in India' initiative. Kavach prevents collisions on single tracks, controls excessive speed, and compensates for human error by automatically regulating speed and issuing warnings.
The system is already in use in the Hyderabad–Warangal sector of South-Central Railways and is being expanded. According to RDSO Director General Uday Burburkar, the Vande Bharat express is India’s first semi-high-speed electric train offering aircraft-like seating and energy-efficient travel. Over 100 such trains are planned for deployment across India.
Expansion of India’s Metro Train and Transport Infrastructure
India launched its first metro in Delhi in 2002. Today, metro networks operate in 15 cities including Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Noida, and Lucknow. They address urban population density and traffic congestion. The metro system uses advanced technologies like Kavach for automated signaling.
India plans to expand metro rail systems to 20 more cities, including the development of hydrogen and solar-powered trains.
Technological Innovation at IIT Delhi
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is renowned globally for technical education and innovation. Established in 1961, it offers BTech, MTech, MBA, MSc, and PhD programs. Students have developed groundbreaking technologies such as water purity testing devices and wireless electric vehicle chargers.
IIT Delhi plays a central role in programs like 'Digital India' and 'Startup India'. It emphasizes integrating youth with technology to drive national progress.
Global Partnerships Through Infrastructure Resilience
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), initiated by India at the 2019 UN Climate Summit, aims to develop resilient infrastructure in disaster-prone countries. Its 46 member countries include India, USA, Japan, UK, France, Italy, Australia, Germany, Nepal, and organizations like the UN, World Bank, and ADB.
CDRI supports health, energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure resilience. It has helped assess hospitals, map landslide-prone zones, and train emergency personnel in Nepal.
AI and Education in Indian Management
Artificial Intelligence presents new challenges and opportunities. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, established in 1984, is a prestigious institution offering postgraduate and doctoral programs in management.
Director Prof. Manmohan Prasad Gupta shared that IIM Lucknow is researching how AI can be applied across various fields. The institute plans to introduce special scholarships for Nepali and Bhutanese students.
Delhi Haat: A Hub for Traditional Arts and Culture
Delhi Haat is a vibrant open-air marketplace showcasing regional handicrafts, local cuisine, and traditional art. Established in 1994 under the Ministry of Tourism, it hosts over 60 stalls with rotating artisans from different states, offered at minimal fees.
Each fortnight, crafts from two states are featured. After a fire in April destroyed 30 stalls, they were rebuilt with rural design elements.
Delhi’s Green Urban Model
Over 24% of Delhi’s land is now covered in greenery, up from 12% in 2011. Tree-lined streets, parks, and biodiversity zones such as Yamuna Biodiversity Park and Aravalli Biodiversity Park make Delhi feel green and breathable.
Electric vehicles, one-way traffic systems, flyovers, and underpasses support smooth traffic flow with minimal police presence. Automated signals are widely followed.
Delhi’s Planned Development and Smart City Initiative
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is implementing its 2041 Master Plan. It includes coordinated efforts in water supply, electricity, communication, sewer, and transportation. The smart city initiative is underway with Delhi’s metro system being one of the world’s most advanced.
With over 300 km of rail and around 300 stations, the metro facilitates mass transit. Key landmarks such as India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and Akshardham attract countless tourists daily. Museums across Delhi preserve and exhibit India’s historical milestones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cleanliness campaign has had a visible impact. Delhi is now recognized not just as a green city but also as a well-organized and well-maintained urban center.
Self-Reliant India and Regional Opportunity
India is the world’s largest democracy and seventh largest country by land area. It now holds the world’s largest population, with approximately 1.43 billion people. India's economy continues to grow rapidly with a GDP growth rate exceeding 7% annually.
This progress has been driven by investment in education, infrastructure, governance, skill development, technology, and inclusive policies. A self-reliant India offers a model for development and presents significant opportunity for neighbors like Nepal.
Nepal can benefit from India’s progress by strengthening cooperation in energy, trade, infrastructure, technology, education, and tourism.
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