To expand space infrastructure in the country amid increasing global competition in the sector, the Department of Space has approved the setting up of Common Technical Facilities (CTF) in Gujarat. Tamil Nadu. These facilities will be equipped with high-end testing, validation and integration infrastructure. The Gujarat and Tamil Nadu governments have identified land parcels to set up plug-and-play manufacturing clusters specifically for space activities. CTFs will be set up within these manufacturing clusters.Pawan Kumar Goenka, chairman of space regulator and promoter IN-SPACe, said, “Realizing space systems requires capital intensive facilities. The establishment of CTFs equipped with capital intensive systems is an important step in creating a strong, industry-led space ecosystem in India. Private space industries including startups, MSMEs and large industries will be able to access these facilities without investing and operating similar facilities at their premises. Backed by investment commitments and participation from private sector players, both groups have already garnered strong industry interest.About 10 states have expressed interest in setting up similar space manufacturing clusters, reflecting strong nationwide momentum toward building a distributed space industrial base.IN-SPACe will play a key role in procurement, installation and commissioning of technical infrastructure, operation of the facilities for a stipulated period and subsequent transfer of ownership to the state governments. The agency is also supporting states in the conceptualization and development of dedicated space manufacturing clusters.The Gujarat government has identified a land parcel near Ahmedabad to develop a space manufacturing cluster. The cluster will focus on “spacecraft, payload systems, and space-based applications”, supporting end-to-end development and testing of spacecraft components and payloads. In line with this theme, the advanced, capital-intensive infrastructure required for the realization of spacecraft systems will be created at the Common Technical Facility in Khoraz.Gujarat Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das said: “Gujarat has consistently pioneered new industrial frontiers for the country, and the Space Manufacturing Park in Khoraj is another such forward-looking initiative.”The Government of Tamil Nadu has proposed to set up a space vehicle cluster at Thoothukudi with a focus on “manufacturing, testing and integration of launch vehicle systems”. Strategically located near the upcoming Small Vehicle Launch Complex (SLC) The Kulasekharapatnam, Cluster is positioned to support the growing demand for small launch vehicles.The facility will meet critical manufacturing and integration requirements, including structural testing, propulsion verification and full-system integration. The planned infrastructure includes vibration, shock, pressure and flow testing systems, thermal vacuum testing and specialized assembly units. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar said: “We are glad that the Department of Space has sanctioned Rs 100 crore to set up the Space Vehicle Common Test Facility Center (SV CTFC) at Thoothukudi. The state government, through TIDCO, will provide the required land and buildings for this facility. The SV CTFC will be a vital asset to fulfill our vision of making Tamil Nadu a space industry manufacturing hub. We look forward to IN-SPACe to make this facility functional as soon as possible.” Will work together.“

Trump was also accompanied by US VP Vance and Marco Rubio.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will arrive in India on Saturday for his first official visit to the country, bringing with him a packed agenda focusing on energy cooperation, trade, strategic security. The four-day visit, scheduled from May 23 to May 26, comes at a delicate moment in India-US relations, marked by growing economic engagement as well as friction over tariffs and Washington’s increasingly transactional foreign policy under US President Donald Trump.Also read: In an unusual move, Rubio asks Venezuelan leader to visit IndiaRubio’s trip will take him to Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, where he is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting with representatives of Japan and Australia. The visit is being seen as a major effort by Washington to strengthen its partnership with New Delhi at a time when India has expanded ties with several global powers, including the European Union and Gulf countries.Ahead of the visit, Rubio repeatedly described India as a “great ally” and “great partner”, while making it clear that energy and trade would dominate the discussion. “We want to sell them as much energy as they will buy,” Rubio said, speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for Sweden and India. “We want to be a bigger part of their portfolio.”

