Why in News?
Union Budget 2026 approved the establishment of two major telescopes to boost India’s capabilities in space and astrophysical research. The initiative focuses on studying the Sun and the origin of the universe.
Key Highlights
- New Telescopes Approved:
- National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) at Merak region near Pangong Tso (Ladakh)
- National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT) at Hanle, Ladakh
Important Fact
- NLST will become India’s 3rd ground-based solar observatory after:
- Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (1899, Tamil Nadu)
- Udaipur Solar Observatory (1975, Rajasthan)
