IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Posts "Welcome To India" Message For Starlink

In a sign that Elon Musk's Starlink is set to enter India soon, Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has posted a welcome message for the company on social media.

Both Airtel and Jio, which are India's largest telecom operators, have signed deals with Starlink to offer its satellite-based broadband internet services, but the agreements are contingent on Mr Musk's company getting authorisation from the Centre to operate in the country.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Mr Vaishnaw, who is also the railway minister, wrote, "Starlink, welcome to India! Will be useful for remote area railway projects."

Starlink, welcome to India!

Will be useful for remote area railway projects. pic.twitter.com/rQPmjeKkGt

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) March 12, 2025

On Tuesday, Airtel announced that it had signed an agreement with Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring Starlink's services to India, adding that it would provide an opportunity to connect communities, schools, health centres and other institutions in even the most remote rural corners of India. 

"Working with SpaceX to offer Starlink to Airtel customers in India is a significant milestone and further demonstrates our commitment to next-generation satellite connectivity," said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel Ltd.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said, "Just like 4G, 5G, and 6G in the future, we will now have one more technology in our mix, i.e. SAT-G."

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What Is Slowing India's Rocketship In Space Economy? New Report Says...

A lack of a solid legal framework around the governance and use of space technology remains a huge challenge as India seeks to become a frontline spacefaring nation, a new report has said.

'Unlocking India's Space Economy', released on Wednesday at the Bharat Space Conclave - 2025 in New Delhi and prepared by EY (formerly Ernst and Young) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) says "regulatory and policy constraints" remain as there is "no comprehensive Space Activities Act". The 50-page report highlights that there are "gaps" in liability and insurance relating to space activities in India and points to "multi agency overlaps" which could slow down decision making in this fast-changing sector.

The report also identifies other challenges hindering growth, which include "high dependency on imported space-grade components" and India's reliance on "limited launch sites" - all rocket launches take place only from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota and a second launch port in Tamil Nadu is still a few years away.

The document highlights that India has captured just about 2% - roughly $8.4 billion - of the global space market while China has already cornered 13% - $80 billion - and the USA remains the world leader at $250 billion and 40% of the global share.

An earlier report by the Indian government estimated that India can grow its space economy to about $44 billion by 2033. Today, there are over 250 private space startups and, alongside the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), they are all trying to secure a sunny spot in the space economy, which is estimated to be worth $1.8 trillion by 2035.

Fostering Innovation

The report by FICCI and EY notes that a significant shift is underway, with India's space sector evolving from a government-led model to a commercially driven, innovation-led ecosystem. Satellite communication (SATCOM), projected to reach $14.8 billion by 2033, will play a critical role in expanding digital connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved regions. The increasing use of Earth Observation and remote sensing satellites, estimated to contribute $8 billion by 2033, is already transforming agriculture, disaster management, and climate resilience.

At the release ceremony, Dr Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (InSpace), said investment in the space sector could be well above Rs 50,000 crore in the next decade or so. He highlighted that 52 surveillance satellites will be launched, with 31 to be made by the Indian private sector, and it is estimated that 60 units of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 or the 'Bahubali' rocket will be made by India. This is in addition to the Rs 35,000 crore the government is infusing into ISRO for the Gaganyaan and Indian space station programmes. "India's space sector has moved at rocket speed," Mr Goenka emphasised.

The report also identifies the "funding gaps" and Pankaj Khurana, who led the study, said India invests just 0.07% of its GDP on its space budget compared to the US' 0.28%. So, the US spends four times more and, yet, gets nearly thirty times higher returns than India. Its economy, though, is also much bigger.

"A new space activities bill has already been drafted," Dr Goenka asserted, but said it was difficult to give a timeline because inter-ministerial and parliamentary consultation is a complex process. He also highlighted that no private sector company is being asked to take the mandatory liability insurance in the space sector. Giving an upbeat outlook, Dr Goenka added "No activity is being stopped in the absence of the space law."

Sharing his candid assessment, Mr Khurana said, "India's space journey is no longer a distant dream, it is an unfolding reality... but ambition must be matched with action."

