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India's successful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-low-earth-orbit-satellite-against-which-india-launched-a-surgical-strike-in-space-205974">anti-satellite missile test </a>on Wednesday showed that the country now possesses the capability to strike satellites in outer space with centimetre-level accuracy and precision, DRDO chairman G Satheesh Reddy said.

Reddy, who oversaw the top-secret operation, said the government accorded clearance to the project around two years back with an aim to deter threats to the country's space assets.&nbsp;

In a major feat, a DRDO-developed missile destroyed a low-orbiting satellite in a critical test that catapulted India as a space power alongside the US, China and Russia.

"It is a great achievement for India as the technology used for the test has been completely developed indigenously," Reddy said.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-YoqknWpdLs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

"The test was a reflection of India's growing capability to develop critical technology and it will act as a good deterrence," he said adding India was the fourth country to go for an anti-satellite missile test after the United States, Russia and China.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a 'Hit to Kill' mode.&nbsp;

"The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives," it said.

The test was conducted, under 'Mission Shakti' operation, from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.

Reddy said the test has demonstrated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mission-shakti-how-chinas-long-march-on-asat-missile-technology-threatens-elite-club-206054">India's capability to defend</a> its assets in outer space and is a reflection of the country's growing capability to develop critical technology. 
&nbsp; 
"The shooting down of a satellite with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-satellite-technology-will-be-deterrent-in-event-of-space-war-experts-206072">missile reflected </a>that we have matured to develop technology which could achieve accuracy in terms of centimetres" said Reddy, adding clearance for the project was given over two years back.

"The project was implemented in the fastest way possible and it showed the DRDO's capability in doing such programmes," he said.&nbsp;

Reddy said the technology used has been completely developed indigenously and now India stands as one of the four nations to have it.

India is emerging as a major technologically advanced nation in space sector, he said.

The DRDO said the test has once again proven the capability of indigenous weapon systems.&nbsp;

India is yet to have a comprehensive national security doctrine. However, a joint operational doctrine for the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, released in April 2017 had proposed to set up a 'Defence Space Agency' to deal with issues relating to outer space.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs said the test was not directed against any country and that India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space.

"The test is not directed against any country. India's space capabilities do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone," the MEA said in a 10-point explainer on the anti-satellite missile test.

India's successful anti-satellite missile test on Wednesday showed that the country now possesses the capability to strike satellites in outer space with centimetre-level accuracy and precision, DRDO chairman G Satheesh Reddy said.

India's successful anti-satellite missile test on Wednesday showed that the country now possesses the capability to strike satellites in outer space with centimetre-level accuracy and precision, DRDO chairman G Satheesh Reddy said. Reddy, who oversaw the top-secret operation, said the government accorded clearance to the project around two years back with an aim to deter threats to the country's space assets. In a major feat, a DRDO-developed missile destroyed a low-orbiting satellite in a critical test that catapulted India as a space power alongside the US, China and Russia. "It is a great achievement for India as the technology used for the test has been completely developed indigenously," Reddy said. "The test was a reflection of India's growing capability to develop critical technology and it will act as a good deterrence," he said adding India was the fourth country to go for an anti-satellite missile test after the United States, Russia and China. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a 'Hit to Kill' mode. "The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives," it said. The test was conducted, under 'Mission Shakti' operation, from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. Reddy said the test has demonstrated India's capability to defend its assets in outer space and is a reflection of the country's growing capability to develop critical technology. "The shooting down of a satellite with a missile reflected that we have matured to develop technology which could achieve accuracy in terms of centimetres" said Reddy, adding clearance for the project was given over two years back. "The project was implemented in the fastest way possible and it showed the DRDO's capability in doing such programmes," he said. Reddy said the technology used has been completely developed indigenously and now India stands as one of the four nations to have it. India is emerging as a major technologically advanced nation in space sector, he said. The DRDO said the test has once again proven the capability of indigenous weapon systems. India is yet to have a comprehensive national security doctrine. However, a joint operational doctrine for the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, released in April 2017 had proposed to set up a 'Defence Space Agency' to deal with issues relating to outer space. Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs said the test was not directed against any country and that India has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space. "The test is not directed against any country. India's space capabilities do not threaten any country and nor are they directed against anyone," the MEA said in a 10-point explainer on the anti-satellite missile test.

ASAT technology completely developed indigenously: DRDO chief

A major attempt to smuggle in Rs 500 crore worth drugs from Pakistan was foiled after Coast Guard and ATS personnel intercepted a boat and seized around 100 kg heroin, officials said Wednesday. After being intercepted, the boat crew set the vessel afire and also tried to destroy the drugs. The ATS arrested nine Iranians from the boat, the officials said.

The joint mid-sea operation was carried out off Gujarat coast Tuesday by the Coast Guard and the state Anti- Terrorism Squad, they added. The Iranian boat was loaded off the Gwadar port in Pakistan, the officials said. Occupants of the boat set it ablaze as the Coast Guard and ATS personnel closed in, officials said.

The boat sank off the Gujarat coast near Porbandar, an official release said. “The interrogation of nine Iranian nationals from the smuggler’s boat revealed one Pakistani national named Hamid Malek had sent the consignment, which was loaded in the Iranian boat off Gwadar port of Pakistan. The total value of the 100 kg contraband is estimated to be Rs 500 crore,” the release said.

Officials said Gujarat ATS had received a tip-off that an Iranian boat will make an attempt to smuggle in heroin along the Gujarat coast. The ATS contacted the Coast Guard and the Marine Task Force of the Gujarat police to launch an operation on Monday. “Officers of ATS boarded the ICG’s fast patrol vessel (FPV) and a joint search was started. Commandos of Marine Task Force of Gujarat police were kept in boats in territorial waters to help in apprehending the smugglers,” said the release.

According to ATS officials, the information available was limited and only the communication frequency, to identify the smugglers’ boat, was known. “After more than 24 hours of search, a suspicious boat was identified while making an attempt to communicate in the 
particular frequency” said the release.

When the Coast Guard ship started following the boat and asked the crew to stop, they tried to escape by steering away from the boat, which resulted in a mid-sea chase. However, fearing that they would be caught eventually, the crew set the boat ablaze to destroy evidence, the release said. It said personnel on the Coast Guard ship tried to douse the flames but the presence of 24,000 litres of fuel and gas cylinders on board the smugglers’ boat put paid to the effort and the blaze spun out of control.

The boat eventually sank but all nine crew members were rescued and apprehended, and 100 kg heroin seized from the vessel by security forces. ATS officials said the person, as well as the boat, that was supposed to receive the drugs consignment, have been identified.

A major attempt to smuggle in Rs 500 crore worth drugs from Pakistan was foiled after Coast Guard and ATS personnel intercepted a boat and seized around 100 kg heroin, officials said Wednesday.

A major attempt to smuggle in Rs 500 crore worth drugs from Pakistan was foiled after Coast Guard and ATS personnel intercepted a boat and seized around 100 kg heroin, officials said Wednesday. After being intercepted, the boat crew set the vessel afire and also tried to destroy the drugs. The ATS arrested nine Iranians from the boat, the officials said. The joint mid-sea operation was carried out off Gujarat coast Tuesday by the Coast Guard and the state Anti- Terrorism Squad, they added. The Iranian boat was loaded off the Gwadar port in Pakistan, the officials said. Occupants of the boat set it ablaze as the Coast Guard and ATS personnel closed in, officials said. The boat sank off the Gujarat coast near Porbandar, an official release said. “The interrogation of nine Iranian nationals from the smuggler’s boat revealed one Pakistani national named Hamid Malek had sent the consignment, which was loaded in the Iranian boat off Gwadar port of Pakistan. The total value of the 100 kg contraband is estimated to be Rs 500 crore,” the release said. Officials said Gujarat ATS had received a tip-off that an Iranian boat will make an attempt to smuggle in heroin along the Gujarat coast. The ATS contacted the Coast Guard and the Marine Task Force of the Gujarat police to launch an operation on Monday. “Officers of ATS boarded the ICG’s fast patrol vessel (FPV) and a joint search was started. Commandos of Marine Task Force of Gujarat police were kept in boats in territorial waters to help in apprehending the smugglers,” said the release. According to ATS officials, the information available was limited and only the communication frequency, to identify the smugglers’ boat, was known. “After more than 24 hours of search, a suspicious boat was identified while making an attempt to communicate in the particular frequency” said the release. When the Coast Guard ship started following the boat and asked the crew to stop, they tried to escape by steering away from the boat, which resulted in a mid-sea chase. However, fearing that they would be caught eventually, the crew set the boat ablaze to destroy evidence, the release said. It said personnel on the Coast Guard ship tried to douse the flames but the presence of 24,000 litres of fuel and gas cylinders on board the smugglers’ boat put paid to the effort and the blaze spun out of control. The boat eventually sank but all nine crew members were rescued and apprehended, and 100 kg heroin seized from the vessel by security forces. ATS officials said the person, as well as the boat, that was supposed to receive the drugs consignment, have been identified.

Nine Iranians held with Rs 500 crore worth heroin off Gujarat coast

The Supreme Court Wednesday said there is a valid “strong viewpoint” that post-retirement appointment of judges in tribunals is a “scar” on the “independence of the judiciary”.&nbsp;

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which is hearing as many as 18 petitions relating to challenges to the laws governing quasi-judicial tribunals, said that retired High Court judges are usually unwilling to man these panels as there was an inordinate delay in appointments.

“There is a viewpoint that post-retirement appointment is itself a scar on judicial independence of the judiciary. How do you handle that,” the bench said, adding, “This is a valid and strong point”. Dealing with the issue of tribunalisation of the judiciary, the bench, which also included Justices N V Ramana, D Y Chandrachud, Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said that it has been done to lessen the burden of the high courts and the situation of vacancies there was very grim.

