India shoots for moon, Chandrayaan 3 lifts off
Sriharikota, (AP) (PTI): The Indian Space Research Organisation launched its third lunar mission--Chandrayaan 3 on-board the heavylift LVM3-M4 rocket here on Friday.
At the end of the 25.30 hour countdown, the LVM3-M4 rocket, the largest and heaviest in its class and dubbed as 'Fat Boy' lifted off majestically at a prefixed time at 2.35 pm from the second launch pad, discharging thick plumes of smoke.
Thousands of spectators who had converged to witness the historic launch cheered the rocket as it made its ascent into the skies.
With the Chandrayaan-3 mission, scientists are aiming at mastering soft-landing on the lunar surface, a challenging technical aspect which is planned for late August. A successful mission would make India only the fourth country to achieve the rare feat after the United States, China and the former Soviet Union.
Chandrayaan 3 follows the Chandrayaan 2 mission which did not achieve the desired soft landing on the surface of the moon in 2019, disappointing the scientists.
According to ISRO officials, around 16 minutes after lift-off, the propulsion module will separate from the rocket and would orbit the earth for about 5-6 times in an elliptical cycle with 170 km closest and 36,500 km farthest from earth moving towards the lunar orbit.
The propulsion module along with the lander, after gaining speed would proceed for an over a month long journey towards reaching the orbit of the moon until it goes 100 km above the lunar surface.
After reaching the desired altitude, the lander module would begin its descent for a soft landing on the south pole region of the moon and this action is expected to take place on August 23 or 24, scientists at ISRO said.
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President, political leaders condole death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah and other political leaders from across the nation have expressed grief over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on Thursday morning.
Posting her message in Hindi on her official ‘X’ account, the President has said, “The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely saddening. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deepest condolences to his family, supporters and admirers. May God also give strength to the families of all those who died in the accident to bear this shock.”
In his personal account, Home Minister Amit Shah has tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar in a tragic accident today. Words cannot express the dedication Ajit Pawar gave to the welfare of every section of Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades. Whenever we met, he would have lengthy discussions on various topics related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss for me as well as the NDA family. I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place in His feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti (sic)”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also expressed shock and sorrow at the Pawar, adding that the late political leader had worked diligently for the development of his state. In his personal ‘X’ page, the Defence Minister has said, “Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar. Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”
PTI has reported that Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has said that she was saddened by the news that she received early morning. Chaturvedi has also said, “Ajit Pawar ji himself was among the young leadership of Maharashtra, committed and dedicated to the cause of the state. Whatever responsibility he took on, he fulfilled it with complete commitment. We had our differences, but we also had the opportunity to work together. I met him many times on matters connected with the Pawar family. For me, this loss is deeply painful.”
President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) posts,
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
"महाराष्ट्र के बारामती में एक विमान दुर्घटना में महाराष्ट्र के उप मुख्यमंत्री, श्री अजित पवार समेत कई लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। अजित पवार जी का असामयिक निधन एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। उन्हें महाराष्ट्र के विकास में, विशेषकर… pic.twitter.com/zatIBApqzb
