GECs
Isro looks to put a ‘robot on the moon’
BANGALORE: A robotic arm sent to the moon to do some sample analysis? That is what Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is dreaming to do in space exploration next.
“It is only a dream at this stage. If it takes off at all, it will take time to fructify,” Isro chairman G Madhavan Nair tells Indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of an international conference on planetary exploration and space law in Bangalore.
The project, according to Nair, will cost around Rs 10-15 billion. That is almost three to four times the expense of the `Chandrayaan-1′ mission to moon project, which Isro has slated for 2007-08. “But it is possible. We will need the support of the scientific community and the government,” Nair says.
ISRO’s cost-effective space exploration projects have come in for praise even from overseas. “I am amazed at the low cost operations of Isro. For a mission to the moon project, US-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) spends around $12.5 billion. Isro does it for less than $one billion,” says a Nasa observer.
The Astronautical Society of India (ASI), in association with International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), is organising a twin-event – IAA Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on “Advances in Planetary Exploration” and the IISL Space Law Conference – 2005 on “Bringing Space Benefits to the Asian region” at Bangalore during 26-29 June.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