The top court ruled the huge vacancies in high courts and said even the high court collegiums are not recommending the names for the appointments. “Let us not blame the government for every problem,” it said.

“Look at the state of our high courts in terms of the number of judges. The whole idea of transferring the jurisdiction (to tribunals) was to lighten the burden,” it said. It said the total sanctioned post of judges in high courts are 1,089.

“How many are actually holding office. 397 is the number of vacancies. 264 are yet to be even recommended by high courts. When will they come? When will they be processed? When will the appointments be made? And by that time, how many more judges will have retired,” the bench quipped. It said that with this truncated strength, the high courts cannot take up more work.

“In some high courts, writ petitions are listed four weeks after filing. Here, in the Supreme Court, the matter comes up after four days and there is still mentioned,” it said. In one of the high courts, a bail application takes four weeks to be heard, it said, adding that the government has been setting up National Company Law Tribunals everywhere, but there are no presiding officers and members to man them.

The Supreme Court Wednesday said there is a valid “strong viewpoint” that post-retirement appointment of judges in tribunals is a “scar” on the “independence of the judiciary”.

The Supreme Court Wednesday said there is a valid “strong viewpoint” that post-retirement appointment of judges in tribunals is a “scar” on the “independence of the judiciary”. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which is hearing as many as 18 petitions relating to challenges to the laws governing quasi-judicial tribunals, said that retired High Court judges are usually unwilling to man these panels as there was an inordinate delay in appointments. “There is a viewpoint that post-retirement appointment is itself a scar on judicial independence of the judiciary. How do you handle that,” the bench said, adding, “This is a valid and strong point”. Dealing with the issue of tribunalisation of the judiciary, the bench, which also included Justices N V Ramana, D Y Chandrachud, Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said that it has been done to lessen the burden of the high courts and the situation of vacancies there was very grim. The top court ruled the huge vacancies in high courts and said even the high court collegiums are not recommending the names for the appointments. “Let us not blame the government for every problem,” it said. “Look at the state of our high courts in terms of the number of judges. The whole idea of transferring the jurisdiction (to tribunals) was to lighten the burden,” it said. It said the total sanctioned post of judges in high courts are 1,089. “How many are actually holding office. 397 is the number of vacancies. 264 are yet to be even recommended by high courts. When will they come? When will they be processed? When will the appointments be made? And by that time, how many more judges will have retired,” the bench quipped. It said that with this truncated strength, the high courts cannot take up more work. “In some high courts, writ petitions are listed four weeks after filing. Here, in the Supreme Court, the matter comes up after four days and there is still mentioned,” it said. In one of the high courts, a bail application takes four weeks to be heard, it said, adding that the government has been setting up National Company Law Tribunals everywhere, but there are no presiding officers and members to man them.

What Supreme Court thinks about post-retirement appointment of judges at tribunals

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/abhinandans-moustache-takes-internet-by-storm-200797#abhinandan-varthamans-gunslinger-moustache-200792">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman</a>, who was captured by Pakistan last month and returned to India two days later, has gone back to his squadron in Srinagar though he is on four-week sick leave, official sources said Tuesday.

They said Varthaman preferred to return to his squadron in Srinagar than go to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthamans-parents-get-standing-ovation-on-flight-to-delhi-200462">his family</a> home in Chennai while on leave.

The IAF pilot went on leave around 12 days ago after security agencies completed a nearly two-week debriefing after his return from Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Varthaman could have gone to his family home in Chennai to spend time with his parents. But he chose to go to Srinagar where his squadron is based," the sources said.

After his four-week sick leave period, a medical board will review his fitness to help the IAF top brass decide whether he can return to fighter cockpit as desired by him.

He was captured by the Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets during an aerial combat. He downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan before his plane was hit.

Varthaman was released on the night of March 1 by Pakistan.

After he was captured, Varthaman showed courage and grace in handling the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and people in general.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations the next day. However, the IAF thwarted their plans.&nbsp;

The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror outfit claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan last month and returned to India two days later, has gone back to his squadron in Srinagar though he is on four-week sick leave, official sources said Tuesday.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan last month and returned to India two days later, has gone back to his squadron in Srinagar though he is on four-week sick leave, official sources said Tuesday. They said Varthaman preferred to return to his squadron in Srinagar than go to his family home in Chennai while on leave. The IAF pilot went on leave around 12 days ago after security agencies completed a nearly two-week debriefing after his return from Pakistan. "Varthaman could have gone to his family home in Chennai to spend time with his parents. But he chose to go to Srinagar where his squadron is based," the sources said. After his four-week sick leave period, a medical board will review his fitness to help the IAF top brass decide whether he can return to fighter cockpit as desired by him. He was captured by the Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets during an aerial combat. He downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan before his plane was hit. Varthaman was released on the night of March 1 by Pakistan. After he was captured, Varthaman showed courage and grace in handling the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and people in general. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations the next day. However, the IAF thwarted their plans. The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror outfit claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returns to his squadron in Srinagar

India's monsoon, crucial for Asia's third-largest economy, is likely to be a robust and healthy one this year provided there isn't a surprise El Nino phenomenon, the top India Meteorological Department official said on Wednesday.

Monsoon rains, the lifeblood for India`s farm-dependent $2.6 trillion economy, arrive on the southern tip of Kerala state around June 1 and retreat from the desert state of Rajasthan by September.

India's 263 million farmers wait for monsoon rains to plant crops such as rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybean because nearly half of the country's farmland lacks irrigation. Farming output makes up just less than 14 per cent of India`s economy but the sector employs more than half of the country`s 1.3 billion population.

"It's really early to talk about the pattern that this year`s monsoon will follow, but we do know that practically no one is predicting a strong El Nino," K.J. Ramesh, director general of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters.

Plentiful monsoon rains could lift agricultural and wider economic growth and keep food prices and overall inflation subdued. That could also add to pressure on India`s central bank to cut interest rates.

On the downside, higher production could mean farmers continue to get hit by low crop prices, a major cause for concern in rural India in the past two years.

A strong El Nino, marked by a warming of the sea surface on the Pacific Ocean, can cause severe drought in Australia, Southeast Asia and India, while drenching other parts of the world such as the U.S. Midwest and Brazil in rains.

The emergence of a strong El Nino triggered back-to-back droughts in 2014 and 2015, only for the fourth time in over a century, driving some Indian farmers to penury and suicide.

The India Meteorological Department defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 percent and 104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 cm for the entire four-month season beginning in June.

In 2017 and 2018, rainfall was 9 per cent&nbsp;and 91 per cent of the long-term average respectively.

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon could also be a positive development, said Ramesh.

The IOD phenomenon is characterised by higher sea-surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. A positive IOD creates a barrier in the eastern Indian Ocean and all the southwesterly winds blow towards the Indian sub-continent, causing rains in the country.

Weather officials say a positive IOD played a big role in bringing adequate rains to India in 1967, 1977, 1997 and 2006.

The India Meteorological Department is likely to make its first official forecast of this year`s monsoon rains by the middle of April.

India's monsoon, crucial for Asia's third-largest economy, is likely to be a robust and healthy one this year provided there isn't a surprise El Nino phenomenon, the top India Meteorological Department official said on Wednesday.

India's monsoon, crucial for Asia's third-largest economy, is likely to be a robust and healthy one this year provided there isn't a surprise El Nino phenomenon, the top India Meteorological Department official said on Wednesday. Monsoon rains, the lifeblood for India`s farm-dependent $2.6 trillion economy, arrive on the southern tip of Kerala state around June 1 and retreat from the desert state of Rajasthan by September. India's 263 million farmers wait for monsoon rains to plant crops such as rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybean because nearly half of the country's farmland lacks irrigation. Farming output makes up just less than 14 per cent of India`s economy but the sector employs more than half of the country`s 1.3 billion population. "It's really early to talk about the pattern that this year`s monsoon will follow, but we do know that practically no one is predicting a strong El Nino," K.J. Ramesh, director general of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters. Plentiful monsoon rains could lift agricultural and wider economic growth and keep food prices and overall inflation subdued. That could also add to pressure on India`s central bank to cut interest rates. On the downside, higher production could mean farmers continue to get hit by low crop prices, a major cause for concern in rural India in the past two years. A strong El Nino, marked by a warming of the sea surface on the Pacific Ocean, can cause severe drought in Australia, Southeast Asia and India, while drenching other parts of the world such as the U.S. Midwest and Brazil in rains. The emergence of a strong El Nino triggered back-to-back droughts in 2014 and 2015, only for the fourth time in over a century, driving some Indian farmers to penury and suicide. The India Meteorological Department defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 percent and 104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 cm for the entire four-month season beginning in June. In 2017 and 2018, rainfall was 9 per cent and 91 per cent of the long-term average respectively. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon could also be a positive development, said Ramesh. The IOD phenomenon is characterised by higher sea-surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. A positive IOD creates a barrier in the eastern Indian Ocean and all the southwesterly winds blow towards the Indian sub-continent, causing rains in the country. Weather officials say a positive IOD played a big role in bringing adequate rains to India in 1967, 1977, 1997 and 2006. The India Meteorological Department is likely to make its first official forecast of this year`s monsoon rains by the middle of April.

India's monsoon should be robust provided no El Nino surprise: Meteorological Department

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-billion-from-pentagon-for-trumps-wall-us-congress-committee-says-move-not-permitted-205901">$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted</a>

A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">Boeing 737 MAX makes </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">emergency</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906"> landing in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">: FAA</a>

A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing Tuesday after experiencing an engine problem as it was being ferried from Florida to California, the US Federal Aviation Agency said.

