Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is a distinguished Indian Air Force test pilot and astronaut. Inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, he cleared the UPSC NDA examination and graduated from the National Defence Academy in 2005. Commissioned into the IAF fighter stream in 2006, Shukla has accumulated over 2,000 flying hours on various aircraft including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. Selected in 2019 for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, he completed training in Russia and India. In 2025, he is set to pilot Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station, becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS.
In this special edition of To The Point, the programme spotlights the display of ‘Operation Sindoor’ at the Kartavya Path parade and the conferment of the Ashok Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Republic Day celebrations. A debate between BJP leader Rakesh Sinha and Congress’s Vivek Tankha examines key political flashpoints, including the seating arrangement for Opposition leaders and claims that the Constitution is “under threat.” The discussion also takes up allegations of the ‘electionisation’ of the Padma Awards 2026. Data cited by Praveen Chakravarty shows that 37 per cent of the 131 Padma awardees — including prominent figures such as Mammootty and the late Dharmendra — hail from five states headed for assembly polls, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. While the Opposition labels the civilian honours as tools for electoral messaging, BJP leader Khushboo Sundar defends the awards as recognition for long-neglected contributors to society. Overall, the show presents a measured analysis of how the Constitution and national honours have emerged as central themes in India’s political discourse ahead of crucial state elections.
This special report of 'To The Point' with Preeti Chaudhary examines the political flashpoints of India's 77th Republic Day. The program highlights the 'Operation Sindoor' display at the Kartavya Path parade and the conferment of the Ashok Chakra upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Chaudhary facilitates a debate between BJP's Professor Rakesh Sinha and Congress's Vivek Tankha regarding the seating of Opposition leaders and the narrative of the Constitution being 'under threat.' The discussion extends to the alleged 'electionization' of the Padma Awards 2026. Data presented by Praveen Chakravarty suggests that 37% of the 131 awardees, including legends like Mammootty and the late Dharmendra, hail from five poll-bound states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. While the Opposition labels these civilian honors as 'election vehicles,' BJP's Khushboo Sundar defends the recognition of 'unsung heroes.' The report provides a factual look at how the Constitution and national awards remain central to India's political narrative ahead of crucial assembly elections.
On this Special Report, the focus is on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has made history as the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Speaking about his historic journey, Shukla stated, 'Today in 2025, the Indian flag reached the International Space Station for the first time.' The Indian Air Force officer was recognised for his exemplary courage and leadership during the 18-day Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The programme also highlights the 70 other gallantry award recipients honoured by the President on the eve of Republic Day, including Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who received the Vishishta Seva Medal for her role in Operation Zindur. Shukla shared insights into the challenges of space travel and the powerful message of India's growing presence in space exploration, describing the experience as 'out of this world' while inspiring future generations of Indians.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Preeti Choudhry anchors the live coverage of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations from Kartavya Path. The bulletin highlights the historic decoration of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a key member of the Gaganyaan mission, marking a significant milestone for India’s space-faring ambitions. Preeti Choudhry notes, 'It basically tells us where we want to be, where India wants to be in the committee of space-faring nations.' The programme also discusses the announcement of 131 Padma Awards for 2026, including a posthumous honour for actor Dharmendra. Joining the conversation, Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni reflects on the pride and rigorous selection process for regiments marching in the parade. The discussion underscores the evolution of India’s military technology and the symbolic importance of gallantry award winners leading the contingents, showcasing the nation's 'brains and brawn' on the global stage.
On this Special Report, host Preeti Choudhry reviews the landmark celebrations of India’s 77th Republic Day at Kartavya Path. The bulletin highlights the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa as chief guests, signaling a strengthening of India-EU ties ahead of a major trade deal. Preeti Choudhry notes that the display showcased 'Atmanirbhar Bharat in full flow,' emphasizing India's technological leap in indigenous weaponry and space exploration. The discussion features experts Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, and Sandeep Unnithan, who analyze the success of the IACCS air defence network and the impact of Operation Sindoor in 2025. The programme also celebrates the recognition of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, highlighting space as the new frontier for India’s youth. The broadcast concludes with the Prime Minister’s traditional walk to acknowledge the crowds, marking 77 years of the Republic and 150 years of Vande Mataram.
On this India Today special report, anchor Anjali Istwal covers India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The 2026 parade, themed '150 years of Vande Mataram,' features European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa as chief guests. The broadcast highlights India’s military strength following 'Operation Sindoor,' a May 2025 counteroffensive against Pakistan. Key displays include the S-400 missile systems, Rafale jets, and the Army’s animal contingent. A Swiss think tank report confirms India’s aerial supremacy during the conflict, leading to a forced ceasefire. The bulletin also details the 'Mother of All Deals' trade agreement with the EU and the 2026 Padma Awards. Notable honors include the Ashok Chakra for astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian on the International Space Station, and posthumous Padma Vibhushan awards for Dharmendra and V.S. Achuthanandan. Security updates report foiled infiltration bids in Samba and terror encounters in Doda and Kishtwar, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers his 'Viksit Bharat' message.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the announcement of the Padma Awards 2026, celebrating icons and grassroots changemakers. Former UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar, honoured with the Padma Shri, stated, 'You know that many reforms have to happen in higher education and in the coming years we will be rapidly implementing the NEP 2020 and already a lot of transformation has taken place and these reforms will be carried out at scale.' The awards recognize a diverse group, including late actor Dharmendra for the Padma Vibhushan and cricketer Rohit Sharma for the Padma Shri. The bulletin also highlights a historic milestone for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashok Chakra following his Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the recipients, noting their contributions strengthen the nation. The 2026 list features significant representation from Southern states, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu, alongside gallantry awards conferred by President Droupadi Murmu.
