Bengaluru: Nearly four years after space PSU NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) was awarded the first private sector contract of Rs 860 crore to build five Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV), space regulator Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACE) is offering complete transfer of technology (ToT) of the rocket to the industry.If the industry accepts the proposal, it will be the second rocket developed by ISRO whose technology will be transferred. Last year, IN-SPACe completed the ToT for ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). The PSLV TOT move is surprising as the first PSLV, being manufactured by NSIL under the first industry contract awarded to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-Larsen & Toubro (HAL-L&T) consortium in 2022, has not yet been launched. The first rocket was supposed to be ready in 24 months, but it has almost doubled that time.In its EoI accessed by TOI, IN-SPACe said: The technology transfer aims to enable Indian industry to “realise, operate and commercialize PSLV launches in the global medium-lift satellite market”. According to IN-SPACe: “To ensure seamless technology absorption, infrastructure and hand-holding support will be provided by ISRO for a ‘defined period’ of 30 months or till the receipt and launch of two PSLV vehicles by the selected party, whichever is earlier.” EOI is restricted to Indian-owned non-government entities with significant industrial and aerospace capabilities. Eligible firms must have at least seven years of operations, five years of space or aerospace experience and an average turnover of more than Rs 400 crore or a valuation of more than Rs 1,000 crore.At the time of NSIL’s 2022 contract, officials had described the arrangement as a gradual outsourcing model. The rocket stages will be rapidly realized by industry, even though sensitive systems such as separation mechanism, inertial system and mission operations will continue to be under ISRO’s surveillance during the initial phase.The PSLV EOI raises questions about the preparedness of the industry to build and operate the rocket. While the consortium’s first PSLV has not yet flown, a similar pattern is visible with the SSLV programme: About a year ago, HAL won the full TOT bid for Rs 511 crore, becoming the first Indian company to acquire complete launch vehicle technology from ISRO.Unlike the PSLV manufacturing contract, the SSLV deal gives ownership of the rocket to HAL after the technology absorption phase. The company is expected to independently manufacture, market and launch SSLV missions after initial support from ISRO and IN-SPACe.But the first SSLV launch operated by HAL is nowhere close to being ready. PSLV remains India’s most trusted launcher with more than 50 missions since its first flight in 1993. It has launched major missions including Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission and Astrosat, besides deploying hundreds of foreign satellites.As for reforms in India’s space sector, the latest EOI signals that the government wants to accelerate the transition from an ISRO-led production model to an industry-driven launch ecosystem. Yet the slow progress of the first two privatization experiments – PSLV manufacturing and SSLV technology transfer – also highlights the complexity involved in moving launch vehicle capability from a state-run program into commercial hands.

The 2026 Kerala Assembly elections marked the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a decade, ending the Left Democratic Front’s two consecutive terms.The UDF won 102 of the 140 assembly seats in the state, giving a decisive mandate that exceeded most pre-poll projections. The Congress emerged as the largest party in the alliance with 63 seats, while the CPI(M)-led LDF saw a sharp decline in its numbers, with the Marxist party itself reduced to 26 seats.Following the decision, senior Congress leader VD Satheesan took oath as the chief minister, leading the 20-member cabinet at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The new Council of Ministers includes 14 first-time ministers, two women and two representatives from the Scheduled Caste community.The election also saw several high-profile defeats of the outgoing government. Thirteen LDF cabinet ministers lost their seats, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who resigned after the results were declared on 4 May.Voting for the assembly elections took place on April 9, with a voter turnout of 78.27% among over 2.7 crore voters.The UDF campaign focused on issues including unemployment, inflation and governance, while the LDF sought re-election on its record in welfare delivery, health care and education.This result also has broader political significance. Kerala remained the only state ruled by a Communist-led government after the Left lost power in West Bengal in 2011 and Tripura in 2018. With the defeat of the LDF, India no longer has a communist-led state government.CPI(M) admitted the setback after the results, saying the party would review the decision and assess the reasons for the defeat.Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition were present in the swearing-in ceremony. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and chief ministers of Congress-ruled states underlined the party’s attempt to project the Kerala victory as a significant political gain.