"The aircraft returned and landed safely in Orlando," the FAA said in a statement, adding that no passengers were on board the aircraft, which was being transferred to Victorville, California for storage.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/737-max-pivotal-day-today-for-boeing-as-it-meets-with-pilots-airlines-205915">737 MAX: Pivotal day today for Boeing as it meets with pilots, airlines</a>

Wednesday will be a pivotal day for aircraft maker Boeing Co and federal aviation safety regulators as they try to rebuild trust following two deadly crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airliners.

Boeing has scheduled a briefing on Wednesday for about 200 pilots and airline representatives in Renton, Washington, home of its 737 assembly complex. The company is expected to outline changes to software that controls a system designed to automatically prevent a mid-flight stall.

Also on Wednesday in Washington, DC, a US Senate panel plans to question the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Department's inspector general and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board about how thoroughly the 737 MAX's automated flight control system was tested, and what will be done to assure that any fixes work.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-released-from-jail-after-he-gets-bail-205903">Nawaz Sharif released from jail after he gets bail</a>

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from a jail here in the early hours of Wednesday after the Supreme Court granted him bail for six weeks on medical grounds.

On Tuesday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa accepted Sharif's appeal and allowed him to get medical treatment from any health facility of his choice within the country.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mma-star-conor-mcgregor-under-investigation-for-sexual-assault-nyt-205909">MMA star Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault: NYT</a>

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon.

$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border. Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted. Boeing 737 MAX makes emergency landing in US: FAA A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing Tuesday after experiencing an engine problem as it was being ferried from Florida to California, the US Federal Aviation Agency said. "The aircraft returned and landed safely in Orlando," the FAA said in a statement, adding that no passengers were on board the aircraft, which was being transferred to Victorville, California for storage. 737 MAX: Pivotal day today for Boeing as it meets with pilots, airlines Wednesday will be a pivotal day for aircraft maker Boeing Co and federal aviation safety regulators as they try to rebuild trust following two deadly crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airliners. Boeing has scheduled a briefing on Wednesday for about 200 pilots and airline representatives in Renton, Washington, home of its 737 assembly complex. The company is expected to outline changes to software that controls a system designed to automatically prevent a mid-flight stall. Also on Wednesday in Washington, DC, a US Senate panel plans to question the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Department's inspector general and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board about how thoroughly the 737 MAX's automated flight control system was tested, and what will be done to assure that any fixes work. Nawaz Sharif released from jail after he gets bail Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from a jail here in the early hours of Wednesday after the Supreme Court granted him bail for six weeks on medical grounds. On Tuesday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa accepted Sharif's appeal and allowed him to get medical treatment from any health facility of his choice within the country. MMA star Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault: NYT Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday. The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation&nbsp;on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.&nbsp;

Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-final-goal-is-the-2022-assembly-elections-in-uttar-pradesh-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-196999">Priyanka Gandhi who is on</a> a three-day visit to Amethi&nbsp;also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end.&nbsp;

“Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi.

The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices.&nbsp;

“Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections.

When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city.

When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi.

Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted.&nbsp;

Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul.&nbsp;

In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections. &nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra renewed Congress pitch on agriculture and jobs as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on successful ASAT mission carried out by the DRDO scientists. Though Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the scientists, she made it a point to mention that it was established by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Priyanka Gandhi who is on a three-day visit to Amethi also countered BJP’s narrative that Congress perpetuates poverty for electoral end. “Lot of work has been done. I’m not saying that all the work has been done but progress has also happened under Congress rule,” said Priyanka Gandhi. The UP east general secretary attacked the ruling dispensation on the ground that the Modi government failed on the employment front. Priyanka also attacked the BJP on agricultural distress and charged the government for rising seed and fertilizer prices. “Farmers are in debt. The issue is that there is gross unemployment. Young people are unemployed, and I see them everywhere,” said Priyanka Gandhi. She said that the economy is in shambles and of public importance must be discussed during Lok Sabha elections. When asked a question on whether she would like to contest Lok Sabha elections, she said, "Why not. I would like to contest the elections if my party asks me to do so.” Though she added that she would like to focus on the organization and said that now she is a full-time politician. Priyanka Gandhi is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. On March 28th, she will be in Ayodhya where she will be visiting the famous Hanumangarhi temple. She is also expected to do a roadshow in the city. When asked whether she would visit Ram Lala Virajman, she remained non-committal and said that she would go to places visited by her brother Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi also held a nine-hour long meeting with booth workers of Amethi at Musafirkhana. She asked the booth workers to ensure that booths are not unattended and BJP’s failures must be highlighted. Amethi is Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s constituency. BJP has again fielded Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani against Rahul. In 2014, the winning margin of Rahul Gandhi had declined. Priyanka will be conducting a similar meeting with booth workers on Thursday in Rae Bareilly from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is contesting elections.

Priyanka renews agrarian pitch for Congress in Lok Sabha elections

Two Bangladeshi nationals with alleged links to terror outfits have been arrested near Patna Junction railway station and documents related to a deputation of central forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been found from them, officials said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Photocopies of orders pertaining to a deputation of central forces in Jammu and Kashmir post-Pulwama terror attack, besides pamphlets and posters of terror group ISIS were found from them when they were arrested on Monday evening, a statement issued by the Anti-Terror Squad of the Bihar Police said.

The duo — Khairul Mandal and Abu Sultan from Jhenaidah district of Bangladesh — are associated with the terror outfit Jamiat-Ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Islamic State Bangladesh (ISBD), it said. The ATS team acting on specific inputs had caught the two Bangladeshi men from a motorcycle stand adjacent to Madni Musafirkhana, a lodge near the railway station. They were produced before the ATS court, which sent them to jail, the statement said.

Police have also seized three mobile phones, a memory card, two fake voter identity cards, a fake PAN card, railway tickets from Gaya to Patna and New Delhi to Howrah and also a bus ticket from Kolkata to Gaya from them, it said. The two had entered the country without any legal document and had procured fake voter identity cards, the statement said, adding they were tasked by the head of JMB to lure and induct Muslim youths into the outfit.

They had visited Kolkata, Kerala, Delhi and Patna and Gaya in Bihar for inducting Muslim youths besides carrying out a recce of Buddhist shrines to execute their terror plan, the ATS said. The two, who said they wanted to join ISIS, had even stayed in Gaya for 11 days for the purpose.

Two Bangladeshi nationals with alleged links to terror outfits have been arrested near Patna Junction railway station and documents related to a deputation of central forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been found from them, officials said Tuesday.

Two Bangladeshi nationals with alleged links to terror outfits have been arrested near Patna Junction railway station and documents related to a deputation of central forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been found from them, officials said Tuesday. Photocopies of orders pertaining to a deputation of central forces in Jammu and Kashmir post-Pulwama terror attack, besides pamphlets and posters of terror group ISIS were found from them when they were arrested on Monday evening, a statement issued by the Anti-Terror Squad of the Bihar Police said. The duo — Khairul Mandal and Abu Sultan from Jhenaidah district of Bangladesh — are associated with the terror outfit Jamiat-Ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Islamic State Bangladesh (ISBD), it said. The ATS team acting on specific inputs had caught the two Bangladeshi men from a motorcycle stand adjacent to Madni Musafirkhana, a lodge near the railway station. They were produced before the ATS court, which sent them to jail, the statement said. Police have also seized three mobile phones, a memory card, two fake voter identity cards, a fake PAN card, railway tickets from Gaya to Patna and New Delhi to Howrah and also a bus ticket from Kolkata to Gaya from them, it said. The two had entered the country without any legal document and had procured fake voter identity cards, the statement said, adding they were tasked by the head of JMB to lure and induct Muslim youths into the outfit. They had visited Kolkata, Kerala, Delhi and Patna and Gaya in Bihar for inducting Muslim youths besides carrying out a recce of Buddhist shrines to execute their terror plan, the ATS said. The two, who said they wanted to join ISIS, had even stayed in Gaya for 11 days for the purpose.

Suspected terrorists arrested in Patna with ISIS posters, troop deployment documents

Two of the three MGP MLAs in Goa early Wednesday merged their party's legislative wing with the BJP, which now has 14 legislators in the 36-member state assembly.

Legislators Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar gave a letter to merge the MGP legislature party with the BJP to officiating Goa Assembly Speaker Michael Lobo at 1:45 am.

However, Sudin Dhavalikar, the third Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA, has not signed the letter.

While Ajgaonkar is tourism minister, Dhavalikar is a deputy chief minister in the BJP-led state government in Goa.

As two out of the three MLAs have merged the legislative wing, they are saved from inviting anti-defection law, which makes it mandatory that two-thirds of the strength should agree for merger.

The legislators broke away from the MGP and formed a group, MGP (two) on Tuesday. They have now merged the legislative unit with the BJP.

Lobo confirmed that he received the letter at 1:45 am from both the MLAs for merging their legislature party with the BJP.

The signature of Dhavalikar is not there on the letter, he said.

The mid-night political drama has increased the strength of the BJP from 12 to 14 in the 36-member House, bringing them on par with opposition Congress which has an equal number of MLAs on the floor.

The MGP is an alliance partner of the BJP in Goa since 2012.

Two of the three MGP MLAs in Goa early Wednesday merged their party's legislative wing with the BJP, which now has 14 legislators in the 36-member state assembly.