Energy and trade are expected to dominate the talks

Washington has pushed to deepen energy ties with India amid instability in West Asia and global concerns over supply disruptions and rising prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio suggested that the US views India not only as a strategic partner but also as one of the world’s most important energy markets.“We were already in talks with them to do more,” Rubio said. He said Washington also sees “opportunities with Venezuelan oil.” He said Venezuela’s interim leadership is also expected to visit India next week, which will prompt broader talks around alternative energy routes and supply chains.Also read: Rubio calls India ‘great partner’ ahead of important visit, stresses strong energy tiesThe emphasis on energy reflects larger economic ties that both sides are now attempting to expand. At the American Chamber of Commerce’s annual leadership summit, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore described bilateral relations as standing at a “remarkable moment”.Gore pointed to the dramatic increase in trade in goods and services between the two countries from about $20 billion to more than $220 billion over the past two decades. He said both the countries are now working towards the ambitious target of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.“Indian companies are expanding in the United States, especially in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and technology, while American companies are increasing their presence in India,” Gore said.He also highlighted the growing presence of US corporate giants in India and said top executives from companies including Uber, Walmart, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace are regularly visiting India due to increased investment interest.

Quad, Indo-Pacific and strategic balance

Rubio’s visit will also include a major diplomatic component through the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting on May 26. The grouping, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, has increasingly become the centerpiece of Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to counter China’s growing influence in the region and comes on the backdrop of Trump’s visit to Beijing.Rubio underlined the importance Washington attaches to the Quad and said his first meeting as Secretary of State was with Quad ministers. “I am happy that we are now able to do it in India and we are going to do it at the end of the year as well,” he said.However, for New Delhi, strategic cooperation with Washington now exists with growing caution about the US’s credibility as a partner. Relations between the two countries have become quite complicated during Trump’s second term. Trump has repeatedly taken credit for ending tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent military response.India has strongly rejected any suggestion of US mediation.

Symbolism and messages around the journey

Rubio’s arrival also comes amid US public diplomacy efforts in India. In New Delhi, dozens of auto-rickshaws have been fitted with Trump-themed covers bearing images of the US president, the American flag and the Statue of Liberty to mark America’s upcoming 250th independence celebration and Rubio’s visit.

The US Embassy said thousands of such covers were being distributed across the capital, although the campaign was drawing mixed reactions online.Rubio’s stay in Kolkata is also historically important. This will be the first visit by a US Secretary of State to the city in nearly fourteen years, following Hillary Clinton’s visit in 2012. The city houses the second oldest US Consulate in the world, which was established in the late eighteenth century.

The Times of India has announced the inaugural edition of TOI Home & Decor Awards 2026. Envisioned as the definitive platform celebrating the visionaries who define how India lives, the awards will bring together the country’s most influential architects, interior designers, developers, home brands and innovators shaping the future of modern living. From timeless places and iconic structures to breakthrough products and intelligent home solutions, the awards will recognize excellence that seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality and innovation.TOI Home & Decor Awards 2026 aims to highlight the ideas, people and enterprises reshaping India’s evolving relationship with home and design. As Indian consumers increasingly look for spaces that reflect individuality, sustainability and smart living, the awards will honor the creators and changemakers leading this transformation in architecture, interiors, decor, technology and lifestyle. With a focus on creativity, craftsmanship and impact, this initiative marks the beginning of a prestigious annual celebration of excellence in the world of home and decor.With over 35 nominations across various categories, the awards will recognize the gamechangers who are redefining contemporary Indian life. Categories include Personal Excellence, Project Excellence, Kitchen & Bathroom, Furniture & Furnishings, Décor & Materials, Smart Living & Security, Wellness & Comfort, Fitness & Personal Living, Family & Nursery, Outdoor Living and New Age.The winners of TOI Home & Decor Awards 2026 will be selected by an eminent jury comprising renowned architects, renowned interior designers and industry stalwarts. They include Komal Sanghvi Vasa, Founder Principal, Gesmat Design; Padmashree awardee Dr. Gopalan Nair Shankar of People’s Architect and Habitat Technology Group; Aparna Kaushik Founder and Principal Architect; Ravi Kewalramani, real estate entrepreneur and digital creator, and Priyam Saraswat, digital creator, co-founder and CEO of Voosh.Are you a visionary redefining the way India lives, designs and innovates? Or do you know someone whose work is shaping the future of home and decor in India? Nominate yourself, your brand, your project or an industry leader for the TOI Home & Decor Awards 2026. Why nominate yourself for TOI Home & Decor Awards 2026? It’s more than just an award – it’s a platform for national recognition and industry-wide visibility. You get a chance to showcase your work among India’s leading architects, designers, brands and innovators by leveraging TOI’s powerful media amplification that reaches millions of homeowners, developers and investors. The awards offer credible recognition from some of India’s most respected design experts along with unique networking opportunities to connect with industry leaders, visionaries and decision makers shaping the future of design and life.All about the enrollment processThere are three pricing categories you can nominate yourself or someone you know under.The Standard Entry Package, priced at Rs 25,999, includes a nomination and a certificate. The Growth plan of Rs 49,999 offers two nominations with one social media post and certificate for each entry. The premium entry package, priced at Rs 99,999, includes two nominations, a dedicated social media post, an original article feature and certificates for each nomination. From unprecedented locations and iconic products to smart living solutions and design excellence, this is your opportunity to celebrate and spotlight the best in interiors with TOI Home & Decor Awards 2026. Learn more about the awards and the nomination process. Here.

