Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) will fulfil the objectives of an orbiting Indian human spaceflight platform in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This will enable to undertake medium to long duration human spaceflight missions to LEO, as part of the sustained Indian human space program. Similar to other operational space stations, BAS will also comprise of multiple modules and state of the art technological capabilities for carrying out cutting edge scientific research and technology development activities in microgravity environment, targeted towards national priorities and societal applications.

With the recent approval of revision in Gaganyaan Programme, the scope of the program has been expanded to include precursor missions to Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), including development & launch of 1^st module of BAS (BAS-01). The 1^st module of BAS is targeted to be launched in 2028 timeframe and BAS is expected to be fully operationalised with all modules by 2035 timeframe.

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) aims to receive funds amounting to Rs. 50,000 crore during 2023-28 in the form of ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of Rs. 14,000 crore is made from the Central Government and remaining amount will be sourced through donations from any other source, including from public sector enterprises, the private sector, philanthropist organizations, foundations or international bodies.

The first meeting of the GB was held on 10^th September 2024 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister as the President of the GB. The GB discussed strategic interventions of ANRF which are required to accelerate and strengthen the S&T landscape of the country. The deliberations included global positioning of India in key sectors, aligning R&D with national priorities, promoting inclusive growth, capacity building, driving scientific advances and innovation ecosystem, stimulating the latent potential of universities and colleges, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications through industry-aligned translational research and implementing programs to boost the country’s research ecosystem and accelerate scientific and technological advancements. R&D programs which were aligned with the discussions, namely, Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG), the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas -Electric Vehicle (MAHA- EV), Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG), Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) have been launched.

It has come to the attention of Indian Railways that certain media outlets are circulating reports claiming that passengers will be allowed to travel free of cost during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Indian Railways categorically denies these reports, as they are entirely baseless and misleading. 

Traveling without a valid ticket is strictly prohibited under the rules and regulations of Indian Railways and constitutes a punishable offense. There are no provisions for free travel during Maha Kumbh Mela or any other occasion. 

Indian Railways is committed to ensuring seamless travel for passengers during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Adequate arrangements are being made, including the establishment of special holding areas, additional ticket counters, and other necessary facilities to manage the anticipated influx of passengers.