President Donald Trump playfully considered dismissing his Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. He stated that he would keep her despite receiving overwhelmingly negative press coverage. Trump believes the public does not trust the media. Leavitt has a history of confronting reporters
April 2026: 5 simple ways to attract positive energy and clarityThis is not a month to rush or force clarity. Instead, it is a time to slow down, stabilise your energy, and let things fall into place naturally. Published on: Apr 01, 2026 10:29 AM IST Edited by Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link
Overall conditions in Delhi are expected to remain variable, with a mix of brief cooling, rising temperatures and intermittent rainfall. No extreme weather is forecast yet. Today’s Weather: Delhi-NCR witnessed unseasonal rain on Tuesday, leading to a drop in daytime temperatures
‘We are deeply disturbed’: Raqesh Bapat’s family slams Vishal Kotian over personal remarks, clash on Bigg Boss Marathi 6Raqesh Bapat landed in a heated controversy on Bigg Boss Marathi 6 as his clash with Vishal Kotian escalated from a verbal spat to a physical altercation. Apr 1, 2026
Petrol & Diesel Price Hike: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased the prices of premium fuels in Delhi, even as volatility in global energy markets continues amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The price of IndianOil’s XP100 petrol, India’s first 100-octane premium fuel
India plans 'bodyguard' satellites after neighbour's risky orbit move
India is developing 'bodyguard satellites' to protect its spacecraft from potential threats, prompted by a near miss with a satellite from a neighboring country in mid-2024. This initiative is part of a larger plan to enhance India's space security, including deploying surveillance satellites and collaborating with startups for advanced tracking solutions.
India is developing a plan to improve its ability to protect satellites from attacks, people familiar with the matter said, after a near miss in orbit highlighted risks to national security posed by other spacecraft.
The government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to develop so-called bodyguard satellites to identify and counter threats to orbiting spacecraft, according to people who requested to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the matter. Satellites also played a significant role during India's conflict with rival Pakistan in May, which put the nations on the brink of all-out war.
A previously unreported incident highlighted the need for action, the people added, when a satellite from a neighboring country came dangerously close to one of India's.
The near miss in mid-2024 involved one of Indian space agency ISRO's satellites orbiting around 500-600 kilometers (311-373 miles) above the Earth, the same part of space that's getting increasingly crowded with communications satellites like Elon Musk's Starlink network.
The spacecraft from a neighboring country, which the people familiar with the matter wouldn't name, came within 1 kilometer of an ISRO satellite performing tasks that could have military applications such as mapping and monitoring of objects on the ground, they said.
Although the two satellites didn't collide, such an unusually close approach was possibly a show of strength that could have been a test to demonstrate the other nation's capabilities, the people said.
ISRO and the Department of Space did not respond to requests for comment.
Satellite-Protection Project
The satellite-protection project is part of a bigger effort by Modi's government to develop more security assets in orbit, including a 270 billion Indian rupees ($3 billion) plan for about 50 surveillance satellites, the first of which is expected to launch next year. India has had multiple armed conflicts in the past seven decades with both Pakistan and China — nations that have vastly different capabilities in space.
Pakistan has just eight satellites, compared with more than 100 for India, according to data from N2Y0.com, a website that tracks such spacecraft. The same website puts the number of satellites operated by China at more than 930.
New Delhi and Beijing have longstanding territorial disputes that have led to clashes, including a 2020 skirmish when at least 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese died in fighting along the border.
Officials in both India and the US have warned that China's People's Liberation Army is becoming a greater threat in space. Beijing's satellite program has rapidly expanded in both scale and sophistication, Indian Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit cautioned in June at a seminar organized by the Centre for Air Power Studies in New Delhi.
India's government now is working with startups to find the right solutions, the people familiar with the matter said.
Although the discussions are still in the early stages, the goal could be to launch Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) satellites to identify threats quicker, providing enough time for technicians on Earth to send orders for the targeted satellite to reposition itself.
Ground-Based Radars
The LiDAR satellites would need to be part of a bigger system that would include ground-based radars and telescopes, said Sudheer Kumar N, former director at ISRO's Capacity Building Program Office and is an independent consultant.“We do not have such in-orbit tracking capability on a 24x7 basis,” he said, “but some of the startups are working on it.”
ISRO played an important national-security role in May during an armed conflict between India and Pakistan. More than 400 scientists worked around the clock to support the agency's Earth observation and communication satellites, ISRO chairman V Narayanan said in a speech on Sept. 9.
