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Ashok Chakra Awarded To Shubhanshu Shukla, Only Second Indian Astronaut In History To Receive It

India has always celebrated achievers who push boundaries, but Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s story is truly extraordinary. On the eve of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Ashok Chakra for Shukla, making him the first astronaut to receive India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. His courage, determination, and cosmic ambition exemplify a new era where bravery extends beyond battlefields into the vast expanse of space. ALSO READ: Honor Of A Lifetime: EU Chief Praises India's 77th Republic Day Celebrations, Shares Video A Dreamer From Lucknow (Image Source: PTI) Born in Lucknow, Shukla’s fascination with the skies began early. At just 17, inspired by the Kargil War and an IAF airshow, he applied to the National Defence Academy using a friend’s form, without informing his parents. His early decision marked the start of a journey that would eventually see him piloting spacecraft and representing India on the International Space Station (ISS). Why The Ashok Chakra? Courage Beyond Earth VIDEO | Republic Day 2026: President Droupadi Murmu awards Ashok Chakra to IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.#RepublicDay (Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/ZJs2vveelg — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2026 Typically awarded to soldiers for acts of extraordinary bravery in conflict, the Ashok Chakra recognised Shukla for “conspicuous bravery” and “exemplary courage” during the high-stakes Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Shukla piloted the SpaceX Dragon “Grace” from Kennedy Space Center on June 25–26, 2025, becoming the first Indian on the ISS since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984. Operating in microgravity with a multinational crew led by Peggy Whitson, Shukla managed complex orbital manoeuvres where even a minor error could have led to disaster. His exemplary performance under extreme conditions earned him a place in history as only the second Indian astronaut to receive the Ashok Chakra, after Captain Rakesh Sharma, honoured in 1985. Pioneering Achievements In Science And Space During his 18-day mission, Shukla led seven critical experiments on the ISS, covering space anaemia, cardiovascular health in zero gravity, alloy solidification, and protein crystal growth for drug research. His work also contributed directly to ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan 2027 crewed mission, offering essential data for life-support systems and operational safety. Returning safely on July 15, 2025, he shared his invaluable insights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inspiring the next generation of Indian astronauts. Charting The Path Forward: Gaganyaan And Beyond Shukla continues to shape India’s human spaceflight programme. He is actively refining crew module safety via Test Vehicle Abort Missions, training Vyomanauts, and improving human-machine interfaces using ISS lessons. As a central figure in the Gaganyaan mission, he is set to play a pivotal role in India’s first independent human space launch, proving that courage, innovation, and vision truly know no bounds.

Late-Night Food Delivery Error Snowballs Into Clash In Greater Noida Society: Watch

A late-night food delivery error snowballed into a violent clash at Nimbus Society in Greater Noida’s Beta-2 area, with a brawl breaking out near the main gate after an argument inside one of the towers. Videos of the incident, showing people exchanging punches, kicks and blows with sticks and rods, later went viral on social media. Police said the incident occurred around 10 pm on Saturday. According to Vinod Kumar, SHO of Beta-2 police station, a 20-year-old delivery agent, Rohan Kumar, arrived at the society to deliver food but mistakenly rang the doorbell of the wrong flat. “The resident told him that no order had been placed, but the delivery agent insisted and asked him to recheck. The flat owner then alerted the security guards. When they reached the tower, a heated argument broke out,” the SHO said. IITL Nimbus Express Parkview 2, Greater NoidaDelivery boy rang doorbell of the wrong flat by mistake. Flat owner called the society security guards who assaulted the Rider. Angry Rider also called his fellow riders and after that it was free for all.pic.twitter.com/egTQ51xwxp — NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) January 25, 2026 As more guards arrived, Rohan was asked to leave the premises. However, the situation escalated after he allegedly called his friends and informed them about the altercation. “Within minutes, four to five people arrived on two motorcycles. Soon after, a fight erupted between the two groups,” the officer added. Clash Continued For 15 Minutes The clash spilt out near the society’s main gate and continued for over 15 minutes, triggering panic among residents and passersby. Police said no one from the society initially informed them about the incident. A police team later reached the spot and managed to restore order, but by then, the accused had fled, leaving behind their motorcycles. Investigators subsequently examined the viral video and other evidence. Based on a complaint filed by sub-inspector Amar Pal, an FIR was registered against the arrested individuals and unknown persons under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rioting, rioting with deadly weapons, unlawful assembly, voluntarily causing hurt and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace. Those arrested include Rohan Kumar, a resident of Dadri, and three security guards -- Akash Singh (24), Abhishek Chand (19) and Rajesh Kumar (19). “The delivery agent and his associates escaped after abandoning their motorcycles. We recovered two bikes from the spot and identified Rohan through the vehicle number plates. Efforts are underway to trace his associates. The security guards were identified using CCTV footage and the society’s roster records,” the SHO said.

India Republic Day 2026: Google Doodle Today Celebrates ISRO's Eminence & Prestige