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Boat Rides In Delhi Soon? Government Plans Water Tourism On Yamuna

The people of Delhi will soon be able to enjoy boat rides as the Delhi government and the Centre signed an MoU on Tuesday to develop water tourism on the 4 kilometer Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna.

Speaking at the event in Asita Park, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said that in the coming days, the facility will be expanded, a move that will decongest the city's roads and also provide better travel options for residents of the city.

This is a major step towards integrating river, road, and metro transportation. The public-private partnership (PPP) model will also be explored for expanding the facility in the Yamuna, VK Saxena said.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative would give Delhi a fresh and modern identity, focusing on cleanliness, beautification, and development.

The previous government created several obstacles, but the people of Delhi rejected them, paving the way for progress, she said, adding that eco-friendly electric-solar hybrid boats will be introduced to promote sustainable travel.

Ms Gupta said she has envisioned Yamuna ghats evolving into a cultural and artistic hub, akin to Varanasi, and highlighted that the government was committed to sustained Yamuna cleaning efforts and daily development work.

She also thanked all departments, saying that this transformation would not have been possible without their commitment.

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, we are making the impossible possible," she said expressing gratitude to all officials involved.

The LG said charging stations and other facilities would also be developed to enhance the experience for commuters in Delhi.

"This is just the beginning. In the upcoming days, the service will be expanded, significant improvements will be made in the condition of the Yamuna, and Delhi's waterways will be further developed," he said.

VK Saxena called it is a "historic day" for the city, emphasising the government's commitment to environmental conservation and the development of waterways.

"PM Modi's vision is focused on strengthening the country's water transport network, and we are taking concrete steps to restore Delhi's ecological balance," he said.

He acknowledged past delays in Yamuna cleaning, saying that earlier it was being treated like a drain.

VK Saxena assured that progress has accelerated since the new government took charge and said significant strides in solar energy adoption and sustainable transport solutions have been made.

The government also announced plans to improve public transport, reduce traffic congestion, and boost local businesses.

"This is just the beginning. More developments are on the way, and we will work with private players to expand and enhance the system," the LG said.

Despite previous challenges, the administration remains committed to clearing pending projects and accelerating progress, he added.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, PWD Minister Pravesh Verma, and Delhi Capital Minister were also present at the event.

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

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"Gimmick": Atishi's Jab At Free LPG Cylinder On Holi Promise, BJP Responds

The AAP on Tuesday questioned the BJP government in Delhi over its promise to provide free cooking gas cylinders to women on the occasion of Holi.

Addressing a press conference, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi chief minister Atishi said that women in the national capital are waiting for the BJP to fulfil its pre-poll promise.

"I want to ask the BJP government and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta if they will fulfil their poll promise of providing free cooking gas cylinders to women in Delhi on Holi, or will it prove to be another gimmick like providing monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to women," Atishi said.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that unlike the AAP that made only announcements, the BJP does not make promises without proper financial planning.

"Soon, the BJP government will provide free LPG cylinders to needy women on priority during Holi and Diwal," he asserted.

The BJP in its manifesto for the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls promised to provide cooking gas cylinders to women from economically weaker sections for Rs 500 along with two refills free of charge on Holi and Diwali.

The BJP government has approved a Mahila Samriddhi Yojana for providing Rs 2,500 monthly assistance to women from poor families in Delhi and sanctioned Rs 5,100 crore for the scheme.

Registration for the scheme is yet to commence.

The AAP has been attacking the BJP, claiming it did not fulfil its poll promise of crediting Rs 2,500 into the bank accounts of women in Delhi on March 8, the International Women's Day.

Mr Sachdeva said that it seems AAP leaders, troubled by the daily exposure of their 10-year government's "corruption", believe that they can mislead the people by issuing statements about the BJP's manifesto promises.

He said as soon as the BJP government announced an allocation of Rs 5,100 crore for aid to needy women, the AAP leaders have now started making "impractical" comments on the BJP's promise of free LPG cylinders for Holi.

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

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Cab Drivers Boycott Hyderabad Airport Trips Over Low Aggregator Fares

Cab drivers under the banner of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union have launched a campaign boycotting trips facilitated by cab aggregator companies to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on the city's outskirts, protesting against the "low fares" being charged.

