Sriharikota (PTI) : Chandrayaan 3's rover 'Pragyaan' has completed its assignments on the lunar surface and set into sleep mode, ISRO said on Saturday.

The space agency's announcement came hours after its chief S Somanath said the lunar mission's rover and lander, 'Pragyaan' and 'Vikram', respectively were functioning well and they would be put to "sleep" soon to withstand the night on the Moon.

"The Rover completed its assignments. It is now safely parked and set into Sleep mode. APXS and LIBS payloads are turned off. Data from these payloads is transmitted to the Earth via the Lander," ISRO said in an update on social media platform X.

At present, the battery was fully charged and the solar panel oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023.

"The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador," it said.

Somanath had earlier in the day said the rover has moved almost 100 metres from the lander.

"And we are going to start the process of making both of them sleep in the coming one or two days because they have to withstand the night," he said.

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Ahmedabad: Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi made a controversial statement on Thursday, asserting that violence is sometimes "necessary" to safeguard the principle of non-violence. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 'Hindu Spiritual & Service Fair' at Gujarat University grounds, Joshi emphasized India's responsibility to lead the world on the path of peace by including everyone.

Citing the Mahabharat, Joshi said, "To protect 'dharma,' actions that may appear as 'adharma' are sometimes inevitable, as demonstrated by our ancestors." He underlined that Hinduism embodies non-violence but suggested that taking strong measures, including violence, might be required to protect its ideals.

Joshi also spoke about India's unique ability to foster global harmony, referencing the ancient concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). He stated, "A stronger India and Hindu community assure the world of protection for the weaker and downtrodden."

The RSS leader dismissed the notion that selfless service is exclusive to institutions like churches and missionaries, highlighting the extensive service traditions of Hindu temples, gurdwaras, and organizations, which include feeding nearly one crore people daily and running schools and hospitals.