India Secures Place In The Sun: ISRO's Aditya L1 gallops towards Earth's life source

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its maiden solar mission, Aditya L-1, from Satish Space Station at Sriharikota.

#WATCH | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches India’s first solar mission, #AdityaL1 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Aditya L1 is carrying seven different payloads to have a detailed study of the Sun. pic.twitter.com/Eo5bzQi5SO

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2023

The payload covering the ISRO’s Aditya L1 spacecraft has been separated as it leaves Earth’s atmosphere.

#WATCH | The payload covering the ISRO’s Aditya L1 spacecraft has been separated as it leaves Earth’s atmosphere. Currently, the third stage is separated as per ISRO. pic.twitter.com/KbOY2fHSen

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2023

The Aditya-L1 mission is expected to reach the observation point in four months.

After lifting off, the spacecraft will be placed in a low-earth orbit (LEO) around the Earth. Subsequently, its orbit will be made more elliptical and, later, the spacecraft will be propelled towards the L1 point exiting the earth’s gravitational pull. It will take about four months for Aditya-L1 to reach its precise orbit.

The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), the primary payload of Aditya L1, will send 1,440 images per day to the ground station for analysis upon reaching the intended orbit.

The Aditya-L1 spacecraft has been purposefully crafted to allow Indian astrophysicists to remotely examine the Sun and everything that it entails. This includes some really critical areas such as coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, pre-flare and flare activities, along with their distinct characteristics.

Additionally, these investigations will enhance our understanding of space weather dynamics and the behaviour of particles and fields as they propagate through space.

Objectives of Aditya L-1

The Aditya-L1 observatory is equipped with seven distinct instruments designed to meticulously examine various layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layer known as the corona. These instruments use electromagnetic particle and magnetic field sensors to conduct their observations.

Among these instruments, four have an unobstructed view of the Sun, while the remaining three focus on conducting on-site or in-situ investigations of particles and fields within Lagrange Point L1. Consequently, this mission assumes a pivotal role in advancing our comprehension of diverse solar phenomena and their impacts on the interplanetary environment and Earth.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) further explained that the instrumentation carried by the Aditya L1 payloads holds the potential to provide crucial insights into critical areas such as coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, pre-flare and flare activities, along with their distinct characteristics. Additionally, these investigations will enhance our understanding of space weather dynamics and the behaviour of particles and fields as they propagate through space.

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'With Aditya L1 India will also have observations': Programming manager of Chandrayaan-3 Prerna Chandra

Ahead of India’s maiden solar mission, Aditya L1 launch, Delhi’s programming Manager of Chandrayaan-3 Prerna Chandra mentioned that with Aditya L1, India will also be able to make observations on the Sun, which will further be helpful in comprehending space weather and upcoming space missions.

“Space agencies of other countries have already done observations on the Sun. India does not have a Sun observatory. With Aditya L1 India will also have observations on Sun which will help us understand space weather and upcoming space missions,”Prerna Chandra on Aditya L1.

#WATCH | Delhi: Programming Manager at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Delhi, Prerna Chandra on Aditya L1 says, "Space agencies of other countries have already done observations on the Sun. India does not have a Sun observatory. With Aditya L1 India will also have observations… pic.twitter.com/ydxtxmEyHH

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2023

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Astronomer and Professor RC Kapoor on Aditya L1 launch says, "This is a very important day. The most important instrument on Aditya L1 will study the Corona of the Sun. Normally, which can only be studied during full solar eclipse..." pic.twitter.com/Rc53Bo0shX

— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2023

Aditya L1’s Objectives:

The Aditya-L1 observatory is equipped with seven distinct instruments designed to meticulously examine various layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layer known as the corona. These instruments use electromagnetic particle and magnetic field sensors to conduct their observations.

Among these instruments, four have an unobstructed view of the Sun, while the remaining three focus on conducting on-site or in-situ investigations of particles and fields within Lagrange Point L1. Consequently, this mission assumes a pivotal role in advancing our comprehension of diverse solar phenomena and their impacts on the interplanetary environment and Earth.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) further explained that the instrumentation carried by the Aditya L1 payloads holds the potential to provide crucial insights into critical areas such as coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, pre-flare and flare activities, along with their distinct characteristics. Additionally, these investigations will enhance our understanding of space weather dynamics and the behaviour of particles and fields as they propagate through space.

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G20 Summit 2023: Delhi Police holds full dress rehearsals; traffic to be affected

As the national capital gears up for the upcoming G20 event, the Delhi Police has put in place a slew of restrictions to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the region.

The rehearsals have been scheduled for 8.30 am to 12 pm, 4.30 pm to 6 pm, and 7 pm to 11 pm. Commuters have been strongly advised to use metro services to avoid traffic snarls.

