We will bring fishermen back even if they are kidnapped by terrorists: Minister Jayamala
Udupi, Jan 05: We will bring back the seven fishermen (who have gone missing from Malpe), even if they are kidnapped by terrorists. Already we have written a letter to the army and instructed them to launch a search operation. Our main goal is that they should come alive, wished Udupi district in-charge Minister Jayamala.
Answering the media queries in Udupi, she said, "We started working on this the moment police filed the missing complaint. After speaking to SP's chief secretary, the officials of neighboring Goa and Maharashtra were contacted. A search was carried out even by a helicopter. The search operation is still ongoing. Our goal is that they must come back safely. We have confidence that they will definitely come," she asserted.
Drop the protest: Minister appeals
Do not hold protests on January 6. Why should Fishermen's organizations protest? Do they need a protest when we are with them. We will speak to the fishermen's leaders in this regard, will asked them to drop the protest. Even the Chief Minister is also coming to Udupi on January 8. All hands are working for this, Minister Jayamala said.
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ISRO launches its heaviest satellite on ‘Bahubali’ rocket
Bengaluru: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched its heaviest satellite to date, marking a major milestone in India’s space programme.
According to a report published by The New Indian Express, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6 rocket lifted off with the 6.10-tonne BlueBird-6 Block-2 communication satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC) and released it accurately in the 518.50 km altitude circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
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The launch took place at 8.55 am and the satellite released in its orbit at 9.11 am in what ISRO scientists described as a “textbook launch”.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan reportedly said this was the third commercial launch using the LVM3 rocket and the first time it was used exclusively for a foreign communication satellite. He said that this mission was also the ninth launch mission of the LVM3, with all launches so far being successful.
Until now, ISRO’s heaviest launch was the 4.40-tonne GSAT-7R satellite placed in orbit in November 2025 for the Indian Navy. The BlueBird-6 satellite now surpasses that record, making it the heaviest payload launched by ISRO.
Explaining the BlueBird Block-2 Mission, the team said the satellite, which will be a part of a constellation of other similar satellites under the mission will provide faster 4G and 5G services and video calls. It also aims at enhancing network connectivity with locations where there were hassles earlier. AST SpaceMobile has launched five satellites, Bluebird 1-5 in September 2024, which provide continuous coverage across the US and other select countries.
As per the report, the LVM3-M6 has injected the satellite in the 518.50 km circular LEO orbit at a 53-degree inclination to the equator. It is just 1.5 km lower than the designated orbit, and is considered accurate. This precise placement is also an achievement marked by the ISRO team, said Narayanan.
The satellite had arrived at Sriharikota in October, and the launch was earlier postponed due to technical reasons before being successfully carried out on December 24, officials said.
