Reliance Jio has introduced new offers on select prepaid recharge plans ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The telecom provider is bundling a complimentary 90-day subscription to JioHotstar and a 50-day free trial of Jio AirFiber with recharge plans worth Rs. 299 and above. This move aims to enhance the cricket-watching experience, allowing users to stream IPL matches in 4K quality on mobile devices and televisions.

Jio’s unlimited benefits for prepaid users

As per the company’s announcement, existing and new Jio customers who opt for recharge plans starting from Rs. 299 will receive free access to JioHotstar for 90 days. This will enable them to enjoy 4K streaming of IPL matches, movies, anime, and more. Additionally, Jio is offering a 50-day free trial of JioFiber or Jio AirFiber, providing users with unlimited Wi-Fi, 800+ OTT channels, and over 11 OTT apps for a home entertainment experience.

Key benefits of the Rs. 299 plan:

• Unlimited voice calls
• 1.5GB of data per day
• 100 SMS per day
• Access to JioCloud, JioTV, and bundled apps

New users can also purchase a new Jio SIM with a Rs. 299 or higher plan to avail of the same benefits. Customers looking for unlimited 5G data can opt for plans offering 2GB per day or more.

Offer validity and additional recharge options

The Jio IPL offer is valid from March 17 to March 31, 2024. Customers who recharged before March 17 can still benefit by purchasing a Rs. 100 add-on pack, which provides similar features.

Jio also offers other prepaid recharge plans that include a JioHotstar subscription, such as Rs. 100, Rs. 195, and Rs. 949 recharges.

The complimentary JioHotstar subscription will be activated on March 22, the first day of the IPL 2024, and will remain valid for 90 days.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) follow a rigorous exercise routine to counteract the lack of gravity, which affects muscles and bones. While missions usually last six months, some astronauts stay up to a year. Researchers are confident in maintaining astronaut health over this duration.

On Earth, even basic movement builds muscle and strengthens bones due to gravitational resistance. However, in orbit, astronauts rely on three exercise machines, including a resistance device installed in 2009. This device simulates free weights using vacuum tubes and flywheel cables.

A two-hour daily workout routine is essential for astronaut fitness. “The best results that we have to show that we’re being very effective is that we don’t really have a fracture problem in astronauts when they return to the ground,” said Bokhari. However, bone loss remains detectable in scans.

Balance and fluid shifts pose major concerns

Space travel disrupts balance, affecting all astronauts, even those on short missions. Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Central Florida, stated that astronauts must undergo NASA’s 45-day post-mission rehabilitation program to retrain their bodies.

Another issue is “fluid shift,” where bodily fluids move toward the head in microgravity. This can increase calcium levels in urine, raising the risk of kidney stones. Additionally, fluid shifts can lead to increased intracranial pressure, altering the shape of the eyeball and causing spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), resulting in mild-to-moderate vision impairment.

Interestingly, in some cases, SANS has led to improved vision. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, for instance, experienced a rare benefit. “When I launched, I wore glasses and contacts, but due to globe flattening, I now have 20/15 vision—most expensive corrective surgery possible. Thank you, taxpayers,” she remarked.

Managing radiation risks

Radiation exposure remains a significant concern. While the ISS passes through the Van Allen radiation belt, Earth’s magnetic field offers some protection. However, radiation levels remain higher than on Earth. NASA aims to limit astronauts’ increased lifetime cancer risk to within three percent.

Future deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars will expose astronauts to even greater radiation levels. Astrophysicist Siegfried Eggl explained that while heavy materials like lead or water provide effective shielding, their vast quantity requirements make them impractical.

Space probes could offer some warning for coronal mass ejections—plasma clouds from the Sun—but cosmic radiation remains largely unpredictable.

Possible solutions: Artificial gravity and propulsion advancements

One solution to counteract health issues is artificial gravity, created by rotating spacecraft frames, which could help astronauts remain functional after extended travel. Another approach is using powerful acceleration and deceleration to simulate Earth’s gravity, reducing both the effects of microgravity and radiation exposure. However, this method requires nuclear propulsion technologies that are still under development.

Psychological challenges in space missions

Beyond physical health, maintaining team dynamics in confined environments is crucial. Joseph Keebler, a psychologist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, highlighted the difficulty of long-duration space travel.

“Imagine being stuck in a van with anybody for three years: these vessels aren’t that big, there’s no privacy, there’s no backyard to go to,” he explained. “I really commend astronauts that commit to this. It’s an unfathomable job.”

India’s express pacer Mayank Yadav has resumed bowling in the nets ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, raising hopes of an early return for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, reports suggest he is likely to miss the first half of the tournament as he continues his rehabilitation from a lumbar stress injury.

The 22-year-old was injured following his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October and has since been undergoing recovery at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. On Monday, Mayank shared a video on Instagram, showcasing himself bowling in the nets under the supervision of support staff.

Hope for Lucknow as Mayank progresses in recovery

Mayank Yadav, known for his blistering pace exceeding 150 kmph, made a strong impact in his debut IPL season last year. In just four matches, he claimed seven wickets and won two consecutive Player of the Match awards before being sidelined due to injury.

Despite his limited appearances, LSG retained Mayank for ₹11 crore ahead of the 2025 season, acknowledging his potential. Initially picked up for just ₹20 lakh in 2024, the young speedster quickly became a crucial part of the franchise’s plans.

BCCI’s approach and LSG’s cautious stance

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not provided an official update on Mayank’s injury. However, reports indicate that he is dealing with a stress-related issue in his lower back.

LSG’s team director Zaheer Khan had earlier emphasized that while they are eager for Mayank’s return, his participation will only be considered if he attains full fitness.

“As much as we are keen on having him (play IPL 2025), we want him 150% fit, not just 100% fit, so we’ll do everything possible to get him there,” Zaheer had stated.

LSG’s IPL 2025 opener

Lucknow Super Giants will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 24 in Visakhapatnam. Delhi will be led by a returning Rishabh Pant, adding another exciting element to the opening fixture.

As LSG awaits BCCI’s fitness clearance, fans will be hoping for a speedy comeback from the young pace sensation, who could prove to be a game-changer in the tournament’s later stages.