The Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first scientific mission dedicated to studying the Sun. File
| Photo Credit: ANI
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have reported observations of a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) from the solar atmosphere with the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) instrument onboard Aditya-L1 mission.
Scientists associated with the IIA said that using the VELC payload, it was possible to observe the corona not only closer to where its base is located in the solar atmosphere, but also obtain data at shorter time intervals compared to other existing coronagraphs in orbit.
The VELC team observed the onset of a CME that erupted from the Sun on July 5, 2024, with no association to any flare.
Magnetic instability
They said that the data obtained provides valuable clues to understand and differentiate the magnetic instabilities on the Sun that causes the flares and the CMEs.
The results of the study will be appearing soon in the Astrophysical Journal, an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.
“Observation of CMEs as and when they originate on the Sun and understanding their association with flares is one of the major science goals for VELC, and we are happy that the instrument is doing that,” said R. Ramesh, senior professor at the IIA and the principal investigator for the VELC.
Prof. Ramesh added that with the Sun approaching the maximum phase of the current solar cycle 25, the CMEs are expected to occur frequently.
“Hence, uninterrupted monitoring of the Sun with VELC for CMEs is expected to provide valuable data to the Indian and international scientific community. The unique design of VELC helps to observe the CMEs close to the limb of the solar surface, and their onset time. These advantages facilitate better investigation of the association between CMEs and flares near the solar limb,” Prof. Ramesh added.
What are flares and CMEs?
Flares and CMEs are explosive events in the Sun. They are due to magnetic reconnection during which magnetic field lines rearrange.
During a flare, energy is released primarily as electromagnetic radiation from the heated plasma. Compared to flares, the CMEs are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic field weighing about trillion kilograms that race outwards from the Sun through the interplanetary space at speeds up to 3,000 kilometres per second. The association between flares and CMEs is ambiguous till date.
Axiom Mission 4 crew, from left to right, European Space Agency astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Photo: X/@NASASpaceOps via PTI
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled to be launched on May 29 2025 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Group Captain Shukla will be the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4) and the launch is targeted no earlier than 1:03 p.m. EDT (Eastern Day Time) on May 29, NASA announced on Tuesday.
The Axiom Mission 4 crew will be launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS and will spend up to 14 days at the orbiting laboratory.
Group Captain Shukla, who is also one of the four astronaut-designates selected for Gaganyaan mission of ISRO, will become the first Indian astronaut to go to the ISS, and the first Indian to go to space in the last 40 years.
Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the commercial mission, European Space Agency project astronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary are also part of the crew.
Axiom Space said that the Ax-4 research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.
Axiom Space on Tuesday in a press conference shared details on the experiments, microgravity research, and technology demonstrations that will be a part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).
ISRO has already shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) from various national R&D laboratories and academic institutions for implementation on the ISS.
“On our maiden mission to the ISS we have as set of experiments being investigated by some of the leading academic institutions and research labs from India the experiments range from search of growth of microalgae and cyanobacteria to muscle regeneration experiments, sprouting in space, studying resilience of tardigrades, seeds experiment and human computer interactions in space,” said Tushar Phadnis, Group Head for Microgravity Platforms and Research, ISRO.
Replying to a query on why three of India’s seven experiments are related to food
Mr. Phadnis said, “ISRO would like to explore specifically India centric food for example we have a sprouting experiment to sprout green gram or moong and Fenugreek which is believed to have medicinal properties.”
Image for representation.
| Photo Credit: Getty Image/iStockphoto
Only about one in four public-funded research and development organisations in India give incubation support to start-ups and only one in six provide support to ‘deep tech’ startups. Only 15% collaborated with industry overseas and only half of them opened their facilities to outside researchers and students, say the findings of a study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor and executed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Economic Research.
The study, via a detailed questionnaire, asked labs to rate themselves and supply data on 62 parameters such as their spend on R&D, number of young scientists, patents filed, technologies developed, participation of women scientists and their contribution to ‘national missions’ such as Deep Ocean Mission, National Quantum Mission, etc.
Labs of the ‘strategic sector’ such as those belonging to defence research, space, atomic energy research — all of which constitute the lion’s share of India’s overall Research and Development (R&D) spend — were excluded from the study due to the “sensitive nature of their work”. The labs studied were those affiliated to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Department of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, etc.
The Central government expenditure on R&D was around ₹55,685 crore in 2020-21, the figure cited in the study and the latest available. Excluding the expenditure of the strategic departments like DRDO (Defence), DAE (Atomic energy) and DoS (Space), the spending by key scientific agencies and other Central government departments was ₹24,587 crore.
Around 25% of the participating institutions reported spending between 75% and 100% of their budget on R&D. The organizations that reported less than the median share of spending on R&D and S&T (Science and Technology) in the overall budget were largely from ICAR (Agricultural research), CSIR, ICMR (Medical research), Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda and traditional medicine) and DST (Science and Technology).
Staff strength down
A large number of labs/institutes reported a decrease in the number of permanent staff in 2022-23 compared to the previous year and an increased reliance — from 17,234 to 19,625 — on contractual staff.
