Updated Science and Technology e - Book by Target TSPSC - 35801470 - 2024 - 05 - 21 - 14 - 08

TARGET TSPSC
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Very Useful for TSPSC Group- I, Group-II, Group-III and
other state Government Exams
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOOK

COVERED ALL IMPORTANT DIMENESIONS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
PREPARED THE CONTENT DULY FOLLOWING THE TSPSC SYLLABUS
SPACE TECHNOLOGY- ISRO IMPORTANT MISSIONS
DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
BIOTECHNOLOGY
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
COMPUTERS AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
DISEASES IN NEWS
NUCLEAR TEACHNNOLOGY
IMPORTANT BIOLOGY AND PHYSICS TABLES
PREPARED BY : MD.YOUNUS, K.HARSHITH, G.VENKATESH

PREFACE
Science and technology are no longer peripheral concepts in today's world; they are the
cornerstones of progress and development. Recognizing this critical role, examinations like
the TSPSC (Telangana State Public Service Commission), APPSC (Andhra Pradesh Public
Service Commission), and UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) all place significant
emphasis on these subjects within their General Studies papers and Group-1 prelims and
mains.
This book has been meticulously prepared with the specific needs of TSPSC aspirants in
mind. We have strictly adhered to the latest TSPSC General Studies paper syllabus,
ensuring comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics encompassing space
technology, nuclear technology, defence technology, biotechnology, and emerging
technologies.
This book is designed to be your one-stop solution for excelling in the Science and
Technology sections of the TSPSC, APPSC, and UPSC examinations. We have not only
provided in-depth explanations of essential concepts but also included a comprehensive set
of tables at the end of the book for quick revision and reference.
We are confident that this book will be an invaluable companion throughout your preparation
journey, empowering you to approach your exams with knowledge, clarity, and confidence.
Best wishes From Target TSPSC Team
1. Md.Younus (IIIT-BASAR)
2. G.Venkatesh (IIIT-BASAR)
3. K.Harshith (JNTU-H)
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the content in any form.
● You cannot store the magazine's content in any electronic retrieval system without
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Accuracy of Information:
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we acknowledge the
possibility of errors, omissions, and discrepancies. TARGET TSPSC is not liable for any
such mistakes or for any actions you take based on the information in this magazine.
Information sources and Accuracy
We Tried our best to provide the information and data as accurate as possible duly
following standard Daily Newspapers, Govt Website and Government monthly Magazines
but still there might be possible errors . so kindly bring if any errors found to our notice so
that we rectify them in upcoming editions
Target TSPSC |Contact Us on @Younus, @Harshith,@Venkatesh | Join : @target_tspsc1

1
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Theme: SPACE....................................................................................................................... 6
1. Types of Orbits............................................................................................................. 6
2. ISRO's Launch Vehicle Fleet........................................................................................6
3. Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3):................................................................................... 7
4. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):........................................................................ 8
5. ISRO Launch Stations.................................................................................................. 8
6. Chandrayaan-3: India's Triumphant Lunar Mission...................................................... 8
7. Chandrayaan-3 Mission Timeline: A Record-Breaking Journey.................................10
8. Aditya-L1: India's First Dedicated Solar Mission:....................................................... 11
9. Gaganyaan Mission....................................................................................................13
10. XPoSat: ISRO's Mission to Study Polarized X-rays................................................... 14
11. AstroSat: India's First Multi-wavelength Space Observatory......................................15
12. Cygnus X-1.................................................................................................................15
13. ISRO's Responsible De-orbiting of Cartosat-2........................................................... 16
14. Shukrayaan Mission................................................................................................... 16
15. Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) or Chandrayaan-4................................... 16
16. India's Regional Navigation System: IRNSS-NavIC...................................................17
17. India's First PBN Demonstration for Helicopters........................................................ 18
18. International Space Station (ISS)............................................................................... 18
19. NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)........................................................ 20
20. PSLV-C54/EOS-06 Mission........................................................................................ 20
21. PSLV-C55-ISRO to launch Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite.......................................21
22. ISRO’S LVM-3 / OneWeb India-2 Mission..................................................................22
23. SSLV-D2/EOS-07 Mission.......................................................................................... 22
24. India’s first private rocket Vikram-S is launched into space....................................... 23
25. India’s first privately built launchpad inaugurated.......................................................23
26. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle - ISRO's Launch for Small Satellites......................... 24
27. GAGAN Satellite Technology - Enhancing Air Navigation in India............................. 24
28. Einstein Probe (EP):................................................................................................... 25
29. GSAT-20 (renamed GSAT-N2):.................................................................................. 25
30. Vikas Engine: Powering India's Launch Vehicles....................................................... 25
31. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)................................................................................. 26
32. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).................. 26
33. India's First Dark Sky Reserve: Hanle in Ladakh....................................................... 27
34. PACE satellite.............................................................................................................28
35. Artemis Accord........................................................................................................... 29
36. MoUMemorandum of Understanding between (ISRO) and Mauritius Research and
Innovation Council (MRIC)......................................................................................... 30
37. Kenya Launches Taifa-1: Its First Earth Observation Satellite:.................................. 30
38. ISRO's Zero Debris Mission: A Triumph for Sustainable Space Exploration............. 31
39. Dragonfly Mission....................................................................................................... 31
40. Gopi Thotakura: First Indian Space Tourist on Blue Origin's NS-25 Mission............. 32
41. GEMINI Device: Aiding Indian Fishermen with Navigation and Safety...................... 32
42. The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) Project.........................................33
43. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)...................................33
44. China's Shenzhou 17 & Race to Space:.................................................................... 34
45. PRATUSH Radio Telescope: Unveiling the Early Universe from the Moon's Orbit.... 34
46. Web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan................................................................................. 35
47. India's Second Spaceport Takes Off: Kulasekarapattinam Poised for Launch...........35
48. Important Recent milestones of Indian Space program............................................. 35
49. DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY...................................................................... 36
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50. Important Space Missions by ISRO........................................................................... 36
51. Important Missions by Other Space Agencies........................................................... 37
52. Indian Year Review of Department of Space-2023.................................................... 38
53. 3D Printing of PS4 Engine: A Leap Forward for ISRO............................................... 39
54. GSAT-20 Launch via SpaceX Falcon 9...................................................................... 40
55. ISRO Launches INSAT-3DS Weather Satellite.......................................................... 40
56. Mission: INSAT-3DS - weather forecasting satellite launched by ISRO for the Ministry
of Earth Sciences (MoES).......................................................................................... 40
57. ISRO De-orbits Cartosat-2 Satellite........................................................................... 40
58. Vyommitra.................................................................................................................. 40
59. ISRO's Pushpak: Redefining Space Travel with Reusable Launch Vehicles............. 41
60. Chennai Startup Launches India's Second Private Rocket: Agnibaan.......................41
61. Japan's Lunar Triumph: Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)....................... 42
62. ISRO to Launch Proba-3 for Sun Corona Study........................................................ 42
63. Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Completes Mission........................................................... 42
64. Intuitive Machines (IM-1) Mission to Moon................................................................. 42
65. Fast Radio Bursts:...................................................................................................... 43
66. India Enters the Hypersonic Age: Testing Begins at S2 Facility.................................43
67. UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO..............................................43
Theme 2: DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
1. What are Anti-Satellite Weapons................................................................................46
2. India's Mission Shakti................................................................................................. 46
3. Indian Navy's Twin Carrier Operations and INS Vikrant's Significance...................... 47
4. Agni-5 Missile Achieves Multiple Warhead Capability: Mission Divyastra..................47
5. Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle.................................................. 48
6. Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System..........................49
7. Project-75I: India's Push for Advanced Indigenous Submarines................................50
8. INS Imphal Undertakes Sea Trials............................................................................. 50
9. India's Missile Systems:............................................................................................. 51
10. Agni Missiles.............................................................................................................. 52
11. Arrow-3 Missile Defense System............................................................................... 53
12. DRDO's ABHYAS: A Game Changer for Aerial Target Practice.................................53
13. Iron Dome...................................................................................................................54
14. IMPORTANT MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS....................................................... 55
15. S-400 Air Defence System......................................................................................... 62
16. Year End Review Ministry of Defence........................................................................ 63
17. Fattah: Iran's Hypersonic Missile................................................................................67
18. SAGAR SAMPARK.....................................................................................................67
19. India's "Neerakshi": Eyes in the Water for Mine Detection......................................... 67
20. India's Varunastra Torpedo: A Powerful Weapon for Anti-Submarine Warfare.......... 68
21. INS Imphal: India's Indigenous Stealth Destroyer...................................................... 68
22. Project 17A Frigates: A Parallel Advancement.......................................................... 69
23. DRDO's Indigenous Drones....................................................................................... 69
24. Indian Air Force's Acquisition of Prachand Attack Helicopters...................................70
25. INTERMEDIATE-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILE.........................................................71
26. Air Defence Systems.................................................................................................. 72
27. Indian Missile Systems and Military Developments................................................... 73
28. Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)................................................................ 75
29. Aircraft/Helicopters..................................................................................................... 75
30. Submarines/Ships...................................................................................................... 76
31. DRDO Scores Bullseye with Successful Nirbhay Cruise Missile Test........................ 76
32. India and Thailand Strengthen Maritime Cooperation................................................77
33. Desert Cyclone 2024.................................................................................................. 77
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34. Chinook Helicopter: US Army's Workhorse................................................................77
35. Helina: Anti-Tank Guided Missile................................................................................78
36. LCA Tejas LSP-3 Achieves Successful PTO Shaft Test.............................................78
37. (MPATGM) weapon system........................................................................................79
38. AKASH-NG Missile.....................................................................................................79
39. Apache Helicopters.................................................................................................... 80
Theme 3: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
1. Salient Features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023........................... 80
2. India's Semiconductor Manufacturing Initiative.......................................................... 81
3. Neuralink: Pioneering Brain-Computer Interface Technology.................................... 82
4. Juice Jacking: A Cautionary Note from RBI............................................................... 82
5. Bluebugging: A Caution from Andhra Pradesh Police................................................83
6. Bletchley Park: Historic Site and Global AI Safety Summit Host................................83
7. Bhashini Platform: Empowering Language Access in Digital India............................ 83
8. Bhasha Daan..............................................................................................................84
9. India AI Mission.......................................................................................................... 85
10. Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Hyderabad.............................. 86
11. DoT's Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative......................................................................... 86
12. Hanooman': An AI Model for Indian Languages.........................................................86
13. Garbhini-GA2: A Precise AI Model for Fetal Age Estimation in India.........................87
14. Kochi-Lakshadweep islands submarine optical fiber connection project................... 87
15. India: A Hub for Web 3.0 Talent..................................................................................87
16. Proton Improvement Plan (PIP-II) Project.................................................................. 88
17. Steel Slag Road Technology (SSRT)......................................................................... 89
18. C-Bot: Coral Reef Guardian....................................................................................... 89
19. PM-KISAN Scheme Gets AI-powered Chatbot for Enhanced Support...................... 89
20. Made in India Chipsets for NavIC Navigation System................................................89
21. Bharat NCX 2023: National Cyber Security Exercise.................................................90
Theme: DISEASES IN NEWS
1. Huntington Disease (HD):.......................................................................................... 92
2. About MPOX.............................................................................................................. 92
3. Sickle Cell Disease.....................................................................................................93
4. About Kala Azar Disease........................................................................................... 94
5. Neglected Tropical Diseases......................................................................................95
6. National Policy of Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021:....................................................... 95
7. Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)................................................................................ 95
8. Pompe Disease.......................................................................................................... 96
9. Cholera:...................................................................................................................... 96
10. Diabetes:.................................................................................................................... 97
11. Tuberculosis (TB)....................................................................................................... 97
12. Gene Therapy Trial for Hemophilia A in India............................................................ 98
13. Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR)..................................................................................99
14. Havisure®: A Milestone in Public Health - India's First Indigenous Hepatitis A Vaccine
99
15. CoViNet- A Global Laboratory To Monitor Emerging Coronaviruses........................100
16. Project on Anemia Control Launched under Mission Utkarsh..................................100
17. Technology Transfer of Cholera Vaccine..................................................................101
Theme:HEALTH
1. 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine............................................................ 101
2. 100th anniversary of Satyendra Nath Bose's........................................................... 101
3. Satyendranath Bose.................................................................................................101
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4. Traditional Medicine in Focus: India Hosts First Global Summit.............................. 102
5. U-WIN Portal: A Digital Transformation for India's Immunization Program.............. 103
6. National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)................................104
7. One Health initiative:................................................................................................ 104
8. India's One Health Mission.......................................................................................105
9. First ABDM Microsite Under NHA '100 Microsites Project' Launched in Mizoram... 105
BIOTECHNOLOGY
1. THREE PARENT BABY........................................................................................... 106
2. NexCAR19: India's Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy for Cancer............................. 106
3. First human clinical trial of gene therapy for ‘haemophilia A’....................................106
4. Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG)......................................... 108
5. About Various Vaccines:...........................................................................................108
6. GenomeINDIA project.............................................................................................. 109
7. Year End Review Department of Biotechnology.......................................................109
THEME: NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
1. Indian Nuclear Reactors and Key Components........................................................110
a. Components of Nuclear Reactor...................................................................111
2. Nuclear power plants in india....................................................................................112
3. India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme................................................................. 113
4. International Regulatory Mechanism........................................................................ 114
5. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)......................................115
6. India's Nuclear Programme: Pokhran-I, Pokhran-II and Beyond..............................115
7. Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Achieves Core-Loading Milestone........... 116
8. Apsara-U: Upgraded Research Reactor...................................................................117
9. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)......................................117
10. Tokamak Technology................................................................................................ 118
11. Proton Beam Therapy (PBT): Addressing the Gap in Cancer Care)........................ 118
12. Bhabhatron-II TAW Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Machine Introduced at PGI Chandigarh118
13. Bhabha Kavach: India's Lightweight Bullet Proof Jacket..........................................119
14. World’s First Prototype of BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’ Launched... 122
15. India's 1st Small-Scale LNG Plant Commissioned...................................................122
16. MethaneSAT: Tracking Methane Emissions for a Greener Future........................... 122
17. India's First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry Sets Sail.................................... 123
18. Status of Nuclear power capacity in India:............................................................... 123
19. India's Atomic Clock Network: Ensuring One Nation, One Time.............................. 123
20. National Quantum Mission Gets Green Light:..........................................................124
IMPORTANT TABLES OF GENERAL SCIENCE
1. Vitamins and Deficiency Diseases........................................................................... 125
2. List of Bacterial Diseases......................................................................................... 128
3. List of Viral Diseases................................................................................................ 130
4. Important Acids and Substance............................................................................... 132
5. Important Acids, Bases and Their uses....................................................................132
6. Digestive Enzymes................................................................................................... 133
7. Some Common Diseases caused by micro-organisms in Human........................... 134
8. Important Hormones and their Effect........................................................................135
9. Endocrine Glands..................................................................................................... 136
🚀
10. Important Alkaloid and their uses and source.......................................................... 137
Get Ready to Excel: Admissions Open!..............................................................138

