Iran Launches Three Satellites Into Space

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Iran on Sunday said it has simultaneously launched three domestically developed satellites into space for the first time in its space history, the media reported.

Tehran, Jan 28: Iran on Sunday said it has simultaneously launched three domestically developed satellites into space for the first time in its space history, the media reported.

The satellites were launched to an elliptic orbit with a minimum altitude of 450 kilometers above the Earth's surface, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported.

The three satellites included one communications and research satellite, Mahda, and two nanosatellites, Keyhan-2 and Hatef-1, the report said, adding that they were launched by indigenously-built launch vehicle Simorgh (Phoenix) from the central province of Semnan, Xinhua news agency reported.

Mahda's primary mission is to assess Simorgh's performance over multiple tasks and evaluate new designs and technologies in space.

The report said the other two will focus on global positioning and communications technology.

Though the western governments, including the US, have time and again warned Iran against such launches, citing concern the same technology can be used for ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons, Tehran said its satellite and rocket launches are for civil or defence purposes only.

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On January 20, Iran announced the launch of a domestically developed lightweight 47-kilogram research and telecommunication satellite, dubbed Soraya, using the homegrown Qaem-100 three-stage solid-fuel launch vehicle.

(IANS)

IPL 2025: Chennai Might Think About Leaving Dhoni Out For A Game, Feels Ponting

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

New Delhi, Nov 4: After being retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the IPL 2025, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels that MS Dhoni might be rested for a game here and there in the next season to get the best out of him.

The 43-year-old, who is at the last stage of his playing career, only features in the IPL since announcing international retirement in 2020. He led CSK to five IPL titles under his leadership.

“Two seasons ago he probably had his worst season, but then last year again, he bounced back into really impacting some games like the MS Dhoni of old," Ponting said on the recent episode of The ICC Review.

"I think it will be exactly the same now...they might not get him through the whole season. They might think about leaving him out for a game and resting him up here and there to make sure that they’re getting the best out of him.”

Ponting expressed his admiration towards Dhoni's longevity and lauded his mentorship quality despite not being the captain of the side.

“Any team that he's in, whether he's captain or not, he's always going to be a mentor and a leader around that group, whether he’s playing, whether he’s sitting on the sidelines, that’s just who he is…he’s crucial to Chennai, for that leadership that he brings on and off the field,” Ponting stated.

“The best players are the ones that are able to maintain such a high level for a long time…for 10, 12, 14-year careers.”

Ponting emphasised how Dhoni has evolved over the years to remain impactful in the game with his unique ability to mould himself according to the situation.

“He’s actually batting the last 20 balls of an innings now but still showing that you can make a big impact on the game by doing that,” Ponting added.

--IANS

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K’taka: Two Arrested For Raping Young Woman In Mysuru

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Mysuru, Nov 4: Karnataka Police have arrested two accused for gang-raping a young woman on Monday who (accused) got acquainted with her (victim) in Mysuru city of Karnataka.

According to police sources, the incident had taken place on Sunday and the victim lodged a complaint with the Vijayanagar police station in Mysuru.

According to preliminary reports, the young woman had met the accused at a pub in Mysuru and after luring her the accused had taken her to a lodge and committed the crime.

Sources said that the police have collected CCTV footage of a young woman partying with one of the accused persons in the pub for a long time. The accused and the victim had consumed more than seven bottles of beer together.

The police have also got the CCTV footage of the victim and the accused normally entering the lodge and departing from there. The accused who was with the victim at the pub had invited one of his relatives to the lodge.

The police are yet to ascertain what exactly happened inside the lodge between the victim and the accused persons. The police stated that the invocation of the BNS Section for gang rape in the FIR is based on the complaint and not on the incident.

The victim has not suffered any injuries and she is safe and normal. The police sources stated that they are verifying the facts of the complaint given by the victim.

The latest incident has brought back the horrific incident of the sensational Mysuru gang-rape case which took place in Mysuru on August 24, 2021. Siddaramaiah was then the Opposition Leader in the Assembly and had come down heavily on the ruling BJP government.

The victim was dragged inside by the rapists when she was sitting and chatting with her friend in a park.

Karnataka police had submitted 1,499 pages of charge sheet in connection with the incident. The victim after college hours had gone to an isolated place near Chamundi Hill with her male friend.

The seven miscreants attacked them, sexually assaulted the lady and demanded Rs 3 lakh ransom from the youth. Later, the victims were admitted to a private hospital. The police had arrested seven persons from Tamil Nadu.

The incident had created a furore in Karnataka as student organisations came to the streets to protest the incident and demanded the arrest of the culprits.

However, the victim had gone back to her native and remained incommunicado with the police for a long time. However, the police kept in touch with her and managed to convince her to give a statement before the magistrate.

--IANS

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Cashless Transactions At 588 Booking Counters In Northeast Frontier Railway Zone

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Guwahati, Nov 4: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which operates in the northeastern states and in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar, has equipped 588 booking counters with QR code machines across its five divisions in a bid to support ‘Digital India’ and enable cashless transactions, officials said on Monday.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that 588 numbers of booking counters with QR code machines have been installed in five divisions -- Katihar, Rangiya, Alipurduar, Lumding, and Tinsukia.

He said that this initiative ensures that passengers at almost all major stations within the NFR network can benefit from seamless digital payments, making ticketing more convenient and efficient.

The digital booking counters have been strategically distributed, with 167 in Katihar, 96 in Alipurduar, 87 in Rangiya, 175 in Lumding, and 63 in Tinsukia.

The CPRO said that with the ongoing festive season, NFR has launched several special trains to manage the passenger rush and demand.

The availability of QR code machines at booking counters is especially beneficial for festival rush travellers, allowing them to avoid lengthy queues for cash transactions and opt for faster digital payment modes, he pointed out.

According to Sharma, this setup not only enhances passenger convenience but also aligns with safety protocols by minimising cash handling, ensuring a smoother journey for all.

The official said that the QR Code-based ticketing system would allow passengers to book their tickets through various digital platforms. Passengers can scan the QR code at the station to obtain their tickets without the need for physical interaction.

This move is expected to reduce queues at ticket counters, minimising the use of cash, and ensuring a faster and more secure ticket purchasing process.

The introduction of QR Code machines for cashless ticketing is another milestone achieved by NFR towards its efforts for modernising passenger services with enhanced amenities, the railway official said.