Pioneer in short
ISRO advances Gaganyaan mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking a crucial step in validating the crew module’s recovery and landing system for India’s first human spaceflight programme. The test simulated the final phase of spacecraft re-entry and ocean splashdown, designed to ensure astronaut safety during descent. A 5.7-tonne simulated crew module was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter to an altitude of around three kilometres and released over a designated sea drop zone near Sriharikota. During descent, ten parachutes of four different types deployed in a carefully timed sequence, steadily reducing the module’s velocity. The system was also evaluated under critical failure scenarios, including partial parachute malfunction and stability control, before safe splashdown. The module was subsequently recovered in coordination with the Indian Navy. The test follows the first Integrated Air Drop Test conducted on August 24, 2025.
Kharge attacks BJP’s women quota plan
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday accused the Narendra Modi Government of attempting to violate the Model Code of Conduct through its proposed constitutional amendments on women’s reservation and parliamentary delimitation, alleging that the move is aimed at securing political advantage ahead of State elections. Speaking at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi, Kharge said the Government’s plan to convene a special Parliament session from April 16-18 to push the legislation was being done in undue haste and without adequate consultation. He warned that increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, along with expansion of assemblies and implementation of women’s quota, will have “profound consequences” on India.
unseasonal Rain, hail damages Rabi crops
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said unseasonal rains and hailstorms have damaged rabi crops across about 2.49 lakh hectares in multiple States, with wheat emerging as the worst-hit crop. Speaking in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district ahead of the “Unnat Krishi Mela”, Chouhan said inter-departmental surveys are underway and the final assessment of losses is still in progress. The minister further noted that horticulture crops, including mango and litchi, have also suffered significant damage. According to preliminary data till April 8, widespread weather events reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) between April 2-8 impacted several regions across States in north, central, east and northeast India.