5
Theme: SPACE
Types of Orbits
Understanding different orbital categories is crucial for UPSC aspirants in the Science and
Technology section. Here's a breakdown of the main types:
1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO):
● Altitude: Between 160 km and 1000 km above Earth.
● Revolution Period: Approximately 90 minutes to circle Earth.
● Utility: Ideal for satellite imaging due to high resolution and frequent revisits. The
International Space Station (ISS) also resides in LEO.
2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO):
● Altitude: 2,000 to 36,000 km above Earth's surface.
● Utility: Commonly used for satellite navigation (e.g., Global Positioning System -
GPS), communication, and Earth observation.
3. Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO):
● Altitude: A specific location at 35,786 km above Earth.
● Unique Feature: Satellites in GEO appear stationary over a fixed position because
their revolution period (23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds) matches Earth's rotation.
● Utility: Prime location for telecommunication satellites and weather monitoring
satellites requiring continuous observation of specific areas.
4. Polar Orbit:
● Path: Traces a path over or near Earth's poles, covering the entire surface over time.
● Altitude: Typically coincides with LEO (between 200 to 1000 km).
● Applications: Useful for Earth observation missions with global coverage.
5. Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO):
● Special Case of Polar Orbit: Maintains a specific alignment with the Sun, ensuring
the satellite observes a point on Earth at a consistent time of day.
● Utility: Valuable for studying weather patterns, monitoring environmental emergencies
(forest fires, floods), and gathering data on deforestation and rising sea levels.
6. Transfer Orbits:
● Purpose: Temporary orbits used to transfer satellites from one orbit to another,
especially for missions beyond Earth's orbit.
● Explanation: Satellites aren't always placed directly in their final destination after
launch. Transfer orbits allow them to reach the target orbit with minimal energy
expenditure.
ISRO's Launch Vehicle Fleet
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) boasts a diverse fleet of launch vehicles
catering to various satellite deployment needs. Here's a breakdown of their key offerings:
1. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
● Nicknamed: Workhorse of ISRO for its reliability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness
since 1994.

6
● Stages: Four-stage configuration with a combination of solid and liquid propulsion
systems for optimal performance:
○ First Stage: Solid rocket motor with strap-on motors for additional thrust
during initial ascent.
○ Second Stage: Liquid propulsion system powered by the Vikas Engine.
○ Third Stage: Solid rocket motor for further acceleration.
○ Fourth Stage: Liquid-fueled engine for final placement in orbit.
● Payload Capacity:
○ Up to 3250 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
○ Up to 1600 kg to Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
○ Up to 1400 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
● Success Highlights: Launched Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Mars Orbiter
Mission/Mangalyaan (2013), and a record-breaking 104 satellites in a single mission
(2017).
2. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV):
● Stages: Three stages, each designed for a specific phase of the launch process:
○ First Stage: Four solid strap-on boost motors (HS200) for initial thrust.
○ Second Stage: Liquid core stage (L110) powered by two Vikas liquid
engines.
○ Third Stage: Cryogenic Upper Stage with a cryogenic engine using liquid
Hydrogen and liquid Oxygen for high efficiency.
● Payload Capacity:
○ Over 2,200 kg to geostationary orbits.
○ Over 6,000 kg to LEO.
● Challenges: GSLV has a patchy track record with a higher-than-desired failure rate
(4 out of 16 launches unsuccessful). Issues primarily stem from the cryogenic engine,
which uses a design derived from Russia.
Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3):
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), previously known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV-MkIII), is India's heaviest rocket developed by the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO). It is capable of launching satellites into
● A three-stage launch vehicle operated by ISRO.
● Uses a cryogenic engine in the third stage, powered by liquefied oxygen and
hydrogen for high payload capacity.
● Specifically designed for launching communication satellites into GTO, a higher
elliptical orbit.
● Stages: Three stages, each building upon the previous one for increased payload
capacity:
○ First Stage: Solid fuel S200 stage.
○ Second Stage: Liquid fuel L110 stage powered by the Vikas Engine.
○ Third Stage: Cryogenic fuel C25 stage with a CE-20 engine (completely
indigenous) using liquid Hydrogen and liquid Oxygen.
● Payload Capacity (One of ISRO's Most Powerful Rockets):
○ Up to 4,000 kilograms to GTO.
○ Up to 10,000 kilograms to LEO.
● Primary Function: Launching communication satellites into geostationary orbit.
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● Successes: Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions. Notably, a human-rated
LVM3 variant is planned for future crewed missions under the Gaganyaan program.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):
● ISRO's Latest Offering: Designed for launching small satellites (10-500 kg) into
LEO on a quick turnaround basis.
● Stages: Three-stage configuration with all-solid propulsion stages for simplicity and
cost-effectiveness, followed by a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module
(VTM) for final adjustments.
● Capabilities:
○ Launch Mini, Micro, or Nanosatellites.
○ Multiple orbital deployments in a single launch.
● Advantages:
○ Significantly lower cost compared to PSLV (approximately 1/10th).
○ Reduced launch preparation time (72 hours vs. 45 days for PSLV).
ISRO Launch Stations
1.Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR)Location: Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

