Wed Jul 16 10:11:07 UTC 2025: **Summary of the text:**

The text is a news article published in The Hindu on July 16, 2025, reporting on the return of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 crew. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailed the mission as a significant achievement for India’s space program, marking a new chapter and inspiring future generations. Shukla conducted experiments in microgravity, contributing to global understanding of spaceflight. The Cabinet also praised ISRO, Indian scientists, and PM Modi’s leadership in advancing India’s space capabilities, highlighting previous successes like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, and the growth of the Indian space economy with numerous startups. The mission is seen as a catalyst for India’s development goals, aiming for a developed India by 2047.

**News Article Rewrite:**

**India Celebrates Astronaut’s Historic ISS Mission as New Era Dawns for Space Program**

**New Delhi – July 16, 2025:** A wave of national pride swept across India today as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth after a groundbreaking 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, released a resolution congratulating the astronaut and celebrating the mission as a pivotal moment for India’s burgeoning space program.

“This mission is a moment of pride, glory, and joy for the entire nation,” declared Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, reading the Cabinet’s resolution. “It represents the infinite aspirations of India.”

Shukla, a pilot in the Indian Air Force, served as a key member of the private Axiom-4 mission. During his time on the ISS, he conducted crucial experiments in microgravity, focusing on areas like muscle regeneration, algal growth, crop viability, and cognitive performance in space. These studies are expected to provide invaluable insights for future space missions, including India’s ambitious Gaganyaan project and the planned Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

The Cabinet emphasized that Shukla’s mission significantly elevates India’s global standing in space exploration, building on recent successes like the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and the Aditya-L1 solar mission. They also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s space economy, spurred by government reforms and the emergence of approximately 300 new space-related startups.

“Group Captain Shukla’s mission is not just a personal triumph,” the resolution stated. “It is a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of young Indians, igniting scientific curiosity and fueling innovation.”

The Cabinet lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the entire community of Indian scientists and engineers for their tireless efforts. They also credited Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership and unwavering belief in India’s space potential. The government hopes this accomplishment will energize the nation in its mission of building a developed India by 2047.

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