NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Nick Hague stepped outside the International Space Station (ISS) today for a vital mission, marking Williams’ eighth spacewalk and Hague’s fourth. Their objective focused on essential repairs, showcasing their expertise and commitment to the job.

The spacewalk, designated US Spacewalk 91, took place on January 16, 2025. This was Williams’ first spacewalk in 12 years, while Hague added a fourth accomplishment to his impressive track record. Together, they initiated a six-and-a-half-hour operation aimed at repairing critical systems on the ISS.

Their tasks included maintaining equipment for the station’s orientation, upgrading the Neutron Star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) telescope, and replacing a reflector on a docking adapter, as well as preparing tools for future work on the ISS. Williams, an accomplished astronaut, expressed her enthusiasm as she exited the station by radioing, “I’m coming out,” signalling her return to spacewalking duties.

Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore were initially scheduled to return in June 2024 after a week-long mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner, but technical issues with the spacecraft forced an extended stay. NASA has since rescheduled their return for March or April. Additionally, safety concerns related to SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission have further delayed their plans. Nevertheless, the astronauts have adjusted well to life aboard the ISS.

NASA’s Flight Director, Nicole McElroy, commended the crew for their thorough preparations for the spacewalks. “The crew has studied the tasks and is fully ready,” McElroy noted.

Williams will join Wilmore for another spacewalk next week, where they will focus on removing an antenna assembly and collecting surface samples to study microorganisms on the station’s exterior. They will also prepare a spare elbow joint for the Canadarm2 robotic arm. NASA emphasizes that these activities are crucial for the upkeep of the station, with each spacewalk anticipated to last around six and a half hours.

Williams’ extensive experience continues to shine during these demanding missions, highlighting the resilience and skill required for space exploration.

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Delhi elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its manifesto with a strong focus on social welfare, particularly for women. During the announcement, BJP leader Mr. Nadda highlighted the party’s commitment to support pregnant women by granting them Rs 21,000 along with six nutritional kits. Additionally, the manifesto promises Rs 5,000 for the first child and Rs 6,000 for the second child to further support growing families.

The manifesto also outlines the BJP’s plan to implement the central government’s Ayushman Bharat health scheme immediately if they come to power, countering the current AAP government’s resistance to the scheme due to its preference for local health initiatives, which they claim are superior.

Furthermore, the BJP plans to introduce a pension scheme that targets senior citizens, providing monthly assistance of Rs 2,000-2,500 for those aged between 60 and 70, and Rs 3,000 for those above 70 years of age.

An innovative addition to the BJP’s social initiatives includes the setup of Atal Canteens across every slum area in Delhi, where a full meal will be offered at a minimal cost of just Rs 5. These canteens aim to provide affordable meal options to the economically disadvantaged segments of the population.

In his criticism of the current administration’s healthcare facilities, Mr. Nadda, who also serves as the Union Health Minister, labeled AAP’s Mohalla Clinics as “dens of corruption and inefficiency,” promising a clean-up and overhaul of the healthcare system under the BJP’s governance.

On a particularly chilly evening at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with families of patients enduring the harsh winter conditions on roads and subways. Gandhi expressed deep concern over the Centre and Delhi governments’ failure to address the needs of these individuals who have traveled long distances seeking medical treatment.

Gandhi took to social media to share his thoughts. “Facing a double whammy of disease and cold, these families sleep on hard pavements, keeping hope alive under difficult circumstances,” he noted, calling out the insensitivity and inaction of the government at both the central and state levels.

One poignant story came from Pawan Kumar, whose daughter is battling blood cancer at AIIMS. Having been there since early December, the lack of adequate treatment compelled Gandhi to offer his personal intervention. “He took my number and assured that his team would help us,” Kumar recounted. Additionally, Gandhi promised financial support to assist with the girl’s medical expenses, as conveyed by her mother.

The Congress Party echoed Gandhi’s sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the plight of these families from distant regions underscores the government’s indifference to their suffering. The incident has spotlighted ongoing issues within India’s healthcare framework, particularly concerning the accessibility and quality of care for the underprivileged.