Winnership Time: 00:19:04

Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was not just about speed or podium finishes, it was about stories shaped by years of discipline, consistency and passion. In the 5K Men’s 50+ category, runners brought with them decades of experience, proving that the desire to compete and challenge oneself never diminishes with age.These guys didn’t just race. He represented a lifestyle built around stamina, commitment and the joy of constantly pushing beyond limits.

Ramesh Kumar

At 53, Ramesh Kumar has spent the last two decades building an incredible relationship with running. What started as pure interest gradually turned into a life-long passion, leading to him completing nearly 100 marathons over the years.For Ramesh, running is more than fitness; It is a way of life. Speaking about the event, he proudly called the Times Internet Half Marathon the “number one marathon”, praising the energy, organization and experience created for the runners.

Deepesh Joshi

For Deepesh Joshi, 51, running started as a solution to weight gain about eight years ago. But somewhere during the journey, fitness turned into a passion.What makes his story even more special is how running became a part of his family culture. Deepesh got his loved ones involved in the sport and became part of one of the earliest marathon running couples, proving that running can inspire not only individuals, but entire families.

Always looking for the next challenge, Narendra is now preparing for the grueling 72 kilometer race, which is a reflection of his mentality to never stop pushing the limits.The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 celebrated runners like these individuals who continue to inspire through commitment, resilience and love of the sport. With each edition, the marathon evolves into more than just an event; It becomes a community where stories, generations and passions come together on the same path.

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New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday announced that elections for 24 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states will be held on June 18. According to the Election Commission, the vacancies are arising due to retirement of existing members between June 21 and July 19.Four seats each from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka will be included in the elections; three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan; two in Jharkhand; And one seat each in Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.The Election Commission said that the last date for filing nominations will be June 8.Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections will take place between 9 am to 4 pm, with counting starting at 5 pm on the same day. The Election Commission said that the entire election process will be over by June 20.The Commission clarified that voters will be allowed to use only the integrated purple sketch pen supplied by the Returning Officer to mark preferences on the ballot papers. Use of any other pen will not be allowed during voting.The ECI also said that observers will be deployed and other necessary arrangements will be made to ensure free and fair elections.Elections are being held for seats in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Mizoram.Several prominent leaders are set to retire from the Upper House, including veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh from Madhya Pradesh and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda as well as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka.Voting will also be held for JMM founder Shibu Soren’s Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand, which is vacant since August 2025 after his death.Other members who completed their tenure include Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla, Pillai Subhash Chandra Bose, Rambhai Harjibhai Mokaria, George Kurien, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, Neeraj Dangi, Rajendra Gehlot, Nabam Rebia, Iranna Kadadi and K Vanlalvena.The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament whose members are elected by the legislators of the states and union territories through proportional representation.

