THE HEADLINES:
- ISRO successfully completes SpaDeX mission’s de-docking marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration.
- Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurates Yoga Mahotsav-2025 in New Delhi.
- Holi celebrations begin in different parts of the country with great fervor.
- IMD forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh today.
- And in WPL Cricket, Mumbai Indians to take on Gujarat Giants in Eliminator match in Mumbai this evening.
<><><>
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the undocking of two satellites, part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx) mission, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey. Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh has congratulated ISRO for its successful demonstration of the undocking experiment as part of the SpaDEx mission. In his post on the social media site X, the minister said it will pave the way for the smooth conduct of ambitious future missions, including the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, Chandrayaan-4, and Gaganyaan. More from our correspondent:-
“The successful undocking of the SpaDex satellites marks a significant milestone in India’s Space journey. Autonomous docking and undocking are key technologies for future satellite servicing, space station operations and deep space exploration. This advanced capability to dock and undock in space is considered pivotal for future space missions, including landing on the Moon, collecting samples and returning to Earth. The primary goal of SpaDex mission is now accomplished. India has now become the fourth country after USA, Russia and China to master this technology. Spadex mission has now demonstrated ISRO’s capabilities in electric power transfer between two spacecrafts moving in space and the use of an advanced Satellite Positioning System to ensure precise maneuvering in orbit. The functionality of payloads after undocking is vital for operations in future missions. Sudhindra , Akashvani News, Bengaluru.”
<><><>
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will reach out to the global community in New Delhi today, ahead of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. Through the event, the government aims to highlight the transformative potential of WAVES as a unified global platform for the rapidly growing media and entertainment sector. More than hundred ambassadors and high commissioners will outline opportunities for a synergistic approach in the media and entertainment sector during the event. The first edition of the WAVES Summit is scheduled to be held from the 1st to the 4th of May in Mumbai.
<><><>
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects worth 146 crore rupees in his Lok Sabha constituency of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, this afternoon. These projects are related to railways, roadways, and healthcare. Mr. Shah highlighted India’s remarkable progress, especially in infrastructure development. The Minister said that India now possesses the second-longest road network and the third-largest metro network in the world. He also lauded the transformative development in Gujarat. On the occasion, Mr Shah announced government’s plan to set up a new 500-bed hospital in the Sanand area and a new Civil Hospital in Gandhinagar.
<><><>
Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav today inaugurated Yoga Mahotsav- 2025 in New Delhi, to mark the 100 days countdown to the 11th International Yoga Day, which will be held on 21st June across the globe. On the occasion, the Minister also announced that within 100 day ten significant events will be organised in different parts of the country. He added, that under these events, Yoga Bandhan, a Yoga exchange program with 10 partner countries will be conducted. Mr. Jadhav informed that Yoga Sangam program will be organised at 10 thousand locations in the country.
<><><>
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has said that the central government is committed to empowering young people through strategic policies and initiatives, aligning with the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at an event under the Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect initiative at Kashmir University last evening, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping India’s future. A report:
“Dr Mansukh Mandaviya outlined the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing key policy decisions and budget allocations that focus on education, skill development, and employment generation. He stressed these initiatives are designed to equip young people with the necessary tools to contribute meaningfully to the Viksit Bharat. Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her speech encouraged students to take small impactful steps owing to their potential to be a catalyst for positive change. TARIQ RATHER, Akashvani News, Srinagar.”
<><><>
Holi, the festival of Colours, will be celebrated tomorrow across the country. Delhites are bursting with enthusiasm and excitement for the festival. People of the city are flooding shops to stock up on unique accessories that promise to make their Holi celebration bigger, brighter, and more fun than ever before. More from our correspondent;-
“Streets are lined with temporary stalls offering pichkaris, colors, herbal gulal, and others. Eateries are also rolling out special menus to celebrate the season. Holika Dahan will be celebrated today evening symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Talking to Akashvani News, Head of the Department of Dermatology in All India Institute of Medical Sciences AIIMS in New Delhi Dr Kaushal Verma advised people to use natural colours and avoid synthetic colours during the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Security has been tightened at different locations across the city. The Delhi Police has deployed hundreds of personnel across the national capital in view of the festival. Special teams have been deployed at various check points to ensure that there is no unauthorised or drunken driving. With Anupam Mishra, Priya Mondal Akashvani News, Delhi. “
<><><>
In Uttar Pradesh, Celebration of Holi has begun in the Braj region and Varanasi. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the Holika Dahan Shobhayatra in Gorakhpur today.