● Area: Spread over 145 sq. km
● Launch Pads: Two launch pads for PSLV and GSLV flights (heavier satellites)
2. Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport
● Foundation Stone: Laid for India's new spaceport for SSLV
● Location: Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu
● Launch Capabilities: Smaller payloads like Nano and Microsatellites
Chandrayaan-3: India's Triumphant Lunar Mission
1. Mission Overview and Objectives:

● Successor to Chandrayaan-2: The Chandrayaan-3 mission is the Indian Space
Research Organisation's (ISRO) second attempt at a lunar soft landing, following the
Chandrayaan-2 mission.
● Historic Soft Landing: The
mission's Lander module,
Vikram, successfully achieved a
soft landing on the lunar south
pole on August 23, 2023,
marking a historic feat. India
became the first nation to land on
the Moon's south pole and the
fourth overall to achieve a soft
landing on the lunar surface.
● Mission Goals: Chandrayaan-3
aims to demonstrate India's
capability in soft landing and
lunar roving technology. The
mission also carries out scientific
experiments on the lunar surface,
solidifying India's position as a
major spacefaring nation.
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2. Launch and Vehicle Details:
● Launch Date and Vehicle: ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission on July 14,
2023, using the powerful Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3)
from Sriharikota.
● LVM3 Capabilities: The LVM3 is a new, cost-effective launch vehicle designed to
place modules into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This three-stage launch
vehicle features two solid strap-on stages and a core liquid stage. The specific LVM3
variant used, LVM3 M4, successfully placed the integrated modules into an elliptical
parking orbit of approximately 170 x 36,500 km.
3. Mission Components:
● Two Main Modules: The Chandrayaan-3 mission consists of two primary modules:
the Propulsion Module (PM) and the Lander Module (LM). The total weight of both
modules is 3900 kg (PM: 2148 kg, LM: 1752 kg including the Rover at 26 kg).
4. Propulsion Module (PM):

● Delivering the Payload: The propulsion module's primary function is to deliver the
Lander and Rover configuration to the lunar orbit (around 100 km).
● Scientific Payload - SHAPE: In addition to transporting the Lander module, the PM
carries a scientific payload named Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth
(SHAPE). This instrument conducts novel spectro-polarimetric studies of Earth from
lunar orbit, searching for potentially habitable exoplanets by analyzing reflected light.
5. Lander Module (LM):
● Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover: The Lander Module comprises two key
elements: the Vikram Lander and the Pragyan Rover.
● Soft Landing Process: The Vikram Lander utilized an Automatic Landing Sequence
(ALS) to achieve the historic soft landing. This system involved using thrusters to
control the module's speed, direction, and landing site positioning.
● Lunar Surface Deployment: Following the successful touchdown, the Pragyan
Rover disembarked from the Vikram Lander and began its mission of conducting
in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface throughout its operational lifespan.
6. Mission Duration and Scientific Experiments:
● Mission Lifespan: The Chandrayaan-3 mission, including both the Lander and
Rover, is designed to function for one lunar day (equivalent to 14 Earth days).
● Scientific Payloads: Both the Lander and Rover are equipped with scientific
payloads to conduct various experiments on the lunar surface. The specific
objectives of these payloads are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Payload Payload Name Abbreviation Objective

Type
Lander Radio Anatomy of Moon RAMBHA To measure the plasma
Bound Hypersensitive density fluctuations near the
Ionosphere and Atmosphere lunar surface.
Chandra’s Surface ChaSTE To study the thermal
Thermophysical Experiment characteristics of the Moon's
frigid polar zones.
Instrument for Lunar Seismic ILSA To measure seismic activity,
Activity revealing the configuration of
the lunar crust-mantle.

9
LASER Retroreflector Array LRA To understand the dynamics
of the Moon system.
Rover Alpha Particle X-ray APXS To determine the chemical
Spectrometer composition and mineral
attributes of the soil and
rocks.
LASER Induced Breakdown LIBS To analyze the elemental
Spectroscopy. constitution, providing
insights into lunar geology.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission Timeline: A Record-Breaking Journey
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, a testament to India's spacefaring ambitions, unfolded with a
series of critical milestones. Here's a breakdown of the key events:
● Launch: July 14, 2023 - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission aboard the powerful
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) from Sriharikota.
● Lunar Orbit Insertion: August 05, 2023 - After a successful journey, the mission
spacecraft entered lunar orbit, marking a crucial step towards the landing.
● Separation and Deboosting:
○ August 17, 2023: The Lander Module (Vikram) separated from the
Propulsion Module, embarking on its independent descent towards the lunar
surface.
○ August 18-20, 2023: The Vikram Lander underwent a series of crucial
maneuvers called "deboosting." This process involved gradually slowing
down the lander by firing its thrusters. The deorbiting maneuvers aimed to
achieve a specific orbit with a perilune (closest point to the Moon) of 30 km
and an apolune (farthest point) of 100 km from the targeted landing site in the
South Polar Region. This precise positioning was essential for a safe and
controlled landing.
● Soft Landing: August 23, 2023 - The mission achieved its primary objective as the
Vikram Lander successfully touched down on the lunar surface, making history as
the first spacecraft to land near the Moon's south pole (around 70 degrees South).
This feat solidified India's position as the fourth nation to achieve a soft lunar landing.
1. Landing Site and Rover Deployment:
○ Targeted Area: The mission aimed for a landing site around 70 degrees
South near the Moon's south pole.

10
○ Contingency Plan: In case of a missed landing target, the mission was
programmed to wait for one lunar month (approximately 28 Earth days)
before attempting another landing.
○ Actual Landing Location: The Vikram Lander successfully landed at
69.36°S and 32.34°E, situated between the Manzinus C and Simpelius N
craters.
○ Rover Deployment: Following the historic landing, the Pragyan Rover
disembarked from the Vikram Lander on August 24, 2023, to commence its
scientific exploration of the lunar surface.
○ The Chandrayaan-3 mission does not carry an orbiter; it is using the
high-resolution images from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.
Recent and Future Lunar Missions
Space Agency Mission Name

ISRO (India) LUPEX with JAXA, Chandrayaan-4
NASA (USA) Lunar Trailblazer Mission
Viper Rover
Artemis 2-6 (Manned mission)
ROSCOSMOS (Russia) LUNA 26-28 ORYOL
CNSA (China) Chang'e 6-8
JAXA (Japan) Destiny+, Hakuto R Mission, SLIM
Danuri Mission South Korea (2022)
Israel Baresheet-2 (2022)
Aditya-L1: India's First Dedicated Solar Mission:
● Mission Goal: Aditya-L1, launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023, marks a

significant milestone as India's first space-based mission dedicated to studying the
Sun.
● Halo Orbit Advantage: This spacecraft is positioned in a special orbit called a halo
orbit around the first Lagrange Point (L1) of the Sun-Earth system. This strategic
location offers an uninterrupted view of the Sun, unlike observatories in Low Earth
Orbits that face frequent
obstructions from Earth.
Establishment of a Solar
Observatory:
● Scientific Benefits: Aditya-L1
paves the way for India to
establish its own advanced solar
observatory in space. This
observatory will enable crucial
scientific studies of the Sun,
impacting various aspects of our
daily lives.
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● International Recognition: A successful Aditya-L1 mission would place ISRO
amongst leading space agencies like NASA and ESA, further solidifying India's
position in the global spacefaring community.
Mission Details and Launch:

● Launch Vehicle: The PSLV XL launch vehicle successfully carried Aditya-L1 from
the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
● Destination: The mission aims to establish a solar observatory at the L1 Lagrange
point of the Sun-Earth system.
Scientific Payloads and Observation Capabilities:
● Seven Instruments: Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven advanced payloads, including
visible and X-ray spectrometers, a coronagraph, solar wind and energetic particle
analyzers, and magnetometers.
● Multi-wavelength Observations: This comprehensive suite of instruments allows
Aditya-L1 to conduct multi-wavelength observations, providing valuable insights
into the Sun's corona, chromosphere, photosphere, solar flares, and coronal mass
ejections.
Major Science Objectives:
● Understanding Coronal Heating: A key objective is to investigate the mechanisms
behind coronal heating, a phenomenon where the Sun's corona reaches
temperatures significantly higher than its surface.
● Solar Wind and Particle Acceleration: The mission also aims to understand the
processes that accelerate the solar wind and energetic particles emanating from the
Sun.
● Solar Activity and Space Weather: Studying the Sun's activity, including the
initiation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares, is crucial for
understanding and predicting space weather events that can impact Earth's
technological infrastructure.
● Solar Atmosphere Dynamics: Aditya-L1 will provide valuable data on the coupling
and dynamics of the Sun's atmosphere, leading to a more comprehensive
understanding of its behavior.
● Solar Wind Properties: The mission will also analyze the distribution and
temperature variations of the solar wind.
Payload Payload Name Objectives

Type
Remote Visible Emission Line Studies the solar corona.
Sensing Coronagraph (VELC)
Payloads
Observes dynamics of Coronal Mass
Ejections.
Solar Ultra-violet Imaging Captures images of the Solar Photosphere
Telescope (SUIT) and Chromosphere in near Ultraviolet (UV).
Measures solar irradiance variations in near
UV.
Solar Low Energy X-ray - Functions as a Soft X-ray spectrometer.
Spectrometer (SoLEXS)

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Studies X-ray flares from the Sun across a
wide X-ray energy range.
High Energy L1 Orbiting Acts as a Hard X-ray spectrometer.
X-ray Spectrometer
(HEL1OS)
Investigates X-ray flares from the Sun across a
wide X-ray energy range.
In-situ Aditya Solar Wind Particle Studies solar wind and energetic ions.
Payloads Experiment (ASPEX)
Analyzes their energy distribution.
Plasma Analyser Gather data on plasma characteristics and
Package for Aditya composition in the interplanetary space.
(PAPA)
Provides insights into solar wind interactions
with the environment.
Advanced Tri-axial Measures the low-intensity interplanetary
High-Resolution Digital magnetic field in space.
Magnetometers (MAG)
Consists of two sets of magnetic sensors: one
at the tip of a 6-meter deployable boom and
the other in the middle of the boom, 3 meters
away from the spacecraft.
Gaganyaan Mission
Objective: Demonstrate India's human spaceflight capability by sending a crew of 3 on a

