NEW DELHHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed on Friday that the government had charted a comprehensive course for the advancement of the space sector, confidently asserting that the day was rapidly approaching when an Indian would voyage to the Moon aboard an entirely homegrown spacecraft. Speaking at an event, the Prime Minister disclosed that India's Gaganyaan program was on the cusp of sending Indian astronauts into space, while the nation was also planning to erect its own space station.

"An extensive roadmap has been laid out for the space sector, encompassing the years up to 2040," Modi expressed, adding, "The moment is imminent when an Indian will set foot on the Moon, all within the confines of our own spacecraft." This statement followed his inauguration of the maiden Namo Bharat train on the 17-kilometer segment of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System. Modi also made mention of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which had recently emblazoned the Indian tricolor on the lunar surface, leaving the global audience in awe.

Modi emphasized that the India of the 21st century was scripting new narratives of advancement. With the triumphant hosting of the G20 Summit, the world's attention was firmly fixated on today's India, which was brimming with new opportunities for global connectivity. In the same breath, he lauded India's accomplishments in sports, highlighting its attainment of over 100 medals in the Asian Games. Furthermore, he applauded India's strides in technology by successfully launching 5G across the nation and leading the world in digital transactions.

"These Namo Bharat trains, which were unveiled today, proudly bear the 'Made in India' tag," stated the Prime Minister.

Earlier this month, Modi had set ambitious objectives for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), urging the organization's engineers and scientists to work diligently towards establishing an Indian Space Station by 2035 and accomplishing a lunar landing by an Indian astronaut by 2040. The Prime Minister also encouraged ISRO to explore interplanetary missions, including a Venus orbiter and potential Mars missions.

Modi announced several government initiatives, including a reduction of Rs 500 in gas cylinder prices for Ujjwala beneficiaries, free rations for over 80 crore citizens, a four percent increase in dearness allowance and dearness relief for central government employees and pensioners, and Diwali bonuses for hundreds of thousands of non-gazetted group B and C railway employees.

"This move will stimulate economic activity within the market, benefiting the entire economy," he affirmed. Modi underlined the significance of these "thoughtful decisions" in enhancing the festive spirit and ensuring the happiness of families across the country.

"You are my family, and therefore, my top priority. These measures are enacted for your well-being. Your happiness is my happiness, and your empowerment strengthens the nation," he concluded.

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