India’s space sector is actively seeking the innovative talents of young engineers to support and lead future missions. This call to action was made by senior officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during an event at Osmania University on March 14, 2024. Dr. K. Chandrashekhar, group director at ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre, emphasized the importance of having engineers who can tackle both space exploration and terrestrial challenges using satellite data.

At the gathering held at the Osmania University College of Engineering’s department of electronics and communication engineering (ECE), Dr. Chandrashekhar highlighted India’s recent scientific achievements, particularly those related to the country’s lunar and solar missions. He stated, “We need engineers who understand both deep space and how to solve problems here on Earth using satellite data.” This sentiment underscores the dual role that space technologists play in addressing both cosmic and earthly issues.

The event featured insights from other notable ISRO officials, including Dr. Gopalakrishna, who discussed the significance of missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan, which have paved the way for future interplanetary exploration. In his remarks, Dr. R. Srinivas shared the remarkable achievement of the PSLV-C37 launch, a milestone event that successfully deployed 104 satellites in a single mission.

Encouraging a New Generation of Innovators

The dean of engineering at Osmania University, Prof. Krishnaiah, stressed that research and development in space science extend beyond rocket launches. He pointed out the critical need for solutions to urgent environmental and communication challenges, urging students to take STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) seriously. He encouraged them to consider a career with ISRO, emphasizing the sector’s growing importance in global technology and innovation.

Prof. P. Naveen Kumar, head of the ECE department, acknowledged the long-standing partnership between Osmania University and ISRO. He noted that this collaboration has provided students with essential hands-on experience in remote sensing technologies. “This campus must serve as a launchpad for the next generation of satellite engineers,” he remarked.

The event also recognized the achievements of students who participated in competitions earlier in the week. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including students from Osmania University, nearby colleges, and local schools. The gathering was supported by the ECE department’s student forums and alumni association, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

As India continues to expand its presence in the global space arena, the call for young minds to join ISRO’s initiatives represents a significant opportunity for aspiring engineers. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the future of India’s space missions looks promising, driven by the next generation of talent ready to tackle challenges both on Earth and beyond.

In an impressive display of astrophotography, Shubhanshu Shukla, an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has shared striking images of the Orion Nebula captured from his rooftop in Bengaluru. The images, which showcase varying levels of zoom into this stellar nursery, prominently feature the Horsehead Nebula at the center of the frame.

Shukla, who recently returned from a mission aboard the Axiom 4 SpaceX Dragon and is currently undergoing medical and readaptation procedures, revealed his passion for astrophotography on the social media platform X. His interest in this field began following the first cohort of four Gaganyatris’ return from intensive training at Star City in Russia.

Capturing the Cosmos from Earth

Since returning from the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla has dedicated his time to sharing his astrophotography with the world. He has hinted at more images to come, which he began preparing during his free time in the ISS’s Cupola. This observation module offers breathtaking panoramic views of both Earth and the surrounding cosmos.

The release of Shukla’s images has been somewhat delayed as they undergo verification and clearance processes, given the involvement of multiple space agencies in the Axiom 4 mission. Before his journey, Shukla had committed to meticulously documenting his experiences aboard the ISS, a promise he is fulfilling by sharing these stunning visuals.

“I promised to document all aspects of living and working on board the ISS, and I look forward to sharing more of my journey,” Shukla stated.

Advancing India’s Space Ambitions

The insights gained from the Axiom 4 mission will be invaluable for ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan programme, which aims to send humans into Earth orbit using domestic technology. This mission will help ISRO refine its procedures and address any potential challenges ahead of the eight planned Gaganyaan missions, two of which will involve crewed flights.

ISRO is currently progressing towards the launch of its first Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for Q4 2025. This initial mission will be an uncrewed flight featuring an unpressurized crew module, while the first crewed flight is anticipated in 2027.

In addition to captivating images, Shukla has also documented videos of microgravity science experiments conducted aboard the ISS. These materials are expected to play a role in ISRO’s outreach activities, helping to inspire future generations in the field of space exploration.

As Shukla continues to share his journey and experiences, the global community eagerly anticipates further insights into life aboard the ISS and the advancements of India’s space program.