During the carcade rehearsals, traffic restrictions will be enforced at key locations across the national capital: Sardar Patel Marg-Panchsheel Marg, Sardar Patel MargKautilya Marg, Gol Methi roundabout, Mansingh Road roundabout, C-Hexagon, Mathura Road, Zakir Hussain Marg-Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Bhairon Marg-Ring Road, Satya Marg/Shantipath round about, JanpathKartavyapath, Barakhamba Road red light, Tolstoy Marg, and Vivekanand Marg, etc.

Restrictions on public transportation during the G-20 Summit in Delhi

During the G20 summit there will be disruptions in the public transport system across the national capital. Certain routes may be modified or temporarily submitted from 7-11 September 2023.

While Airport, Railway, Metro services,City Buses, and TSR/Taxis are expected to be functional as usual,the services of the railways, airways, interstate buses, city buses, and TSR/Taxis may be affected or curtailed.

How long are the anticipated traffic regulations expected to last during the G-20 Summit in Delhi?

The disruption in traffic is expected to affect the Delhi from 7-11 September 2023. However, the duration of traffic regulations might vary on Summit’s schedule, security and several other factors.

Traffic regulations are generally expected to last for the duration of the G-20 Summit or as long as necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of the general public.

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Hear THIS 'Sun Anthem' ahead of launch of India’s first Solar Mission Aditya-L1

As ISRO is all set to launch its first spacecraft dedicated to studying the Sun, Aditya-L1, today, Indian poet-diplomat Abhay K has crafted a Sun Anthem to commemorate this historic occasion.

The anthem is composed as follows: “Home star, you’re never too far. Lighting up our lives wherever we are. On Moon or Mars, near or far, home star, you’re never too far. Keeping us all from drifting apart in the deep dark galactic bar. Igniting the skies each day in the Orion spur of the Milky Way.”

“Streaming light across the dark space. Primeval god, Universe’s glowing face. Home star, you’re never too far. Lighting up our lives wherever we are”

Wishing #AdityaL1, @isro’s 1st mission to observe our home star Bon Voyage with #SunAnthem—

Home star, you’re never too far
Lighting up our lives wherever we are

On moon or mars, near or far
Home star, you’re never too far

Keeping us all from drifting apart
In the deep dark… pic.twitter.com/IKEnfSHZif

— Abhay K. (@theabhayk) September 2, 2023

The launch of Aditya-L1 will represent a significant achievement in the nation’s pursuit of space exploration.

Speaking on the occasion, Abhay K said, accodring to ANI: “Today is a historic day in India’s space odyssey as India will join a select group of countries that have their own space-based Solar Observatory with the launch of Aditya L1.”

He added, “I come from Bihar where the Sun is worshipped during Chhath puja and the idea of paying tribute to our home star came naturally to me as I have grown up taking part in Chhath festivities. Watching sunrise and sunset are two of my most cherished moments every day. Writing an anthem is the best way to immortalise a precious and pioneering moment like the launch of Aditya L1 and as a poet, I feel blessed to be able to offer my gratitude to Sun through words.”

Aditya-L1 stands as an innovative mission by ISRO, focused on the study of our closest celestial body, the Sun. The spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit at Lagrangian point 1 (L1) within the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth.

Recently, the Indian poet-diplomat had penned a Moon Anthem ahead of the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the moon.

Abhay K has penned anthems on all the planets in our solar system. His “Earth Anthem” has been translated into over 150 languages spoken globally and is widely sung to celebrate Earth Day and World Environment Day each year.

With inputs from agencies

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Post historic lunar landing, India eyes the Sun today with Aditya L1 spacecraft

With less than five hours left for ISRO to launch the Aditya L1 spacecraft on Saturday from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, India today will embark on its first solar mission soon after scripting history last month by successfully making a soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole.

The country’s first solar mission Aditya L1 on board the PSLV will lift off from Sriharikota on Saturday for its 125-day voyage towards the Sun. Aditya L1 is designed for providing remote observations of the solar corona and in situ observations of solar wind.

The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), the primary payload of Aditya L1, will send 1,440 images per day to the ground station for analysis on reaching the intended orbit.

VELC is the largest and technically most challenging payload on Aditya-L1. It was integrated, tested, and calibrated at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics’s (IIA) CREST campus in Hoskote. This was done with substantial collaboration with ISRO.

VELC carries seven payloads to study the Sun, four of which will observe the light from the Sun and the remaining three will measure in situ parameters of the plasma and magnetic fields.

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have said, the 190 kg VELC payload will send images for five years, which is the nominal life of the satellite, but it could last long depending on the fuel consumption.

IIA scientists expect the first images to be available by February-end. “The satellite is expected to be put into orbit in the middle of January and then we will do the test if all the systems are working properly and by the end of February we expect to get the regular data,” professor Jagdev Singh said.

The main science drivers of Aditya-L1 are to understand the origin, dynamics, and propagation of coronal mass ejections and to help solve the coronal heating problem.

Once the rocket lifts off from Sriharikota, it will be placed in a low-earth orbit (LEO) around the Earth. Subsequently, its orbit will be made more elliptical and, later, the spacecraft will be propelled towards the L1 point exiting the earth’s gravitational pull. It will take about four months for Aditya-L1 to reach its precise orbit.