New Delhi: NTA Director General Abhishek Singh told a parliamentary panel on Thursday that the NEET-UG 2026 paper was not leaked “through their system” and said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the matter.During the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports on Thursday, several MPs questioned top officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the alleged NEET paper leak.The parliamentary panel had summoned senior officials of the Education Ministry, including Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, NTA Chairman Pradeep Kumar Joshi and DG Abhishek Singh. NTA officials reportedly gave a detailed presentation on the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan committee report on reforms in the examination agency.According to PTI, several MPs questioned the NTA on the steps it was taking to strengthen the examination system and prevent future paper leaks. Sources told the agency that when MPs asked how the NET paper was leaked if not through the NTA system and why the exam had to be canceled and re-conducted, Singh said the matter was under CBI investigation.The report said some opposition MPs demanded that the CBI investigation report be placed before the committee, while BJP MPs objected, arguing that the agency should be allowed to work independently.NTA informed the panel that about 70 per cent of the short-term measures recommended in the Radhakrishnan report have already been implemented. Officials also said that the agency is considering conducting NEET through Computer Based Testing (CBT) platform in future.The panel members also expressed concern over the shortage of staff at the NTA. According to sources quoted by PTI, the agency informed the MPs that it is currently facing a staff shortage of about 25 per cent and efforts are underway to systematically fill the vacancies.After the meeting, panel chairman and Congress MP Digvijay Singh refused to disclose details of the deliberations and said the proceedings of the parliamentary committee were confidential. However, he later said that the meeting “went very well” and the members expressed concern over the NEET paper leak.NTA also briefed the committee about the measures being taken to prevent examination irregularities, including detailed SOPs for violation management, coordination with state administrations and monitoring of social media platforms for suspicious activity.NTA informed the panel that NEET-UG 2026 was conducted on May 3 at 5,432 centers in 565 cities, including 14 international cities. Over 22.7 lakh candidates had registered for the exam, while over 22.05 lakh candidates appeared.The NTA reportedly told the committee that it received inputs about the alleged malpractice on May 7, four days after the exams, and escalated the matter to central agencies on May 8. Following the investigation findings shared by law-enforcement agencies, it was decided to cancel NEET-UG 2026 and re-conduct the exam on June 21.

BENGALURU: German auto technology supplier Bosch is looking at partnerships and joint ventures to accelerate development and market entry in new mobility technologies, marking a shift from the traditionally in-house approach, its India managing director told TOI.The comment comes a day after Bosch announced a joint venture with Wheels India and Brakes India, both parts of the TSF Group, to develop electronically controlled and software-driven air systems for commercial vehicles.“Historically, Bosch has always done everything itself,” Bosch India MD Guruprasad Mudlapur told TOI. But he said the company is now seeing more value in combining complementary strengths through partnerships, especially in emerging automotive technologies.“The market perspective and the strength of the companies are on how we can put things together complementary, bring speed to market, how we can evolve things, in today’s environment when we partner, it can be much more dynamic and different,” he said.“It’s a thought process that is now gaining widespread attention in the group,” Mudlapur said.While joint ventures are relatively new for Bosch India, they are not new for the German group globally. Bosch has long worked in automotive electronics and mobility systems in China through partnerships, including United Automotive Electronic Systems, a long-running joint venture in the country’s automotive electronics market.Mudlapur also pointed to Bosch’s existing JV structures in China, saying the company has partnered with several large automotive players there over the past few years.The newly announced India joint venture will focus on electronically controlled systems for air compression, suspension and braking in commercial vehicles. Bosch will contribute electronics, software and control capabilities, while TSF Group will bring expertise in hydraulics and pneumatics systems.Mudlapur said the main objective of the partnership is to improve “speed to market”, while localization could emerge as a “by-product”. He also clarified that the joint venture was “not” a China-plus-one strategy.The venture will initially focus largely on exports, he said, as advanced electronically controlled braking and suspension systems are already more widely adopted in western markets than in India.“It starts largely with exports,” Mudalapur said, adding that the systems are currently more relevant in foreign commercial vehicle markets.Separately, Bosch said it is cautious about geopolitical risks associated with the Middle East crisis and crude oil volatility, warning that higher fuel-price pass-through could ultimately weigh on the broader economy and demand environment.Bosch India on Wednesday reported a 37.6% rise in net profit to Rs 2,770 crore for financial year 2025-26, while revenue from operations rose 10.8% to Rs 20,034 crore. Net profit in the March quarter rose 2.7% year-on-year to Rs 568 crore, while revenue rose 13.3% to Rs 5,566 crore.

New Delhi: Four days into assuming the post of Kerala chief minister, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the center of a political storm not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticized their own Chief Minister for the name he chose to use publicly while taking the constitutional oath.A controversy erupted after Satheesan used his full legal name ‘Vadassery Damodar Menon Satheesan’ while taking oath as Chief Minister on May 18 and again as an MLA of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

what’s in a name?

