Blitz Bureau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the country is setting new benchmarks in space technology, with visionary scientists and innovators providing solutions to future challenges. Addressing the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat on January 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s “historic achievements” in the field of space. He lauded Bengaluru-based private space-tech startup Pixxel for its significant contribution in strengthening the space sector of the country.
The PMalso extended his greetings on the Republic Day saying this year’s celebration is special as it marks 75 years of the Constitution coming into force.The following are excerpts from the Mann Ki Baat, which took place on the third Sunday this month, instead of the usual last Sunday:
This year’s Republic Day is very special. It is the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic. This year marks 75 years of the Constitution coming into force. I salute all those great personalities of the Constituent Assembly, who gave us our sacred Constitution. During the Constituent Assembly, long deliberations were held on many subjects. Those discussions, the thoughts of the members of the Constituent Assembly, their words, are our great heritage…
A day before Republic Day, the 25th of January is National Voter’s Day. This day is important because on this day the Election Commission of India was established. Our constitution makers have accorded a very important place to our Election Commission in the Constitution and equally to people’s participation in democracy. When the first elections were held in the country in 1951-52, some people were doubtful whether the country’s democracy would survive. But our democracy proved all the apprehensions wrong – after all, India is the Mother of Democracy. In the past decades as well, the country’s democracy has strengthened and prospered…
The MahaKumbh has commenced in Prayagraj. An unforgettable sea of humanity, incredible visuals and an extraordinary confluence of equality and harmony! This time, many a divine alignment is also converging at the Kumbh. This festival of Kumbh celebrates the festival of unity in diversity. People from all over India and the world congregate on the sands of the Sangam. There is no discrimination, no casteism anywhere in this tradition which has been going on for thousands of years…
This time you must have seen that the participation of youth in the Kumbh is very extensive, and it is also true that when the young generation connects with its civilisation with pride, its roots become stronger, and then its golden future is also ensured. This time we are also witnessing the digital footprints of the Kumbh on such a large scale. This global popularity of the Kumbh is a matter of pride for every Indian…
In the beginning of 2025 itself, India has attained many historic achievements in the field of Space. Today, I am proud to convey that an Indian space-tech startup, Bengaluru-based Pixxel has successfully launched India’s first private satellite constellation – ‘Firefly’. This satellite constellation is the world’s topmost high-resolution hyper spectral satellite constellation. This achievement has not only made India a leader in modern space technology, but is also a big step towards a Self-reliant India i.e. Aatmnirbhar Bharat. This success is a symbol of the growing strength and innovation of our private space sector. On behalf of the entire country, I congratulate the team of Pixxel, ISRO and IN-SPACe for this achievement.
A few days ago, our scientists marked another major achievement in the Space Sector. Our scientists have undertaken space docking of satellites. When two space crafts are connected in Space, this process is called Space Docking. This technology is important for sending supplies to space stations and crew missions in space. India has become the fourth country to have achieved this success. Friends, our scientists are also making efforts to grow plants in space and make them survive. For this, ISRO scientists chose seeds of cow pea. These seeds, sent on the 30th of December, germinated in space itself. This is a very inspiring experiment which will pave the way for growing vegetables in space in future. This shows how farsightedly our scientists are working.
J ust a few days ago, Start-Up India has completed nine years. More than half of the startups that have been formed in our country in these nine years are from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and when we hear that, every Indian’s heart is delighted with the fact that our startup culture is not limited to just big cities. And you will be surprised to know that more than half of the startups in smaller cities are being led by our daughters. When we hear that cities like Ambala, Hisar, Kangra, Chengalpattu, Bilaspur, Gwalior and Washim are becoming centres of startups, the heart is filled with joy…
