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Mumbai, May 20 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday paid tribute to veteran astronomer, science writer, and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee Dr Jayant Narlikar, acknowledging his immense contribution to popularising science through his writings.

In a condolence message shared on X, CM Fadnavis said, “The news of the passing of senior astronomer and science writer Dr Jayant Narlikar is deeply saddening. He played a crucial role in spreading scientific awareness by creating rich literature on scientific subjects. For this, he received numerous accolades at the global level. He conducted pioneering research in astrophysics for decades and made complex topics like astronomy accessible to the common reader in a simple and engaging manner.”

He added, “Apart from his contributions to newspapers, Dr Narlikar created a vast library of scientific literature. His writings in Marathi were especially cherished by readers across Maharashtra. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan and held prominent positions in several international institutions.”

“We have lost not just a brilliant scientist but also an equally gifted writer. I offer my heartfelt tribute to him. The state government has decided to accord him a state funeral. We share the grief of his family. Om Shanti,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed his condolences, saying, “The demise of Padma Vibhushan Dr Jayant Narlikar — a globally renowned astronomer and a sensitive interpreter of the connection between humanity, the cosmos, and science — is a significant loss for Maharashtra. Through his unique and lucid writing, he brought scientific knowledge to the masses and became an important figure in the state’s scientific tradition.”

“Driven by an insatiable curiosity about not just the Earth but the entire cosmos, Dr Narlikar devoted his life to scientific research and outreach. As a visionary in science and technology, he helped shape the educational landscape of Maharashtra. Through the International University he established in Pune, he elevated the state’s standing in the global scientific community. His legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Shinde added.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar too mourned the passing of Dr Narlikar, calling it an “irreparable loss to the nation.”

“Dr Narlikar, honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, was a towering figure in Indian science. Continuing his mission to promote scientific thinking and rationality — especially among the youth — would be a true tribute to his memory,” said Pawar.

He further said, “A pioneering astronomer, Dr Narlikar elevated India’s stature in the global scientific arena. He dedicated his life to fostering scientific curiosity among young minds and simplifying complex concepts for children. With his passing, a luminous star of India’s scientific realm has been extinguished.”

Highlighting his institutional legacy, Pawar added, “Dr Narlikar founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), which has become a beacon of scientific excellence. Internationally respected for his work on the origin and evolution of the universe, his ‘Quasi-Steady State Theory’ remains a milestone in cosmology. His outspoken stance against superstition — most notably during his presidential address at the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan — will always be remembered.”

–IANS

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New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) The Civil Aviation Ministry has said that 24 airports across the country have been temporarily closed for civil flight operations as of Thursday evening amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which soared further after a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

In response to the elevated threat level, several Indian airlines have issued travel advisories, urging passengers to plan accordingly and cooperate with the enhanced security checks.

The Ministry did not specify the duration of the closures or the reasons behind the move.

The closures are part of a broader security protocol, with several of the affected airports located close to the international border or in strategically significant areas.

The grounding of civil flights is expected to impact connectivity in northern and western India, and travellers have been urged to check with airlines before heading to the airport.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has advised all airlines and airports in the country to strengthen security measures.

All passengers will go through a Secondary Ladder Point Check (SLPC), often known as pre-boarding inspections, at all airports.

Vehicles will be carefully examined at all airport terminals, IDs will be checked before admittance, and passenger luggage will be scrutinised at random. Visitor entry to terminal buildings has been prohibited. Air Marshals will be deployed accordingly.

“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, and aviation training institutes so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all the stakeholders,” BCAS said in its order.

Air India said, “Due to an order from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding enhanced security measures at airports, passengers across the country are encouraged to allow extra time for check-in and boarding. Check-in will close 75 minutes before departure.”

Akasa Air posted a similar notice on X, saying, “Due to enhanced security measures at all airports across India, passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to their departure. This is to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.”

“Passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry. In addition to checked baggage, only one handbag weighing up to 7 kg will be permitted. All passengers will be required to undergo secondary security checks before boarding.”

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, also issued a statement, “During these extraordinary times, heightened security measures are being implemented at all airports. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys to accommodate security checks and formalities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”

With the current geopolitical climate remaining unpredictable, aviation officials and airline staff are working in coordination with national security agencies to manage operations and keep passengers safe.

Due to increased tensions with Pakistan, Indian airlines suspended aircraft operations at more than two dozen airports in the country’s northern and western regions this week.

Many states have also imposed school closures, border district blackouts, and a suspension of leave for police officers and administrators.

“Pakistan pushed the situation, and we just retaliated. The choice is with Pakistan. Our approach is not to escalate the situation; we only responded to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a briefing on Thursday evening.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday expressed disappointment with the life imprisonment verdict for convict Sanjay Roy, the sole accused in the rape and murder case of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, stating that justice has not been served.

“I am disheartened. After reading media reports of the post-mortem of the innocent little girl, who had a future full of possibilities, including becoming a doctor. She had to fall victim to the lust of a cruel person… The brutality and cruelty she endured were unimaginable, and I believe justice has not been served,” Tiwari said, reflecting on the tragic incident and demanded a death sentence for the rapist.

Earlier in the day, the West Bengal government approached the Calcutta High Court, challenging the special court’s verdict sentencing Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment and sought the death penalty for him.

West Bengal Advocate General Kishore Datta has approached the Division Bench of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi seeking a “death penalty” for the convict.

The Division Bench has admitted the petition from the state government.

After the court pronounced the quantum of sentence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Monday evening that the state government would approach the Calcutta High Court challenging the verdict.

She also said the state government will be seeking the “death penalty” for the convict.

In another development, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Monday that the state Cabinet has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) rules, adding that its implementation would follow soon.

Reacting to the announcement on Tuesday, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari remarked, “Before every election, the leaders of Uttarakhand make statements. There is an election in Delhi, and many people from Uttarakhand live here. Hence, they have made a statement. We will respond only when the draft or proposal is presented to us. After reading it, we will give our feedback.”

–IANS

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