A partial solar eclipse, the first of the year 2025, is set to unfold today, March 29. While this celestial phenomenon will be observable from several parts of the world, it will not be visible from any region in India. The eclipse is expected to start around 2:20:43 PM IST and continue until 6:13:45 PM IST, with visibility dependent on geographic location.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

Unlike a total eclipse where the Moon entirely blocks the Sun, a partial solar eclipse leaves part of the Sun exposed. As the Moon partially covers the Sun, it creates a striking crescent-like shape in the sky. Today’s eclipse is also expected to produce a rare “double sunrise” effect — where the Sun appears to rise, dim briefly, and rise again — typically visible in areas where the eclipse coincides with sunrise.

A global event, but not for Indian skies

According to space data agencies, about 100 crore (1 billion) people will be in locations where they can witness this partial eclipse. However, only around 44,800 people will see at least 90% coverage of the Sun — marking a very limited population for the highest visibility range.

Watch safely — never directly

Experts strongly advise against looking at the Sun directly during any solar eclipse. Viewers should only use certified solar viewing glasses, eclipse glasses, or handheld solar viewers. Watching through regular cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters can lead to severe eye damage.

Livestreaming options for virtual viewing

For those in India and elsewhere who cannot witness the eclipse directly, several global platforms like NASA and SLOOH Observatory are offering live streaming on their websites and social media channels. Indian space authorities like ISRO may also stream the event live. Viewers can access real-time visuals and expert commentary from the comfort of their homes.

The eclipse pairing rule

Astronomers remind us that eclipses always occur in pairs. This solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse that occurred just two weeks ago. Another pair of solar and lunar eclipses is expected to occur in September 2025, in line with the seasonal pattern of eclipses occurring roughly six months apart.

In a historic Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a resounding 50-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), ending a 17-year-long wait for a win at the iconic venue. However, it was Virat Kohli’s heartfelt hug for MS Dhoni post-match that truly broke the internet, with fans hailing the emotional moment between the two legends.

RCB’s all-round performance ensured a statement victory, marking CSK’s heaviest defeat at Chepauk in IPL history. With this result in Match 8 of the season, the Bengaluru side also avenged years of losses at this venue since their only win back in 2008.

Patidar leads with the bat, David’s late blitz lifts RCB

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar led from the front, notching up his first half-century as captain. He scored 51 off 30 balls, benefitting from two dropped chances. While the middle order faced hiccups, Tim David’s late flourish — an unbeaten 22 off just 8 balls including three sixes in the final over — helped push RCB to a competitive total.

Earlier, Phil Salt got things going with a quickfire 32 off 16 balls, while Virat Kohli added 31 and Devdutt Padikkal chipped in with 27. Despite losing wickets in their push for quick runs, RCB ended strong, thanks to David’s explosive hitting.

Hazlewood, Dayal decimate CSK’s top order

Josh Hazlewood’s fiery opening spell disrupted CSK’s chase early, removing Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the same over. Yash Dayal and Liam Livingstone supported with crucial strikes, and CSK soon found themselves reeling at 75/5 by the 12th over.

Rachin Ravindra showed promise with 41 off 31 balls, but he lacked support. Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin failed to convert their starts, leaving MS Dhoni to wage a lone battle at the end.

Dhoni fights back, breaks record

Despite the loss, Dhoni provided a silver lining for CSK fans. With an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls — including two towering sixes in the final over — he became CSK’s highest-ever run-scorer in IPL history, surpassing Suresh Raina’s tally.

His lightning-quick stumping of Phil Salt was another highlight, leaving fans in awe of the veteran’s reflexes even at this stage of his career.

Noor Ahmad was once again the pick of the bowlers for CSK, returning figures of 3/36 after a 4-wicket haul in the previous match. However, his efforts, along with Pathirana’s two wickets, weren’t enough to stop a determined RCB outfit.

Post-match moment wins hearts

As the dust settled on the field, it was Virat Kohli’s embrace with MS Dhoni that captured fans’ hearts. The camaraderie between the two stalwarts of Indian cricket became an instant sensation on social media, with fans celebrating the moment as a sign of mutual respect and admiration.

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has offered a cautious but optimistic update on Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery, indicating the star pacer could rejoin the squad during the upcoming IPL 2025 season, although his exact return date remains undecided.

Bumrah is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a lower back injury during the final Test against Australia in Sydney. The injury ruled him out of the Champions Trophy and has kept him away from competitive cricket since.

Jayawardene stated that while “everything seems okay”, there’s still no confirmation from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) regarding a green signal for Bumrah’s return to active play. “He is progressing well,” said the MI coach, adding that the franchise hopes to have him back sometime in April.

Mumbai Indians manage without Bumrah… for now

In Bumrah’s absence, Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar have taken up pace responsibilities. Satyanarayana Raju was also handed his debut in MI’s opener against Chennai Super Kings, stepping in for Hardik Pandya, who was suspended for one match due to a slow over-rate offence from last season.

Will MI fans welcome Hardik Pandya back?

The 2025 IPL season also marks Hardik Pandya’s return to Ahmedabad, where he was first booed after his controversial switch from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians and being named captain in place of Rohit Sharma. Pandya faced crowd hostility across venues last season as MI finished at the bottom of the table.

Jayawardene, however, believes the bitterness has faded. “It was just passionate fandom. Everyone’s moved on,” he said. With Pandya playing key roles in India’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories, the coach expects a warmer reception this time.

As Mumbai Indians prepare to face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Jayawardene hopes the focus shifts from past drama to MI’s current campaign — especially as the team looks to overcome slow starts against high-performing sides like GT, who recently came close to pulling off the second-highest chase in IPL history against Punjab Kings.