Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He will embark on this journey as part of Axiom Space’s Axe-4 mission, scheduled to launch no earlier than May 29, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a Spacex Crew Dragon spacecraft. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is designated as Shukla’s backup.
This marks India’s second astronaut in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft. Shukla, a decorated test pilot and astronaut-designate for India’s Gaganyaan mission, will be the mission pilot aboard a Spacex Dragon spacecraft, launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The 14-day mission, commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, includes mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
Scientific Endeavours. Shukla will conduct around seven scientific experiments, including studies on muscle loss, screen time effects in microgravity (Voyager Displays), and bio-farming, contributing to ISRO’s research for future crewed missions like Gaganyaan.
Cultural Representation. In addition to scientific work, Shukla plans to promote Indian culture by carrying artefacts and practising yoga aboard the ISS, symbolising India’s rich heritage in space exploration.
Significance for India. The mission, a partnership between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, underscores India’s growing role in global space exploration. Ax-4 features 60 scientific studies from 31 countries. This mission marks a significant milestone for India, as it will be the first time an Indian astronaut visits the ISS and the first Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. Group Captain Shukla’s participation is a precursor to ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
Please Add Value to the write-up with your views on the subject.
For regular updates, please register your email here:-
Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
References:-
Times Now. (2025, April 18). Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla? Indian Astronaut-designate Group Captain to Fly to International Space Station In May.
ET Now. (2025, April 18). This is a major step for India’s space journey! Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to space next month, the Modi government confirmed.
NDTV. (2025, April 18). Indian Astronaut-Designate Shubhanshu Shukla To Fly To Space Station in May.
The Times of India. (2025, April 18). An international space mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to fly in May.
News on Air. (2025, April 18). IAF’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly to ISS Next Month on Axiom’s Ax-4 Mission.
India Today. (2025, April 11). India’s Shubhanshu Shukla will study how screen time affects the human brain in space.
Gadgets360. (2025, April 7). ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make History with Space Station Mission in May.
ETV Bharat. (2025, April 7). Axiom Mission 4 Set To Launch In May 2025 With India’s Gaganyaan Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
Republic World. (2025, April 2). IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian Astronaut Aboard SpaceX Dragon.
Global citizenship has become crucial to education and digital engagement in an increasingly interconnected world. Global citizenship in education extends beyond national boundaries, emphasising cross-cultural understanding, ethical responsibility, and sustainable development. Schools and universities worldwide are integrating global perspectives into curricula, encouraging students to develop intercultural competence, critical thinking, and a sense of global responsibility.
Simultaneously, digital technology has revolutionised how individuals engage with the world, empowering them with unprecedented access to information, communication, and collaboration. The rise of social media, online learning platforms, and digital activism has given individuals the power to participate in global conversations, advocate for social justice, and address pressing global challenges. However, integrating global citizenship into digital spaces raises concerns about misinformation, digital divides, and ethical dilemmas.
As education systems adapt to the digital age, the role of educators in fostering responsible and informed global citizens has become more critical. This article explores the intersection of global citizenship, education, and digital engagement, examining how technological advancements can support inclusive, ethical, and globally aware learning experiences.
Defining Global Citizenship. Global citizenship recognises that individuals are part of an interconnected world, with rights and responsibilities beyond national borders. It emphasises a shared humanity, fostering awareness, empathy, and action toward global challenges such as climate change, social justice, and inequality. A global citizen values cultural diversity, engages in critical thinking, and works to create a more just and sustainable world. In education, global citizenship promotes interdisciplinary learning, ethical reasoning, and digital literacy, empowering individuals to navigate complex global issues responsibly. It is not just about knowledge but also about fostering a mindset of cooperation and collective responsibility.
Global Citizenship in Education
Incorporating Global Perspectives in Curricula. Education shapes global citizens by integrating international issues into school curricula. Topics such as climate change, human rights, and sustainable development are increasingly included in history, science, and social studies. Programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education (GCED) emphasise critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and ethical responsibility. By learning about global challenges and solutions, students develop the knowledge and skills to engage in international problem-solving. This approach broadens perspectives and fosters a sense of responsibility toward creating a more just and sustainable world.