This controversy largely arose from the contradiction with Satheesan’s earlier public political identity.When he took oath as MLA in 2021, he identified himself only as ‘VD Satheesan’. However, this time, he chose to use the extended version of his name at two high-profile constitutional ceremonies. The surname ‘Menon’ is from the upper caste Nair community in Kerala.Satheesan was chosen by the Congress high command for the top post after the party won the recent assembly elections and took over power from the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government after 10 years. Following Satheesan’s move, critics from within his own party argued that bringing up the caste title was at odds with the party’s secular and inclusive image.According to PTI, some Congress insiders also felt there was a political “message” in the move, especially amid criticism from the BJP and CPM over the Congress-led UDF’s partnership with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.Some within the Congress interpret the use of the Menon surname as an attempt to signal outreach to a section of Hindu voters at a time when identity politics is intensifying in Kerala.Congress leader Jinto John said in a post on Facebook that the Congress party which does not use caste nicknames is more inclusive. He wrote that he would use ‘Jinto John’ instead of ‘Thekkamaktil John Roman Catholic Jinto’, referring to the name of the community he comes from. “My politics is also shaped by my commitment, a slightly left-leaning Congress consciousness,” he said.Similarly, another Congress leader VR Anup in a social media posting suggested that CM Satheesan should devote more time to reading Ambedkar. He argued that caste continued to function as “social capital and social power” in Kerala.Referring to Satheesan’s public image as a serious reader, Anup wrote on social media: “Even amidst the pressure of official responsibilities, when you find time to read, you should also find more time to read Ambedkar.”The issue gained further attention as two influential Hindu community organisations, Nair Service Society (NSS) and SNDP Yogam, were reportedly not enthusiastic about Satheesan being made the chief minister, PTI reported.

Satheesan asks what is wrong in this?

Amid criticism from his own party leaders, Satheesan defended his decision and asked, “Why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name?”However, Satheesan strongly rejected suggestions that the move conveyed a caste or political message.Addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the CM said he had deliberately used his full name as a mark of respect to his late parents.“Why is it wrong if I take my father’s name? Shouldn’t I remember him?” Satheesan asked, according to ANI.He said, “This is my father’s name. I am sad that I could not even take my mother’s name. Both of them passed away before I became an MLA. I took my father’s name. It is common to do so.”He further said, “Even the passport has it written like this. Since there was no option to tell my mother’s name, I remembered her in my mind. It is a matter of pride to tell the names of your parents.”

‘Vande Mataram’ controversy

Amid the controversy over the use of the surname, Satheesan’s swearing-in ceremony as CM had also triggered a separate political debate after the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was presented during the swearing-in of the new UDF cabinet.Satheesan later clarified that the government had no prior notice that the full version of the song would be played.“We did not know that Vande Mataram would be sung in full. The instructions came from Lok Bhavan. We realized it when we were standing there when it started being sung in full,” he said on Wednesday, according to ANI.“It was not possible to stop it midway. Usually only the national anthem is sung till the end of the programme.” Now this has also been included in it. We had no prior information,” he said.Meanwhile, the CPM criticized the move, saying it was “a wrong and unfair move” to present the parts excluded by the Congress Working Committee in 1937.“The Congress Working Committee itself had taken the stand that presenting all parts of Vande Mataram is not appropriate for a pluralistic society,” the CPM said in a statement.The party further said, “Any action that weakens the plural society should not be taken from the government. At a time when efforts to divide people on communal lines are becoming more active, any action that harms secularism should not be taken from any side.”

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 brought together runners from across the country, but the 5K 40-49 men’s category stood out as a reflection of consistency, experience and years of dedication to fitness and the sport. These runners proved that the passion for running grows stronger with time, turning every kilometer into a display of grit and determination.From former soldiers to runners who discovered their potential later in life, each story reflects the spirit of discipline and perseverance that defines the running community.

Vijender Malik

winnerchip time: 00:18:31At the age of 47, Vijender Malik performed remarkably well to top the category. The former soldier, who has been running for the last 20 years, once represented the Army athletic team, carrying forward the discipline and dedication he built during his years of service.His performance reflected the mindset of a seasoned athlete prepared, focused and motivated by years of experience on the track.

Jogender Singh

first runner upchip time: 00:19:05Jogender Singh, 49, started running 14 years ago just for fitness, but his journey soon turned into something much bigger. He credits coach Sombir for helping him recognize his potential and becoming part of a strong community that pushed him to improve.Even today Jogendra is working hard with the aim of remaining at the top position. Speaking about the Times Internet Half Marathon, he praised the management and organization of the event, particularly highlighting the fun Zumba warm-up sessions and the intuitive digital support that made it easy for participants to access race photos.

