Tag: NASA

TechPulse

Confident, Premium, Health-First: How India Upgraded Its Homes and Tech in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Croma, India’s trusted omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, has released its Year-End Consumer Trends 2025, offering a comprehensive look at how Indian consumers upgraded their homes, lifestyles and technology choices over the past year. The findings reflect a decisive shift from price-led purchases to experience-driven, premium and health-conscious buying behaviour across Croma’s nationwide online and offline network.

Smartphones remained central to consumer upgrades, with strong year-on-year growth driven by aspirational trade-ups. One in three smartphones sold fell within the ₹20,000–30,000 premium segment, while nearly one in five devices belonged to the flagship or super-flagship category. Emerging price bands between ₹50,000 and ₹58,000 recorded growth of over 300 percent, highlighting consumers’ growing willingness to invest in advanced technology that blends performance, identity and long-term value. This trend reflects India’s increasingly digital-first mindset, fuelled by content creation, gaming and AI-powered camera experiences.

The computing category also saw a strong premium shift, with laptops recording double-digit growth led by AI-enabled and high-performance devices. Gaming laptops surged by over 25 percent, while ultra-thin non-gaming laptops doubled in sales as consumers sought sleek, portable designs without compromising on power. Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi emerged as key hubs driving this AI-first computing wave, signalling concentrated adoption of next-generation technology across India’s major metros.


Home entertainment witnessed a significant scale-up as Indian households embraced cinema-like experiences at home. Bengaluru led demand for 65-inch televisions, while Mumbai emerged as the top market for ultra-large screens of 75 inches and above. Gurugram stood out as the most future-ready city, recording the highest preference for 8K-ready televisions. Complementing this trend, audio entertainment surged, with Delhi NCR leading demand for immersive sound systems, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for social and in-home entertainment.

Cooling solutions remained resilient across regions, with Delhi and Mumbai nearly equal in overall air conditioner demand. A strong sustainability trend emerged as one in four ACs sold nationwide was a 5-star energy-efficient model, while in Delhi, one in three AC purchases fell into this category. Smart ACs accounted for 32 percent of total AC sales, and North India saw rising demand for all-season ACs that function as heaters while consuming significantly less electricity.

Big-ticket home appliances continued their move up the value curve, with front-load washing machines registering strong double-digit growth led by Bengaluru and Pune. In refrigerators, Delhi topped sales for side-by-side door models, followed by Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, reflecting demand for larger, high-capacity appliances that support evolving lifestyles.

Health-focused appliances saw notable growth throughout 2025. Air fryer sales rose by nearly 38 percent year-on-year, led by Mumbai, signalling a shift toward healthier cooking habits. Air purifiers, once concentrated in Delhi-NCR, gained traction in Mumbai and Bengaluru, driven by heightened awareness of air quality and indoor health. Water purifiers also recorded strong demand, with Bengaluru emerging as the largest market, followed by Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad, underscoring rising concern around safe drinking water and long-term wellness.

Smart convenience emerged as the fastest-growing trend, with sales of automated and robotic appliances nearly doubling during the year. Bengaluru led the adoption of robotic solutions, positioning itself as India’s emerging robotics capital.

Commenting on the trends, a spokesperson at Infiniti Retail Ltd. noted that Indian consumers are increasingly confident, informed and willing to invest in technology that delivers everyday value, efficiency and improved quality of life. From smartphones and screens to kitchens and cooling, 2025 marked a clear transition toward premium, smart and health-first living across Indian homes.

Human Interest

Rare Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Makes Closest Approach to Earth on December 19

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on Friday, December 19, marking a significant moment in the journey of one of the rarest cosmic visitors ever observed in our solar system. The comet was discovered on July 1 by NASA-funded ATLAS telescopes in Chile and has since drawn global attention from astronomers and space agencies.

3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar object known to have passed through our solar system, following 1I/’Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. Analysis of its trajectory shows that the comet originated from beyond the solar system and will eventually return to interstellar space after completing its passage through the inner regions around the sun.

At its closest approach, the comet will come no nearer than approximately 1.8 astronomical units from Earth, or about 168 million miles (270 million kilometers), according to the European Space Agency. This distance is nearly twice the average distance between the Earth and the sun, ensuring that the comet poses no threat to Earth or any other planet as it passes through the inner solar system.

Despite the safe distance, the flyby is of major scientific interest. Observing the comet near its closest approach allows astronomers to study the dust and gases released from its icy nucleus as it warms under the sun’s radiation. These observations provide rare insights into how comets and planetary materials form around stars beyond our own solar system.

In recent months, several observatories and space agencies have focused their instruments on 3I/ATLAS. New images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope and the JUICE Jupiter probe were released recently, showing the interstellar traveler speeding through the inner solar system. The comet’s passage is also being shared with the public through a free livestream hosted by Gianluca Masi at the Virtual Telescope Project, scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. EST on December 18, weather permitting.

As 3I/ATLAS continues its brief visit, scientists hope the data gathered will deepen our understanding of the building blocks of planetary systems beyond our own, making this fleeting encounter a valuable chapter in the study of interstellar objects.

Human Interest

Voyager 1 Sends Signal After 48 Years in Space, Leaving NASA Speechless

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is known for pioneering space exploration, but even its most seasoned scientists were left speechless recently. The cause? A new signal from the legendary Voyager 1 spacecraft — still active and transmitting after 48 years in deep space.

