ISRO Launches EOS-05; CJP Protest Called Off, Rohit Sharma Gets BCCI Backing

India woke up to several significant developments on Friday, with the country's space programme, a legal battle surrounding the CJP protest and Rohit Sharma's ODI future drawing attention. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota early Friday. The launch took place at 2:55 am, marking another important mission for India's space programme.

The GSLV-F17 rocket carried the satellite into its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit. EOS-05 is designed to provide high-resolution Earth observation from a geosynchronous orbit, allowing it to repeatedly monitor the same broad geographical region. Such capabilities can be useful for applications including agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring and other strategic requirements.

The successful launch is also important for ISRO as the organisation continues to expand India's satellite-based observation capabilities. The mission adds another layer to the country's growing space infrastructure and demonstrates the increasing role of satellites in monitoring and managing activities on Earth.

The proposed September 5 protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been called off following developments before the Supreme Court. The organisation withdrew its protest plans after receiving assurances concerning cases registered against students who had participated in demonstrations over examination paper leaks.

The issue had reached the Supreme Court, where requests were made to quash FIRs registered in connection with the protests. The proceedings involved Delhi Police as well as the governments of Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar and West Bengal. The Centre also supported the use of the court's constitutional powers to provide relief in the cases.

CJP co-convenor Saurav Das said the decision to withdraw the march followed the assurances received during the legal proceedings. The development means attention will now shift towards the implementation of the assurances and the court's handling of the cases connected with the protests. In cricket, former India captain Rohit Sharma has received backing from the Board of Control for Cricket in India as speculation continues about his future in the ODI team. With India looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, questions have been raised over how long the experienced batter will remain part of the national setup.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has indicated that there is no immediate reason to doubt Rohit's place in the ODI picture. The veteran opener's performances continue to remain a key part of the discussion, particularly as India considers its options for the next World Cup cycle. Rohit's experience could prove valuable as India builds towards the 2027 tournament, although selectors will also have to assess the progress of younger players. For the moment, the BCCI's comments suggest that speculation about an immediate end to Rohit's ODI career should be treated cautiously.

The three developments have put space, legal affairs and cricket at the centre of Friday's news cycle, with the EOS-05 launch providing a major boost to India's space programme, the CJP decision easing tensions around the proposed protest and the BCCI's comments keeping Rohit Sharma's ODI future in focus.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.