Giri Raj

second runner upchip time: 00:19:43Giri Raj completed the race with impressive speed and consistency, demonstrating the endurance and focus that define experienced runners. Their performance reflects the dedication and competitive spirit that continues to inspire runners of all age groups.The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a race; It was a celebration of stories built over years of commitment, discipline and love of racing. With thousands of participants, an electrifying atmosphere and a growing running community, the event once again brought together athletes from every generation under a shared passion: the joy of running.

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 once again brought together inspiring runners of all generations and the 5K 40-49 Women’s category emerged as a celebration of fitness, determination and community. These women prove that running isn’t just about competition; It’s about passion, persistence and inspiring those around you.From family inspiration to discovering fitness later in life, each runner brought a unique story to the finish line.

Rachna Joshi

winnerchip time: 00:26:0043 year old Rachana Joshi has been running for the last seven years. What started as her husband taking up running soon became a shared passion for the entire family.Inspired by each other, today not only Rachna and her husband but also their children participate in marathons together. His journey shows how running can bring families together and turn fitness into a lifestyle shared across generations.

Sangeeta Thap

first runner upchip time: 00:27:50Sangeeta Thap performed strongly and consistently throughout the race, demonstrating the determination, stamina and spirit of an experienced runner. Her finish reflects the discipline and positivity that continues to inspire women in the running community.

Megha Bindlish

second runner upchip time: 00:30:54At 41, Megha Bindlish recently started running just three months ago as part of her fitness journey along with regular gym training. Despite being new to the sport, she took up the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.Megha was very appreciative of the Times Internet Half Marathon, praising the atmosphere, organization and overall experience of the event which made the race memorable for the participants.Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a sporting event, it was a platform where stories of fitness, family and self-development came alive. By bringing together runners from all walks of life, the marathon continues to inspire people to begin their journey one step at a time.

New Delhi: Union Minister Piyush Goyal Leader of opposition launched sharp attack on Wednesday Rahul GandhiHe accused him and the Congress party of using “derogatory” and “derogatory” language against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi He emphasized that India’s global position and strategic partnerships have strengthened under the Modi government.Addressing reporters in Delhi, Goyal said the world today looks at India and Prime Minister Modi “with great confidence”, while Rahul Gandhi continued to display a “negative approach” through his statements and speeches.He said, “On one hand, the whole world looks at India and the Prime Minister with great confidence. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi, who has a negative outlook, is repeatedly demonstrating his nature and character in his statements and speeches. It is a different matter that the people of India are rejecting them one after the other,” Goyal said.“His frustration and self-generated emotions, and the way he resorted to foul language and used abusive language against the Prime Minister, is evident,” he said.The Union minister also accused the Congress party and the Gandhi family of supporting infiltrators and questioned the party’s record on terrorism and Naxalism.“Is it treason to end Naxalism? Or is it treason to allow Naxalism to flourish for years under Congress rule?” Goyal asked.“The way the Congress party and the Gandhi family support infiltrators is treason. Is respecting the Indian flag on the global stage considered treason, or insulting the Indian flag abroad considered treason? Is breaking the back of terrorism, giving a befitting reply to terrorism considered treason? Or is feeding biryani to terrorists, or making compromises with terrorists considered treason?” He said.In another comment targeting the Congress, Goyal said, “The way the Congress party and the Gandhi family support infiltrators is ‘treason’. Will raising the honor of the tricolor on the global stage be termed ‘treason’, or will insulting India’s tricolor by going abroad be termed ‘treason’?”He further said that Rahul Gandhi’s comments show political weakness. “It is clear that the terminology used by Rahul Gandhi is called in English ‘abuses are the weapon of the weak’. It is clear that the country is now looking at the weaknesses of Rahul Gandhi, the failures of the Gandhi family and the Congress Party and the world’s fastest growing economy and India’s reputation on the global stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.Goyal also highlighted India’s growing ties with the United States and described the bilateral ties as “very strong and powerful”.“India and the US share a very strong and powerful partnership. We are both friends, productive and important trading partners,” he said.Pointing to cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, he said, “We have a strategic partnership in critical minerals, we are working together on new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Machine Learning.”The minister said India and the US have finalized an interim Phase-1 bilateral trade agreement which will benefit Indian exports.“We have finalized Interim Phase 1 of the bilateral trade agreement, with which India will get preferential access to the large US market compared to our competitors,” he said.Referring to the Indian diaspora in the United States and the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Goyal said, “Today millions of Indians live and work in America, forming a vibrant bridge between the two countries. Marco Rubio’s visit is extremely timely and reflects the growing partnership between the US and India, which will provide new opportunities to youth, farmers, women.”He said, “An investment of about Rs 6 lakh crore was announced for India from the US side. This is why we are called a trusted partner of the world.”The Union Minister also spoke at length about Prime Minister Modi’s recent multi-country visit and said India was “in the headlines in 5 countries in 5 days”.“During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, India was in the headlines in 5 countries in 5 days. The native people of India respected him in these countries.” A clear message was given that India stands very strongly on the world stage. The world looks at India with respect. Today, the entire world looks at Prime Minister Modi’s leadership with respect and honor,” Goyal said.He said discussions were held with CEOs of more than 50 major companies to boost investment and trade ties.He said, “Discussions were held with CEOs of more than 50 major companies and India talked with them about increasing investment and trade.”Listing the outcomes of the Prime Minister’s foreign engagements, Goyal said India has signed several strategic and economic agreements with European countries and the UAE.“During this visit, Prime Minister Modi has signed a joint innovation partnership with Sweden, a technology and artificial intelligence corridor, which will double our mutual trade and investment,” he said.“There, we have secured investments worth $100 billion or about Rs 10 lakh crore from four countries, creating lakhs of jobs and employment opportunities for our youth,” Goyal said.The minister said India has also finalized a green strategic partnership with Norway and developed a strategic partnership roadmap with the Netherlands.“A new partnership has been launched in the energy sector. Sixteen copper plates from the 11th century were brought back with the Prime Minister,” he said.Speaking about ties with Italy, Goyal said, “A special strategic partnership has been established with Italy covering critical minerals. An innovation center will be set up in India. Defense co-production will strengthen the security of both Italy and India. We are going to give a new impetus to bilateral trade and investment between India and Italy.He further announced that India and the United Arab Emirates will create a strategic petroleum reserve in India.“India will create a strategic petroleum reserve of 30 million barrels with the UAE. Additionally, the LPG supply agreement will ensure reliable and safe LPG for millions of consumers,” he said.Goyal said, “The PM brought respect to farmers and took the country to new heights globally. Today India is not only a friend of the world but also a reliable partner.”

