India makes history with Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing

24 Aug 2023 CW Team

India has achieved a historic milestone with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's South Pole, making it the first country to achieve such a feat. Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to both the nation's citizens and its dedicated space scientists for this remarkable achievement, declaring that this day will forever be etched in India's memory.

The mission's ultimate challenge unfolded during its final landing phase. Approximately 20 minutes before touchdown, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiated the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). This crucial step empowered the Vikram Lunar Module (LM) to assume control, utilizing its onboard computers and logic to discern an optimal landing site and execute a gentle landing on the lunar surface.

The last 15 to 20 minutes of the mission emerged as a pivotal window for success, as the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 descended towards a soft lunar landing. Across India and the globe, countless individuals prayed for the triumphant culmination of this momentous event.

Recalling India's past experience with its second lunar mission, which encountered failure in the last 20 minutes of its landing attempt, ISRO adopted an even more cautious approach this time around. Given the intense risk posed to the spacecraft in the final minutes before lunar touchdown, this period is often referred to as the "20 or 17 minutes of terror." During this autonomous phase, the Vikram lander effectively ignited its own engines at precise altitudes and times.

India's successful lunar landing signifies a remarkable advancement in space exploration and technology, showcasing the nation's perseverance and scientific prowess on a global stage.

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..