Odisha News Today

Sriharikota, Sept 4: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched EOS-05, the country’s first imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit, aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here in the early hours of Friday. ISRO said that the state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft EOS-05 was successfully placed into sub-geosynchronous orbit about 18 minutes after it lifted off from the spaceport. The GSLV-F17 mission represents the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle series. The vehicle employed a 4-metre diameter composite ogive payload fairing, underscoring ISRO’s growing technological sophistication in launch systems. The launch was conducted from the Second Launch Pad (SLP), reinforcing India’s operational capabilities in handling complex missions. EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art spacecraft designed to provide advanced Earth imaging from geosynchronous orbit, a first for India. Unlike satellites in low Earth orbit, EOS-05’s vantage point allows continuous observation of specific regions, enhancing applications in disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. The mission is expected to significantly strengthen India’s remote sensing programme and expand its role in global Earth observation initiatives. Also Read: Rajnath Singh Releases ‘Raksha’ Defence Diplomacy Document ISRO officials described the launch as a landmark achievement, highlighting the strategic importance of geosynchronous imaging for India’s developmental and security needs. The success of EOS-05 also demonstrates India’s ability to integrate cutting-edge satellite technology with reliable launch vehicles, further consolidating its position in the global space community. With EOS-05 now operational, India joins a select group of nations capable of deploying imaging satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The mission reflects ISRO’s continued emphasis on innovation, self-reliance, and expanding the scope of space applications for national development.

Kataka, Sep 3 : With Ganesh Puja just nine days away, preparations for the festival have gathered pace across Kataka, with idol makers working round the clock to give the final touches to Lord Ganesha idols. Kumbar Sahi, one of the city’s traditional pottery hubs, has come alive with activity as artisans work on idols of different sizes and designs. From small household idols to large and elaborate figures commissioned by puja committees and clubs, sculptors are busy completing orders ahead of the festival. The idols are being prepared through multiple stages, including the application of layers of clay. With the clay work largely completed on several idols, artisans have now started painting and decorating them. Sculptors said they are working day and night as the festival approaches. Most idols are expected to be completed and delivered to the respective puja committees a few days before Ganesh Puja. Artisans Reject Distorted Idol Designs Sculptor Khageswar Behera said some people had approached him with catalogues featuring distorted representations of Lord Ganesha, but he declined to accept such orders. “Some people have come to me with catalogues depicting distorted Ganesh idols. But I have categorically denied those orders,” Behera said. He welcomed the government’s guidelines against distorted or objectionable idols, saying religious sculptures should retain their spiritual significance rather than being created merely to attract attention on social media. “I think a sculpture should invoke spiritual fervour among devotees rather than becoming a social media view-gaining gimmick,” he said. Behera said he has received 15 orders this year, most of which are in the final stages of completion. The idols are scheduled to be delivered to the respective clubs and puja committees three days before Ganesh Puja. Also Read : Janmashtami Celebrated with Devotional Fervour In Bhubaneswar Police Steps Up Preparations Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police has also begun preparations to ensure the festival is celebrated peacefully and in an orderly manner. A preparatory meeting was held at Saheed Bhawan under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh, where several issues related to the festival and immersion processions were discussed. According to Kataka DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, Ganesh idol immersions have been scheduled for September 20, September 27, October 4 and October 11, with the events planned across four Sundays. The police said permission would be granted for four trollies and six sound boxes during immersion processions, subject to the applicable rules. The Commissionerate Police also said it would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards forced collection of donations during the festival. Puja Committees Asked To Follow Rules The General Secretary of Mahanagar Puja Committee Pravata Kumar Tripathy said committee members had been instructed to follow all rules laid down by the police and administration. He said intoxicants and DJs have been prohibited during immersions, while acknowledging that complete compliance during processions has sometimes remained a challenge. Tripathy urged the police administration to take a balanced approach in case of minor violations during processions. He also said puja committees and peace committees would oppose the use of distorted Ganesha idols and that committees using such idols would not be granted permission.