The United States will send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of the year, US envoy to India Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday.
He also mentioned that the NISAR project, a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and ISRO, is expected to launch by the year's end.
“We are going to put an Indian astronaut into the International Space Station this year. We promised when PM Modi came (to the US in 2023) that by the end of this year, we will do this, and our mission is still on track to be able to go into space this year,” Garcetti said.
The ambassador spoke on the sidelines of an event celebrating the upcoming 248th Independence Day of the United States. He emphasised the importance of India and the US coordinating research and critical emerging technology to leverage each other's strengths.
Garcetti noted that India landed ‘Chandrayaan 3' on the Moon last year at a fraction of the cost that the US spent on a similar lunar mission. “The US has some capacities that India still doesn't have today. When the two are combined, both countries have those capacities,” he said.
Regarding civilian nuclear energy, Garcetti expressed hope that the Indian government could address outstanding liability issues after the elections, allowing for progress “arm in arm and hand in hand.”
Two sites in India – Mithi Virdhi in Gujarat and Kovadda in Andhra Pradesh – have been designated for US companies to build nuclear reactors.
However, concerns remain over the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act 2010, which ensures prompt compensation for victims of nuclear incidents through a no-fault liability regime.
(PTI)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)