New Delhi, Jan 21: Newly appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin is set to convene an important organizational meeting at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday.   The meeting will bring together senior party functionaries as the BJP begins internal consultations under its new leadership. All BJP state presidents and national secretaries have been directed to attend the meeting, where discussions will focus on organizational strengthening and future political strategy. BJP National General Secretary (Organization) B.L. Santosh is also expected to be present during the deliberations. Nabin took charge of his office at the party headquarters in the national capital on Tuesday, hours after his formal elevation to the post. The new BJP president was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to his office. Other senior leaders who flanked him included Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and outgoing party president Jagat Prasad Nadda. PM Modi also met briefly with the family members of Nitin Nabin, congratulating them on his assuming a significant role and sharing some light-hearted conversations. The elevation of 45-year-old Nitin Nabin as the BJP’s new national president marks a ‘novel’ era in the party and also a generational shift, reflecting its thrust on raising a new young leadership under his stewardship. Earlier, addressing the BJP leaders and workers, PM Modi described Nitin Nabin as his ‘boss’ and himself as a mere party worker. "When it comes to the party affairs, then I am a worker, and Nitin Nabin is my boss," he said amid loud cheers at the party headquarters. Nabin has "youth energy" as well as a "long experience in the organisation", the Prime Minister further said, adding that these will be "very beneficial" for the party. After being elected the new BJP National President, Nitin Nabin said that this day is "a moment of resolve" for him, as he is not just assuming a post but also embracing the "ideology, traditions, and the responsibility of a nationalist movement of the party." (IANS)

New Delhi, Jan 21: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will be on a two-day visit to Uttarakhand starting Wednesday, during which he will participate in several important religious, cultural, and social programmes in Haridwar and Rishikesh.   The visit is being seen as significant for the state, as it focuses on areas such as healthcare, spirituality, Indian culture, and social service, reflecting the government’s emphasis on holistic development rooted in tradition. HM Shah will take part in a major programme in Rishikesh. At 2:45 P.M., he is scheduled to arrive at Gita Bhavan in Swargashram, where he will address the release ceremony of the centenary edition of the monthly magazine ‘Kalyan’, published by the renowned Gita Press. The magazine Kalyan has played a vital role for decades in promoting Indian culture, religious values, and moral principles across the country and abroad. During the event, the Union Minister is expected to highlight the historic contribution of Gita Press and reflect on its achievements over the past 100 years. His presence at the centenary celebrations underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of the institution. On January 22 (Thursday), Amit Shah will visit Haridwar. His first programme will be at 10:00 A.M. at Maharshi Dayanand Gram in Patanjali Yogpeeth, where he will inaugurate the Patanjali Emergency and Critical Care Hospital. The inauguration of this hospital is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare facilities in the region and ensure timely treatment for critically ill patients. Following this, at 10:45 A.M., Amit Shah will reach Gayatri Teerth Shantikunj, where he will offer prayers at the Akhanda Jyoti and interact with members of the Gayatri Parivar. The visit highlights the spiritual and social influence of the Gayatri family in national life. The Union Minister will also attend a large public programme at Bairagi Island, Haridwar, organised on the occasion of the birth centenary of Param Vandaniya Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma and the Akhanda Deep Centenary Year. The ‘Centenary Year Celebration 2026’ is expected to witness participation from devotees and dignitaries from across India and abroad. Shah will address the gathering and commend the Gayatri Parivar for its enduring contributions to social reform and spiritual awakening. (IANS)

Mumbai, Jan 20: Veteran actor Anupam Kher penned a deeply emotional note recalling a recent meeting with his mother Dulari, offering a heartfelt reflection on parenting, ageing, and the quiet strength of family bonds. Anupam took to Instagram to share a video featuring himself and his mother, Dulari, who had gifted him two shirts since they last met. He wrote in the caption: “Kal bahut dino ke baad Mom se mila. Maa gale laga kar emotional ho gayi. Aur mujhe 2 T-shirts di. Mere haath se jab bag zameen par gira aur jab maine use uthaane se mana kiya, to Maa gussa ho gayi aur mujhe achchi khaasi daant mili!” “(Yesterday, after a long time, I met my mom. She hugged me and got emotional, and she gave me two T-shirts. When the bag slipped from my hand and fell on the ground, and I refused to pick it up, mom got angry and I received a proper scolding!) According to the veteran actor, parents should be allowed to keep doing everyday tasks, as it gives them a sense of being alive and reassures them that they are physically and mentally fit. “Darasal, parents ko kaam karte rehne dena chahiye. Unhein apne zinda hone ka ehsaas rehta hai. Unhein lagta hai ki woh shaaririk aur maansik roop se theek hain. (The truth is, parents should be allowed to keep doing things. It makes them feel alive. It reassures them that they are physically and mentally fine),” he mentioned. He admitted that while children often believe they are being protective and careful, what parents truly need is not to be made to feel old or useless. “Sometimes we as children feel that we are being protective and careful about them. But what they need is NOT to be made to feel old and useless. Sorry Mata! You actually are the youngest member of our ghar! And that is why #DulariRocks! #MomsAreTheBest #FamilyScane #Ghar,” Anupam concluded the post. (IANS)