Cultural Exchange and Study Abroad Programs. Cultural exchange and study abroad programs provide students with first-hand experiences of global diversity, fostering intercultural competence and global awareness. Initiatives like Erasmus+, Fulbright, and Model United Nations encourage collaboration with peers from different backgrounds, helping break down stereotypes and promote tolerance. Exposure to other cultures enhances adaptability, communication skills, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. These experiences also help students build international networks, which can lead to future academic and professional opportunities. By engaging with different cultural contexts, students develop the ability to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, strengthening their role as global citizens and future leaders.
Service Learning and Civic Engagement. Service learning and civic engagement encourage students to apply their knowledge to real-world global challenges, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills. Community service projects focused on poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and public health initiatives help students understand global inequalities and take meaningful action. Collaborations with international NGOs provide hands-on experiences addressing disaster relief, education access, and sustainable development. These opportunities teach students the value of civic responsibility and empower them to become proactive global citizens. Through service learning, students gain a deeper understanding of social issues while developing leadership, teamwork, and ethical decision-making skills.
Multilingual Education. Multilingual education is key to global citizenship, enhancing communication, cultural empathy, and international mobility. Learning multiple languages allows individuals to engage with different cultures, reducing language barriers and fostering deeper connections with people worldwide. Proficiency in more than one language opens doors to diverse career opportunities in international business, diplomacy, and humanitarian work. Additionally, multilingualism improves cognitive flexibility and adaptability, crucial skills in today’s globalised society. By encouraging language learning from an early age, educational systems help students develop the ability to navigate cross-cultural interactions and contribute effectively to the global community.
Global Citizenship in Digital Spaces
Social Media and Digital Activism. Social media has revolutionised global activism by providing a platform for awareness, advocacy, and mobilisation. Movements like #FridaysForFuture, #MeToo, and #BlackLivesMatter have demonstrated the power of digital spaces in amplifying marginalised voices and pushing for social change. Online petitions, crowdfunding platforms, and viral campaigns allow individuals to support humanitarian causes, from disaster relief to policy reforms. However, digital activism requires responsibility to ensure ethical engagement and avoid misinformation. Global citizens can drive real-world change in an increasingly connected digital landscape by using social media to spread awareness, engage in meaningful discussions, and support impactful initiatives.
Online Learning and Virtual Collaboration. The rise of online learning has made global education more accessible than ever before. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) that allow individuals to gain knowledge from leading institutions worldwide. Virtual classrooms, international webinars, and online research collaborations connect students and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering cross-border learning and exchange. These digital tools break geographical barriers and democratise education, enabling lifelong learning and professional development. By engaging in virtual collaboration, global citizens expand their knowledge, build international networks, and contribute to the shared goal of global progress and innovation.
Combatting Misinformation and Promoting Media Literacy. The digital age has made information more accessible and increased the spread of misinformation and biased narratives. Global citizens must develop strong media literacy skills to critically evaluate online content and differentiate between reliable and misleading sources. Fact-checking, cross-referencing information, and recognising propaganda tactics are essential for responsible digital engagement. Promoting informed discourse requires individuals to question sources, engage in constructive debates, and avoid sharing unverified content. By fostering critical thinking and ethical online behaviour, global citizens can help create a more informed and truthful digital environment that supports democratic values and social progress.
Bridging the Digital Divide. While digital globalisation offers immense opportunities, millions still lack access to the internet, digital education, and technological resources. This digital divide disproportionately affects low-income communities and developing countries, limiting their participation in the global economy and education system. Efforts to provide affordable internet, expand digital literacy programs, and improve technological infrastructure are essential to creating an inclusive digital world. Governments, NGOs, and tech companies are vital in ensuring equitable access to technology. By advocating for digital inclusion, global citizens can help bridge the gap and create a world where technology benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.
Conclusion
Global citizenship in education and the digital sphere is more than just a concept—it is a call to action for fostering informed, responsible, and ethical global participants. As technology reshapes learning and communication, education must evolve to equip individuals with the skills to engage critically, collaborate across cultures, and address global challenges. By integrating global perspectives with digital tools, we can cultivate a generation of socially conscious and digitally literate citizens. Ultimately, global citizenship empowers individuals to understand the world and actively contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected future.