TGPWU founder-president Shaik Salauddin said on Tuesday that the campaign has been underway on a large scale since it was launched two days ago.

He alleged that aggregator companies charge as little as Rs 300-Rs 400 for a trip from the city to the airport while claiming a 30 per cent commission.

The state government issued an order in 2022 setting the fare for pre-paid cabs operating at the airport at Rs 21 per km, he said.

There is a difference of about Rs 300-Rs 400 between the fares charged by aggregators and pre-paid taxis, he claimed.

The low fares have significantly affected drivers' earnings, he added.

Additionally, cab drivers often have to wait three to four hours at the airport for a return trip, he said.

Despite "repeated appeals to the government and the transport department for uniform and fair pricing for aggregator services", no decisive action has been taken, Salauddin claimed.

He urged the government to intervene immediately to regulate and standardise aggregator pricing policies.

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

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पहलवान रहा है, ठीक ही कहा... CM योगी ने संभल CO के '52 जुमा, होली एक' बयान का किया समर्थन

उत्तर प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ ने संभल जिले के पुलिस अधिकारी अनुज चौधरी के उस बयान का समर्थन किया है, जिसमें उन्होंने कहा है कि होली साल में एक बार आती है, जबकि जुमे की नमाज हर हफ्ते होती है. सीएम ने कहा कि अधिकारी ने भले ही 'पहलवान' की तरह बात की हो, लेकिन अर्जुन पुरस्कार विजेता ने जो कहा वह सही है.

लोगों को सच्चाई स्वीकार करनी चाहिए - योगी

योगी आदित्यनाथ ने कहा, "हमारा वो पुलिस अधिकारी पहलवान रहा है, अर्जुन अवॉर्ड विजेता रहा है, पूर्व ओलंपियन है. उसने पहलवानी की तरह अपनी बात कही तो कुछ लोगों को बुरी लगी, लेकिन सच है और सच्चाई को स्वीकार करना चाहिए."

मुख्यमंत्री ने शुक्रवार की नमाज दोपहर दो बजे के बाद करने का निर्णय लेने के लिए धार्मिक नेताओं को धन्यवाद दिया. उन्होंने कहा कि नमाज दोपहर दो बजे के बाद भी अदा की जा सकती है और जो लोग उससे पहले नमाज अदा करना चाहते हैं, वे घर पर भी नमाज अदा कर सकते हैं.

दिक्कत है तो होली के दिन लोग घर से ही नमाज अदा करें - संभल सीओ

संभल के पुलिस क्षेत्राधिकारी (सीओ) अनुज चौधरी ने कहा था कि होली साल में एक बार आने वाला त्योहार है, जबकि जुमे की नमाज साल में 52 बार होती है. अगर किसी को होली के रंगों से असहजता महसूस होती है, तो उन्हें उस दिन घर के अंदर ही रहना चाहिए. होली के दिन घर से ही नमाज अदा करें. कानून-व्यवस्था बिगड़ी तो पुलिस सख्त एक्शन लेगी. बता दें कि शुक्रवार को होली का पावन पर्व है और इस दिन जुमा भी है.

संभल के सीओ के इस बयान पर समाजवादी पार्टी के नेताओं ने आपत्ति जताई है. सपा सांसद वीरेंद्र सिंह ने कहा कि किसी भी अधिकारी की यह भाषा ठीक नहीं है और संसदीय नहीं है. सीएम योगी को भी समझना चाहिए कि समाजवादी पार्टी में भी बहुत सारे पहलवान हैं, उनको भी समाजवादी पार्टी के पहलवानों की भाषा उसी रूप में लेनी चाहिए.

अनुज चौधरी हमेशा गलत बयान देते रहे हैं - रामगोपाल यादव

इससे पहले समाजवादी पार्टी के नेता रामगोपाल यादव ने भी संभल सीओ के बयान पर तल्ख टिप्पणी करते हुए कहा था कि अनुज चौधरी वही व्यक्ति हैं, जिन्होंने दंगे कराए थे. जब कभी व्यवस्था बदलेगी, तो ऐसे लोगों को जेल में रहना होगा. वो हमेशा गलत बयान देते रहे हैं.