Srinagar, Jan 19: Three flights to and from Srinagar airport were cancelled on Sunday due to a NOTAM issued at Delhi airport in view of Republic Day arrangements, officials said. According to Srinagar airport authorities, the cancellations were effected by the respective airlines following restrictions at Delhi airport.  A passenger advisory was issued urging travellers to check the latest flight status with their airlines before proceeding to the airport. “We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers,” airport officials said. The advisory added that the cancellations are temporary and linked to airspace and operational restrictions imposed at Delhi airport ahead of Republic Day celebrations. Passengers have been advised to remain in touch with airlines for updates regarding rescheduling or refunds.(KNS)

New Delhi, Jan 19: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday extended best wishes to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel on their Raising Day and hailed their role in becoming a pillar of trust that India can rely on during times of natural calamities, praising their contribution in realising the Centre's resolve to build a disaster-resilient India. HM Shah took to X to extend his greetings to the force, and said, “Warm greetings to the personnel of NDRF on Raising Day. Through its significant role in realising the Modi govt's resolve to build a disaster-resilient India, the NDRF has today become the pillar of trust the nation relies on during calamities. Salute to the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the safety of others." Every year on January 19, India observes NDRF Raising Day, commemorating the anniversary of the formation of the National Disaster Response Force. Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, the NDRF has remained at the forefront of disaster management in the country, carrying out thousands of rescue, relief and evacuation operations across India. The NDRF currently comprises 16 battalions of specialised disaster response personnel, strategically deployed at 68 locations nationwide. These locations are selected based on vulnerability assessments and overall threat levels identified by the agency. The presence of these base camps enables the force to reach disaster-hit areas and affected communities swiftly and efficiently. The origins of the NDRF can be traced back to a series of devastating natural disasters that India faced between 1990 and 2004. Recognising the need for a dedicated and professional disaster response mechanism, the government enacted the Disaster Management Act on December 26, 2005. Subsequently, the National Disaster Response Force was formally constituted on January 19, 2006. The NDRF’s motto, ‘Aapada Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra’, reflects its commitment to providing sustained disaster response services under all circumstances. Over the years, the force has lived up to this motto through its courage, discipline and dedication. Raising Day serves to honour the bravery and selfless service of NDRF personnel who risk their lives to save others during emergencies. The occasion also helps raise public awareness about the critical role played by the force and its achievements in disaster management. Over time, the NDRF has grown significantly in terms of training, expertise and resources to handle a wide range of natural and man-made disasters. With 1,149 personnel across its 16 battalions, the force is equipped to respond to chemical, biological and radiological emergencies as well. So far, the NDRF has conducted more than 12,000 rescue and relief operations and has saved over 1.58 lakh lives during disasters, reaffirming its status as a dependable guardian in times of crisis. (IANS)

Srinagar, Jan 16: The Union Home Ministry has convened a meeting of the high-powered committee constituted to deliberate on issues concerning Ladakh on February 04. As per the meeting notice issued but the MHA, the committee, headed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, will meet at 4:00 PM on February 4 in New Delhi. The high-powered committee comprises the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, senior officials from the Union Home Ministry, representatives of the Ladakh administration, and leaders from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The MHA has decided to hold the meeting at a time when leaders of the LAB and KDA-the two conglomerates spearheading the agitation for statehood and constitutional safeguards for the region-have expressed resentment over the delay in convening the panel’s meeting. Talks between Ladakh’s leadership and the Government of India were last held on October 22, 2025, in New Delhi. The LAB and KDA had submitted a 29-page draft proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking statehood, Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, and amnesty for people arrested after the September 24 protests. On September 24, clashes erupted over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards during the 15th day of a hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been booked under the NSA and lodged in Jodhpur jail. The protests turned violent, resulting in four deaths and injuries to nearly 100 others, including police and paramilitary personnel. (KNO)