3-day mission to a 400 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and ensure their safe return.
● Launch Vehicle: Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)
● Target Launch Year: 2025 (Success would make India the 4th nation to conduct
independent human spaceflight)
● Coordinating Body: Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)
Key Components:
● Crew Module: Habitation space for the crew.Shortlisted crew members will perform
scientific experiments, including those related to microgravity.
● Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE): Critical technology for
ensuring crew capsule survival during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere (tested
successfully with LVM3 in 2014).
● Crew Escape System (PES) - Pad Abort Test (PAT): Emergency system to safeguard
the crew in case of launch accidents. ISRO successfully conducted the first pad abort
test in July 2018.
● Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS):
○ Manages vital life support functions within the crew module:
■ Maintaining stable cabin pressure and air composition.
■ Removing harmful gases (carbon dioxide etc.).
■ Controlling temperature and humidity.
■ Fire detection and suppression.
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● Vyom Mitra:
○ ISRO's female humanoid robot designed to test-fly Gaganyaan.
● Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI) App:
○ Digital platform integrated with astronaut spacesuits for:
■ Providing digital access to technical documents and training manuals.
■ Monitoring astronaut vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen
saturation, hydration) and sleep patterns throughout the mission.
■ Maintaining mission logs and facilitating communication between
crew, onboard computer, and ground control.
Gaganyaan Mission Update:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the names of the four astronauts chosen for India's
historic Gaganyaan Mission:
1. Group Captain Prashanth Nair,
2. Group Captain Angad Prathap,
3. Group Captain Ajit Krishnan,
4. Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
India's Space Ambitions:
● Gaganyaan Mission (2024-2025)
● Establishment of 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' (Indian Space Station) by 2035.
● Sending the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
XPoSat: ISRO's Mission to Study Polarized X-rays
What is X-ray Polarization?

● X-rays are electromagnetic waves that
normally vibrate in random directions.
● Polarized X-rays have their electric field
vibrations confined to a specific plane.
Sources of Polarized X-rays
● X-rays emitted from magnetars and
black holes can become polarized
when they interact with surrounding
material in space.
● This scattering process causes the
X-rays to vibrate in a particular direction.
Importance of X-ray Polarization
Measurements
● By measuring the angle and degree of
polarization, scientists can learn more
about:
● The nature of bright X-ray emitting sources,the properties of their radiationThe
complex physical processes involved
XPoSat: India's First X-ray Polarimetry Mission
● Launched by ISRO on January 1, 2024.
● Designed to study the polarization of X-rays from celestial objects in low Earth orbit.

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● XPoSat is India’s third space-based observatory after the solar mission Aditya-L1
and AstroSat.
● Expected mission life of five years.
● Will observe sources during periods when they are eclipsed by the Earth, such as
magnetars and neutron stars.
Scientific Payloads onboard XPoSat
● POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays):
○ World's first instrument for the medium X-ray energy range (8-30 keV).
○ Contains a collimator to filter out unwanted light and a scatterer with
detectors to measure polarization.
○ Designed and built by the Raman Research Institute (RRI).
● XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing):
○ Provides fast timing and high spectral resolution in the soft X-ray band
(0.8-15 keV).
○ Will study a wider range of sources including pulsars, black hole binaries, and
active galactic nuclei (AGNs).
AstroSat: India's First Multi-wavelength Space Observatory

Launched by ISRO on September 28, 2015, AstroSat is India's first dedicated space
observatory designed for simultaneous multi-wavelength astronomy.
Key features of AstroSat:
● Lift-off mass: 1515 kg
● Orbit: 650 km, inclined at 6 degrees to the equator
● Launch vehicle: PSLV
● Operational life: Designed for a minimum of 5 years (as of Feb 2023, operational for
over 8 years)
● Controlled by: ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)
Scientific Objectives of AstroSat:
● Study high-energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and
black holes.
● Measure the magnetic fields of neutron stars.
● Investigate star birth regions and high-energy processes in galaxies beyond our own.
● Detecting new transient X-ray sources.
● Conduct limited deep-field surveys of the Universe in the ultraviolet region.
AstroSat's data is currently available for analysis by scientists and researchers through
the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) program.
Cygnus X-1
Recently, India’s space telescope AstroSat has measured X-ray polarisation from the
Cygnus X-1 black hole.
About Cygnus X-1:
Cygnus X-1 is a black hole about 15 times the mass of the Sun in orbit with a massive blue
companion star.
About AstroSat:
● India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.

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● Observation Bands: Simultaneously studies celestial sources in X-ray, optical, and
UV spectral bands. z Launch: September 28, 2015. z Launcher: PSLV (Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle).
● Orbit: 650 km orbit inclined at 6 degrees to the equator.
● Mass: 1515 kg. z Control Center: Mission Operations Complex (MOX) of ISRO
Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru
ISRO's Responsible De-orbiting of Cartosat-2

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) successful de-orbiting of Cartosat-2, a
high-resolution imaging satellite.
Cartosat-2: A High-Resolution Workhorse
● First of its Generation: Cartosat-2 was the first satellite in ISRO's second
generation of high-resolution imaging satellites.
● Launched in 2007: It began its mission on January 10, 2007.
● Weight and Orbit: Weighed 680 kg at launch and operated in a sun-synchronous
polar orbit at an altitude of 635 km.
● Mission Success (2007-2019): Provided valuable high-resolution imagery for urban
planning for over 12 years.
Proactive De-Orbiting for a Safer Space
● Natural De-Orbiting Timeframe: Without intervention, Cartosat-2 was expected to
take about 30 years to naturally de-orbit.
● ISRO's Action: To comply with international space debris mitigation guidelines,
ISRO took the initiative to expedite de-orbiting.
● De-orbiting Process: ISRO used Cartosat-2's onboard fuel to lower its perigee (the
closest point to Earth in its orbit) from 635 km to 130 km in 2020. This significantly
reduced its orbital lifetime and facilitated a controlled re-entry into the Earth's
atmosphere.
● Final De-orbiting: The satellite re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over the eastern
Indian Ocean.
Importance of De-orbiting
By proactively de-orbiting Cartosat-2, ISRO has demonstrated its commitment to:
● Mitigating Collision Risks: Reducing the risk of collisions with other operational
spacecraft, which could create dangerous debris fields in space.
● Ensuring Safe Disposal: Ensuring a controlled re-entry process that minimizes the
risk of any debris impacting the Earth's surface.
Shukrayaan Mission
● Mission by: ISRO
● Objective: Planned orbiter to Venus
● Expected Launch: By 2028
Main Goals
● Study the surface and atmosphere of Venus and its chemistry
● Examine the interaction of the planet with solar radiation
Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) or Chandrayaan-4
● Mission by: Joint effort of ISRO and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
● Expected Launch: 2026 or later

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Objective
● Confirm the presence of water in the polar regions of the moon and investigate its
potential usability
● Explore the lunar polar region's suitability for establishing a base on the Moon
Mission Details
● Launch Vehicle: Japanese rocket
● Lander System: Developed by ISRO
● Rover: Developed by JAXA
● Landing Point: South Pole of the moon.
India's Regional Navigation System: IRNSS-NavIC

Introduction:
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC (Navigation
with Indian Constellation), is an independent and indigenous navigation satellite system
developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Unlike other Global
Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) controlled by other countries, IRNSS provides India
with complete control over its navigation system.
Background:
● Global navigation relies on a network of satellites that transmit radio signals for
positioning and timing (PNT) services.
● The most well-known GNSS is the US-operated GPS system with 31 satellites.
● Other GNSS constellations include:
○ GLONASS (Russia)
○ Galileo (European Union)
○ BeiDou (China)
IRNSS: An Independent System
● IRNSS is a regional navigation system designed to serve India and its surrounding
region extending 1,500 km from its borders (primary service area).
● An extended service area is planned to cover a larger region.
IRNSS System Architecture:
● Satellite Constellation:
○ NavIC uses a constellation of seven satellites.
○ Three satellites are placed in Geostationary Orbit (GSO).
○ Four satellites are placed in inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO).
● Ground Segment:
○ A network of ground stations provides continuous operation.
○ The network includes a control center, timing facilities, monitoring stations,
and ranging stations.
IRNSS Services:
● IRNSS offers two types of services:
○ Standard Positioning Service (SPS): freely available to all users.
○ Restricted Service (RS): encrypted service for authorized users only.
● NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with other GNSS like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo,
and BeiDou.
Second Generation NavIC Satellites
ISRO has launched the second generation of NavIC satellites with several improvements:
● Satellite Design:
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○ The new satellites (e.g., NVS-01) are heavier and carry more advanced
technology.
○ They incorporate indigenously developed Rubidium atomic clocks for precise
timekeeping.
● Lifespan:
○ The new generation satellites boast a longer operational lifespan of over 12
years (compared to 10 years for existing ones).
Benefits of IRNSS-NavIC:
● Reduced dependence on foreign GNSS systems for critical navigation needs.
● Improved navigation accuracy for various applications in India and the region.
● Increased security with the Restricted Service for authorized users.
● Increased accessibility with broader frequency compatibility and longer lifespan of
satellites.
India's First PBN Demonstration for Helicopters