<><><>
The joy of Holi is at its peak in Madhya Pradesh. Special decorations have been made for Holi in all the major temples including Mahakal. More from our correspondent;
“In the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, only herbal gulaal will be offered to Lord Mahakaleshwar during the Holi festival. Carrying and playing with colors and gulaal in the Mahakal temple including sanctum sanctorum, Nandi Mandapam and the entire temple premises will be completely prohibited. In view of Holi, strict security arrangements have been made in the state. Special security arrangements have been made in sensitive areas. Sanjeev Sharma, Akashvani News, Bhopal.”
<><><>
The Holi festival in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region is in full swing, embracing its rich traditional essence. The vibrant spirit of Phalguni festivities has reached its peak, with the soulful melodies of Baithki Holi now giving way to the energetic rhythms of Khari Holi. Our correspondent reports that the mountain settlements are immersed in the festival, resonating with the beats of traditional instruments and splash of colors.
“Baithki Holi, which began on Basant Panchami in the month of Magh, is set to conclude with an explosion of colors and joy. For the past month, temples, community halls, and homes have echoed with classical Holi songs, blending devotional and romantic themes. Now, the electrifying enthusiasm of Khari Holi has taken over. The festival has brought vibrant celebrations to villages and towns across Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. Dressed in traditional attire, Holiyaars are dancing to the rhythmic beats of dhol and manjiras, filling the air with their melodious Holi songs. According to locals, Kumaon’s unique Holi tradition dates back to the reign of the Chand dynasty. Every year, traditional Holiyaars gather to keep this age-old cultural legacy alive, ensuring that the spirit of Kumaoni Holi continues to thrive. Sakshi Singh, Akashvani News, Dehradun.”
<><><>
In Punjab, the festival of Hola Mohalla has started with religious fervor and traditional gaiety at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, located in Ropar district, today. It will continue until March 15th. The celebrations were established by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in the late 17th century as a way to showcase Sikh martial skills and promote community unity.
<><><>
Northern Railway is operating more than 400 special trains for smooth travel of passengers ahead of the Holi festival. Comprehensive arrangements have been made to facilitate the passengers at different railway sations in Delhi-NCR. Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railways Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay informed that security arrangements, mini control rooms and waiting areas have been set up for passengers at the New Delhi, Anand Vihar and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Stations.
<><><>
The Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, will be closed for trading tomorrow in observance of the Holi festival. Trading in the equity, equity derivatives, securities lending and borrowing, and currency derivatives segments will also remain suspended tomorrow. Meanwhile, the commodity market will remain closed during the morning
<><><>
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh today. IMD said, Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds today. Weather conditions in these regions are likely to remain the same during the next 2-3 days. The met department has also predicted heat wave in Vidarbha, Odisha and Gujarat today.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the country’s western region of Kursk yesterday, marking his first trip there since Ukrainian forces seized territory in the region.
During his visit, President Putin toured a control center used by Russian forces and received a report from Valery Gerasimov, head of the Russian General Staff. Mr Putin instructed Russian forces to intensify their advance to reclaim the remaining territory from Ukrainian control as soon as possible.
<><><>
In Squash, India’s Velavan Senthilkumar has bowed out of the Australian Open 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. He faced a 1-3 defeat to Scotland’s Greg Lobban in the pre-quarterfinal this afternoon. Senthilkumar lost the first game 8-11 but leveled the match by taking the second 11-7. However, Lobban edged past Senthilkumar in the next two games, winning 12-10 11-9.
<><><>
In the Women’s Premier League Cricket, Mumbai Indians will take on Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator match at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai this evening. The match is set to begin at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time.
Delhi Capitals have already secured their place in the final of the tournament by topping the overall standings with 10 points.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- ISRO successfully completes SpaDeX mission’s de-docking marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration.
- Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurates Yoga Mahotsav-2025 in New Delhi.
- Holi celebrations begin in different parts of the country with great fervor.
- IMD forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh today.
- And in WPL Cricket, Mumbai Indians to take on Gujarat Giants in Eliminator match in Mumbai this evening.
<><><>