New Delhi, Jan 13: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India was approaching its BRICS chairship with a humanity and a people-centric approach, which will seek to bring together the collective potential of member countries for greater global welfare. Speaking at the launch of the BRICS India 2026 website, logo and theme on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar noted that BRICS, over the years, has expanded its agenda and membership, responding to changing global realities while remaining focused on people-centric development, fostering dialogue, and promoting practical cooperation. Extending Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Magh Bihu and Pongal greetings, the EAM said, "Just as these festivals symbolise hope, renewal, and goodwill, India's BRICS chairship will seek to bring together the collective potential of BRICS countries for greater global welfare. When India prepares to assume the BRICS chairship in 2026, we do so at an important moment in the grouping's journey." In 2026, he said that BRICS will complete 20 years since its inception, during which it has steadily evolved into a "significant platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies". "The current global environment presents complex and interconnected challenges, geopolitical uncertainties, complicated economic landscapes, climate-related risks, technological changes, and persistent development gaps continuing to affect countries across regions," he added. Highlighting India's approach for its BRICS chairship, EAM Jaishankar said, "In this context, BRICS remains an important forum that encourages dialogue and cooperation and practical responses taking into account national priorities at different stages of development. India approaches its chairship with a humanity-first and a people-centric approach inspired by the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." He said that India's chairship theme 'Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability' showcases India's belief that cooperation among BRICS members can help address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner. He said that the theme demonstrates the importance of strengthening capacities, promoting innovation, and ensuring sustainable development for the greater good of all. Speaking about the logo of India's BRICS chairship, he said, "The logo unveiled today reflects this approach. It combines elements of tradition and modernity, and its petals incorporate the colours of all BRICS member countries, representing unity, diversity, and a strong sense of shared purpose. The logo conveys the idea that BRICS draws strength from the collective contributions of its members while respecting their distinct identities." He announced that the four broad priorities of India's chairship -- Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability -- provide a coherent and balanced framework across the three foundational pillars, which are political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. "Under the pillar of Resilience, India intends to work with BRICS partners to strengthen institutional capacities and build resilience in areas such as agriculture, health, disaster risk reduction, energy, and supply chains, including through cooperative frameworks that enhance collective preparedness and response. Innovation remains a central driver of global economic development," EAM Jaishankar said. He further said that the deployment of new and emerging technologies is essential to addressing socio-economic challenges, particularly those faced by developing countries, while maintaining a people-centric approach. He said that enhanced cooperation in areas such as start-ups, MSMEs, and emerging technologies "can contribute meaningfully to building a more equitable world." "India attaches equal importance to cooperation and sustainability and will work to advance climate action, promote clean energy, and support sustainable development pathways in a manner that is fair and sensitive to national circumstances," the EAM added. (IANS)

New Delhi, Jan 13: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India was approaching its BRICS chairship with a humanity and a people-centric approach, which will seek to bring together the collective potential of member countries for greater global welfare. Speaking at the launch of the BRICS India 2026 website, logo and theme on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar noted that BRICS, over the years, has expanded its agenda and membership, responding to changing global realities while remaining focused on people-centric development, fostering dialogue, and promoting practical cooperation. Extending Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Magh Bihu and Pongal greetings, the EAM said, "Just as these festivals symbolise hope, renewal, and goodwill, India's BRICS chairship will seek to bring together the collective potential of BRICS countries for greater global welfare. When India prepares to assume the BRICS chairship in 2026, we do so at an important moment in the grouping's journey." In 2026, he said that BRICS will complete 20 years since its inception, during which it has steadily evolved into a "significant platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies". "The current global environment presents complex and interconnected challenges, geopolitical uncertainties, complicated economic landscapes, climate-related risks, technological changes, and persistent development gaps continuing to affect countries across regions," he added. Highlighting India's approach for its BRICS chairship, EAM Jaishankar said, "In this context, BRICS remains an important forum that encourages dialogue and cooperation and practical responses taking into account national priorities at different stages of development. India approaches its chairship with a humanity-first and a people-centric approach inspired by the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." He said that India's chairship theme 'Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability' showcases India's belief that cooperation among BRICS members can help address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner. He said that the theme demonstrates the importance of strengthening capacities, promoting innovation, and ensuring sustainable development for the greater good of all. Speaking about the logo of India's BRICS chairship, he said, "The logo unveiled today reflects this approach. It combines elements of tradition and modernity, and its petals incorporate the colours of all BRICS member countries, representing unity, diversity, and a strong sense of shared purpose. The logo conveys the idea that BRICS draws strength from the collective contributions of its members while respecting their distinct identities." He announced that the four broad priorities of India's chairship -- Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability -- provide a coherent and balanced framework across the three foundational pillars, which are political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. "Under the pillar of Resilience, India intends to work with BRICS partners to strengthen institutional capacities and build resilience in areas such as agriculture, health, disaster risk reduction, energy, and supply chains, including through cooperative frameworks that enhance collective preparedness and response. Innovation remains a central driver of global economic development," EAM Jaishankar said. He further said that the deployment of new and emerging technologies is essential to addressing socio-economic challenges, particularly those faced by developing countries, while maintaining a people-centric approach. He said that enhanced cooperation in areas such as start-ups, MSMEs, and emerging technologies "can contribute meaningfully to building a more equitable world." "India attaches equal importance to cooperation and sustainability and will work to advance climate action, promote clean energy, and support sustainable development pathways in a manner that is fair and sensitive to national circumstances," the EAM added. (IANS)