The median share of young researchers increased in 2022-23 to around 58 per cent from 54 per cent in the previous year. In the previous exercise, for around 193 organisations that had participated, this number was around 63 per cent to 65 per cent for the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
“This is the second time that we have had such an analysis. What we intend is that the data from such a study be closely analysed by institutions so that they can identify areas of improvement,” said Dr. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, “Overall, several researchers seem to have oriented themselves from being centres of scientific inquiry to innovation centres. I see that as a positive development. Academia and product innovation must go hand in hand.”
As part of its recommendation, the report advocates that every lab should be “mandated to review their existing mandates” and align themselves to Viksit Bharat goals. The mandate should focus on “critical technologies” as directed by the government and be taken on a “war footing” by public-funded R&D organisations. They should work closely with industry as well as with each other.
In 2025, buying the best TV in India means more than just selecting a big screen. The best TV today delivers sharp 4K visuals, immersive audio, and smart features that connect seamlessly with your digital life. Whether you’re into binge-watching, gaming, or simply want the latest in display tech, the best TV in India in 2025 is built to impress.
Take your picks from the different options of the best TV in India 2025
With brands introducing models loaded with AI-enhanced picture engines, Dolby Atmos, and voice-controlled remotes, there’s a TV for every kind of viewer. Top choices now include QLED and OLED panels, wide viewing angles, and features like MEMC and ALLM that enhance clarity and motion handling. If you’re looking to upgrade your entertainment setup, this list will introduce you to the best smart TV options across price ranges that deliver performance, value, and future-ready features.
The LG 32-inch smart TV combines simplicity with solid performance. It features HD Ready resolution for crisp visuals, enhanced further by Active HDR, which improves colour depth and contrast. Powered by a fast quad-core processor, it handles streaming and apps like Netflix and YouTube smoothly. The WebOS interface is intuitive and makes navigating content hassle-free.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers highlight its clear picture quality and seamless streaming. It’s often praised for being easy to operate and good value for money.
Why choose this product?
Pick this if you want a compact smart TV that delivers dependable performance, smart connectivity, and trusted brand assurance.
Enjoy a cinematic upgrade at home with this Samsung 43 inch 4K Smart TV that brings vibrant colour and refined clarity to your screen. Its advanced picture engine fine-tunes each frame for sharp detail, while dynamic tone mapping adds depth to highlights and shadows. Fast-paced action feels smooth, thanks to motion enhancement features designed for sports and gaming. Audio gets a boost too, with built-in surround effects that track movement on screen for a more immersive soundscape.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers enjoy the immersive visuals and responsive interface. A few mention room for improvement in sound output and setup experience.
Why choose this product?
Opt for this if you want vibrant 4K detail, fluid motion, and smart connectivity in one sleek package.
Enjoy stunning detail and smart features with this 55-inch 4K LED TV that blends clarity with everyday convenience. Powered by advanced processing, it upscales visuals for sharper, more realistic imagery and delivers smoother frame transitions. You can also stream from Apple and Android devices, thanks to wide compatibility with platforms like AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa. Gaming is supported with HDMI 2.1 technologies, ensuring quicker response times and audio passthrough.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the TV’s visual performance and seamless app navigation. Some suggest external speakers for richer sound but find the inbuilt audio decent for daily use.
Why choose this product?
Select this for crisp 4K viewing, smart connectivity, and a user-friendly interface backed by a trusted brand.
The TCL 65P71B Pro 65-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart QLED Google TV is all about stunning visuals with its QLED display, supporting Dolby Vision, HDR 10+, and a wide color gamut for vibrant, dynamic colors. Powered by a 64-bit Quad-Core Processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM, it ensures smooth performance. Enjoy immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and ONKYO 2.1ch speakers. With smart features like voice control, mobile-to-TV mirroring, and game acceleration, it’s perfect for streaming, gaming, and more.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers often highlight the vibrant display and immersive visuals, especially for movie nights and sports viewing.
Why choose this product?
Choose this if you want a theatre-like setup without overspending. It’s a great match for large spaces, offering sharp 4K resolution, cinematic sound, and fluid gameplay.
The Panasonic 43 inch smart TV strikes a balance between vibrant visuals and functional design. It presents clear 4K resolution with rich colour depth, thanks to the 4K Studio Colour Engine and Hexa Chroma Drive. Google TV brings together streaming apps and recommendations in one simple interface, while built-in Chromecast ensures easy casting from your phone. Sound performance is boosted with Dolby Digital and Audio Booster+ for fuller audio. It also includes Bluetooth, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and a wide viewing angle.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate the picture quality and features, but reviews are mixed on OS speed and remote control performance. Great value for its size.
Why choose this product?
Select this if you want consistent 4K performance with natural colours, dependable audio, and easy access to your favourite streaming apps.