Context:
● The first demonstration of performance-based navigation (PBN) for helicopters in
Asia.
Demonstration Details:
● Location: Flight from Juhu to Pune, India
● Technology: GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) satellite technology,
developed by ISRO and AAI
Benefits:
● Enhanced Safety: More precise flight paths potentially reduce the risk of human
error.
● Increased Efficiency: Optimized routes lead to shorter flight times and lower fuel
consumption.
● Improved Accessibility: Enables operations in areas with limited ground-based
infrastructure.
Key Technologies:
● Performance-Based Navigation (PBN):
○ Relies on satellite technology and established procedures (e.g., RNAV
approaches) for precise navigation.
○ Offers greater accuracy and reliability compared to traditional methods.
● GAGAN Technology:
○ A regional satellite-based augmentation system for improved GPS navigation
in India.
○ Provides real-time corrections for better positioning accuracy.
Future Implications:
● Wider adoption of PBN and GAGAN: Potential for increased use in Indian
helicopter operations.
● Collaboration model: Potential to inspire similar advancements in other Asian
countries.
International Space Station (ISS)

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Introduction:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative space program involving multiple
space agencies. Launched in 1998, it holds the distinction of being the largest man-made
object currently orbiting Earth. Since 2011, the ISS has been continuously inhabited,
serving as a crucial platform for scientific research and space exploration.
Participating States:
The ISS is a testament to international cooperation in space exploration. The following
space agencies are partners in this project:
● National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - United States
● Roscosmos - Russia
● European Space Agency (ESA)
● Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
● Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Location and Speed:
● The ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers.
● It travels around Earth at an impressive speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour,
completing one orbit roughly every 90 minutes.
Objectives of the ISS:
● The ISS serves multiple critical purposes:
○ Expanding knowledge about space and the effects of microgravity on
various phenomena.
○ Conducting scientific research in a unique space environment.
○ Fostering international cooperation in space exploration.
Current Status and Future Outlook:
● The future of the ISS
became uncertain
following the 2022
Russia-Ukraine war,
with the European
Space Agency (ESA)
suspending
collaborations with
Russia.
● Russia has
announced its
withdrawal from the
ISS with plans to
develop its own space
station.
● The United States
and Europe remain
committed to operating the ISS until 2030.
● ESA is currently exploring the development of a new space station called Starlab.
The Rise of New Space Stations:
● Several countries are looking beyond the ISS and pursuing their own space station
endeavors:
○ China: China's space station, Tiangong, became fully operational in late
2022. It can accommodate up to three taikonauts (astronauts) in an orbit
reaching 450 kilometers.

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○ India: India aspires to launch its space station named Gaganyaan or
Bhartiya Antriksh Station by 2035. This indigenous space station will be
positioned in a 400-kilometer orbit and potentially house a crew for 15-20
days.
○ Other Initiatives: Space station projects are also being considered by Japan,
the United Arab Emirates, and other nations.
○
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)
Recent News: The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission was
celebrated at a send-off ceremony at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California,
USA. This marks a significant step forward in this collaborative effort between the US and
India to study Earth's surface in unprecedented detail.
Mission Overview:
● Joint Project: Built by the US (NASA) and India (ISRO) under a 2014 partnership
agreement.
● Planned Launch: In 2024 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, India.
● Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), completing a global map every 12 days.
● Operational Life: Minimum of three years, with potential extension.
Mission Features:
● Dual-Frequency Radar: The first of its kind in space, employing both L-band and
S-band frequencies to detect changes as small as a centimeter.
● Technological Collaboration:
○ NASA: L-band radar, GPS, recorder, payload data subsystem.
○ ISRO: S-band radar, GSLV launch vehicle, spacecraft.
● S-band Radar: Offers superior penetration capabilities, ideal for weather
observation.
● 39-foot Antenna Reflector: Focuses radar signals for high-resolution imaging.
● Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Enables data collection day and night, regardless
of weather conditions.
● Data Utilization:
○ NASA: L-band data for global science studies (minimum 3 years).
○ ISRO: S-band data for various applications (minimum 5 years).
PSLV-C54/EOS-06 Mission
● ISRO’s workhorse PSLV-C54 has successfully launched EOS-06 satellite along with
Eight Nano-satellites into two different SSPOs.
● The mission was accomplished from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR on 26th
November 2022.
● EOS-06 is the third generation satellite in the Oceansat series, which provides
continued services of Oceansat-2 with enhanced payload capability.
● The satellite onboard carries four important payloads viz. Ocean Color Monitor
(OCM-3), Sea Surface Temperature Monitor (SSTM), Ku-Band Scatterometer
(SCAT-3), ARGOS.
● The Oceansat-2, which was launched during Sept-2009 configured to cover global
oceans and provide continuity of ocean colour data with global wind vector and
characterization of lower atmosphere and ionosphere. The mission resulted in many
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research collaborations nationally and internationally in various areas: global
chlorophyll distribution, Kd 490 distribution, ocean color images, oil spillages, wind
vector products.
● EOS-6 is the third-generation satellite in the Oceansat series. This is to provide
continuity services of Oceansat-2 spacecraft with enhanced payload specifications as
well as application areas.
Payloads of PSLC C-54
● Ocean Color Monitor (OCM-3)
● Sea Surface Temperature Monitor (SSTM)
● Ku-Band Scatterometer (SCAT-3)
● ARGOS
Satellites Placed in the orbit
Satellite Agency, Country
EOS-06 URSC, India
INS-2B URSC, India
Anand Pixxel, India
Thybolt (2 Nos.) Dhruvaspace,India
Astrocast (4 Nos.) Spaceflight, USA
PSLV-C55-ISRO to launch Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite
Launching Organization: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

● Mission: Deployment of two Singaporean satellites:
○ Primary: TeLEOS-2 (Earth observation satellite)
○ Co-passenger: Lumelite-4 (technology demonstration satellite)
● Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C55 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) - 55th mission for PSLV
● Launch Date & Time: April 22, 2023 (information confirmed from ISRO)
● Outcome: Successful deployment of both satellites into orbit.
Additional Payloads: The mission also carried seven other payloads attached to the PS4
upper stage for scientific experiments by ISRO and other organizations.
Benefits for Singapore:
● TeLEOS-2 will provide Singapore with high-resolution Earth observation data for
various applications, such as land use monitoring, resource management, and
disaster response.
● Lumelite-4 will demonstrate the capabilities of a high-performance satellite
communication system for maritime safety applications.
Significance for ISRO: This successful mission reinforces ISRO's capabilities in reliable
and cost-effective launch services for international customers.
● PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 was launched successfully on April 22, 2023 at 14:19 hours

IST from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota.
● This is a dedicated commercial mission through NSIL with TeLEOS-2 as primary
satellite and Lumelite-4 as a co-passenger satellite.
● The satellites weigh about 741 kg and 16 kg, respectively. Both belong to Singapore.
They are intended to be launched into an Eastward low inclination orbit.

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TeLEOS-2
● The TeLEOS-2 satellite is developed under a partnership between DSTA
(representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. Once deployed
and operational, it will be used to support the satellite imagery requirements of
various agencies within the Government of Singapore.
● TeLEOS-2 carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload. TeLEOS-2 will be able
to provide all-weather day and night coverage, and be capable of imaging at 1m
full-polarimetric resolution.
LUMILITE-4
● The LUMELITE-4 satellite is co-developed by the Institute for Infocomm Research (I 2
R) of A*STAR and Satellite Technology and Research Centre (STAR) of the National
University of Singapore.
● LUMELITE4 is an advanced 12U satellite developed for the technological
demonstration of the High-Performance Space-borne VHF Data Exchange System
(VDES).
POEM-2
The mission has the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), where the spent PS4
stage of the launch vehicle would be utilized as an orbital platform to carryout scientific
experiments through non-separating payloads. The payloads belong to ISRO/Department of
Space, Bellatrix, Dhruva Space, and Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
ISRO’S LVM-3 / OneWeb India-2 Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) heaviest rocket Launch Vehicle Mark 3
(LVM3 or GSLV Mark 3) took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and
successfully orbited 36 satellites of U.K.-based OneWeb.
● ISRO would place another 36 satellites in the next M3 mission.
● This mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial arrangement between
NSIL and m/s Network Access Associates Limited (m/s OneWeb Ltd), a U.K. based
company.
About LVM3:
● LVM3-M2 is the dedicated commercial satellite mission of NewSpace India Limited
(NSIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space,
Government of India.
● The 43.5 metre LVM3 weighing around 644 tonnes carried 36 satellites weighing
5,796 kg or about 5.7 tonnes.
● With this launch, LVM3 has made its entry into the global commercial launch
service market.
● The LVM3 was conceived primarily for launching geo-stationary satellites with a
payload capacity of 4T, which can be used for launching 6T payloads for LEO.
● The mission is very critical to meet the customer’s expectations to launch 36
satellites in 9 phases with precision. The mission was designed in such a way that
the C25 stage was to handle this operation using in-house built inertial navigation
systems.
SSLV-D2/EOS-07 Mission