Please Add Value to the write-up with your views on the subject.
For regular updates, please register your email here:-
Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
References:-
Pashby, K. (2011). Questions for Global Citizenship Education in the Context of the Digital Age. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 19(34), 1-25.
Selby, D., & Kagawa, F. (2011). Runaway Climate Change as a Challenge for the “Sustainability Mindset” in Global Education. Canadian Journal of Environmental Education, 16, 31-50.
Lankshear, C., & Knobel, M. (2008). Digital Literacies: Concepts, Policies, and Practices. Peter Lang.
United Nations. (2016). The Sustainable Development Goals Report. UN Publications.
UNESCO. (2018). Global Citizenship Education: Preparing Learners for the Challenges of the 21st Century. UNESCO Publishing.
OECD. (2021). The Future of Education and Skills 2030. OECD Publishing.
World Economic Forum. (2020). Schools of the Future: Defining New Models of Education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Oxley, L., & Morris, P. (2013). Global Citizenship: A Critical Introduction. Routledge.
Veugelers, W. (Ed.). (2017). Education for Democratic Intercultural Citizenship. Brill Sense.
Global Citizen. (2022). How Digital Activism is Shaping Global Change.
Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2021). The Role of Technology in Global Citizenship Education.
The Guardian. (2021). How Social Media is Reshaping Global Citizenship.
My article published on The EurasianTimes website on 16 Apr 25.
India successfully tested its first high-energy laser weapon, the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), on April 13, 2025, at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the 30-kilowatt laser system demonstrated the ability to neutralise fixed-wing, swarm, and surveillance sensors precisely at ranges up to 5 kilometers. The weapon can engage targets at the speed of light, using a laser beam to cause structural failure or destroy warheads, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional ammunition with minimal collateral damage.
The test places India among a select group of nations, including the US, China, and Russia, with advanced laser weapon capabilities. DRDO plans to induct the land-based system within two years, with future upgrades for greater range and applications on ships, aircraft, and satellites. A more powerful 300-kilowatt “Surya” laser capable of targeting high-speed missiles and drones up to 20 kilometers away. Posts on social media highlight the weapon’s potential to counter aerial threats effectively.
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) represent a transformative leap in military technology. They harness concentrated energy to neutralise threats with unprecedented precision and speed, a feat once only a part of science fiction. Unlike conventional munitions, which rely on physical projectiles or explosives, DEWs deliver energy through lasers, microwaves, or particle beams to disable or destroy targets.
Directed Energy Weapons
At their core, DEWs operate by focusing energy to create destructive effects. The most prominent type, laser-based DEWs, emit highly focused beams of light that travel at the speed of light (approximately 300,000 kilometers per second). When this beam strikes a target, it transfers intense heat, causing structural failure, melting critical components, or detonating warheads. For instance, India’s 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) laser demonstrated its ability to neutralise drones and sensors up to 5 kilometers away by inducing catastrophic overheating in seconds.
Microwave-based DEWs, another category, emit electromagnetic pulses to disrupt or destroy electronic systems. These are particularly effective against swarms of drones or missile guidance systems, as they can disable multiple targets simultaneously within a wide area. Though less developed, particle beam weapons accelerate charged particles to damage targets at the molecular level, offering potential for future applications.
The advantages of DEWs are manifold. They require no physical ammunition, reducing logistical burdens and costs—engagements are estimated to cost mere dollars per shot compared to thousands for missiles. This cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage in modern warfare. Their speed-of-light delivery ensures near-instantaneous impact, critical for countering fast-moving threats like hypersonic missiles. Additionally, DEWs produce minimal collateral damage, making them ideal for precision strikes in populated areas.
Historical Context and Global Development
The concept of DEWs dates back to science fiction, with early inspirations from works like H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. However, serious development began during the Cold War, with the United States and Soviet Union exploring laser technologies for missile defence. This historical context provides a deeper understanding of the evolution of technology. The U.S. Strategic Defence Initiative in the 1980s, often dubbed “Star Wars,” aimed to deploy space-based lasers to intercept ballistic missiles, though technological limitations stalled progress.
