Overview

• Sitharaman inspected the National Large Solar Telescope site near Pangong Lake in Merak, a proposed 2-meter optical and near-infrared facility at 4,200 meters aimed at high-resolution solar studies.
• She laid the foundation stone for a Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve under a ₹276.65 lakh development package to promote scientific education and astro-tourism.
• At the Rezang La War Memorial in Chushul, she paid tribute to the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment who defended the post during the 1962 conflict.
• The minister toured the Himalayan Chandra Telescope and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre’s MACE facility in Hanle, praising local-scientific collaboration and urging public-focused astrophysics programs.
• In Rongo, she met pashmina goat and yak herders and distributed goat-shearing machines to support community livelihoods.