On this Special Report, the focus is on India marking 77 years as a republic with a grand display of 'strength, strategy and spirit on display' during the celebrations. This year’s event marks the first Republic Day following 'Operation Sindoor', featuring a new battle array and the 'Sindhu flypast'. The European Union leadership attended as the chief guest, highlighting the 'mother of all trade deals' currently in focus as S. Jaishankar meets the EU top brass. The Padma Awards 2026 were also announced, with the late Dharmendra being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, while Rohit Sharma and R. Madhavan received the Padma Shri. In a historic moment, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to receive the Ashok Chakra for a 'daring space mission'. The bulletin also covers security concerns, including the seizure of 10,000 kg of ammonium nitrate in Rajasthan and political clashes between TMC and BJP workers in Kolkata over the use of loudspeakers.
On this Special Report, we highlight the historic achievement of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who has been conferred with the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Shukla created history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom 4 mission. During his address, he stated, 'Today in 2025, the Indian flag reached the International Space Station for the first time.' He shared fascinating insights into life in microgravity, describing the ISS as equivalent to a 'six BHK house' and explaining the mental shift required to navigate a 3D environment where objects do not fall. Shukla, an experienced fighter pilot with over 2000 flying hours on aircraft like the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29, is the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma. The programme captures his extraordinary journey and the inspiration he provides to future generations as India marks its giant leap into space exploration.
In this Special Report, India Today chronicles the defining moments of 2025 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The programme details 'Operation Sindoor', India's decisive retaliatory strikes on Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, and the subsequent ceasefire. It highlights the economic resurgence with 7.2% GDP growth and the rollout of GST 2.0. The report also covers PM Modi’s diplomatic achievements, including the 'Order of Oman' and the 'Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia'. Additionally, it features Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission to the International Space Station and India's sporting glory.
In the final Mann Ki Baat episode of 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the year's major achievements, terming 2025 a memorable year for India. He highlighted 'Operation Sindoor' as a symbol of national pride and security, stating that 'today's India does not compromise on its security'. The Prime Minister celebrated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station and noted the Indian women's cricket team's World Cup victory. He also praised cultural initiatives like the 'Kannada Pathashaale' in Dubai and the 'Vande Mataram 150' campaign. Addressing the youth, PM Modi invited participation in the upcoming 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' and commended innovations from the Smart India Hackathon 2025.
As Karnataka’s political tensions escalate, loyalists of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have rushed to New Delhi urging the Congress high command to “honour” the alleged 2023 power-sharing pact as the Siddaramaiah-led government completes 2.5 years. Over ten MLAs reached the capital on Thursday, with more expected Friday, seeking meetings with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal to push for a leadership rotation they say was promised internally.
This special report covers comments from Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla regarding traffic conditions in Bengaluru. At a public event, Shukla remarked that travelling from space was easier than navigating the city's traffic from Marathahalli. In response to the astronaut's jibe, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj and IT & BT, acknowledged the issue. Kharge stated, 'it was easier for him to get from space to Bangalore, but from Marthalli to here was little difficult. So, we'll ensure that that doesn't happen again.' The exchange highlights ongoing civic concerns about urban infrastructure and traffic management in the city.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla discusses the intense, ongoing training and development for India's Gaganyaan mission, which is now in its final phase, and his planned return to fighter jet flying to maintain his currency. Group Captain Shukla stated, 'these missions are so complex that you want to be really sure when you send something else. So that is the activity that is happening very intensely.' He detailed how the astronaut team is actively involved in the developmental program, working to identify gaps and revise all systems ahead of the historic human spaceflight.
Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla said that the experience of spaceflight is completely different from training. "It’s only the real thing that truly prepares you. Fighter flying was thrilling, and I had assumed spaceflight would be an extension of it, but it was far more intense. Nothing can prepare you for it. The launch is so powerful that even the bones in your body feel like they are shaking,” he added.
For centuries, the Mercator map shrank Africa and India while inflating Europe and Greenland.
A massive political controversy has erupted over the Kerala government's invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for the inaugural global Lord Ayyappa event.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has arrived in his hometown of Lucknow to a grand welcome. He was received at the airport by Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and his family. A 'Victory Parade' is currently underway in the city to celebrate his homecoming. Live visuals show Shukla, accompanied by his proud family, waving to large crowds of students and residents who have gathered with national flags. One attendee stated, "We are very happy and we are very proud of him." The astronaut is also scheduled to meet with CM Yogi, having previously met with PM Modi. The city has turned out in large numbers to celebrate the star astronaut's return.
Following the Axiom 4 mission, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is back in India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called Shukla and three other Gaganyatris 'gems to the country,' stating the Gaganyaan mission symbolizes a new chapter for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. The project, announced in 2018, is set to send a three-member crew into a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission in 2027. Shukla described carrying out seven Indian experiments during his 18 days in space and the difficulties involved. "It was really challenging to do this in space, because everything changes, the space around you changes, your body changes," the astronaut said. The report also highlights India's message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and the Prime Minister's sentiment that this is the beginning of India's long journey in the space sector.
Shubhanshu's hometown, Lucknow, is gearing up to welcome him with open arms, with road construction work in full swing outside his residence.