Two of the three MGP MLAs in Goa early Wednesday merged their party's legislative wing with the BJP, which now has 14 legislators in the 36-member state assembly. Legislators Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar gave a letter to merge the MGP legislature party with the BJP to officiating Goa Assembly Speaker Michael Lobo at 1:45 am. However, Sudin Dhavalikar, the third Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA, has not signed the letter. While Ajgaonkar is tourism minister, Dhavalikar is a deputy chief minister in the BJP-led state government in Goa. As two out of the three MLAs have merged the legislative wing, they are saved from inviting anti-defection law, which makes it mandatory that two-thirds of the strength should agree for merger. The legislators broke away from the MGP and formed a group, MGP (two) on Tuesday. They have now merged the legislative unit with the BJP. Lobo confirmed that he received the letter at 1:45 am from both the MLAs for merging their legislature party with the BJP. The signature of Dhavalikar is not there on the letter, he said. The mid-night political drama has increased the strength of the BJP from 12 to 14 in the 36-member House, bringing them on par with opposition Congress which has an equal number of MLAs on the floor. The MGP is an alliance partner of the BJP in Goa since 2012.

Goa: 2 MGP MLAs break away from party, merge legislative wing with BJP

The anti-satellite missile capability demonstrated by India on Wednesday will be a deterrent in the event of a war where space may be the theatre of action with countries seeking to down enemy satellites, experts explained.

"The message goes strong and loud that if any of our satellites is harmed, we possess the capability of destroying yours (the adversary)," said Ajay Lele, a senior fellow with the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).

The former Air Force officer and other experts said India has possessed the anti-missile technology for several years but needed the political go-ahead to actually test it in live conditions. They said the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) received the green signal to prepare for the test two years ago, which came to fruition on Wednesday.

In 2012, India conducted simulated tests, establishing the capability but the then Manmohan Singh-led UPA government had not given permission for a live test, likely over concerns that a destroyed satellite would result in debris that would damage satellites of other countries.

Daniel Porras, Space Security Fellow, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva, said Wednesday's test destroyed a satellite at an altitude of 300 km.

"It was not a good sign for LEO (low earth orbit)... Which has telecommunication and earth observation satellites and also the International Space Station", which cruises at a height of 400 km, he said.

"The test was done at 300 km, so pretty low, meaning most of the debris will slowly come down. However, lots of objects near that altitude... Not a good sign for all those LEO constellations. Also, if any debris damages other objects, India will be liable under the Liability Convention (if attribution is established)," Porras tweeted.

Former ISRO chairperson G Madhavan Nair, who was also secretary, Department of Space, from 2003 to 2009, said the DRDO had anti-missile technology, including the algorithms required for setting the trajectory to hit the moving target.

"Marrying the two technologies (of ISRO and DRDO) was required which happened over the last few years," Nair told PTI.

He said it would have taken about two years for scientists to perfect the missile launch once the go-ahead for the test was given by the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that the test, named Mission Shakti, was not directed against any country and the disused Indian owned satellite was a pre-determined target.

In an address to the nation, Modi also said India has not breached any international law or treaty.

India is only the fourth country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability after the US, Russia and China. There has been no instance of a space war but the countries have demonstrated their capabilities by testing on their own satellites as India did on Wednesday.

The UNIDIR defines ASAT (Anti-Satellite) as "any capabilities aimed at destroying or disabling space assets for any reason, whether military or civilian, offensive or defensive".

Lele of IDSA said India had already developed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) technology and along with it came the know-how behind ASAT.

"Testing the Anti-Satellite missile at LEO at 300 kilometres was only to demonstrate capacity. This is also a deterrence mechanism in the event of space war, similar to what India has developed in the nuclear domain," he said.

Lele added that a political decision was required as conducting anti-satellite missiles tests could attract international criticism over issues of adding to debris in space and accusations of militarising space.

In an era where defence forces rely on satellites for different aspects of security, including intelligence gathering, having ASAT missile capability sends a strong signal to adversaries, he said.

Rajeshwari Pillai Rajagopalan, senior fellow and head of the Nuclear and Space Initiative, Observer Researcher Foundation (ORF), said Wednesday's development reflects India's desire to not make the mistake it did in 1974 when it conducted its first nuclear test in Pokhran.

The tests were conducted four years after the Nuclear Proliferation Test (NPT) Treaty came into force in 1970. There is no similar international treaty for space.

"The successful test also acts as a deterrent in event of a space war. The technology was available, so it was high time India tested it. Political will was also needed behind taking the decision," Rajagopalan said, referring to the possibility of an international backlash.

In 2007, China destroyed its FengYun 1C weather satellite with an SC-19 missile, leaving behind space debris consisting of 3,280 pieces of trackable debris, as well as up to 32,000 pieces that are non-trackable.

The following year, during Operation Burnt Frost, the US destroyed its own satellite, USA-193, with an SM-3 interceptor creating 174 pieces of trackable debris, plus non-trackable shards.

Now, the spectre of space war has spilt over from the realm of Hollywood fiction into Indian reality.

The anti-satellite missile capability demonstrated by India on Wednesday will be a deterrent in the event of a war where space may be the theatre of action with countries seeking to down enemy satellites, experts explained.

The anti-satellite missile capability demonstrated by India on Wednesday will be a deterrent in the event of a war where space may be the theatre of action with countries seeking to down enemy satellites, experts explained. "The message goes strong and loud that if any of our satellites is harmed, we possess the capability of destroying yours (the adversary)," said Ajay Lele, a senior fellow with the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). The former Air Force officer and other experts said India has possessed the anti-missile technology for several years but needed the political go-ahead to actually test it in live conditions. They said the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) received the green signal to prepare for the test two years ago, which came to fruition on Wednesday. In 2012, India conducted simulated tests, establishing the capability but the then Manmohan Singh-led UPA government had not given permission for a live test, likely over concerns that a destroyed satellite would result in debris that would damage satellites of other countries. Daniel Porras, Space Security Fellow, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva, said Wednesday's test destroyed a satellite at an altitude of 300 km. "It was not a good sign for LEO (low earth orbit)... Which has telecommunication and earth observation satellites and also the International Space Station", which cruises at a height of 400 km, he said. "The test was done at 300 km, so pretty low, meaning most of the debris will slowly come down. However, lots of objects near that altitude... Not a good sign for all those LEO constellations. Also, if any debris damages other objects, India will be liable under the Liability Convention (if attribution is established)," Porras tweeted. Former ISRO chairperson G Madhavan Nair, who was also secretary, Department of Space, from 2003 to 2009, said the DRDO had anti-missile technology, including the algorithms required for setting the trajectory to hit the moving target. "Marrying the two technologies (of ISRO and DRDO) was required which happened over the last few years," Nair told PTI. He said it would have taken about two years for scientists to perfect the missile launch once the go-ahead for the test was given by the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that the test, named Mission Shakti, was not directed against any country and the disused Indian owned satellite was a pre-determined target. In an address to the nation, Modi also said India has not breached any international law or treaty. India is only the fourth country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability after the US, Russia and China. There has been no instance of a space war but the countries have demonstrated their capabilities by testing on their own satellites as India did on Wednesday. The UNIDIR defines ASAT (Anti-Satellite) as "any capabilities aimed at destroying or disabling space assets for any reason, whether military or civilian, offensive or defensive". Lele of IDSA said India had already developed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) technology and along with it came the know-how behind ASAT. "Testing the Anti-Satellite missile at LEO at 300 kilometres was only to demonstrate capacity. This is also a deterrence mechanism in the event of space war, similar to what India has developed in the nuclear domain," he said. Lele added that a political decision was required as conducting anti-satellite missiles tests could attract international criticism over issues of adding to debris in space and accusations of militarising space. In an era where defence forces rely on satellites for different aspects of security, including intelligence gathering, having ASAT missile capability sends a strong signal to adversaries, he said. Rajeshwari Pillai Rajagopalan, senior fellow and head of the Nuclear and Space Initiative, Observer Researcher Foundation (ORF), said Wednesday's development reflects India's desire to not make the mistake it did in 1974 when it conducted its first nuclear test in Pokhran. The tests were conducted four years after the Nuclear Proliferation Test (NPT) Treaty came into force in 1970. There is no similar international treaty for space. "The successful test also acts as a deterrent in event of a space war. The technology was available, so it was high time India tested it. Political will was also needed behind taking the decision," Rajagopalan said, referring to the possibility of an international backlash. In 2007, China destroyed its FengYun 1C weather satellite with an SC-19 missile, leaving behind space debris consisting of 3,280 pieces of trackable debris, as well as up to 32,000 pieces that are non-trackable. The following year, during Operation Burnt Frost, the US destroyed its own satellite, USA-193, with an SM-3 interceptor creating 174 pieces of trackable debris, plus non-trackable shards. Now, the spectre of space war has spilt over from the realm of Hollywood fiction into Indian reality.

Anti-Satellite technology will be deterrent in event of space war: Experts 

The income tax department Tuesday evening auctioned the artworks owned by the absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi, who fled the country after duping state-run lender PNB of a whopping Rs 14,000 crore, for Rs 59.37 crore.

Of the gross proceeds, the department will get a net of Rs 54.84 crore, with the rest being the commission to the auction house Saffronart and the buyers' premium.

This is the first time that a government department has sold artworks adopting the auction-route involving a professional art-house. The department had put up a total of 68 works for auction to recover Rs 97 crore from the scamster.

An untitled work by the abstract artist VS Gaitonde fetched a winning bid of Rs 25.24 crore, including the buyer's premium, which, however, is lower than the Rs 29.3 crore his work had fetched in 2015, making it the most expensive bid for an artwork from the country ever.

The great Raja Ravi Varma's 1881 work depicting the Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, and Chandos, the third duke of Buckingham and the governor general of Madras, got sold for Rs 16.10 crore through a phone bid.