In recent decades, advancements in power generation, beam control, and thermal management have brought DEWs closer to battlefield reality. The United States has led the charge, with systems like the Navy’s 150-kilowatt Laser Weapon System (LaWS) deployed on ships to counter drones and small boats. Israel’s Iron Beam, designed to complement the Iron Dome, uses lasers to intercept rockets and mortars cost-effectively. China and Russia have also invested heavily, with China’s Silent Hunter laser system reportedly capable of disabling vehicles and drones, and Russia’s Peresvet laser designed for air defence and satellite disruption. These developments can potentially reshape international relations as countries with advanced DEW capabilities gain new strategic advantages.
Applications in Modern Warfare
DEWs are poised to revolutionise defence across multiple domains. On land, they offer robust protection against drones, a growing threat in asymmetric warfare. The proliferation of low-cost drones, as seen in conflicts like Ukraine, has exposed vulnerabilities in traditional air defences. Laser systems provide a sustainable countermeasure with their low per-shot cost and unlimited “magazine” (limited only by power supply). For example, India’s Mk-II(A) successfully neutralised a swarm of drones, a capability critical for border security.
DEWs enhance naval defence against anti-ship missiles, small boats, and unmanned aerial vehicles at sea. The U.S. Navy’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system, integrated into destroyers, exemplifies this trend. For India, equipping warships with laser systems could strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean, a vital trade corridor.
In the air, DEWs are being developed for aircraft to counter incoming missiles. The U.S. Air Force’s Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) aims to equip fighter jets with laser pods for missile defence. India’s vision to mount lasers on aircraft could enhance its air superiority, particularly against regional adversaries with growing missile arsenals.
Space-based DEWs, though controversial, represent the next frontier. Lasers could disable enemy satellites or defend against anti-satellite weapons, securing critical communication and reconnaissance assets. India’s planned satellite-mounted lasers underscore its intent to safeguard its space infrastructure.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their promise, DEWs face significant hurdles. Atmospheric conditions like rain, fog, or dust can scatter or weaken laser beams, reducing their effectiveness. India’s DRDO addresses this through advanced beam control systems, but challenges persist in diverse terrains like the Himalayas. Power requirements also pose a barrier—high-energy lasers demand substantial electricity, necessitating compact, efficient generators. For mobile platforms, this remains a logistical challenge.
Cost and scalability are additional concerns. While DEWs are cheaper per shot, initial development and deployment costs are high. India’s Mk-II(A) required years of investment, and scaling to systems like the Surya laser will demand further resources. Finally, countermeasures like reflective coatings or electronic hardening could reduce DEW effectiveness, sparking an arms race in defensive technologies. It’s important to note that while DEWs offer significant advantages, they are not without vulnerabilities. Developing effective countermeasures will be a key area of focus in the future.
Future of Directed Energy Weapons
The global DEW market is expected to grow rapidly, fuelled by increasing threats from drones, missiles, and electronic warfare. India’s roadmap, which includes the induction of the Mk-II(A) by 2027 and the development of the Surya laser, positions the country as a key player. Collaborative efforts with allies could hasten progress, while indigenous innovation ensures strategic autonomy.
Beyond military applications, DEWs have the potential for civilian uses, such as removing space debris or disaster response (e.g., disabling hazardous objects). Their integration into multi-layered defence systems—combining lasers, missiles, and electronic warfare—will redefine warfare as technology matures.
Conclusion
Directed Energy Weapons mark a paradigm shift in defence, offering speed, precision, and economy unmatched by traditional systems. India’s successful test of the Mk-II(A) laser underscores its emergence as a technological power, capable of shaping the future of warfare. While challenges remain, the trajectory is clear: DEWs are not just the stuff of science fiction but a cornerstone of 21st-century security. As nations race to master this technology, the balance of power—and the ethics of its use—will shape the decades ahead.
Please Add Value to the write-up with your views on the subject.
For regular updates, please register your email here:-
Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.
References: –
DRDO Press Release. “Successful Test of Mk-II(A) Laser Directed Energy Weapon Conducted by DRDO.” April 13, 2025.
