State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 26 Aug 2025

Shubhanshu Shukla Honoured in Lucknow

Why in News?

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), received an overwhelming welcome upon his return to Lucknow, his hometown.

• The Uttar Pradesh government organized a special felicitation ceremony at Lok Bhawan, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored Shubhanshu Shukla and his family.

Key Points

• Scholarship: The CM announced the establishment of a scholarship in Shubhanshu’s name for students pursuing space technology, highlighting that it had been four decades since an Indian had the opportunity to travel to space.
  • The state’s active participation in space technology was also underscored, with more than a dozen institutions in Uttar Pradesh now offering related courses.
• Postal Stamp: India Post also launched a postal cover and stamp in honor of Shubhanshu’s space mission.
• Mobile Innovation Programme: City Montessori School (CMS), Lucknow, in collaboration with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), launched the “Shubhanshu Shukla Innovations Express”, a mobile innovation programme to celebrate his feat.
• Role in Disaster Management: The CM also emphasized the crucial role of space technology in improving the management of natural disasters. 

Shubhanshu Shukla

• Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission in 2025. 
  • It was led by NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, and Shubhanshu Shukla served as the mission pilot. 
• He is also the astronaut-designate for India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. 
• He boarded the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a joint venture between NASA and ISRO. 
• The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) involves astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary and is the first such collaboration in over 40 years. 
• The astronauts spent 14 days aboard the ISS conducting scientific experiments, educational outreach, and commercial activities with NASA and ISRO. 
• Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space in 1984 aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 mission under the Interkosmos program.

National Teachers Awards 2025

Why in News?

Madhurima Tiwari (Mirzapur) and Ram Lal Singh Yadav (Bhadohi) from Uttar Pradesh have been selected for the National Teachers Awards, to be conferred on Teachers' Day (5 September 2025).

• Teachers' Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975).

National Teachers Awards

• About: The awards, established in 1958, are presented annually on Teachers' Day (September 5) by the President or Vice President of India, under the supervision of the Ministry of Education (MOE).
  • The National Teachers Awards (NTA) are given annually to exceptional teachers from across the country in recognition of their contributions towards improving the quality of education and student development.
  • It carries a certificate of merit, a cash award of Rs. 50,000, and a silver medal.
• NTA 2025: Forty-five teachers from across India will be recognized in 2025 for their dedication, innovation, and contributions to improving student enrollment, reducing dropout rates, and introducing creative teaching methods.
• Significance: The NTA recognizes primary, middle, and secondary school teachers for their outstanding efforts to improve education, inspire students, and make a tangible difference in their communities.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

• Birth: He was born into a Telugu family in Tiruttani town of Tamil Nadu, on 5th September 1888.
• Academic Achievements: He held several prestigious positions, including the King George V Chair at Calcutta University from 1921 to 1932, the second Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936, and the fourth Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948.
  • Moreover, he was Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at the University of Oxford from 1936 to 1952.
• Political Career: He became the first Vice President of India (1952-62) and later the second President of India (1962-67).
• Philosopher: He is widely acknowledged in philosophical circles as a “bridge-builder” between India and the West.
• Recognition: In 1954, he was awarded the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna.
  • In 1931, he was awarded with knighthood by King George V, former King of Britain, for his remarkable academics.