Kolkata: The BJP It managed to capture 207 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections, leading to a massive victory over the Trinamool Congress, which was reduced to 80 seats after the late declaration of results from Rajarhat New Town – the constituency which recorded the lowest victory margin in this election.Congress and Aam Janata Unnayan Party won two seats each, while CPM and All India Secular Front (AISF) won one seat each.The final result from Rajarhat New Town came after long counting, in which BJP candidate Pijush Kanoria defeated Trinamool’s Tapas Chatterjee in a close contest by just 316 votes. After 18 rounds of counting, Kanoria got 1,06,564 votes, while Chatterjee got 1,06,248 votes.The BJP also registered other minor victories across the state. In Satgachhi, BJP’s Agnishwar Naskar defeated Trinamool’s Somashree Betal by 401 votes, while in Raina, BJP’s Subhash Patra defeated Trinamool’s Mandira Dalui by 834 votes.The measure of BJP’s victory was visible not only in seat share but also in vote percentage. The party increased its vote share from 38% in the 2021 assembly elections to 45.84% in 2026, a jump of nearly eight percentage points. Meanwhile, Trinamool’s vote share fell from 48% to 40.8%, a decline of nearly seven percentage points.Despite the vote share difference between the BJP and Trinamool being only 5 percentage points – the smallest difference between the two in the last 25 years – the BJP converted that lead into a major one, winning more than 2.5 times the number of seats secured by the ruling party.Geographically, the BJP’s victory was particularly impressive in several districts, where it completely shut out the Trinamool. The party wiped out the ruling party in eight districts – Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong and Darjeeling in north Bengal, and Purulia, Bankura, East Burdwan and Jhargram in the south. In Cooch Behar, Trinamool could win only one seat.The BJP was expected to show a strong performance in areas where it had already built momentum in the recent elections, including North Bengal and Jangalmahal. However, its performance in the second phase of voting proved decisive in turning the contest into a landslide.Of the 152 seats that went to polls in the first phase, the BJP won 109 seats, while the Trinamool won 38 seats.In the second phase, 142 constituencies were scheduled to vote on 29 April, however voting in Falta was canceled and will now take place on 21 May, with results expected on 24 May. Excluding Falta, BJP won 98 of the remaining 141 seats, while Trinamool managed to win 42 seats.The numbers underline the scale of the BJP’s success in a state that has long been considered one of the toughest political battlegrounds.All data points are available on Google Pinpoint.

New Delhi: Due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the government is facing a major shortage of bitumen, which is sure to impact the construction and maintenance of tar roads. While the price of VG-40, the most commonly used grade of bitumen, has almost doubled since the conflict began, its availability has fallen short of the estimated requirement of about six lakh tonnes by July 15 for highway projects alone.Industry insiders said crude availability in the country remains comfortable due to Russian oil imports, but this has not led to improvement in bitumen supply. Russia’s sweet crude cannot produce bitumen grades that are suitable for Indian weather conditions.Russian oil has very low sulfur levels, which naturally produces low bitumen grades such as VG-10 or VG-30 without special processing.“VG-40 is produced from crude oil that we get from West Asian countries and even most of the finished products were imported from these nationals through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has affected this supply and its impact is felt on the maintenance and construction of highways,” said a person familiar with the developments.The issue was also raised in the last meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGOM) chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, in which it was highlighted that non-availability of required quality of bitumen has reduced the pace of highway construction by one-fourth in April, sources said. Officials said the impact is similar in case of rural, municipal and state roads.Industry players said the road transport ministry has notified that highway builders in all types of projects will be adequately compensated for the high price of bitumen, but the main challenge is to get the necessary supplies before monsoon for timely maintenance. The price of one tonne VG-40 across various oil marketing companies (OMCs) rose from Rs 53,000-58,000 on March 1 to over Rs 1 lakh on May 1.“The prices are rising further. But the bigger challenge is how do we get bitumen to complete our work even at a higher cost. This has been discussed several times with officials and OMCs as well. Looking at the current availability trend, the supply will be much less than the requirement,” said a senior official of a highway construction company.Officials said although the current availability of bitumen with OMCs is very low, efforts are being made to see how to get more supply, including import at a higher price.