6. MI Xiaomi Smart TV A 80 cm (32) HD Ready Smart Google LED TV
The MI 32-inch HD Ready Smart LED TV is a great choice for smaller spaces, offering a balanced mix of smart features and quality performance. With a 768p resolution and vivid picture engine, it delivers sharp and vibrant visuals. It runs on Google TV and comes preloaded with popular apps like Netflix and YouTube. The 20W speakers with Dolby Audio provide rich sound, while dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and voice controls ensure smooth connectivity and easy operation.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers commend the TV for its excellent value, sharp picture, and immersive sound quality. However, some note occasional lag and mixed experiences with connectivity and setup.
Why choose this product?
Opt for this TV if you’re looking for smart features, quality sound, and easy connectivity. Its compact size makes it perfect for bedrooms or those on a budget.
The Acer 40-inch Smart Google TV combines powerful features at an affordable price. With Full HD resolution and HDR10 support, it delivers clear, vibrant images with a 178° viewing angle. Powered by Google TV and Android 14, it provides a smooth, personalized interface and casting options like Google Cast and FastCast. The 30W Dolby Audio speakers offer enhanced sound, while eye care protection, video calling, and dedicated app hotkeys ensure added convenience in a sleek design.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate Acer’s affordable price, rich features, and clear video quality. Installation is straightforward, but there are mixed opinions on lag and overall functionality.
Why choose this product?
Choose this for a budget-friendly Full HD Google TV that excels in streaming, video calling, and offers convenient voice-controlled browsing.
The TOSHIBA 43C350NP delivers impressive 4K visuals on its 43-inch Ultra HD LED display, packed with smart features. With Google TV, it supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, MEMC, and modes like Filmmaker Mode for cinematic viewing. The 24W Dolby Atmos speakers offer immersive sound, while Chromecast, Miracast, AirPlay, and Google Assistant voice control ensure seamless connectivity. Designed for streaming and gaming, it includes VRR, ALLM, and eARC for an optimal entertainment experience.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the TOSHIBA for its vibrant display, clear audio, and user-friendly Google TV interface.
Why choose this product?
Opt for this TV for its Dolby Atmos audio, impressive 4K visuals, and versatile casting options. A feature-rich 43-inch 4K TV that offers premium features typically found in larger models.
What is the best TV in India for 2025?
The best TV in India in 2025 offers a mix of 4K resolution, smart features, Dolby sound, and seamless connectivity. Brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony are leading the way with their advanced models. Look for Google TV integration, HDR support, and QLED or OLED panels for the best viewing experience.
Which brand makes the best smart TV in India?
Brands like Sony, LG, and Xiaomi offer some of the best smart TVs in India. These models come with Android or Google TV platforms, voice control, multiple streaming apps, and high-speed connectivity. The best TV brands also provide regular software updates and energy-efficient technology for long-term value.
Are all the best TVs in India compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant?
Most of the best TVs in India in 2025 support Google Assistant and many also work with Alexa. Voice control lets you search content, change settings, and manage smart devices easily. If you want the best smart TV, ensure it includes a voice-enabled remote and compatibility with your preferred virtual assistant.
Factors to consider before buying the best TV in India
Display Type: Choose between LED, QLED, or OLED based on picture quality and budget.
Resolution: Opt for 4K Ultra HD for sharper and more detailed images.
Smart Features: Look for smart TVs with Google TV or Android TV, voice control, and app support.
Screen Size: Select the right size for your room, generally between 43 to 65 inches.
Audio Quality: Consider TVs with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, or built-in soundbars for better sound.
Connectivity: Ensure the TV has multiple HDMI and USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth options.
Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate like 60Hz or more ensures smoother visuals, ideal for gaming.
Design: Slim bezels and strong stands enhance appearance and stability.
Top 3 features of the best TVs in India:
Best TVs in India
Display Technology
Resolution
Special features
LG 80 cm (32 inches) HD Ready Smart LED TV
LED
720p
Web OS Smart TV, Mini TV Browser
Samsung 108 cm (43 inches) 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
UHD
4K
Crystal Processor 4K, Motion Xcelerator
Sony 139 cm (55 inches) BRAVIA 2 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV
LED
4K
Chromecast Built In, ALLM/eARC (HDMI 2.1 Compatible)
TCL 165 cm (65 inches) 4K Ultra HD Smart QLED Google TV
QLED
4K
Dolby-Vision, Wide Color Gamut
Panasonic 108 cm (43 inches) 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV
LED
4K
4K Color Engine, Wide Viewing Angle, Hexa Chroma Drive
MI Xiaomi Smart TV A 80 cm (32) HD Ready Smart Google LED TV
LED
768p
Screen Mirroring, In-Built WiFi
acer 100 cm (40 inches) I Pro Series Full HD Smart LED Google TV
LED
1080p
Frameless Design, Google TV with Android 14
TOSHIBA C350NP Series 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV
Yes, QLED offers better brightness, colour accuracy, and contrast than standard LED TVs.
What size TV is ideal for a medium room?
A 50 to 55-inch TV is usually ideal for medium-sized rooms.
Do all smart TVs support Netflix and Prime Video?
Most smart TVs today come with pre-installed apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube.
What is the ideal refresh rate for casual viewing?
A 60Hz refresh rate is sufficient for regular TV shows and movies.
Can I connect Bluetooth headphones to my smart TV?
Yes, most smart TVs now support Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
