Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised astronaut Sunita Williams and her fellow crew members for their extraordinary achievements in space, following their safe return to Earth.
The Defence Minister on Wednesday, took to the social media platform X to express his delight, writing, "Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s Crew-9 on Earth! The crew, comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts, have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in space."
"Sunita Williams’ incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude, and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe. Her safe return is a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Her courage and achievements make us all proud. Congratulations and a big thank you to all stakeholders for bringing them back safely on Earth," he added.
Williams, along with NASA’s Butch Wilmore, NASA's Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Tuesday evening, concluding what was meant to be a short eight-day mission that turned into an unexpected nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
Their return came aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which splashed down off the coast of Florida just minutes before 6 p.m. As announced by NASA, the recovery operation was successfully carried out, with the astronauts being lifted out of the capsule.
Hague was the first to exit, followed by Williams, who emerged third. All three astronauts smiled and waved as they were assisted out of the spacecraft, marking the end of their prolonged stay in space.
Williams and Wilmore initially launched to the ISS on June 6, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. However, after a malfunction in the spacecraft, they were left stranded.
Their return was delayed until now when SpaceX’s Dragon capsule was sent to bring them back to Earth.
2 killed, 6 injured in US university shooting
Two people were killed and six others were injured after an active shooter opened fire on the Florida State University (FSU) campus in Tallahassee on Thursday, law enforcement said at a news conference.
DoNER Minister bats for accelerating the Special Economic Zone in Manipur
Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday directed officials to accelerate the pace of key infrastructure projects, including universities, Information Technology and Special Economic Zone in Manipur, mental, maternity and child hospital, officials said.
Notorious drug mafia Ripon Mia held in Boxanagar
In a major breakthrough in the fight against narcotics, the notorious drug mafia Ripon Mia was arrested today evening in a successful joint operation by the police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) in Veluachar Dayalpara under Boxanagar's Kalamchoura police station.
Bangladeshi national, three touts held in Agartala
In a coordinated operation aimed at curbing illegal cross-border activity, four individuals — including a Bangladeshi national — were apprehended by security forces at Agartala Railway Station on Wednesday evening.
Biplab slams oppositions for vote bank politics over Waqf Act
Lok Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday launched a sharp attack on opposition parties—Trinamool Congress, Congress and CPI(M)—accusing them of spreading deliberate misinformation regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
New Act enacted to curb Waqf misuse, claims Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said that the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 has been passed in the Parliament, aiming to address allegations of misuse of Waqf properties by a section of leaders, misuse of Section 40, land grabbing, and other corruption.
DoNER Ministry facilitate in unlocking Manipur’s growth: Scindia
Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said that he is confident that his ministry would serve as a proactive facilitator in unlocking new opportunities and accelerating Manipur’s growth and development.
Bengal school jobs row: SC allows 'untainted' teachers to continue till fresh selection is over
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the "untainted" assistant teachers in West Bengal, whose appointments were cancelled due to large-scale irregularities in the 2016 selection process, to continue in their positions till fresh recruitment is completed.