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has called on major technology companies, including Microsoft and Google, to cease hiring talent from abroad, particularly from India. Speaking at the AI Summit in Washington on July 23, 2025, Trump emphasized the need for American firms to prioritize domestic job creation over international hiring practices.

At the summit, Trump expressed his discontent with what he termed a “globalist mindset” among U.S. companies. He argued that this approach has contributed to a lack of job opportunities for American workers. Trump stated, “Many of our largest tech companies have reaped the blessings of American freedom while building their factories in China, hiring workers in India, and stashing all the profits in Ireland.” He asserted that this trend must come to an end, vowing to change the trajectory of U.S. technology firms under his administration.

Trump highlighted the importance of a renewed sense of patriotism in the tech industry, saying, “Winning the AI race will demand a new spirit of patriotism and national loyalty in Silicon Valley and beyond Silicon Valley.” His remarks underscore a broader call for American companies to align their operations with national interests.

In conjunction with his address, Trump signed three executive orders aimed at reshaping the landscape of artificial intelligence in the United States. These directives include a national strategy to enhance AI development, a mandate for companies receiving federal funding to create politically neutral AI models, and a focus on supporting American-made AI tools for global competitiveness.

His administration’s commitment to prioritizing American jobs and fostering local talent is evident in these initiatives. Trump concluded his statement by urging U.S. technology companies to embrace a philosophy of “America first.” He stated, “We need U.S. technology companies to be all in for America. We want you to put America first. That’s all we ask.”

The implications of Trump’s message extend beyond rhetoric, as the tech industry grapples with pressures to balance global talent acquisition with domestic job creation. As the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the response from major tech firms will be closely monitored, particularly regarding their hiring practices and investment strategies.

This appeal to prioritize American talent reflects ongoing debates about the role of globalization in the U.S. economy and its impact on local job markets. With the tech sector being a significant driver of economic growth, the way forward will likely involve navigating the complexities of talent sourcing while addressing national employment concerns.

The highly anticipated battle between the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is set to unfold in August and September 2025. The Pixel 10 Pro XL, launching on August 20, 2025, will be followed by the iPhone 17 Pro Max, expected to hit the Indian market on September 8, 2025. As both flagship smartphones prepare for release, they promise to offer impressive specifications and features that will likely influence consumer choices.

Release Dates and Pricing in India

Google has officially confirmed the release of the Pixel 10 Pro XL at a price of approximately Rs 1,39,999. In contrast, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to be priced starting at Rs 1,64,900. These figures indicate a competitive market landscape, where consumers will weigh their options carefully between Google’s and Apple’s flagship offerings.

Design, Camera, and Specifications

Design-wise, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL will maintain the aesthetic established by its predecessor, featuring a pill-shaped camera island on the rear that houses three sensors along with a flash. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, however, is set to undergo a significant redesign, featuring a new camera island and back panel that aligns with Apple’s latest design language.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Pixel 10 Pro XL will boast a triple rear camera system. This includes a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), complemented by a 48MP periscope telephoto lens and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. While this setup is powerful, it does not represent an upgrade over the previous model.

Conversely, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will also feature a triple rear camera configuration, consisting of a 48MP primary lens, a 48MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 48MP periscope telephoto lens. Notably, the updated telephoto lens marks a significant improvement over the 12MP lens found in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, the iPhone will introduce a 24MP front-facing camera, enhancing its selfie capabilities.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL will be powered by the Tensor 5 processor, paired with high-capacity RAM and sufficient storage options. The device will feature a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, supported by a 5200mAh battery that offers 29W wired and 15W wireless charging.

On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will come equipped with a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, also featuring a refresh rate of 120Hz. It will operate on the Apple A19 Pro chipset, which includes a six-core GPU, and will run on iOS 26, designed with a liquid glass theme. The iPhone will have a slightly smaller 4685mAh battery, offering support for 25W wireless MagSafe charging.

Both smartphones are expected to deliver exceptional performance and features, making them strong contenders in the premium smartphone segment. As the competition heats up, particularly with other flagship devices in the market, it will be interesting to see how Google positions the Pixel 10 Pro XL against Samsung’s offerings and others in the industry.