अधिकारी को किसी समुदाय का पक्ष नहीं लेना चाहिए - उदित राज

वहीं कांग्रेस नेता उदित राज ने कहा, "किसी भी अधिकारी को किसी समुदाय का पक्ष नहीं लेना चाहिए. होली-जुम्मे को लेकर जिस तरह से संभल के सीओ अनुज चौधरी ने बयान दिया है. यह दर्शाता है कि वह एक समुदाय का पक्ष ले रहे हैं. जबकि, ऐसा नहीं होना चाहिए. अधिकारी को बिना किसी पक्षपात के रहना चाहिए. लेकिन, इनके बयान से ऐसा प्रतीत नहीं होता है."

उन्होंने 'एक्स' पर पोस्ट किया, "आश्चर्य है कि अभी तक अनुज चौधरी को नौकरी से नहीं निकाला गया और उल्टा सीएम का समर्थन मिल रहा है. जस्टिस केएम जोसेफ और बीवी नागरत्ना की पीठ ने कहा कि अदालत का आदेश सभी नफरत फैलाने वाले भाषण देने वालों पर लागू होगा, चाहे उनका धर्म कुछ भी हो. अदालत ने जोर देकर कहा कि देश की धर्मनिरपेक्ष प्रकृति की रक्षा की जानी चाहिए. सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने 28 अप्रैल 2023 को राज्यों को निर्देश दिया कि वे घृणास्पद भाषण की घटनाओं पर स्वतः एफआईआर दर्ज करें तथा शिकायत दर्ज कराने की प्रतीक्षा किए बिना अपराधियों के विरुद्ध कार्रवाई करें."

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Devendra Fadnavis Backs Call To Remove Aurangzeb's Tomb, Slams Congress

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today backed the call for the removal of the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from Khulabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. He, however said this has to be done through the law, since the previous Congress government had protected the tomb by handing it over to the Archaeological Society of India or ASI. 

"We all also want the same thing, but you need to do it within the framework of the law, because it is a protected site. The site was put under ASI's protection during the Congress regime some years back," the Chief Minister said.

Recently, the BJP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had demanded that the tomb be razed. 

"What is the need... send a JCB machine and raze his grave... he was a thief and lootera (robber)," he said. 

"Those who visit Aurangzeb's tomb and pay homage may be his future. They should take that tomb to their own homes, but the glorification of Aurangzeb will not be tolerated anymore," he said. 

"Strict action" should be taken against those who give "wrong statements about Shahaji Chhatrapati Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj," he added, in what was seen as a dig at Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, who had recently praised Aurangzeb. 

On March 4, BJP leader Navneet Rana also demanded the demolition of Aurangzeb's grave. "I want to request Maharashtra government that the way Aurangabad's name was changed and kept after our God Sambhaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb's grave should also be demolished," the former BJP MP asserted.

Controversy Over Abu Azmi's Remarks

Last week, Abu Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly till the end of the budget session over his remarks praising Aurangzeb. Calling the Mughal emperor a great administrator, Mr Azmi had said he was depicted wrongly in history.

"Aurangzeb built many temples. I do not consider Aurangzeb a cruel administrator. Also, the battle between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb was a battle for state administration. That battle was not about Hindus and Muslims anywhere," he added.

He said that during Aurangzeb's time, India's border extended to Afghanistan. "At that time, our GDP was 24 per cent... India was called Sone Ki Chidiya," he claimed.

But his remarks, coming amid strong emotions stirred by the Vicky Kaushal-starrer 'Chhaava' that depicted the torture of Sambhaji Maharaj, had drawn massive criticism. Police cases were filed against him and despite his later withdrawal of the comment, Chief Minister Fadnavis had said he would be "100 per cent put in jail". 

The Tomb

Aurangzeb, who died in 1707 at the age of 87, is buried in Khuldabad, 25 kilometers from Aurangabad, where his wife's tomb, 'Bibi ka maqbara" is located.

In his will, Aurangzeb had expressed the wish that he be buried in Khuldabad, where his guru, Sufi saint Syed Zainuddin, is buried. The tomb lies within the complex of Syed Zainuddin. He also left instructions that he be buried in a simple, open-air tomb. 

Later, the Nizam of Hyderabad installed a marble grill around the tomb at the request of Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India.

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