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The second developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), SSLV-D2
was successfully launched on February 10, 2023 at 09:18 hours IST from the first launch
pad at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
● SSLV-D2 is intended to inject EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into 450
km circular orbit, in its 15 minutes flight.
● SSLV caters to the launch of up to 500 kg satellites to Low Earth Orbits on
"launch-on-demand" basis. It provides low-cost access to Space, offers low
turn-around time and flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, and demands
minimal launch infrastructure.
● It is configured with three solid propulsion stages and a velocity terminal module. It is
a 34 m tall, 2 m diameter vehicle having a lift-off mass of 120 t.
● EOS-07 is a 156.3 kg satellite designed, developed and realized by ISRO.
● New experiments include mm-Wave Humidity Sounder and Spectrum Monitoring
Payload. Janus-1, a 10.2 kg satellite, belongs to ANTARIS, USA. A 8.7 kg satellite
AzaadiSAT-2 is a combined effort of about 750 girl students across India guided by
Space Kidz India, Chennai.
Mission Objectives
● Demonstration of designed Payload capability of SSLV in LEO
● Injection of EOS-07 satellite and two passenger satellites Janus-1 & AzaadiSAT-2
into 450 km circular orbit.
● e foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme.
India’s first private rocket Vikram-S is launched into space
● Indian startup Skyroot Aerospace launched the country’s first privately developed
rocket, Vikram-S, into space on Friday with support from the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO).
● Skyroot Aerospace was established in 2018 and is based in the southern tech hub of
Hyderabad. It was founded by former ISRO engineers.
● The rocket, weighing 546 kilograms (1203 pounds), was launched from the
Sriharikota spaceport and reached an altitude of 89.5 kilometers (55.6 miles).
● The flight was launched to prove avionics systems in Vikram series like telemetry,
tracking, inertial measurement, GPS, on-board camera, data acquisition and power
systems.
● The Mission was named as “Prarambh”.
● The mission’s aim was to launch Vikram–S (VKS), a single-stage solid fuelled
sub-orbital rocket into space. The launch vehicle has been named ‘Vikram-S’ as a
tribute to the father of the Indian space programme, the late Vikram Sarabhai.
● Skyroot Aerospace Founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka in
2018, the company has 200 employees, and is the largest private space start-up in
India with ₹526 crore raised as capital till date
India’s first privately built launchpad inaugurated
The facility, unveiled by S. Somanath, chairman of Isro and secretary Department of Space
(DoS), is designed and will be fully operated by homegrown space startup Agnikul Cosmos,
Isro confirmed in a statement.
● Chennai-based space-tech startup AgniKul Cosmos inaugurated India’s
first-ever private launchpad at Sriharikota, ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre .
● The facility was designed by Agnikul Cosmos and executed in support of ISRO and
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
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● It has two sections: the Agnikul launchpad and the Agnikul mission control
center.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle - ISRO's Launch for Small Satellites
Successful Launch of SSLV-D2
On February 10, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully
launched the second edition of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from Satish
Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
About Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
● Developed to cater to the growing commercial market for launching small satellites.
● Designed for launching satellites up to 500 kg into low Earth orbits on a
launch-on-demand basis.
● Cost-effective launch solution with short turnaround time and flexibility to
accommodate multiple satellites.
● Requires minimal launch infrastructure.
SSLV-D2 Mission
● Carried three satellites:
○ EOS-07: Earth observation satellite developed by ISRO.
○ Janus-1: A 10.2 kg technology demonstrator satellite by U.S.-based Antaris
with Indian partners.
○ AzaadiSat2: Built by 750 girl students across India, carrying scientific
payloads.
Payloads on AzaadiSat2
● LoRa amateur radio for communication.
● Radiation sensor to measure space radiation.
● Satellite health monitoring sensors for temperature, reset count, and inertial data.
GAGAN Satellite Technology - Enhancing Air Navigation in India
GAGAN: A boon for Air Navigation
On June 3, 2023, the Prime Minister of India highlighted Asia's first demonstration of
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) for helicopters using GAGAN satellite technology.
This marked a significant milestone in India's aviation sector.
What is GAGAN?
● GAGAN stands for GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation.
● It is a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
● GAGAN is a Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) that improves the
accuracy, availability, and integrity of the GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS)
signals.
Benefits of GAGAN
● Enhanced Accuracy: GAGAN provides more precise positioning data for aircraft
navigation, enabling safe and efficient flight operations.
● Improved Air Traffic Management (ATM): Increased accuracy in position reporting
allows for better separation of air traffic, leading to a smoother and more efficient
flow.
● Wider Applicability: GAGAN benefits extend beyond aviation, potentially improving
navigation for maritime, highway, and railway transportation.
Why in the news?
GAGAN is one of only four operational SBAS in the world, joining the ranks of the US
(WAAS), Europe (EGNOS), and Japan (MSAS).
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Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
● PBN is a concept that defines the performance requirements for aircraft navigation
systems.
● These requirements include factors like accuracy, integrity, availability, continuity, and
functionality.
● PBN represents a shift from relying on specific sensors to a focus on achieving
desired navigation performance.
● Navigation specifications outline the performance needs and suitable sensor options
to meet them.
GAGAN's Role in PBN Implementation
The successful PBN demonstration using GAGAN showcases its potential for enabling more
precise and efficient air navigation in India.
Einstein Probe (EP):
● Launching Organization: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with

the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial
Physics (MPE).
● Purpose: This "lotus-shaped" astronomical satellite was designed to observe and
study violent cosmic phenomena like gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and active
galactic nuclei. By studying these events in detail, scientists hope to gain a deeper
understanding of the high-energy universe.
● Launch Vehicle: Chang Zheng (Long March) 2C.
GSAT-20 (renamed GSAT-N2):
● Organization: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a commercial arm of ISRO
● Purpose: Providing high-speed broadband internet access, especially to remote
areas, competing with services like OneWeb, Starlink, and Reliance Jio Space.
● Launch Vehicle: SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket (marking ISRO's first collaboration with
SpaceX)
● Orbit: Geostationary orbit (55° East longitude)
Vikas Engine: Powering India's Launch Vehicles
The Vikas Engine is a family of liquid-fueled rocket engines developed by the Liquid
Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO in the 1970s. Named after Vikram Sarabhai,
the father of the Indian space program, Vikas engines played a pivotal role in India's
spacefaring journey.
Key features of Vikas Engine:
● Inspiration: Based on the design of European Viking Engines.
● Applications: Powers various stages of ISRO's launch vehicles:
○ Core Stage (Liquid Propulsion): Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
○ Second Stage: PSLV and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
Mark I & II
○ Core Stage Engine: LVM3
● Fuel Capacity: Varies depending on the launch vehicle:
○ PSLV, GSLV Mark I & II: 40 tonnes
○ LVM3: 55 tonnes
● Propellants:
○ Fuel: Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) (hypergolic)

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○ Oxidizer: Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4)
● Thrust: Maximum thrust of 725 kN
Role in Gaganyaan Mission:
● A high-thrust Vikas variant successfully underwent a 25-second test-firing to assess
its performance under extreme conditions for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first
human spaceflight program.
● This engine will be used in the Test Vehicle Abort Mission (TV-D1), designed for a
high-altitude abort scenario during launch or post-launch.
● The TV-D1 vehicle will be equipped with a modified Vikas engine to propel the Crew
Module and Crew Escape System.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
● A Central Public Sector
Enterprise established in 2019
under the Department of Space
(DoS).
● The second commercial arm of
DoS, following Antrix Corporation
Limited (established in 1992).
NSIL's Mandate
● Transfer technology to Indian
industries for producing
commercially successful PSLV
spacecraft launchers.
● Outsource assembly of small
satellites and the upcoming Small
Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
● Commercially exploit R&D work done by ISRO and DoS institutions.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)
● Single-window, Independent Nodal Agency: IN-SPACe functions as an
autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS), acting as a central
point of contact for private entities in the space sector.
● Established for Space Sector Reforms: Its creation facilitates and encourages the
participation of private
companies in space
exploration and
applications.
Responsibilities of IN-SPACe
● Promote and Enable
Private Space Activities:
IN-SPACe actively
supports
non-governmental entities
(NGEs) in various space
endeavors, including:
○ Developing
Launch Vehicles
and Satellites:

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This allows private companies to design and build their own spacecraft.
○ Providing Space-Based Services: Companies can offer services using
space technology, such as satellite imagery or communication.
● Oversee Sharing of Space Infrastructure: IN-SPACe manages the sharing of
existing space facilities owned by DOS/ISRO with private entities.
● Facilitate Establishment of New Space Infrastructure: IN-SPACe streamlines the
process for private companies to set up their own space infrastructure and facilities.
● Bridge Between ISRO and Private Sector: IN-SPACe acts as a liaison between the
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and private players.
● Optimize Space Resource Utilization: IN-SPACe works to identify ways to better
utilize India's space resources for the benefit of public and private space programs.
● Support Growth of Space Industry: IN-SPACe actively assesses the needs of
private space companies, including educational and research institutions.
India's First Dark Sky Reserve: Hanle in Ladakh

Ladakh to Get India's First Dark Sky Reserve
Ladakh is poised to be home to India's first Dark Night Sky Reserve at Hanle village in the
Changthang region. This initiative signifies a significant step forward for astronomical
research and astro tourism in India.
What is a Dark Sky Reserve? (International Dark-Sky Association - IDSA)
An International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR), as defined by the IDSA, is:
● A designated public or private land area of substantial size (minimum 700 sq. km).
● Possesses exceptional starry nights and a pristine nocturnal environment.
● Specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and
public enjoyment.
Key Requirements for an IDSR
● Core Area: A central zone with minimal light pollution, allowing telescopes to
observe the night sky in its natural darkness.
● Peripheral Area (Buffer Zone): Surrounds the core area, supporting dark sky values
in the core while benefiting from the reserve.
● Land Ownership and Accessibility: Must be on public or private land, accessible to
the public for all or part of the year.
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● Protected Status: Protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, or
public enjoyment purposes.
● Lighting Management Plan (LMP): A comprehensive plan adopted by a majority of
communities within the reserve (core and periphery) to address light pollution.
● Threat Mitigation Strategy: A plan to address current and potential future threats to
the core zone's dark skies, especially considering Hanle's proximity to sensitive
border areas.
● Annual Reporting:
Submission of a detailed
annual report to the IDSA by
October 1st of each year.
Why Hanle, Ladakh?
Several factors make Hanle in Ladakh
an ideal location for a Dark Sky
Reserve:
● High Altitude (4,500 meters):
Perfect for astronomical
observations due to minimal
atmospheric interference.
● Large Arid Area and Sparse
Population: Low light
pollution from human
settlements.
● Cloudless Skies and Low
Atmospheric Disturbance:
Enables clear views of the Milky Way Galaxy.
● Existing Astronomical Infrastructure: Home to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics'
(IIA) second-highest optical telescope globally (established 2001).
Support for the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
● The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru are providing support for the development of the
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.
Global Why in news? of Dark Sky Reserves
● Hanle will join a network of 20 Dark Sky Reserves worldwide, including locations in:
○ United Kingdom (7)
○ France (4)
○ USA (2)
○ Germany (2)
○ New Zealand (1)
○ Canada (1)
○ Namibia (1)
○ Australia (1)
The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve presents a unique opportunity for India to promote
astronomical research, astrotourism, and public awareness about the importance of dark
skies.

