The 19th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS), organized by Tata Steel in partnership with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, and the Science & Technology Department of Odisha, was officially inaugurated by Krushna Chandra Patra, the Hon’ble Minister for Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Odisha, at the Lokseva Bhawan.
This prestigious event offers students from classes 6 to 10 across Odisha an exciting opportunity to explore space science, astrophysics, and astronomy, while also honoring the legacy of the renowned Odia astronomer Pathani Samanta. During the launch, Shri Patra shared that the theme for this year’s edition is “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow.”
The competition will take place at the school and district levels, with the winners being invited to the Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar on December 13 for the grand finale. Thirty outstanding students will win a unique opportunity to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in Bengaluru and interact with scientists.
Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education, and Sibani Mohanty, Additional Secretary of the Science & Technology Department, were also present, alongside Debasish Jena, Chief Resident Executive of Tata Steel. Shri Jena emphasized Tata Steel’s commitment to broadening the reach of YATS by offering both physical and online participation options, making the initiative more inclusive for Odisha’s students. This collaboration aims to inspire and nurture young talent with a strong passion for space exploration.
Students can participate in the competition either by joining through their schools or by registering online via the official YATS website. The 2025 edition will feature an open quiz for students in classes 6–8, and a multiple-choice question (MCQ) test for classes 9–10. The district-level winners will be invited to the grand finale, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Pathani Samanta.
For 18 years, YATS has been sparking curiosity about the universe among Odisha’s youth. Previous winners of the 18th edition had the chance to visit the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. Since its inception, YATS has engaged over 4.71 lakh students across Odisha, with more than 230 winners visiting ISRO centers to witness India’s advancements in space research.
Tata Steel is one of the world’s leading steel producers, with a total crude steel production capacity of 35 million tonnes per annum. The company operates across five continents, with a diverse global presence in both production and commercial activities. For FY2025, Tata Steel reported consolidated revenues of approximately $26 billion, underscoring its position as a top-tier player in the global steel industry.
The company has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with ambitious goals to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045. It is also undergoing a digital transformation, with plants in Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar, and IJmuiden receiving recognition from the World Economic Forum as Global Lighthouse facilities. These plants exemplify Tata Steel’s leadership in advanced digital manufacturing practices and its ongoing efforts to drive innovation and efficiency across its operations.
Tata Steel’s commitment to responsible steel production is reflected in its achievements, including the first ResponsibleSteel™ certification for its Jamshedpur plant, with over 90% of its steel production in India now coming from certified sites. The company has also received numerous accolades, such as the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best-performing integrated steel plant in 2016-17 and the 2024 Steel Sustainability Champion award from worldsteel, underscoring its leadership in both sustainability and performance within the global steel sector.