Google marked India’s 77th Republic Day with a doodle that looked firmly skyward. The special illustration placed the spotlight on the Indian Space Research Organisation, celebrating a year defined by ambitious missions and growing global attention around India’s space programme. The doodle featured satellites, orbital paths, and space-inspired visuals cleverly integrated into the letters of ‘GOOGLE’, creating a design that subtly echoed India’s expanding footprint beyond Earth. While Google did not offer a detailed explanation of the artwork, the visual language left little doubt about the theme. The tribute appeared to nod towards headline missions such as Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan, both of which have kept ISRO in international headlines. A Space-Themed Salute To India’s Scientific Momentum The artwork arrived at a time when ISRO is preparing for an active year ahead. The space agency has outlined plans for multiple satellite deployments in 2026 as it continues to scale up its operations. Speaking about the upcoming activity, ISRO chief V Narayanan said, “We are planning to send a lot of satellites this year. A lot of work is going on.” The timing of the doodle made the message even more relevant, as Republic Day celebrations increasingly highlight India’s technological confidence along with its cultural legacy. A Look Back At 2025 Republic Day Google In contrast to this year’s cosmic theme, Google’s Republic Day 2025 doodle leaned into India’s biodiversity. Designed by Pune-based artist Rohan Dahotre, the illustration celebrated wildlife from across the country. It included a peacock in flight, a crocodile, a snow leopard in Ladakhi attire, a tiger dressed in a dhoti-kurta playing a musical instrument, and an antelope holding a ceremonial staff. That artwork captured India’s ecological richness, while the 2026 design turned attention to scientific ambition. Why January 26 Matters Republic Day commemorates the moment when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. Although the country had achieved independence in 1947, governance continued under colonial-era laws for nearly three years. The adoption of the Constitution replaced the Government of India Act and formally established India as a sovereign democratic republic. The date also honours the Purna Swaraj declaration made on January 26, 1930, when Indian leaders demanded complete independence from British rule. The occasion stands as a reminder of the principles of democracy, justice, equality, and unity. 77th Republic Day: Schedule & Parade President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on January 26. The parade is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am, with live broadcast coverage starting from 10:30 am. Public entry will open at 7 am. This year’s parade will feature 30 tableaux organised under the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ The event will also mark 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, while showcasing India’s cultural diversity, defence strength, and technological progress.

Balancing Work, Family And Health: Simple Nutrition Habits For Busy Women

(By Preety Tyagi) Modern women often juggle multiple roles, - professional, caregiver, partner, and more, - leaving little time to prioritize their own health. Between meetings, school drop-offs, and household responsibilities, nutrition is usually the first thing to slip. Yet, consistent and simple food habits can make a powerful difference. Healthy eating doesn’t require perfection or hours in the kitchen; it requires intention, balance, and realistic choices that fit into a busy lifestyle. ALSO READ: What To Have In Your First Aid Kit: A Complete Checklist For Every Home Why Nutrition Often Takes A Back Seat When schedules are packed, convenience tends to win. Skipped meals, late-night snacking, or relying on ultra-processed foods become routine. Over time, these habits can drain energy, affect mood, and weaken immunity. Recognizing that nutrition fuels productivity, emotional balance, and long-term health is the first step toward reclaiming control. Simple Nutrition Habits That Actually Work Don’t Skip Breakfast:A balanced breakfast doesn’t need to be elaborate. Greek yogurt with fruit, eggs with whole-grain toast, or a smoothie with protein can stabilize blood sugar and improve focus throughout the morning. Build Balanced Plates:Aim for meals that include protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This combination keeps you fuller longer and prevents energy crashes, whether at work or during family time. Snack with Purpose:Replace random snacking with intentional options like nuts, fruit with nut butter, boiled eggs, or hummus with veggies. Smart snacks prevent overeating later and support steady energy. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration often masquerades as fatigue or hunger. Keeping a water bottle nearby is one of the simplest yet most overlooked nutrition habits. Making Healthy Eating Sustainable Planning ahead, even minimally, can reduce daily stress. Grocery lists, pre-cut vegetables, or batch-cooked proteins save time and mental energy. Most importantly, flexibility matters. One imperfect meal doesn’t undo progress. Preety Tyagi is a Nutritionist and Founder of Nutrishifts [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

Meet Laurent Simons: He completed PhD in quantum physics at 15 and now pursuing second PhD to extend human life

At just 15, Belgian prodigy Laurent Simons earned a PhD in quantum physics, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess. He has now embarked on a second PhD in medical science, focusing on AI-powered biomedicine with the ambitious goal of extending human lifespan. This remarkable journey highlights a rare combination of profound scientific talent and a clear purpose to improve lives.

Winter storm grounds US air travel: Over 10,000 flights cancelled on Sunday as snow batters major hubs

A severe winter storm has triggered widespread flight cancellations across the US, impacting over 10,000 flights on Sunday alone. Major airports in Dallas, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and New York are experiencing significant disruptions. Airlines are advising passengers to check their status and explore rebooking options, with refunds guaranteed if the trip is no longer desired.

Asim Munir Wears Bulletproof Jacket To Davos, Trolled After Video Goes Viral

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Asim Munir is once again in the spotlight. A video of the Pakistani Army chief attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, has gone viral, with claims that Munir arrived at the forum wearing a bulletproof jacket. The video was shared on X by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. It shows Dar in conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. So scared 😟for my life that I wear bullet proof vest even in Switzerland.pic.twitter.com/bfzAp5XrW9 — Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's Ego (@JungjooGernail) January 22, 2026 Ishaq Dar Shares Video On X Ishaq Dar, sharing the video on X, wrote, "After wrapping up several official meetings at #Davos2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and I are sharing a few light moments before departing from Davos." Social Media Users Mock Asim Munir In the video shared by Dar, Pakistan’s CDF Asim Munir is seen wearing a blue suit at the World Economic Forum. However, a closer look at the footage shows an unusual bulge under Munir’s blazer, leading to speculation that he may have been wearing a bulletproof jacket beneath his suit. Following these claims, social media users began mocking Munir and posting sarcastic remarks. One user wrote while sharing the video, “He must have watched Dhurandhar on the flight to Davos.” Another commented, “Even his underwear is bulletproof.” A third said, “Pakistan’s CDF Asim Munir seems terrified of life.” Yet another user remarked that if someone were to shoot him in the head, a bulletproof jacket would be useless and that he should have worn a helmet as well.