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PACE satellite
Why in news?: NASA is now publicly releasing science-quality data from its newest
Earth-observing PACE Satellite.
About the PACE(Plankton, Aerosol,
Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) Satellite:
● Launch Details: Launched by
NASA from the Cape
Canaveral Space Force
Station’s Space launch
complex.
● Placement: PACE is placed in
a sun-synchronous orbit.
○ Sun-synchronous orbit
means that it will always
be synced to the same
position relative to the
Sun.
● Objective: To study the interactions between the Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and
climate.
● Key Instruments:
○ Ocean Color Instrument (OCI): A highly advanced optical spectrometer that
measures light reflected by the ocean across more than 200 wavelengths of
ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared light. This measurement can be used to
estimate the wavelength of light reflected by the ocean, revealing information
on oceanic biological components.
○ Spectro-Polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone): Studies clouds
and aerosols.
○ Hyper Angular Research Polarimeter (HARP-2): A specialized wide
field-of-view camera that is sensitive to polarized light and will image the
entire Earth every two days. HARP2 provides measurements for cloud and
aerosol optical properties, which can provide insight into cloud and aerosol
energetics.
Significance of Pace Satellite
● Ocean health: PACE monitors microscopic marine life like phytoplankton, aiding in
ocean health assessment, ecosystem management, and detection of harmful algal
blooms.
● Air quality: It measures particles and pollutants in the air, assisting in monitoring air
quality and understanding their impact on atmospheric dynamics.
● Climate change: PACE contributes to studying the impact of aerosols on cloud
formation, helping understand human activity's role in climate change.
Artemis Accord
Why in the news?: Sweden recently became the 38th country to sign the Artemis
Accords.
Artemis Accords
● They are non-binding agreements aimed at establishing norms for outer space
exploration, emphasizing principles of peace, transparency, and cooperation.

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● Genesis: The accords were established in 2020 by NASA and the U.S. Department
of State, along with seven other founding member nations.
○ Those seven founding members include: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan,
Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
● Current Membership: So far, 38 countries have signed the accords, including
India.
● Basis: The accords are based on the Outer
Space Treaty of 1967 and reinforce the
commitment of signatory nations to the
Registration Convention, and the Rescue
and Return Agreement.
● Key Principles: Peaceful exploration of
space, transparency, interoperability,
emergency assistance, registration, heritage
preservation, space resource utilization,
deconfliction, and orbital debris
management.
MoUMemorandum of Understanding between (ISRO) and Mauritius Research and

Innovation Council (MRIC)
● The initiative is anticipated to engage Indian industries in developing specific satellite

subsystems, potentially generating employment opportunities.
● The partnership ensures continuous support from Mauritius for ISRO’s ground
station in the country, a critical element for India’s satellite missions.
● The project, estimated at Rs. 20 crore and funded by the Government of India, is
projected to be completed within 15 months.
● The roots of space cooperation between India and Mauritius extend back to the late
1980s.
● MoU will help to establish a framework for cooperation between ISRO and MRIC on
the development of a joint satellite as well as for cooperation on the use of the
MRIC’s Ground Station
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●
Kenya Launches Taifa-1: Its First Earth Observation Satellite:
● While Elon Musk's SpaceX company provided the launch vehicle and infrastructure,
the launching organization for Taifa-1 was actually the Kenya Space Agency
(KSA).
● Launching Organization: Kenya Space Agency
● Satellite: Taifa-1 (meaning "One Nation" in Swahili)
● Launch Date & Time: April 15, 2023
● Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 508 km; While not explicitly
mentioned, Earth observation satellites typically operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for
optimal data collection.
● Operational lifespan: 5 years
● Capabilities:
○ Capture multispectral images in five different bands
○ Operate in both visible and infrared light spectrums
○ Provide data for various applications like:
■ Agriculture: monitoring crop health and soil moisture
■ Disaster management: mapping floods, droughts, and wildfires
■ Environmental monitoring: tracking deforestation and land use
changes
● Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (as part of SpaceX's rideshare program)
Mission:
● Provide timely and accurate data for various applications:
○ Disaster management (monitoring floods, droughts, wildfires)
○ Agriculture and food security (crop health monitoring, land use mapping)
○ Environmental monitoring (deforestation, water resource management)
ISRO's Zero Debris Mission: A Triumph for Sustainable Space Exploration
ISRO Achieves Orbital Debris Milestone:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has accomplished a groundbreaking feat
in the realm of space sustainability. Their recent PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission successfully
achieved the remarkable target of leaving zero debris in Earth's orbit. This achievement
represents a significant milestone in mitigating the growing concern of orbital debris
pollution.
Innovation through Repurposing:
ISRO's strategy for achieving zero debris hinged on an ingenious approach. Instead of
discarding the fourth and final stage of the PSLV rocket, typically left to drift in space, they
transformed it into a functional spacecraft:
● PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3): This innovative concept involved
repurposing the spent stage into a three-axis stabilized orbital platform. Equipped
with power generation and telemetry capabilities, POEM-3 served as a mini space
station.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre's (VSSC) Development:
The development of POEM-3 is a testament to the expertise of the Vikram Sarabhai Space
Centre (VSSC). This reusable platform demonstrates India's commitment to sustainable
space exploration practices.
POEM-3's Mission Accomplishments:

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● XPoSat Deployment: In the PSLV-C58 mission, POEM-3 successfully deployed the
XPoSat satellite into its designated orbit at 650 kilometers.
● Controlled Re-entry: Following the deployment, POEM-3 itself was maneuvered to
a lower orbit of 350 kilometers. Once its mission objectives were complete, POEM-3
re-entered Earth's atmosphere, burning up harmlessly and leaving no trace of debris
behind.
Dragonfly Mission
NASA Context: Recently, NASA greenlights the 2028 launch for its Dragonfly Rotorcraft
Mission to Saturn’s organic-rich moon Titan
About Dragonfly Mission:
● It is Scheduled to be launched in July 2028 by NASA.
● Dragonfly marks the first time NASA will fly a vehicle for science on another
planetary body.
● The car-sized “dual-quadcopter” Dragonfly rotorcraft, which is being built by the
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, will reach Titan
in 2034.
Gopi Thotakura: First Indian Space Tourist on Blue Origin's NS-25 Mission
Entrepreneur and pilot Gopi Thotakura is set to make history as the first Indian to
venture into space as a tourist. He will be aboard the NS-25 mission of Blue Origin
Company, a private spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos. This mission will likely take
him to the edge of space, providing him with a unique opportunity to experience the wonders
of space travel.
The Kármán Line: Gateway to Space

The Kármán Line, named after Hungarian-American aerospace engineer Theodore von
Kármán, is a convenient and internationally recognized demarcation between Earth's
atmosphere and outer space. This imaginary line lies roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles)
above sea level.
GEMINI Device: Aiding Indian Fishermen with Navigation and Safety
GEMINI Launched for Fishermen's Safety and Communication

The Union Minister of Earth Sciences recently launched the Gagan Enabled Mariner's
Instrument for Navigation and Information (GEMINI) device. This initiative aims to
improve communication and safety for fishermen in Indian waters.
Key Features of GEMINI
● Effective Communication: Disseminates critical information like Ocean States
Forecast (wind, waves, currents, water temperature) and Potential Fishing Zone
(PFZ) maps to fishermen.
● Portable Receiver: Linked to ISRO satellites, GEMINI offers crucial benefits:
○ Extends Reach: Accesses warnings and alerts beyond phone network range
(up to 300 nautical miles).
○ Cyclone & Disaster Management: Enables satellite-based communication
during emergencies like cyclones, high waves, and tsunamis.
Technology Behind GEMINI
● A collaborative effort between:

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○ Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS):
Provides ocean data and advisories.
○ Airports Authority of India (AAI): Contributes GAGAN technology.
● GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation):
○ Developed by ISRO and AAI.
○ India's first satellite-based navigation system using ISRO's GSAT satellites.
Limitations and Potential Solutions
● One-Way Communication: Currently, GEMINI only allows receiving information, not
sending calls.
● Cost Factor: The ₹9,000 price tag might be a barrier for some fishermen. However,
efforts are underway for a potential 90% subsidy.
About INCOIS
● Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS):
○ An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
○ Established in 1999 in Hyderabad.
○ Provides ocean data and advisories to various stakeholders.
Overall, the GEMINI device represents a significant step towards enhanced
communication, safety, and informed decision-making for Indian fishermen.
The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) Project

Why in news?:
India has approved its participation in the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO),
the world's largest radio telescope project.
About SKAO:
● Collaboration: The SKAO is an
intergovernmental organization,
headquartered in the United
Kingdom.
● Participating Countries: SKAO
involves collaborative efforts from ten
countries: Australia, Canada, China,
India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa,
Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK.
● Dual-Continent Antenna Array: The
SKAO is designed as an array of
antennas strategically placed in South
Africa and Australia. This dual-continent setup enhances its capability to observe
and study celestial phenomena.
India's Involvement in SKAO Project:
● Collaborative Efforts: India's National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) and
various institutions have actively participated in the SKAO project right from its
initiation.
● Government Approval: The recent government approval includes a significant
financial sanction of Rs 1,250 crore, marking a crucial milestone in India's formal
involvement in the project.

