India has marked a major milestone in its space programme as the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), popularly known as the ‘Baahubali’ rocket, successfully placed the heaviest-ever satellite launched from Indian soil into orbit on Wednesday.

The mission, LVM3-M6, lifted off from the second launch pad at the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, carrying BlueBird 6, a next-generation communication satellite developed by US-based company AST SpaceMobile.

Mission lifts off from Sriharikota

The 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 rocket, powered by two S200 solid strap-on boosters, took off at 8:55 am after the completion of a 24-hour countdown. The spaceport is located around 135 km east of Chennai.

After a flight lasting nearly 15 minutes, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite separated from the launch vehicle and was injected into its intended low Earth orbit at an altitude of about 520 km.

Confirming the success of the mission, ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, Dr V Narayanan said the satellite had been placed “successfully and precisely” into the designated orbit.

Heaviest payload carried by an Indian launcher

According to ISRO, this mission marks the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil using an Indian rocket. Dr Narayanan said the flight was also the third fully commercial mission of the LVM3.

He added that the mission demonstrated the strong performance record of the heavy-lift vehicle and highlighted its reliability in the global launch market.

Focus on space-based mobile broadband

BlueBird 6 is part of the BlueBird Block-2 series of communication satellites. These satellites are designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones, without the need for any special hardware or equipment.

The aim of the technology is to enable broadband services straight from space, expanding connectivity to regions with limited or no terrestrial network coverage.

PM Modi calls launch a proud milestone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the teams involved and described the launch as a significant achievement for India’s space sector.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said the successful placement of the US satellite into orbit strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces the country’s growing role in the global commercial launch market.

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections drawing closer, the seat-sharing tussle within the Mahayuti alliance continues, with the BJP increasing its offer to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena but failing to reach the party’s expectations.

According to sources, the BJP has now proposed close to 90 seats for the Shinde faction in the upcoming Mumbai civic polls. This is a significant jump from its earlier offer of 52 seats but still falls short of what Shinde is seeking. The Shiv Sena leader has reportedly reduced his demand from an initial 125 seats to 112, yet remains dissatisfied with the latest formula.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to hold another round of discussions with Shinde to break the deadlock. Sources indicate that the BJP is unlikely to stretch its offer much further, especially after its strong showing in recent statewide local body elections.

BJP firm after strong local poll performance

The BJP has emerged as the single largest party in the recent local polls, securing 117 municipal president posts. In comparison, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 53 posts, while Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP secured 37. These results have strengthened the BJP’s negotiating position ahead of the BMC elections.

However, the current seat-sharing calculations could change if Ajit Pawar decides to contest the Mumbai civic polls as part of the alliance. Senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare confirmed that no final decision has been taken yet, noting that discussions with alliance partners are ongoing.

Nawab Malik factor complicates alliance talks

A major point of contention within the Mahayuti is the issue of senior NCP leader Nawab Malik, who is facing multiple corruption cases, including a money laundering case linked to underworld activities. While the alliance has made it clear that Malik is unacceptable as part of its Mumbai setup, Ajit Pawar is reportedly firm on backing him.

Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam has publicly stated that the party would not align with any group that includes Malik. Sources added that if the NCP joins the alliance in Mumbai, it may be asked to project a different leader and contest a limited number of seats.

BMC elections timeline

The countdown to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections has already begun, with less than a month left for polling. Voting is scheduled for January 15, with counting set to take place the following day. A total of 2,869 municipal seats will be contested, including 227 seats in the BMC.

Businessman Robert Vadra has reacted cautiously to growing political chatter around Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra being projected as a future prime ministerial candidate, saying such expectations are natural but the priority should remain on issues directly affecting the people.

The remarks came after Congress Lok Sabha member Imran Masood publicly pitched Priyanka Gandhi, the party’s general secretary and MP from Wayanad, as a potential prime ministerial face. The statement triggered sharp reactions from the BJP, particularly in the backdrop of criticism over Priyanka Gandhi’s response to violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

Focus should remain on people’s issues, says Vadra

Speaking to media, Robert Vadra said that demands and expectations often emerge from different sections, but leadership speculation should not distract from pressing national concerns.

“Everyone has their own demands. There are demands from various quarters that Priyanka should come forward. There are also demands that I should enter politics. But right now, the focus should be on the real issues that concern the people of the country,” Vadra said.

He underlined that challenges such as pollution, education and employment deserve greater attention in public and political discourse.

Emphasis on brotherhood and unity

Commenting on the situation in Bangladesh, Vadra stressed the importance of harmony and communal unity, cautioning against divisive narratives.

He said that during his visits to religious places across the country, he has observed similar values and concerns among people of different faiths. According to him, unity and brotherhood should guide discussions, rather than any Hindu-Muslim divide.

“No one should be involved in divisive activities. The focus should be on serious challenges facing the country,” he added.

Domestic concerns should come first

Vadra also said that national priorities must take precedence before engaging with issues beyond India’s borders.

“First, we should focus on matters related to our own country. After that, we can look at issues concerning Bangladesh or any other nation,” he said.

Pollution needs urgent attention

Highlighting environmental concerns, Vadra said pollution in the national capital has reached alarming levels and requires immediate solutions. He noted that the issue did not receive adequate discussion during the Winter Session of Parliament.

He pointed out that Priyanka Gandhi had also intended to raise the issue of pollution in Parliament. Vadra suggested that if domestic measures fail, international cooperation could be explored to address worsening air quality.

Christmas greetings and call for peace

On the occasion of Christmas, Vadra extended greetings, saying he prayed for peace, unity and the overall well-being of the country.