Potential investors and artlovers started trickling in into the central Mumbai gallery Tuesday evening, but it was the bids over the phones and the Net which were higher at the auctions that began early evening but extended through the course of late night.

None of the artworks, "lots" in auction-speak, saw intense bidding, though. As many as 13 works out of 68 had to be passed or returned unsold as the bids were lower than the reserved price.

Barring a few works which could not be sold, many of the artworks were sold at prices above the reserve price. Modi's collection of paintings by FN Souza which saw significant interest from the collectors, with "cityscape" and "golly-wog" notching up bids of over Rs 1 crore each.

Akbar Padamsee's "Grey Nude" completed in 1960 got a winning bid of Rs 1.72 crore as against an expected price of Rs 1.5-2 crore.

Throughout the bidding that lasted over 120 minutes, eight dedicated agents worked frantically on the phones getting the bids from investors and art lovers.

The online bids came in from diverse places like Seattle in the US, Toronto in Canada and Belgium in Northwestern Europe, which has emerged as the nerve-centre of the global diamond trade now.

Works by some Chinese artists also generated considerable interest among the bidders, with all of them fetching more-than-expected prices.

Every buyer will have to pay a 15 per cent premium for works costing up to Rs 20 crore, while the same for the ones above Rs 20 crore is a tad lower at 12 per cent. The premium goes to the art gallery. A successful bidder has to pay 10 per cent of the amount plus the buyers' premium within four days and pay up the remaining in a month's time.

The sale is being undertaken under relevant sections of the Income Tax Act of 1961. The department was looking to raise up to Rs 97 crore, which is the tax liabilities of Modi shell firm Camelot Enterprises.

The tax department reportedly discovered the paintings in a climate-controlled room at his house in the metropolis.

As many as 68 artworks went under the hammer this evening and included works by the greats like Raja Ravi Varma, VS Gaitonde, FN Souza, Jogen Chowdhury, and Akbar Padamsee among others to recover dues and the department was expecting to mop up over Rs 97 crore from the artworks which had a reserve price of Rs 50 crore.

The income tax department Tuesday evening auctioned the artworks owned by the absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi, who fled the country after duping state-run lender PNB of a whopping Rs 14,000 crore, for Rs 59.

The income tax department Tuesday evening auctioned the artworks owned by the absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi, who fled the country after duping state-run lender PNB of a whopping Rs 14,000 crore, for Rs 59.37 crore. Of the gross proceeds, the department will get a net of Rs 54.84 crore, with the rest being the commission to the auction house Saffronart and the buyers' premium. This is the first time that a government department has sold artworks adopting the auction-route involving a professional art-house. The department had put up a total of 68 works for auction to recover Rs 97 crore from the scamster. An untitled work by the abstract artist VS Gaitonde fetched a winning bid of Rs 25.24 crore, including the buyer's premium, which, however, is lower than the Rs 29.3 crore his work had fetched in 2015, making it the most expensive bid for an artwork from the country ever. The great Raja Ravi Varma's 1881 work depicting the Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, and Chandos, the third duke of Buckingham and the governor general of Madras, got sold for Rs 16.10 crore through a phone bid. Potential investors and artlovers started trickling in into the central Mumbai gallery Tuesday evening, but it was the bids over the phones and the Net which were higher at the auctions that began early evening but extended through the course of late night. None of the artworks, "lots" in auction-speak, saw intense bidding, though. As many as 13 works out of 68 had to be passed or returned unsold as the bids were lower than the reserved price. Barring a few works which could not be sold, many of the artworks were sold at prices above the reserve price. Modi's collection of paintings by FN Souza which saw significant interest from the collectors, with "cityscape" and "golly-wog" notching up bids of over Rs 1 crore each. Akbar Padamsee's "Grey Nude" completed in 1960 got a winning bid of Rs 1.72 crore as against an expected price of Rs 1.5-2 crore. Throughout the bidding that lasted over 120 minutes, eight dedicated agents worked frantically on the phones getting the bids from investors and art lovers. The online bids came in from diverse places like Seattle in the US, Toronto in Canada and Belgium in Northwestern Europe, which has emerged as the nerve-centre of the global diamond trade now. Works by some Chinese artists also generated considerable interest among the bidders, with all of them fetching more-than-expected prices. Every buyer will have to pay a 15 per cent premium for works costing up to Rs 20 crore, while the same for the ones above Rs 20 crore is a tad lower at 12 per cent. The premium goes to the art gallery. A successful bidder has to pay 10 per cent of the amount plus the buyers' premium within four days and pay up the remaining in a month's time. The sale is being undertaken under relevant sections of the Income Tax Act of 1961. The department was looking to raise up to Rs 97 crore, which is the tax liabilities of Modi shell firm Camelot Enterprises. The tax department reportedly discovered the paintings in a climate-controlled room at his house in the metropolis. As many as 68 artworks went under the hammer this evening and included works by the greats like Raja Ravi Varma, VS Gaitonde, FN Souza, Jogen Chowdhury, and Akbar Padamsee among others to recover dues and the department was expecting to mop up over Rs 97 crore from the artworks which had a reserve price of Rs 50 crore.

Tax department raises Rs 55 crore from selling Nirav Modi paintings

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Wednesday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its scientists for the success of ‘Mission Shakti’.&nbsp;

Praising the DRDO and its scientists associated with “Mission Shakti”, Kumar expressed happiness on India becoming the fourth country in the world to join the exclusive club of space superpowers after the US, Russia and China, an official release said.&nbsp;

“I extend my greetings to them (DRDO and scientists) as the entire nation is proud of their achievements,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers.

“In the journey of every nation, there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today,” he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Wednesday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its scientists for the success of ‘Mission Shakti’.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Wednesday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its scientists for the success of ‘Mission Shakti’. Praising the DRDO and its scientists associated with “Mission Shakti”, Kumar expressed happiness on India becoming the fourth country in the world to join the exclusive club of space superpowers after the US, Russia and China, an official release said. “I extend my greetings to them (DRDO and scientists) as the entire nation is proud of their achievements,” he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers. “In the journey of every nation, there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today,” he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media.

Mission Shakti: Nitish Kumar calls it a historic moment, hails DRDO

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Tuesday the country needed a "strong" leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue with the development.

"Today, the country needs strong leadership, which only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can give. During the last five years in his leadership, the country has emerged as a world power and it is the demand of the time that the momentum of development is continued by repeating the government in the Centre," Thakur said in Kangra district.

Thakur said Modi had speeded up the development of Himachal and it was necessary in the interest of the state that he should be given an opportunity to take over the reins of the country again.

For this, the chief minister said, the BJP needed to win all the four parliamentary seats in the state.&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Tuesday the country needed a "strong" leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue with the development.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Tuesday the country needed a "strong" leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue with the development. "Today, the country needs strong leadership, which only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can give. During the last five years in his leadership, the country has emerged as a world power and it is the demand of the time that the momentum of development is continued by repeating the government in the Centre," Thakur said in Kangra district. Thakur said Modi had speeded up the development of Himachal and it was necessary in the interest of the state that he should be given an opportunity to take over the reins of the country again. For this, the chief minister said, the BJP needed to win all the four parliamentary seats in the state.

Nation needs a 'strong' leader like Modi: Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur

Today, Indian share markets opened in green

Jet’s new plan will ease Indian domestic air travel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-countries-should-will-uphold-peace-tranquility-in-outer-space-china-after-indias-asat-test-206043">All countries should uphold peace &amp; </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-countries-should-will-uphold-peace-tranquility-in-outer-space-china-after-indias-asat-test-206043">tranquility</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-countries-should-will-uphold-peace-tranquility-in-outer-space-china-after-indias-asat-test-206043"> in outer space: China after India's ASAT test</a>

China expressed hope that all countries will&nbsp;uphold peace and tranquillity&nbsp;in the outer space after &nbsp;India's ASAT(anti-satellite missile) test.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-comments-taken-out-of-context-and-misinterpreted-pak-clarifies-to-afghanistan-206022">Imran Khan's comments taken out of context and misinterpreted: Pak clarifies to Afghanistan&nbsp;</a>

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry moved on Wednesday to cool a row with Afghanistan over reported comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan that were taken to suggest that Kabul should set up an interim government to help smooth peace talks with the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-diffrences-tusk-urges-eu-parliament-to-be-open-to-long-brexit-extension-206032">Amid differences, Tusk urges EU Parliament to be open to long Brexit extension</a>

EU Council president&nbsp;Donald Tusk has said&nbsp;the organization should be "open to a long extension if the UK wishes to rethink its Brexit strategy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-intention-of-entering-into-arms-race-in-outer-space-india-after-asat-test-206023">No intention of entering into </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-intention-of-entering-into-arms-race-in-outer-space-india-after-asat-test-206023">arms</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-intention-of-entering-into-arms-race-in-outer-space-india-after-asat-test-206023"> race in outer space: India after ASAT test</a>

India has said it has no intention of&nbsp;entering into an arms race&nbsp;in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-expels-ex-interpol-chief-meng-from-communist-party-206008">China expels ex-Interpol chief Meng from Communist Party</a>

China has expelled&nbsp;former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei&nbsp;from the Communist Party and dismissed him from his official positions, the country's graft watchdog announced Wednesday.

&nbsp;

All countries should uphold peace & tranquility in outer space: China after India's ASAT test China expressed hope that all countries will uphold peace and tranquillity in the outer space after India's ASAT(anti-satellite missile) test.

