ISRO on Saturday announced that it has signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) to collaborate on astronaut training, mission execution, and research initiatives. The agreement was formalised by ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath and ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher.

This partnership establishes a framework for cooperative efforts in human space exploration and research, focusing on areas such as astronaut training, experiment development and integration using ESA facilities on the International Space Station (ISS), human and biomedical research experiments, and joint educational outreach programs, according to ISRO’s statement.

For the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, where ISRO’s Gaganyatri will be part of the crew alongside an ESA astronaut, both organizations will work together to conduct experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators on the ISS.

Moreover, the collaboration aims to include participation in ESA’s human physiological studies, technology demonstration experiments, and further joint educational outreach initiatives.

During the announcement, Dr. Somanath emphasised that ISRO has developed a roadmap for human spaceflight activities, and with the approval of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s planned indigenous space station, there is an opportunity to foster interoperability between human spaceflight programs.

Dr. Aschbacher expressed gratitude to Dr. Somanath for his address at the ESA Council, noting that the agreement lays a solid foundation for ongoing cooperation between the two agencies.

The leadership of both ISRO and ESA conveyed their satisfaction with the progress of the joint projects related to the Axiom-4 mission and emphasized the importance of continuing collaborative efforts in human spaceflight in the future, according to ISRO’s statement.

ISRO has stated that the newly signed agreement creates a framework for collaboration in human space exploration and research. This partnership emphasizes astronaut training, support for experiment development and integration—which includes utilising ESA facilities on the International Space Station—along with conducting human and biomedical research experiments and engaging in joint educational and outreach initiatives.

In preparation for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, which will feature ISRO’s Gaganyatri alongside an ESA astronaut, both agencies are working together to implement experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators on the ISS. Additionally, ISRO is actively pursuing participation in ESA’s human physiological studies, technology demonstration experiments, and joint educational outreach efforts.

Allan Border, one of the legends of Australian cricket, has praised Jasprit Bumrah as a potential future captain for India, following the pacer’s remarkable leadership in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.

Bumrah, who captained India for the first time during the rescheduled Test against England in 2022, led his team to a remarkable 295-run victory over Australia at Optus Stadium.

Border commended Bumrah’s captaincy, emphasizing his excellent decision-making and tactical skills. “He will do a very good job. In Perth, he utilized his resources effectively. You couldn’t fault his field placements and captaincy,” Border stated.

Bumrah showcased exceptional leadership, particularly in managing his own bowling and establishing strategic field placements, both of which played a crucial role in India’s success. He has been outstanding throughout the series, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets over three Tests, including a key six-wicket haul in Brisbane.

Border also pointed out that Bumrah’s unique bowling style significantly contributed to his success. “Bumrah is currently on a different level. His wrist action and release points differ from other bowlers. Due to his hyperextension, he releases the ball a full foot further down the pitch compared to others. His unconventional run-up and the snap of his wrists make him exceptional,” Border remarked.

The fourth Test is set to begin at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, with India eager to stage a strong comeback in the series. With 21 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 2.60, Bumrah has been instrumental in India’s strong performances thus far, and the team will be counting on their star bowler to deliver once again.

Bumrah’s outstanding performance has allowed him to eclipse Kapil Dev’s record of 51 wickets in Australia. By the time of the third Test in Brisbane, Bumrah had become India’s leading Test wicket-taker on Australian soil, amassing 53 dismissals.

In Perth, Bumrah showcased his match-winning capabilities, claiming figures of 5 for 30 in the first innings to help restrict Australia to just 104 runs. He followed that up with 3 for 42 in the second innings, contributing to India’s impressive 295-run victory. His remarkable display earned him the Player of the Match award.

Not only has Bumrah demonstrated his prowess as a bowler, but he has also shown himself to be a competent leader. Allan Border’s accolades reflect Bumrah’s potential to thrive as a captain, akin to the success of Pat Cummins.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met a 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer in Kuwait, after a request made by his granddaughter on the social media platform X.

Just hours before his scheduled arrival in Kuwait, PM Modi saw a message from Mangal Sain Handa’s granddaughter, urging him to meet her grandfather. In her post, she wrote, “Humble request to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tomorrow’s interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours.”

Upon arrival, PM Modi met with the former IFS officer alongside other members of the Indian community. Mangal Sain Handa’s son, Dilip Handa, expressed his gratitude, telling ANI, “This is an experience of a lifetime. PM Modi said he especially came here to meet him (my father). We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi.”

This visit marks the first time in 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister has travelled to Kuwait, with the last visit being by Indira Gandhi in 1981, according to reports. The Indian diaspora in Kuwait is notably large, comprising 21% (approximately 1 million) of the country’s total population, and Indian workers make up 30% of the workforce there (around 900,000).

This significant visit was made at the invitation of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and marked the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

PM Modi’s trip comes shortly after recent political developments in the region, including the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and ongoing tensions due to the Israeli offensive in Gaza. During his stay, he plans to hold talks with key Kuwaiti officials and meet with the Indian community.

In his departure statement, PM Modi emphasised the importance of his discussions with the Kuwaiti leadership, highlighting them as a chance to establish a roadmap for a future-oriented partnership between India and Kuwait.