Breaking News LIVE: ISRO Set To Ring In New Year with XPoSat Launch Today

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ISRO Set to Ring in 2024 with XPoSat Launch on January 1

India is gearing up for a spectacular start to the New Year as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) along with 10 other payloads on Monday (January 1, 2024). The 25-hour countdown for the launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-DL (PSLV-DL) commenced smoothly on Sunday at 8.10 a.m., according to ISRO officials cited by news agency IANS.

The PSLV-DL variant, designated PSLV-C58, towering 44.4 metres tall and weighing 260 tonnes, is scheduled to take off at 9.10 a.m. from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The spacecraft will carry the XPoSat and 10 scientific payloads, all fixed to the PSLV Orbital Platform.

ISRO officials expressed confidence in the mission’s progress, marking a promising start to the year’s space exploration endeavours.

Himachal Pradesh: No Diesel or Petrol Vehicles for Government Departments from today

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued a directive instructing government departments not to acquire diesel and petrol vehicles starting today. The move aims to encourage the use of electric vehicles, aligning with the state’s commitment to achieving a ‘Green and Clean Himachal.’ Any department intending to purchase a diesel or petrol vehicle will now require approval from the state cabinet, news agency PTI reported.

Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the success of the government’s efforts, revealing that the number of government-owned electric vehicles has reached 185, with 2,733 private electric vehicles registered in the state. The Transport Department has taken the lead by replacing its official vehicle fleet with electric vehicles, setting an example for other departments to follow.

Rajasthan to Offer LPG Cylinders at Rs 450 to BPL and Ujjwala Beneficiaries from Jan 1

In Rajasthan, LPG cylinders will be available for Rs 450 from today as a subsidy amount will be directly transferred to the accounts of eligible women under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category and the Ujjwala scheme, as per CM Bhajan Lal Sharma.

Under the ‘Rasai Gas Cylinder Subsidy Scheme,’ beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and selected BPL families can avail of 12 cylinders per year by registering at the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra camps, he informed, PTI reported.