The 18th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS), organised by Tata Steel, in collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, operating under the Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, was officially launched at the Odisha State Secretariat by Shri Krushna Chandra Patra, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, Government of Odisha.

YATS is a unique platform for Odisha’s school students of classes 6 to 10 to showcase their talent in space science, astrophysics, and astronomy, and also learn about the legacy of Pathani Samanta, the legendary Odia astronomer.

Expressing his delight while launching the event, Hon’ble Minister said, “I wish the 18th edition of Young Astronomer Talent Search all success. I hope a greater number of students, particularly from interior parts of Odisha will participate in it and know about the contribution of acclaimed Odia scientist Pathani Samanta to the field of astronomy.”

Shri Prasanna Kumar Patra, Director, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Smt Sibani Mohanty, Additional Secretary, and Smt Urmiprava Maharana, Deputy Secretary from the Science and Technology department, Dr Jaydev Kar, Planetarium Engineer, Government of Odisha and Shri Debasish Jena, Chief Resident Executive, Tata Steel, were present at the launching ceremony.

Shri Debasish Jena emphasised the Company’s commitment to making YATS more inclusive and accessible across Odisha, particularly by expanding participation through both physical and virtual modes. He reiterated Tata Steel’s dedication to enhancing the programme, aiming to inspire more young talent and foster a deep interest in space science.

This year, YATS will offer two modes of participation: physical and virtual. Students can either take part in the test at their schools or online through the YATS website.  (https://www.tatasteel.com/careers/campus-connect/tata-steel-young-astronomer-talent-search/). They need to register on the site to participate virtually.

The theme of YATS 2024 is “Will space be your next travel destination?”, and it will include an open quiz for students of classes 6 to 8, and a multiple-choice question (MCQ) assessment for students of classes 9 and 10. Selected participants from each district of Odisha will be invited to the final round of competitions at the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, on December 13, 2024. This date coincides with the birth anniversary of the renowned Odia astronomer Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhara Singha Harichandana Mahapatra Samanta, also known as Pathani Samanta.

For the past 17 years, YATS has been inspiring young minds to explore the wonders of space science. The winning students of the 17th edition of YATS had the privilege to visit the Space Application Centre (SAC) and interact with ace space scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Ahmedabad in the last week of June 2024.

Disclaimer

Statements in this press release describing the Company’s performance may be “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those directly or indirectly expressed, inferred or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include, among others, economic conditions affecting demand/ supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets in which the Company operates, changes in or due to the environment, Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements and/ or other incidental factors.

For queries and information

Sarvesh Kumar,
Chief Corporate Communications, Tata Steel,
E-mail : sarvesh.kumar@tatasteel.com

About Tata Steel

• Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum.
• It is one of the world's most geographically diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the world.
• The group recorded a consolidated turnover of US $ 32.83 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2022
• A Great Place to Work-Certified^TM organisation, Tata Steel Limited, together with its subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures, is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000.
• Tata Steel has announced its major sustainability objectives including Net Zero Carbon by 2045, Net Zero Water consumption by 2030, improving Ambient Air Quality and No Net loss in Biodiversity by 2030.
• The Company has been on a multi-year digital-enabled business transformation journey intending to be the leader in ‘Digital Steel making by 2025’. The Company has received the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse recognition for its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar and IJmuiden Plants.
• Tata Steel aspires to have 25% diverse workforce by 2025. The Company has been recognised with the World Economic Forum’s Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion Lighthouse 2023.
• The Company has been a part of the DJSI Emerging Markets Index since 2012 and has been consistently ranked amongst top 10 steel companies in the DJSI Corporate Sustainability Assessment since 2016.
• Tata Steel’s Jamshedpur Plant is India’s first site to receive ResponsibleSteel^TM Certification.
• Received Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2016-17, Steel Sustainability Champion recognition from worldsteel for five years in a row, and ‘Most Ethical Company’ award 2021 from Ethisphere Institute.
• Recognised with 2022 ERM Global Award of Distinction, ‘Masters of Risk’ - Metals & Mining Sector recognition at The India Risk Management Awards for the sixth consecutive year, and Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting FY20 from ICAI, among several others.

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