New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shivakumar Amid growing speculation about a possible change of leadership in the Congress government, he said on Thursday that time will decide whether he will become the Chief Minister of the state or not.Speaking to reporters in Chamarajanagar, in response to a question on whether he would become the CM, Shivakumar said, “Time, auspiciousness will answer.”His statement comes amid heightened expectations within the Congress that the party high command may soon take a decision on a possible leadership change and long-pending cabinet reshuffle as the Siddaramaiah-led government completes three years in office.There are growing fears that the Congress leadership may soon call Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress President, to New Delhi to discuss the ongoing power struggle for the chief ministerial post.Asked about his recent temple visits and prayers amid speculation over the CM post, Shivakumar said, “You are there as God. People are God.”Shivakumar’s supporters have repeatedly pitched for his elevation, citing the alleged power-sharing arrangement at the time of government formation following Congress’ victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.The tussle over leadership within the ruling party has intensified after the government crossed the halfway point of its five-year tenure on November 20, 2025. Speculation about a possible change in leadership continues amid reports of a rotating formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar as chief minister.Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that if any such matter is under consideration then the Congress high command will clarify the issue.“Unnecessary, why would they do this? Who has raised the question of change? Yesterday, the Deputy CM himself clarified that he has not asked for any change.” Where did this question come from? Who has asked such a question,” Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru.“There is a high command in the party and they will decide what to do and when to do it. Nothing will be achieved by each person making statements in the media. The high command has to take a decision. What is the use of us in discussing the proposal to change the chief minister or continue him? We are not among those who are going to sit here and decide on this matter,” he said.Parameshwara further said that, as per his knowledge, no specific time limit was set for Siddaramaiah to assume office as Chief Minister.He said, “We are not aware of this. Neither the General Secretary nor anyone from the high command has told us anything about this.”Responding to senior Congress MLA KN Rajanna’s recent comments that Parameshwara should be made the chief minister in case of a change of leadership, the Home Minister said, “He (Rajanna) is from our district, he is my friend. We have studied together. Naturally he has affection for me and he asked for an opportunity for Tumakuru. I don’t see anything wrong in it.”A parallel demand is also emerging within some sections of the party for a ‘Dalit CM’ in Karnataka, with Parameshwara emerging as one of the leading figures in such discussions.