All countries should uphold peace & tranquility in outer space: China after India's ASAT test China expressed hope that all countries will uphold peace and tranquillity in the outer space after India's ASAT(anti-satellite missile) test. Imran Khan's comments taken out of context and misinterpreted: Pak clarifies to Afghanistan Pakistan's Foreign Ministry moved on Wednesday to cool a row with Afghanistan over reported comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan that were taken to suggest that Kabul should set up an interim government to help smooth peace talks with the Taliban. Amid differences, Tusk urges EU Parliament to be open to long Brexit extension EU Council president Donald Tusk has said the organization should be "open to a long extension if the UK wishes to rethink its Brexit strategy". No intention of entering into arms race in outer space: India after ASAT test India has said it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets." China expels ex-Interpol chief Meng from Communist Party China has expelled former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei from the Communist Party and dismissed him from his official positions, the country's graft watchdog announced Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted from his official handle this morning that he is going to announce something very important in the next 15 minutes, and urged the people to listen to the announcement.

The actual address was, however, delayed by a few minutes and by then, Twitter was abuzz will all kinds of wild guesses and anxiety:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Daud pakda gaya , aur bharat laya ja raha hai .
— Abhishek (@anandabhishek40) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandabhishek40/status/1110793473614118912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In my opinion, he'll just thank the whole country for giving him an opportunity to serve the nation.
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) <a href="https://twitter.com/theskindoctor13/status/1110793123209375744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Masood Azhar “ji” maare gaye kya ?
— Chowkidar Maithun 😎 (@Being_Humor) <a href="https://twitter.com/Being_Humor/status/1110783992540946432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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हम टीवी के सामने अपने मित्रों के साथ बैठे है हमें बेसब्री से इंतजार है आपके सम्बोधन का🙏
— Chowkidar कुंवर अजयप्रताप सिंह 🇮🇳 (@SengarAjay505) <a href="https://twitter.com/SengarAjay505/status/1110784970262351872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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And then there were tweets about demonetisation and Indian currency:

&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
omg --- EVERYBODY RUN TOWARDS ATM
— Astronaut nehr_who (@Nehr_who) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nehr_who/status/1110787850784497664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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इसी तरह का anouncment नोटबन्दी के समय किया था, आज फिर अचानक 
 
मतलब आज कुछ बड़ा होने वाला है मेरी तो धड़कने बहुत तेज हो गई है
— Chowkidar कुंवर अजयप्रताप सिंह 🇮🇳 (@SengarAjay505) <a href="https://twitter.com/SengarAjay505/status/1110788651967864832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Are you banning 2000 Rupees note ?
— Yuva Desh (@yuvadesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/yuvadesh/status/1110783699782643712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Just came back from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATM</a> had to face a long queue , 
Aisa announcement na Kiya kro sir AP😂🤣 dar lgta hai cash crunch ka😅
— NITESH (@NITESHRAJPOOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/NITESHRAJPOOT/status/1110845772252237825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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When his address began, PM Modi announced that India had shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-low-earth-orbit-satellite-against-which-india-launched-a-surgical-strike-in-space-205974">low earth orbit satellite</a> with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile. With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power".

Only three countries - America, Russia and China - the prime minister said, have this capability. India is the fourth to join the club.

The operation had been called "Mission Shakti", and consisted of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-need-to-know-about-mission-shakti-indias-anti-satellite-missile-test-205998">A-Sat missile</a> shooting down a live satellite in low earth orbit.&nbsp; The entire operation, Modi said, had taken three minutes.

Modi added that India's A-Sat missile was not meant to be used for offence, but for defence.

Later, at a press conference, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the anti-satellite missile.

"The process started in 2014 after the PM gave the permission, it's a huge achievement, not only we have become space power but we are now in big four. We should not forget that tomorrow's wars will not be the same as yesterday's wars," said Jaitley.

Targeting the Congress, he said those patting their own back for India's strategic missile programme were doing so for wrong reasons.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted from his official handle this morning that he is going to announce something very important in the next 15 minutes, and urged the people to listen to the announcement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted from his official handle this morning that he is going to announce something very important in the next 15 minutes, and urged the people to listen to the announcement. The actual address was, however, delayed by a few minutes and by then, Twitter was abuzz will all kinds of wild guesses and anxiety: Daud pakda gaya , aur bharat laya ja raha hai . — Abhishek (@anandabhishek40) March 27, 2019 × In my opinion, he'll just thank the whole country for giving him an opportunity to serve the nation. — THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) March 27, 2019 × Masood Azhar “ji” maare gaye kya ? — Chowkidar Maithun 😎 (@Being_Humor) March 27, 2019 × हम टीवी के सामने अपने मित्रों के साथ बैठे है हमें बेसब्री से इंतजार है आपके सम्बोधन का🙏 — Chowkidar कुंवर अजयप्रताप सिंह 🇮🇳 (@SengarAjay505) March 27, 2019 × And then there were tweets about demonetisation and Indian currency: omg --- EVERYBODY RUN TOWARDS ATM — Astronaut nehr_who (@Nehr_who) March 27, 2019 × इसी तरह का anouncment नोटबन्दी के समय किया था, आज फिर अचानक मतलब आज कुछ बड़ा होने वाला है मेरी तो धड़कने बहुत तेज हो गई है — Chowkidar कुंवर अजयप्रताप सिंह 🇮🇳 (@SengarAjay505) March 27, 2019 × Are you banning 2000 Rupees note ? — Yuva Desh (@yuvadesh) March 27, 2019 × Just came back from #ATM had to face a long queue , Aisa announcement na Kiya kro sir AP😂🤣 dar lgta hai cash crunch ka😅 — NITESH (@NITESHRAJPOOT) March 27, 2019 × When his address began, PM Modi announced that India had shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile. With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power". Only three countries - America, Russia and China - the prime minister said, have this capability. India is the fourth to join the club. The operation had been called "Mission Shakti", and consisted of the A-Sat missile shooting down a live satellite in low earth orbit. The entire operation, Modi said, had taken three minutes. Modi added that India's A-Sat missile was not meant to be used for offence, but for defence. Later, at a press conference, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the anti-satellite missile. "The process started in 2014 after the PM gave the permission, it's a huge achievement, not only we have become space power but we are now in big four. We should not forget that tomorrow's wars will not be the same as yesterday's wars," said Jaitley. Targeting the Congress, he said those patting their own back for India's strategic missile programme were doing so for wrong reasons.

Here's how anxious Twitterati handled delay in PM Modi's address

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.

Election 2019 is the first in the state without the two Dravidian stalwarts and both the parties are slugging it out to continue their legacy, even as the likes of Kamal Haasan and T T V Dhinakaran plan to play spoilsport.

AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016 after 75 days in the hospital. Her long-time rival, DMK supremo Karunanidhi, died on August 7, 2018.

As election clouds gather, the AIADMK led by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami is going all out to dedicate a "massive victory" to their 'Amma' and the DMK steered by M K Stalin is determined to take forward the "Kalaignar legacy".

The stakes for the three leaders are high, as their parties grapple with the loss of the lodestars who guided their electoral fortunes. Result 2019 will gauge their leadership and strategising skills in an election with a vacuum created by the death of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi.

"Amma's absence is indeed a big vacuum. But this is a passionate movement. And to realise her dreams, the chief minister (Palaniswami) and his deputy (Panneerselvam) are taking the party forward," said AIADMK spokesperson R M Babu Murugavel.

The DMK appeared equally confident.

"He (Karunanidhi) may not be alive but we are duty bound to take forward his aspirations. He has given a blueprint and we have to take it forward," said senior DMK leader K S Radhakrishnan.

The last time the two parties faced off in the electoral battlefield was in December 2017 during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll. The bypoll was necessitated due to Jayalalithaa's death the previous year. Karunanidhi was away from the limelight due to ill-health. Dhinakaran sprang a surprise by emerging victorious.

In the last Lok Sabha polls, the AIADMK won 37 of 39 seats in the state, while the BJP and PMK won one each, both as NDA constituents. The AIADMK is now leading the NDA in the state.

DMK and others, including the Congress, failed to return a single MP. This election, they are part of the DMK-led mega alliance unlike in 2014. 
This is the first statewide election that the two-year-old Palaniswami government is facing. The polls are being seen as a litmus test before it seeks a successive term in 2021 Assembly polls.

Under Jayalalithaa's leadership, the AIADMK stormed to power in 2011, unseating the DMK and reducing it to double-digit numbers in the 234-member state Assembly.

The Jayalalithaa juggernaut continued, leaving virtually nothing for the opposition even as her party colleagues and ministers hardly hogged any limelight.

She set political circles on fire with her famous "Modi or Lady" statement in the 2014 national polls, pitting herself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of governance and administration.

In 2016, she created history after leading her party to a successive term, a feat repeated after three decades by a ruling party in the state, before she was confined to a hospital bed following an illness.

"Amma came forward to lead us and emerged as a big lead and put the party in ruling saddle for about 27 years in its existence of 47 years," Murugavel told PTI, recalling the days after the death of AIADMK's charismatic founder MGR.

Jayalalithaa, he said, was not with them but the huge cadre-based party would walk the path set by her and win all the seats in the state.

Karunanidhi, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dravidian heavyweights CN Annadurai and EVR Periyar, was often seen as a leader who could never be left out of the polity, irrespective of whether he was in power on not.

The veteran wielded tremendous clout in the UPA I and II governments. Despite being in the opposition in Tamil Nadu during UPA-I, he steered the Congress-led coalition to a grand victory in all 39 seats in the state and the one in Puducherry in 2009, leaving the ruling AIADMK's political ambition in tatters.

A crowd-puller who could awe both the masses and the classes with his oratory, Karunanidhi never lost an election in his over half-a-century political career and was counted among the best for his oratory and shrewd political mind.