During the hostilities, China provided Pakistan with support, helping Islamabad adjust its satellite coverage, a research group under India's defense ministry said in May.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: How is India planning to protect its satellites in space How is India planning to protect its satellites in space 5 nutrients parents need to add to children's diet to protect them from flu India to buy 5 new squadrons of S-400 Sudarshan air defence system from Russia Indian startups entering global markets to shield operational tech from cyberthreats ISRO to triple spacecraft output Bihar to launch doorstep property registration for senior citizens from April 1 NASA launches three spacecraft to study space weather Working in close coordination with US to respond to missile attack from Yemen's Houthis Japan successfully launches new cargo spacecraft to deliver supplies to ISS
A group of retired civil servants and former diplomats on Tuesday expressed concerns about a recent order issued by Assam’s special chief secretary for environment deploying about 1,600 personnel of the state’s forest protection force for duties related to the upcoming Assembly elections
1 days ago
Nita Ambani wows in minimal look for Mumbai Indians team dinner; her pink diamond earrings are anything but simpleNita Ambani hosted the Mumbai Indians team at the Ambani residence, Antilia. She wore a simple floral look for the occasion, styled with diamond jewels. Updated on: Apr 01
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Frustrated with slow tablets? These top 5 reliable tablets fix that, picks from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, moreThese tablets come with newer and faster processors and adequate storage
1 days ago
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed their decision on Fakhar Zaman on Tuesday following the ball tampering incident in Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings fixture held on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Fakhar Zaman has received a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
1 days ago
Does your house have a concrete roof or a thatched one? What is your main cereal? Do you have internet access - or just a basic mobile phone? And how many married couples live under your roof? These are among the 33 questions that more than a billion Indians will be asked as the country launches
1 days ago
Divorced couples in Japan are now allowed to share custody of their children, after a landmark revision to Japan's Civil Code took effect on Wednesday. Before the amendment was approved by parliament in 2024, Japan was the only G7 country that did not recognise the legal concept of joint custody
1 days ago
Dubai, Apr 1 (AP) US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that the responsibility for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open should belong with countries that rely on it, rather than the US. He said there’s “no reason for us to do this." Trump expressed frustration earlier Tuesday with
1 days ago
The buzz around the rebranded Lucknow Super Giants team is high ahead of the new Indian Premier League season. The Shaheed Path highway here, which leads into the city from the airport, is dotted with flags and cutouts of the host side’s players on the eve of their campaign opener against Delhi
1 days ago
Miss India Nikita Porwal brings celestial beauty to fashion awards, fans call her a goddess: 'Miss World right there'Miss India Nikita Porwal shines on the red carpet in a stunning gown adorned with shimmering pearls and crystals that caught the light with every movement. Published on: Apr 01
1 days ago
April Full Moon 2026: Tarot guidance and rituals for each zodiac signPink Moon 2026: Even if you do not believe in tarot or moon rituals, taking a few quiet moments for yourself can still feel calming and helpful. Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 9:30 AM IST By Kanakanjali Roy Share via Copy link The Full
1 days ago
In a first for the country, the Ministry of Mines informed on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that thirty mineral blocks have been made operational in a single financial year, that is, FY 2025-26. Essential to note, most of the blocks that have been made operational are that of limestone
1 days ago
Having risen steadily over time, the share of Indian households who use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as their primary source of fuel for cooking is now at 60% as of 2024. Another 33% of households still used firewood. This data comes from India's Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys
1 days ago
Reliance Jio is known for its innovative offerings, whether it’s free internet or budget-friendly recharge plans. Now, the company is venturing into the electric bike market with an upcoming e-bike that promises to feature remarkable specifications
1 days ago
Italy shattered as distraught players left in tears after missing World Cup for third straight time - See Photos Updated on: Apr 01, 2026 10:35 AM IST Written by Aditya Maheshwari Share via Copy link Italy's Marco Palestra, left, and Leonardo Spinazzola console each other after losing a penalty
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Struggling with calls on the go? These 5 premium earphones feature crystal clear callingWireless earphones designed for clear calling focus on strong microphones
1 days ago
KEAM Admit Card 2026 releasing today at cee.kerala.gov.in, here's how to download Published on: Apr 01, 2026 9:06 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala
1 days ago
The new financial year FY 2025-2026 has kicked in from today. Check key financial and regulatory changes. New Delhi: India will see a slew of financial and regulatory changes with the beginning of the new fiscal year on April 1, 2026, affecting taxes, fuel, banking and rail travel
1 days ago
Your IPL plans are officially sorted! From electric rooftop screenings to laid-back dine-ins, here’s where you should be catching every six, wicket, and last-over thriller with your gang. For all the craft beer lovers, this one’s a no-brainer. Expect great brews, live match energy
1 days ago
Malayalam filmmaker and screenwriter Ranjith Balakrishnan was arrested after a sexual assault complaint filed by a young female actor. Ernakulam: Prominent Malayalam director-producer Ranjith was arrested following an alleged sexual assault complaint filed against him by a young actress
1 days ago
Observing that the legality, validity and propriety of transfer orders issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) have not caused any public injury, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the transfer of administrative and
1 days ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the teenage prodigy's explosive knock helped RR chase down CSK’s modest total with ease on Sunday, securing an eight-wicket victory and etching his name among the fastest fifty-makers in IPL history. In a sensational start to the IPL 2026 season, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
1 days ago
Unlike the F-35 Lightning II, the AMCA is designed for full operational control and allows the country to integrate its own sensors, AI and weapons without outside approval. New Delhi: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has introduced a new level of capability for the Indian Air Force (IAF)
1 days ago
Actor Vicky Kaushal has finally reacted to Dhurandhar: The Revenge, praising director Aditya Dhar and the team behind the film. Taking to Instagram, Vicky wrote, “I’m so shook, so proud and in absolute awe of the craft, hard work and sincerety with which you have made this film
1 days ago
Celebrate April Fool’s Day 2026 with over 50 easy, simple, and funny pranks for friends, family, home, school, and office. Discover harmless ideas that guarantee laughs and fun for everyone! April Fool’s Day is just around the corner! On April 1, 2026
1 days ago
'Ranbir Kapoor reminded of Arun Govil': Fan praises actor's Lord Rama turn in Ramayana, gifts Ram Mandir-inspired vestThe first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was unveiled to a select audience in Los Angeles a few days ago. Apr 1, 2026
1 days ago
Vande Bharat passenger claims food gave her allergy, IRCTC says ‘lunch was satisfactory’A Vande Bharat passenger claimed that eating the food served on the train gave her a severe allergic reaction, while her two-year-old son developed diarrhoea Updated on: Apr 01
1 days ago
New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) Aviation stocks were in high demand in morning trade on Wednesday, with InterGlobe Aviation climbing over 9 per cent, despite jet fuel price hike. InterGlobe Aviation, the parent firm of IndiGo, after starting the trade on a positive note further jumped 9.41 per cent to Rs 4
1 days ago