 New Delhi, Jan 13: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said India can be satisfied with the progress made in the field of security in 2025, while mentioning that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's readiness, precision and strategic clarity. He mentioned that India's resolute response to the Pahalgam terror attack served as an example of the current reality of the world that "nations that stay prepared, prevail". Addressing the annual press conference of the Indian Army, Gen Dwivedi extended greetings on Lohri, Veterans' Day and Army Day and also praised the Indian media for playing a "vital role" in connecting the Indian Army with the nation, citing the "patriotic and overenthusiastic" coverage of Operation Sindoor as an example. He said the past year saw a sharp rise in the number of armed conflicts worldwide. "These global shifts underline a simple reality -- nations that stay prepared prevail. In this backdrop, Operation Sindoor, India's calibrated, resolute response to cross-border terrorism, demonstrated our readiness, precision and strategic clarity," he said. The Army chief said that through a various initiatives as part of 'JAI -- Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Innovation', a clarion call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 2025, a year of reforms given by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in January 2025, and the Indian Army's own decade of transformation, "we can be justifiably very satisfied with the progress made during the year 2025." He mentioned that the situation along the North-western Front "remains stable, but needs constant vigil", adding that apex-level interactions, renewed contact, and confidence-building measures are contributing to the "gradual normalisation" of the situation that has also enabled grazing, hydrotherapy camps, and other activities along the Northern Borders. "With our continued strategic orientation on this front, our deployment along the Line of Actual Control remains balanced and robust. Concurrently, capability development and infrastructure enhancement are progressing through a whole-of-government approach," he added. Gen Dwivedi, speaking about the Western Front, recalled India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that a "clear decision to respond decisively was taken at the highest level". "Operation Sindoor was conceptualised and executed with precision. Through 22 minutes of initiation on May 7 and an orchestration that lasted 88 hours up to May 10, the operation reset strategic assumptions by striking deep, dismantling terror infrastructure, and puncturing the longstanding nuclear rhetoric," he said "The Army successfully destroyed seven out of the nine targets and thereafter played a pivotal role in ensuring a calibrated response to Pak actions," he said. The Army chief reiterated that "Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, and a future misadventure will be resolutely responded to". He also acknowledged the "proactive role" of all stakeholders at the national level, including CAPFs, Intelligences, civic bodies, state administration and other ministries, whether it's MHA, MEITY, and Railways. "Operation Sindoor was the best example of tri-service synergy under clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act or respond," he added. (IANS)