The leader, however, receded from the limelight in the last few years, with age taking a toll on him.

Radhakrishnan said there was a "psychological" loss with Karunanidhi's death but the party's cadres have to "perform their democratic duties".

The DMK has done a number of good things for the state in the past like its stand on state autonomy, and this is the "Kalaignar legacy", he said.

Karunanidhi played a key role in matters like state autonomy and was instrumental in bringing key projects like Sethusamudram, he added.

Though leaders of the two parties express confidence about their showing in the election, political analyst Shyam Shanmugam feels the absence of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi might dent their vote share.

"Earlier, there used to be the support votes, the dedicated voters, and they would vote only for them (Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa), irrespective of any factors. That number has definitely come down now," he said.

After a long inning in cinema, Haasan has formed a political party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, while Dhinakaran heads AMMK, a breakaway faction of the AIADMK.

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa.

It's election time again in Tamil Nadu with traditional rivals DMK and AIADMK taking on each other, as they have for decades, but missing from their high decibel campaign this time are two powerful voices — M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa. Election 2019 is the first in the state without the two Dravidian stalwarts and both the parties are slugging it out to continue their legacy, even as the likes of Kamal Haasan and T T V Dhinakaran plan to play spoilsport. AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016 after 75 days in the hospital. Her long-time rival, DMK supremo Karunanidhi, died on August 7, 2018. As election clouds gather, the AIADMK led by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami is going all out to dedicate a "massive victory" to their 'Amma' and the DMK steered by M K Stalin is determined to take forward the "Kalaignar legacy". The stakes for the three leaders are high, as their parties grapple with the loss of the lodestars who guided their electoral fortunes. Result 2019 will gauge their leadership and strategising skills in an election with a vacuum created by the death of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. "Amma's absence is indeed a big vacuum. But this is a passionate movement. And to realise her dreams, the chief minister (Palaniswami) and his deputy (Panneerselvam) are taking the party forward," said AIADMK spokesperson R M Babu Murugavel. The DMK appeared equally confident. "He (Karunanidhi) may not be alive but we are duty bound to take forward his aspirations. He has given a blueprint and we have to take it forward," said senior DMK leader K S Radhakrishnan. The last time the two parties faced off in the electoral battlefield was in December 2017 during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll. The bypoll was necessitated due to Jayalalithaa's death the previous year. Karunanidhi was away from the limelight due to ill-health. Dhinakaran sprang a surprise by emerging victorious. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the AIADMK won 37 of 39 seats in the state, while the BJP and PMK won one each, both as NDA constituents. The AIADMK is now leading the NDA in the state. DMK and others, including the Congress, failed to return a single MP. This election, they are part of the DMK-led mega alliance unlike in 2014. This is the first statewide election that the two-year-old Palaniswami government is facing. The polls are being seen as a litmus test before it seeks a successive term in 2021 Assembly polls. Under Jayalalithaa's leadership, the AIADMK stormed to power in 2011, unseating the DMK and reducing it to double-digit numbers in the 234-member state Assembly. The Jayalalithaa juggernaut continued, leaving virtually nothing for the opposition even as her party colleagues and ministers hardly hogged any limelight. She set political circles on fire with her famous "Modi or Lady" statement in the 2014 national polls, pitting herself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of governance and administration. In 2016, she created history after leading her party to a successive term, a feat repeated after three decades by a ruling party in the state, before she was confined to a hospital bed following an illness. "Amma came forward to lead us and emerged as a big lead and put the party in ruling saddle for about 27 years in its existence of 47 years," Murugavel told PTI, recalling the days after the death of AIADMK's charismatic founder MGR. Jayalalithaa, he said, was not with them but the huge cadre-based party would walk the path set by her and win all the seats in the state. Karunanidhi, who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Dravidian heavyweights CN Annadurai and EVR Periyar, was often seen as a leader who could never be left out of the polity, irrespective of whether he was in power on not. The veteran wielded tremendous clout in the UPA I and II governments. Despite being in the opposition in Tamil Nadu during UPA-I, he steered the Congress-led coalition to a grand victory in all 39 seats in the state and the one in Puducherry in 2009, leaving the ruling AIADMK's political ambition in tatters. A crowd-puller who could awe both the masses and the classes with his oratory, Karunanidhi never lost an election in his over half-a-century political career and was counted among the best for his oratory and shrewd political mind. The leader, however, receded from the limelight in the last few years, with age taking a toll on him. Radhakrishnan said there was a "psychological" loss with Karunanidhi's death but the party's cadres have to "perform their democratic duties". The DMK has done a number of good things for the state in the past like its stand on state autonomy, and this is the "Kalaignar legacy", he said. Karunanidhi played a key role in matters like state autonomy and was instrumental in bringing key projects like Sethusamudram, he added. Though leaders of the two parties express confidence about their showing in the election, political analyst Shyam Shanmugam feels the absence of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi might dent their vote share. "Earlier, there used to be the support votes, the dedicated voters, and they would vote only for them (Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa), irrespective of any factors. That number has definitely come down now," he said. After a long inning in cinema, Haasan has formed a political party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, while Dhinakaran heads AMMK, a breakaway faction of the AIADMK.

In first polls sans Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, battle of legacy in Tamil Nadu

India has said it has no intention of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-low-earth-orbit-satellite-against-which-india-launched-a-surgical-strike-in-space-205974">entering into an arms race</a> in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets."

The test, Mission Shakti which was carried out by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-need-to-know-about-mission-shakti-indias-anti-satellite-missile-test-205998">Defence Research and Development Organisation</a> (DRDO) and was conducted from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island launch complex.&nbsp;

Remember that has been a long-standing policy of the Indian government there should not be any weaponisation of Outer Space and that space must be used only for peaceful purposes.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yEBlFh5knKw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Ministry of external affairs( MEA) frequently asked questions (FAQ) released after the test said, "India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all."

With this test, according to the FAQ, "India was able to demonstrate its capability to intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology. DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used to target an Indian satellite."

On the question of why the test was done now, India said since it had "acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success".

Since the test was done in the lower atmosphere, India has said, there isn't much space debris. Finance minister Arun Jaitley in a presser said, "In a matter of three weeks the whole environment will be debris free".

New Delhi in the past has participated in Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space debris management.

India has also already clarified that the test is not against any country and the test provides deterrence against threats.

India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to Outer Space.

New Delhi supports UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space and has called for substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space.

India has also ratified the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in outer space. 
&nbsp;

India has said it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets.

India has said it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets." The test, Mission Shakti which was carried out by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and was conducted from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island launch complex. Remember that has been a long-standing policy of the Indian government there should not be any weaponisation of Outer Space and that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. The Ministry of external affairs( MEA) frequently asked questions (FAQ) released after the test said, "India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all." With this test, according to the FAQ, "India was able to demonstrate its capability to intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology. DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used to target an Indian satellite." On the question of why the test was done now, India said since it had "acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success". Since the test was done in the lower atmosphere, India has said, there isn't much space debris. Finance minister Arun Jaitley in a presser said, "In a matter of three weeks the whole environment will be debris free". New Delhi in the past has participated in Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space debris management. India has also already clarified that the test is not against any country and the test provides deterrence against threats. India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to Outer Space. New Delhi supports UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space and has called for substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space. India has also ratified the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in outer space.

No intention of entering into arms race in outer space: India after ASAT test

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">anti-satellite missile</a> in a press conference.

"The process started in 2014 after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">PM gave the permission</a>, it's a huge achievement, not only we have become space power but we are now in big four. We should not forget that tomorrow's wars will not be the same as yesterday's wars," said Jaitley.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, he said when India had test-fired the Agni-V missile in April 2012, then DRDO chief V K Saraswat had said that India could now develop an anti-satellite missile but the government had not given its nod.

"Scientists had the capability to build anti-satellite missile a decade ago, then govt never gave permission," FM Arun Jaitley said.

Targeting the Congress, he said those patting their own back for India's strategic missile programme were doing so for wrong reasons.

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"If they want to rectify the Balakot (air strike) mistake, it is the opportunity for the opposition to do so and stand in support of our scientists," he said, referring to the air strike on a terrorist camp in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers.

India also said that its anti-satellite (A-SAT) weapon that successfully destroyed a decommissioned Indian satellite on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is not directed against any country and its space capabilities do not threaten anyone.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the anti-satellite missile in a press conference.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday criticised the previous governments for not giving permission to build the anti-satellite missile in a press conference. "The process started in 2014 after the PM gave the permission, it's a huge achievement, not only we have become space power but we are now in big four. We should not forget that tomorrow's wars will not be the same as yesterday's wars," said Jaitley. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, he said when India had test-fired the Agni-V missile in April 2012, then DRDO chief V K Saraswat had said that India could now develop an anti-satellite missile but the government had not given its nod. "Scientists had the capability to build anti-satellite missile a decade ago, then govt never gave permission," FM Arun Jaitley said. Targeting the Congress, he said those patting their own back for India's strategic missile programme were doing so for wrong reasons. #WATCH Live: FM Arun Jaitley addresses a press conference in Delhi https://t.co/NkhCensQ3t — ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2019 × "If they want to rectify the Balakot (air strike) mistake, it is the opportunity for the opposition to do so and stand in support of our scientists," he said, referring to the air strike on a terrorist camp in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers. India also said that its anti-satellite (A-SAT) weapon that successfully destroyed a decommissioned Indian satellite on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is not directed against any country and its space capabilities do not threaten anyone. (With inputs from agencies)

ASAT process started in 2014 after PM Modi's permission: Arun Jaitley

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">anti-satellite missile capability</a>, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Terming it a gross violation of the model code of conduct, Banerjee said there was "no great urgency" of announcing the mission by a government "past its expiry date" and asserted that it seems to be the "desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat".