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ED arrests Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in Rs 538 crore bank fraud case

The Enforcement Directorate late on Friday night arrested Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in a money laundering case linked to an alleged bank fraud of Rs 538 crore at the Canara Bank, people aware of the development said.

He was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a long session of questioning at the central agency’s office in Mumbai.

Goyal, 74, is expected to be produced before a special PMLA court in Mumbai on Saturday where the ED will seek for his custodial remand.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Jet Airways, Goyal, his wife Anita and some former company executives in connection with an alleged Rs 538 crore fraud case at the Canara Bank.

The FIR was registered on the bank’s complaint which alleged that it sanctioned credit limits and loans to Jet Airways (India) Ltd (JIL) to the tune of Rs 848.86 crore of which Rs 538.62 crore is outstanding.

The CBI had said the account was declared “fraud” on July 29, 2021.

The bank alleged that the forensic audit of JIL showed that it paid “related companies” Rs 1,410.41 crore out of a total commission expenses, thus siphoning off funds from JIL.

“As per sample Agreement of Jet Airways (India) Ltd (JIL), it was noted that the expenses of General Selling Agents (GSA) was to be borne by GSA itself and nor by JIL. However, it was observed that JIL has paid various expenses amounting to Rs 403.27 crore which is not in tune with the GSA,” the complaint now part of the CBI FIR alleged.

It said personal expenses such as salaries of staff, phone bills and vehicle expenses among others of the Goyal family were paid by JIL.

Among other allegations, it surfaced during the forensic audit that funds were also siphoned off through Jet Lite (India) Ltd (JLL) by way of making advance and investing and subsequently writing off of the same by making provision.

JIL diverted the funds for the subsidiary JLL in the form of loans and advances and investments extended.

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No need for Opposition to get nervous, 'one nation, one election' report will be discussed in Parliament: Pralhad Joshi

After the Centre constituted a committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind to explore the feasibility of “one nation, one election”, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minsiter Pralhad Joshi on Friday said the report submitted by the panel will be discussed in Parliament and that there was no need for the Opposition to “get nervous.”

#WATCH | On ‘One nation, One election’, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minsiter Pralhad Joshi says “Right now, a committee has been constituted. A report of the committee will come out which be discussed. The Parliament is mature, and discussions will take place, there is no need to… pic.twitter.com/iITyAacPBq

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2023

Addressing the reporters on Friday, Joshi said, “Right now, a committee has been constituted. A report of the committee will come out which be discussed. The Parliament is mature, and discussions will take place, there is no need to get nervous…India is called the mother of democracy, there is evolution…”

He further added that he will discuss the agenda of the special session of Parliament.

Sources said on Friday that Kovind will explore the feasibility of the exercise and the mechanism to see as to how the country can go back to having simultaneous Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls, as was the case till 1967.

He is expected to speak to experts and may also consult leaders of different political parties, they said.

The government’s decision comes a day after it decided to call a special session of Parliament between 18 and 22 September, the agenda for which is under wraps.

Since coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong votary for the idea of simultaneous polls, which include those at local bodies, citing financial burden caused by almost continuous election cycle and jolt to development work during the polling period.
Kovind too had echoed Modi’s view and expressed his support to the idea after becoming President in 2017.

Addressing Parliament, he had said in 2018, “Frequent elections not only impose a huge burden on human resources but also impede the development process due to the promulgation of the model code of conduct.”

Like Modi, he had called for a sustained debate and expressed hope that all political parties arrive at a consensus on this issue.

Meanwhile, the Opposition, which has assembled in Mumbai for the third meeting of I.N.D.I.A bloc, has slammed the move saying that this the diversionary tactic of the BJP-led Centre.

“The country is already one, is anyone questioning that? We demand fair election, not ‘one nation one election’. This funda of ‘one nation one election’ is being brought to divert the attention from our demand of fair election,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

VIDEO | “The country is already one, is anyone questioning that? We demand fair election, not ‘one nation one election’. This funda of ‘one nation one election’ is being brought to divert the attention from our demand of fair election,” says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader @rautsanjay61… pic.twitter.com/9phqvFiqCv

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 1, 2023

Congress leader Bhai Jagtap said that the BJP is afraid of I.N.D.I.A bloc which is why they made this move.

“There is an imperative need for a lot of discussion on this (one nation, one election). However, this proves that BJP is afraid of INDIA which is why they made this move,”  said the Congress leader.

CPI general secretary D Raja said that the government cannot take unilateral decisions.

VIDEO | “How can the government take unilateral decisions without consultation with political parties and Parliament?” says CPI general secretary D Raja on reports of the central government forming a committee to explore the possibility of ‘one nation one election’. pic.twitter.com/RXjYuI19Xx

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 1, 2023

“How can the government take unilateral decisions without consultation with political parties and Parliament?” asked CPI general secretary D Raja.

With inputs from agencies

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