New Delhi, Jan 13: People across Delhi-NCR are facing a double whammy of biting cold and severe air pollution on Tuesday. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts due to an ongoing cold wave, the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains at dangerously high levels in several areas. According to the IMD, a cold wave is likely to persist throughout January 13 and 14 across Delhi-NCR. During this period, the maximum temperature will hover around 20 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius. The situation has been further aggravated by extremely high humidity levels, which have reached 97 to 98 per cent during the morning hours. The combination of cold winds and high humidity has intensified the chill, making the weather feel harsher than the actual temperature. Although a slight temperature rise is expected from January 15, with the minimum temperature likely to increase to around 6 degrees Celsius, moderate to dense fog is forecast during the early morning and night hours, potentially affecting visibility and transportation. Meanwhile, the air pollution situation remains a major concern. Data from monitoring stations operated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards indicate that the AQI has crossed the 400 mark in several parts of the national capital, placing air quality in the ‘severe’ category. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 411, Rohini 397, Chandni Chowk 380, Bawana 378, Wazirpur 375, and Ashok Vihar 366. Other areas also reported alarming AQI levels, with Alipur at 322, R.K. Puram at 365, Vivek Vihar at 366, Sonia Vihar at 334, and Shadipur at 309. Even locations with comparatively lower pollution, such as Sri Aurobindo Marg, recorded an AQI of 274, which still falls under the ‘poor’ category. In neighbouring NCR cities, air quality remained equally concerning. Noida recorded AQI levels of 357 in Sector-1, 339 in Sector-116, 340 in Sector-125, and 307 in Sector-62. In Ghaziabad, Indirapuram recorded an AQI of 324, while Sanjay Nagar stood at 309. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC) Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the Delhi government’s action plans for tackling air pollution across the NCR, stressing the need for sustained, long-term measures rather than short-term fixes. The meeting, part of the Centre’s annual review mechanism, was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State (EFCC) Kirti Vardhan Singh, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Delhi government and allied agencies. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can significantly increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Doctors have advised people to avoid outdoor activities unless absolutely necessary, wear protective masks, and take adequate precautions against the cold. Authorities have also urged residents to follow pollution control guidelines and remain cautious during this critical period. (IANS)

New Delhi, Jan 12: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is slated to visit Israel from January 13-15, underscoring the growing strategic and economic engagement between India and Israel, an official statement said on Monday.  The minister will participate in the ‘Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security: Sea the Future’ on the invitation of Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, Avi Dichter, the statement added. The visit is expected to further reinforce the longstanding partnership between India and Israel, strengthen collaboration in fisheries and aquaculture, and create new pathways for collaboration in areas of mutual interest. This reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, according to Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Apart from participating in the ‘Sea the Future Summit’, Singh is also expected to have separate bilateral meetings with his Israeli counterpart Dichter and Ministers of other countries attending the conference. The ministry said that discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation through policy alignment and institutional partnerships, promoting sustainable fisheries management and modern aquaculture technologies, enhancing research, capacity building and innovation linkages, facilitating trade and investment through improved market access and standards, joint R&D in advanced aquaculture and advancing the blue economy agenda with emphasis on sustainability, climate resilience and food security. Singh is also slated to meet CEOs of major Israeli companies and startups in fields of agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture. The programme includes visits to key institutions and innovation hubs offering insights into Israel’s cutting-edge technological ecosystem in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. Meanwhile, India’s seafood exports touched an all-time high (in value) at Rs 62,408 crore during 2024-25, up by 3.11 per cent compared to Rs 60,523.89 crore in 2023-24, and continues to rise this fiscal (FY26). Meanwhile, fish production increased to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY2024-25, from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY2013-14, up by a massive 106 per cent. (IANS)

New Delhi, Jan 12: The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) on Monday made the first launch of 2026 with the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite aboard its PSLV-C62 rocket.  The EOS-N1, also called the Anwesha, took off on the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at 10:17 am IST from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. "Liftoff! PSLV-C62 launches the EOS-N1 Mission from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota," ISRO shared in a post on the social media platform X. The launch aims to enhance India’s remote sensing capabilities across agriculture, urban mapping, and environmental monitoring. The mission, which carries 15 co-passenger satellites, is planned for injection into Sun Synchronous Orbit. “The PSLV-C62 mission will also demonstrate KID or Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator from a Spanish startup, which is a small-scale prototype of a re-entry vehicle being developed by the startup,” the Indian space agency shared before launch. The KID capsule is planned for a re-entry trajectory, according to ISRO. The KID will be the last co-passenger to be injected, after which it is slated to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere towards splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean. The PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission is the 9th dedicated commercial mission undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO. The launch is the fifth to use the PSLV-DL variant with two solid strap-on motors. PSLV has completed 63 flights, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1, and Astrosat Mission. In 2017, PSLV set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission. ISRO undertook the 101st launch endeavour with PSLV-C61 mission, in May, to deploy the 1,696 kg EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite into a 505 km Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit. While the initial stages of the flight performed as expected, a technical anomaly in the rocket's third stage prevented the mission from reaching its intended orbit. (IANS)