She said she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission.

"India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research &amp; space organisations," she said adding research, space management and development are a continuous process over the years and "Modi, as usual likes to take the credit for everything".

She said, "credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists &amp; researchers."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers.

"Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of the election. This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

"There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission," the West Bengal chief minister said in a series of tweets.

Senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said that Narendra Modi should stop taking credit for the achievement or job done by others.

"Shooting down a satellite is the credit of our scientists. The Modi government in the last five years has failed to provide any relief to the people of the country," senior the TMC leader.

"So ahead of the elections, the BJP and Modi should stop these tricks to fool the masses. It won't have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections," Hakim said.

Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the entire scientific community for achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology.

"Congratulations once again to DRDO &amp; entire scientific community in achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of anti-satellite missile capability, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement about India's successful demonstration of anti-satellite missile capability, saying it was "yet another limitless drama" to "reap political benefits" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Terming it a gross violation of the model code of conduct, Banerjee said there was "no great urgency" of announcing the mission by a government "past its expiry date" and asserted that it seems to be the "desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat". She said she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission. "India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research & space organisations," she said adding research, space management and development are a continuous process over the years and "Modi, as usual likes to take the credit for everything". She said, "credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists & researchers." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers. "Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of the election. This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct. "There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission," the West Bengal chief minister said in a series of tweets. Senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim said that Narendra Modi should stop taking credit for the achievement or job done by others. "Shooting down a satellite is the credit of our scientists. The Modi government in the last five years has failed to provide any relief to the people of the country," senior the TMC leader. "So ahead of the elections, the BJP and Modi should stop these tricks to fool the masses. It won't have any impact on the poll prospects of the BJP in the upcoming elections," Hakim said. Meanwhile, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the entire scientific community for achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology. "Congratulations once again to DRDO & entire scientific community in achieving yet another milestone by successfully testing ASAT technology," he tweeted.

Limitless drama to reap political benefits: Mamata Banerjee on Mission Shakti

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing politics over India's anti-satellite missile capability.

"Congratulations to Indian defence scientists for the successful experiment of shooting down a satellite in the space. But the prime minister playing politics under its garb for electoral gains is most condemnable," she said in her tweet in Hindi.

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भारतीय रक्षा वैज्ञानिकों द्वारा अंतरिक्ष में सैटेलाइट मार गिराये जाने का सफल परीक्षण करके देश का सर ऊंचा करने के लिए अनेकों बधाई। लेकिन इसकी आड़ में पीएम श्री मोदी द्वारा चुनावी लाभ के लिये राजनीति करना अति-निन्दनीय। मा. चुनाव आयोग को इसका सख्त संज्ञान अवश्य लेना चाहिए।
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Her remarks came a few hours after Modi announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite.

"The honourable election commission should definitely take cognizance of this," Mayawati said in her tweet.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing politics over India's anti-satellite missile capability. "Congratulations to Indian defence scientists for the successful experiment of shooting down a satellite in the space.

BSP supremo Mayawati Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing politics over India's anti-satellite missile capability. "Congratulations to Indian defence scientists for the successful experiment of shooting down a satellite in the space. But the prime minister playing politics under its garb for electoral gains is most condemnable," she said in her tweet in Hindi. भारतीय रक्षा वैज्ञानिकों द्वारा अंतरिक्ष में सैटेलाइट मार गिराये जाने का सफल परीक्षण करके देश का सर ऊंचा करने के लिए अनेकों बधाई। लेकिन इसकी आड़ में पीएम श्री मोदी द्वारा चुनावी लाभ के लिये राजनीति करना अति-निन्दनीय। मा. चुनाव आयोग को इसका सख्त संज्ञान अवश्य लेना चाहिए। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 27, 2019 × Her remarks came a few hours after Modi announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite. "The honourable election commission should definitely take cognizance of this," Mayawati said in her tweet.

PM Narendra Modi playing politics over anti-satellite missile capability: Mayawati

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence.

Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party.

"I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters.

"I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections.

The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency.

Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom.

"Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said.

Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times.

Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles.

"She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said.

Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best. Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute to spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party. "I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters. "I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections. The Bollywood actor is speculated to contest the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency. Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom. "Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said. Matondkar also lauded the leadership of Gandhi. She said he is the one who takes everyone along and such a leader is required in today's times. Surjewala said the actor met Gandhi and expressed her solidarity in the Congress ideals and principles. "She has been an inspiration for the youth on how with your hard work, commitment and talent, she has won the hearts of many and achieved a lot," Surjewala said. Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Milind Deora and his predecessor Sanjay Nirupam were also present during her joining and both welcomed her into the party fold.

Believe in Congress ideology, not joining for elections, says Urmila Matondkar

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant dropped deputy chief minister and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar from ministry hours after 2 MGP MLAs joined BJP.&nbsp;

Two of the three MGP MLAs in Goa early Wednesday merged their party's legislative wing with the BJP, which now has 14 legislators in the 36-member state assembly.

Legislators Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar gave a letter to merge the MGP legislature party with the BJP to officiating Goa Assembly Speaker Michael Lobo at 1:45 am.

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Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha accepts the recommendation of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that Sudin Dhavalikar (in file pic) shall cease to be a Minister in the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect. <a href="https://t.co/GdMT1dCXEW">pic.twitter.com/GdMT1dCXEW</a>
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However, Sudin Dhavalikar, the third MGP MLA, did not sign the letter.&nbsp;

While Ajgaonkar is tourism minister, Dhavalikar is a deputy chief minister in the BJP-led state government in Goa.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant dropped deputy chief minister and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar from ministry hours after 2 MGP MLAs joined BJP.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant dropped deputy chief minister and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar from ministry hours after 2 MGP MLAs joined BJP. Two of the three MGP MLAs in Goa early Wednesday merged their party's legislative wing with the BJP, which now has 14 legislators in the 36-member state assembly. Legislators Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar gave a letter to merge the MGP legislature party with the BJP to officiating Goa Assembly Speaker Michael Lobo at 1:45 am. Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha accepts the recommendation of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that Sudin Dhavalikar (in file pic) shall cease to be a Minister in the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/GdMT1dCXEW — ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2019 × However, Sudin Dhavalikar, the third MGP MLA, did not sign the letter. While Ajgaonkar is tourism minister, Dhavalikar is a deputy chief minister in the BJP-led state government in Goa.

Goa CM drops deputy Sudin Dhavalikar, hours after 2 lawmakers from his party join BJP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-important-message-to-nation-modi-says-india-shot-down-low-earth-orbit-satellite-with-anti-satellite-missile-pm-modi-205973">Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite</a> and congratulated the Indian scientists for the feat. He said the anti-satellite (A-Sat) missile used to bring the LEO satellite down was made in India.

"Today, a LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) was downed by our space scientists. LEO had a set target, was shot down by anti-satellite missile in just three minutes," PM Modi said in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-addresses-nation-with-important-message-205943">address to the nation</a>.

This is a proud moment for every Indian, he added.

But what is a Low-Earth Orbit satellite and how is it different from a regular satellite?

The Low-Earth Orbit satellites revolve around the earth only a few hundred kilometres (the low-earth orbit, hence the name) above the surface as against a geostationary orbit or other higher orbits which are used by communication or defence satellites to keep an eye on our plant. These satellites are primarily used for data communication and move at extremely high speeds.

More and more LEO satellites are being made today and they have crowded the space. These satellites are cost-effective and require lowest amount of energy for placement in space sice they use less powerful amplifiers for successful transmission. The latency too is very less and such satellites are easily accessible to crews.

One of the biggest disadvantages of using a LEO satellite, as pointed out by experts, is that its field of view is very limited, so a cluster of such satellites is needed to provide continuous coverage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that today's 'Mission Shakti' has propelled India into the league of elite countries which have this capability - of using an A-Sat missile to ward of threats from LEO satellites. India, Modi said, is now the fourth country after US, Russia and China to possess this technology.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India shot down a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and congratulated the Indian scientists for the feat.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India shot down a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and congratulated the Indian scientists for the feat. He said the anti-satellite (A-Sat) missile used to bring the LEO satellite down was made in India. "Today, a LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) was downed by our space scientists. LEO had a set target, was shot down by anti-satellite missile in just three minutes," PM Modi said in his address to the nation. This is a proud moment for every Indian, he added. But what is a Low-Earth Orbit satellite and how is it different from a regular satellite? The Low-Earth Orbit satellites revolve around the earth only a few hundred kilometres (the low-earth orbit, hence the name) above the surface as against a geostationary orbit or other higher orbits which are used by communication or defence satellites to keep an eye on our plant. These satellites are primarily used for data communication and move at extremely high speeds. More and more LEO satellites are being made today and they have crowded the space. These satellites are cost-effective and require lowest amount of energy for placement in space sice they use less powerful amplifiers for successful transmission. The latency too is very less and such satellites are easily accessible to crews. One of the biggest disadvantages of using a LEO satellite, as pointed out by experts, is that its field of view is very limited, so a cluster of such satellites is needed to provide continuous coverage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that today's 'Mission Shakti' has propelled India into the league of elite countries which have this capability - of using an A-Sat missile to ward of threats from LEO satellites. India, Modi said, is now the fourth country after US, Russia and China to possess this technology.

What is Low-Earth Orbit satellite against which India launched a 'surgical strike' in space?

All you need to know about Mission Shakti, India's Anti-Satellite Missile test

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What is Low-Earth Orbit satellite against which India launched a 'surgical strike' in space?

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