Voyager 1 was launched in 1977 with a primary goal of exploring the giant planets in our solar system, particularly Jupiter and Saturn. It accomplished that mission with stunning success, capturing some of the most iconic images ever taken of those distant worlds. But the true legacy of Voyager 1 began not with what it photographed, but with where it went next.

After leaving the known planetary orbits, Voyager 1 continued on its path toward the unknown. It eventually crossed a critical boundary known as the heliopause — the outermost edge of our solar system where the Sun’s solar wind meets the interstellar medium. It was here that Voyager’s instruments picked up something unexpected: a rise in both temperature and particle density. This region, dubbed the “wall of fire,” is a turbulent frontier where the calm of our solar system collides with the chaos of deep space.

Despite being powered by less energy than a single LED light bulb — only about 4 watts per scientific instrument — Voyager 1 continues to function. Its radioactive plutonium core steadily depletes over time, but still provides just enough power to keep critical systems alive. Communicating with such a distant spacecraft is a monumental challenge. NASA relies on enormous 230-foot antennas scattered around the globe to receive Voyager’s incredibly weak signals.

The feat is even more impressive considering the craft is more than 15 billion miles from Earth. Every signal takes over 22 hours to reach us. The fact that Voyager is still “talking” at all is a testament to the engineering ingenuity behind it. NASA’s team continues to tweak its systems remotely, optimizing power usage and preserving key instruments so that the data stream can continue for as long as possible.

This latest signal — faint, delayed, yet profound — is another reminder that even decades-old machines can redefine human understanding. Voyager 1 may have started its journey with a camera pointed at Jupiter, but today, it peers into the uncharted vastness beyond, still pushing the boundaries of exploration.

National

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Arrives in India to a Grand Hero’s Welcome in Lucknow

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Indian Astronaut and test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla was welcomed in grandeur upon his return to India, following his successful space mission with the Axiom-4 crew. The streets of Lucknow came alive with celebrations as citizens gathered in large numbers to express their pride and admiration for the astronaut’s remarkable journey. The 39-year-old pilot, who represented India aboard the international space mission, received widespread love and praise, echoing through the heart of his hometown.

Shukla’s mission, launched on June 25, 2025, marked a historic moment for Indian spaceflight. Aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft named Grace, launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Axiom-4 mission took off in collaboration with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX. Alongside Shukla, the crew included Commander Peggy Whitson from the USA, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. This mission represented the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades for India, Poland, and Hungary.

Spanning approximately 18 days, the mission concluded with the spacecraft’s undocking on July 14, 2025. During their time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the crew conducted over 60 groundbreaking scientific studies, exploring areas such as crop growth in space, the behavior of cyanobacteria in microgravity, and the physiological changes experienced by the human body during extended space travel. These experiments were not only critical for future space exploration but also contributed to expanding our understanding of human adaptation to space environments.

The return of Shubhanshu Shukla is more than a celebration of individual achievement—it is a symbol of India’s growing presence in international space endeavors. With the success of the Axiom-4 mission, India takes a proud step forward in global scientific advancement, and Shukla stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and explorers across the nation.

As the city of Lucknow echoed with cheers, banners, and patriotic pride, it was clear that Shukla’s return marked a historic chapter not only in India’s space journey but also in the hearts of millions who look up to the stars with dreams of discovery.

Entertainment

American Inventor Turned YouTuber Mark Rober Signs Official Netflix Deal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Los Angeles, August 23 – Acclaimed YouTuber and former NASA engineer Mark Rober has officially inked a deal with Netflix, marking another major leap in his unique journey from rocket science to online fame to now mainstream entertainment.

At 45, Rober is already a household name in the world of DIY gadgets, science communication, and fun educational content. Known for building squirrel obstacle courses, glitter bomb traps, and engineering marvels that blend fun with functionality, Rober has amassed millions of followers on YouTube and social media.

The deal with Netflix aims to leverage Rober’s inventive skills and passion for science education to create a show targeted at young audiences. His upcoming series will blend hands-on engineering with interactive storytelling, similar to the engaging tone seen on his popular YouTube channel.

“We are highly surprised with the creativity of Mark and his skilled work,” said Jimmy Kimmel during a recent segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “He’s introduced to Netflix as a smart and creative inventor, and his inclusion is a big win for the platform.”

This marks a significant trend among streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+—where platforms are increasingly recognizing the educational and inspirational value of creators like Rober, who bridge the gap between science and entertainment.

Jo Redferns, a media consultant who spoke to the BBC, said, “These YouTubers are not overnight sensations but are building a new trend in science and innovation. Mark Rober represents the modern inventor—engaging, creative, and incredibly educational.”

Rober, a University of Southern California alumnus with dual degrees in mechanical engineering, spent 9 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) before transitioning into full-time content creation. His mission has remained consistent: to make science fun, accessible, and inspiring for all—especially the younger generation.

Rober’s new Netflix show is expected to launch sometime in 2026 and is being positioned alongside other creative endeavors, such as a U.S. version of The Sidemen and new original content by Ms Rachel. Meanwhile, shows like Cocomelon may see shifts to other platforms, signaling a broader transformation in streaming content strategies.

As Rober steps into the Netflix spotlight, his fans—and budding young inventors—are eagerly waiting to see what fascinating ideas he brings to the screen next.