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Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
Gravitational Waves:
LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is a monumental scientific
endeavor designed to detect ripples in spacetime, known as gravitational waves. These
waves, predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, carry information about cosmic
events of extraordinary violence, such as the collision of black holes or neutron stars.
LIGO's Design and Operation:
● Dual Observatory Network: LIGO comprises two large-scale interferometers situated
in the United States:
○ Hanford, Washington
○ Livingston, Louisiana
Significance of LIGO:
● Direct Observation of Gravitational Waves: LIGO's groundbreaking achievement lies
in directly measuring gravitational waves, validating a century-old scientific theory.
● Unlocking Cosmic Mysteries: These detectors provide a new window into the
universe, allowing scientists to study:
○ Mergers of black holes and neutron stars
○ The violent and energetic processes of the early universe
○ Fundamental aspects of physics, gravity in particular
LIGO India Project:
● Responding to the success of LIGO, India has embarked on its own ambitious
project: The LIGO India Detector.
● Project Details:
○ Estimated Cost: ₹2,600 crore (approximately $340 million)
○ Completion Target: 2030 (estimated)
○ Location: Hingoli district, Maharashtra
● Significance of a Third Observatory: While the existing LIGO network can detect
gravitational waves, a third observatory, like LIGO India, significantly improves the
accuracy of pinpointing the source of these waves. This enhanced precision will lead
to deeper scientific discoveries.
China's Shenzhou 17 & Race to Space:
Mission: Shenzhou 17
● Organization: China National Space Administration (CNSA)
● Launch Vehicle: Long March 2F rocket
● Purpose: The mission aims to deliver three astronauts to China's space station,
Tiangong, for a six-month stay to conduct scientific research and experiments.
PRATUSH Radio Telescope: Unveiling the Early Universe from the Moon's Orbit
India's Contribution to Lunar Astronomy: The PRATUSH Radio Telescope
Astronomers are proposing the placement of high-resolution telescopes on the Moon's
surface and in lunar orbit. Among these is India's PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the
Universe using Signal from Hydrogen) radio telescope, a future lunar orbiter designed to
shed light on the cosmos's earliest epochs.
PRATUSH's Scientific Objectives:
● Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionization: PRATUSH aims to study the Cosmic
Dawn, a period when the first stars and galaxies began to form, and the subsequent
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Epoch of Reionization, when the universe transitioned from a mostly neutral
hydrogen fog to a plasma filled with ionized particles.
● Signals from the Dark Ages: By observing from the Moon's orbit, PRATUSH will be
able to detect faint radio signals from the Dark Ages, a period before starlight
existed, offering a glimpse into the universe's very first light. Unobstructed by
starlight, these observations will provide pristine data for cosmologists.
About the PRATUSH Telescope:
● Developed by: The Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru, India, in active
collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
● Technical Specifications: PRATUSH will carry a suite of advanced equipment:
○ A wideband frequency-independent antenna for capturing a broad range of
radio frequencies.
○ A self-calibrating analog receiver to ensure accurate signal reception.
○ A digital correlator to process the weak radio signals.
● Deployment Strategy: ISRO will initially place PRATUSH in Earth orbit for
fine-tuning and testing. Subsequently, it will be maneuvered into lunar orbit for its
scientific mission.
Web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan
Web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan

a web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ developed by NCERT under the aegis of the Department
of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education.
India's Second Spaceport Takes Off: Kulasekarapattinam Poised for Launch
Expanding India's Spacefaring Reach:

India recently took a significant step towards bolstering its space exploration capabilities with
the foundation stone laying ceremony for its second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, a
coastal village in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district. This initiative, led by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, marks a new chapter in the nation's space odyssey.
Understanding Spaceports:
● Launch and Reception Sites: A spaceport, also known as a cosmodrome, serves
as a dedicated launch facility for spacecraft. Similar to seaports for ships and airports
for airplanes, spaceports provide the necessary infrastructure for propelling vehicles
into space and potentially even receiving returning spacecraft.
● Strategic Considerations: Several factors influence the selection of a spaceport
location. These include:
○ Geographical Location: A strategically positioned spaceport can optimize
launch trajectories and mission efficiency.
○ Favorable Weather: Suitable weather conditions with minimal disruptions are
crucial for safe and successful launches.
○ Vast Unpopulated Area: Safety considerations necessitate locating
spaceports in areas with minimal population density to mitigate risks in case
of unforeseen circumstances.
India's First Spaceport:
India's spacefaring journey began with the establishment of its first spaceport, the Satish
Dhawan Space Centre (initially known as Sriharikota Range) in 1971, located in Sriharikota,
Andhra Pradesh. This facility has played a pivotal role in numerous successful launches for
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
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Strategic Advantage of Kulasekarapattinam:
Kulasekarapattinam's selection for the second spaceport holds a distinct strategic
advantage:
● Southern Location: Situated 700 kilometers south of Sriharikota,
Kulasekarapattinam's location eliminates the need for the "Dogleg Manoeuvre." This
fuel-guzzling maneuver was previously required to avoid Sri Lankan airspace while
launching eastward from Sriharikota.
Important Recent milestones of Indian Space program
● Indian Space Policy, 2023: It enables end-to-end participation of Non-Governmental
Entities (NGEs) in all domains of space activities.
● ASAT Capability: On 27 March 2019, India tested an anti-satellite weapon during an
operation code named ‘Mission Shakti’.
● IndSpaceX: First table-top space warfare exercise – IndSpaceX, demonstrated
integrated satellite communications and reconnaissance for enhanced intelligence
and firepower.
● Defense Space Agency (DSA): In 2019, India established the DSA and the Defense
Space Research Organisation (DSRO).
● Chandrayaan-3: Launched the Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft to achieve a soft landing
of a robotic lander on the moon’s surface.
● Aditya L1 mission: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched
Aditya L-1, its first space-based mission to study the Sun.
● Bharatiya Antariksha Station: India plans to set up Bhartiya Antariksha Station’
(Indian space station) by 2035 and take the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY
DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY

• Dark matter and dark energy together make up 95% of the Universe. (68% dark energy
and 27% dark matter). • Only the remainder (5%) is composed of fermionic matter, i.e.,
things on the Earth, planets, stars, etc.
Dark Matter: • Dark matter is completely invisible. It does not interact with matter, emits no
light or energy and thus cannot be detected directly by conventional sensors and detectors. •
Scientists are confident it exists, because of the gravitational effects it has on galaxies and
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galaxy clusters. Dark Energy: • Existence of dark energy was theorised 25 years ago, when
a team of researchers found that the expansion of the Universe was speeding up or
accelerating, instead of slowing down due to gravity (inwards pulling force). This is
hypothesised to be happening due to a mysterious form of energy called dark energy.
Important Space Missions by ISRO
Mission Details
AstroSat Salient Features: Successfully detected 600th Gamma-ray Burst (GRB).

(2015) - First dedicated Indian astronomy mission. Studies celestial sources in
X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands simultaneously. Aims to understand
high-energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars
and black holes, etc.
Reusable Mission: Landing Mission (RLV LEX) (2023) -

Launch Salient Features: Test carried under the Reusable Launch Vehicle
Vehicle Technology Demonstration (RLV-TD) Programme. -
Autonomous Can be scaled up to become the first stage of India's reusable two-stage
orbital (TSTO) launch vehicle. -
Aims at developing essential technologies for a fully reusable launch
vehicle to enable low-cost access to space. - Technologies include
hypersonic flight (HEX), autonomous landing (LEX), return flight
experiment (REX), powered cruise flight, and Scramjet Propulsion
Experiment (SPEX). -
Advantages: Low-cost, reliable, and on-demand mode of accessing
space.
PSLV Orbital Scientific experiment carried out using POEM-2 in PSLV-C55 mission.
Experimental ● PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle (1st & 3rd stage: Solid; 2nd &
Module-2 4th: Liquid).
● Derives power from mounted solar panels and a Li-ion battery.
NASA-ISRO Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory. - Aims to map the entire globe in 12
Synthetic days. - Developed in collaboration with NASA.
Aperture
Radar
PSLV-C56 Recent Launch: Conducted the fourth stage (PS4) de-orbiting

experiment. - Salient Features: - De-orbiting of satellites technology
demonstration. - Aims to reduce space debris and enable sustainable use
of space. - De-orbiting systems can be passive (integrated spacecraft) or
active (designed to move satellites to the graveyard orbit). - Result:
Reduced space debris and sustainable use of space.

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Important Missions by Other Space Agencies
Mission Details
Euclid - Launched by: European Space Agency (ESA) - Objective: Investigate

Mission cosmic mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Make a 3D map of the
Universe by observing billions of galaxies. - Instruments: Reflecting
telescope feeding a visible wavelength camera (VIS) and Near-Infrared
Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP). - Destination: Sun-Earth Lagrange
point 2
Cassini - Launched by: Joint endeavor of NASA, European Space Agency (ESA),
Mission and Italian space agency (ASI). - Discovery: Found phosphorus in water
geysers of Enceladus, a moon of Saturn. Phosphorus is considered a
building block of DNA. - Focus: Explored the Saturn system, including its
rings and moons, with a special focus on Titan.
SOFIA - Launched by: NASA and German Aerospace Center - Discovery:

Detected atomic oxygen in the atmosphere of Venus. - Description: World's
largest airborne astronomical observatory, flying in the stratosphere above
99% of Earth's infrared-blocking atmosphere.
Tiangong - Launched by: China - Description: China's new permanent space station,
Space also known as Heavenly Palace. Carried three astronauts, including its first
Station civilian, aboard Shenzhou-16.
Indian Year Review of Department of Space-2023
Prime Minister interacts with ISRO Scientists

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited ISTRAC, Bengaluru on 26th August 2023 to meet
ISRO Scientist and applauded the efforts put by them to achieve the marvellous feat.
● LVM3 M4 vehicle successfully launched Chandrayaan-3 into its precise orbit on 14th
July, 2023.
● On 23rd Aug, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 lander, Vikram, successfully soft-landed on the
Moon.
● Subsequently, the rover, Pragyan, ramped down on the lunar surface.
● He declared that 23rd August ie the landing date of Chandrayaan-3 will be celebrated
as National Space Day.
● He also announced the names of the site on the moon as Shiv Shakti point
(Chandrayaan-3) and Tiranga point (Chandrayaan-2)
Second Developmental Flight of SSLV-D2/EOS-07 Mission
● The second developmental flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), SSLV-D2
was successfully launched on February 10, 2023 at 09:18 hours IST from the first
launch pad at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
● SSLV-D2 injected EOS-07, Janus-1 and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites into 450 km circular
orbit, in its 15 minutes’ flight.

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● SSLV can cater to the launch of up to 500 kg satellites to Low Earth Orbits on
"launch-on-demand" basis.
Space Economy Leaders Meeting (SELM)- under G20 Presidency
● Under India's G20 Presidency, the 4th edition of the Space Economy Leaders
Meeting (SELM) was successfully organised by the Department of Space.
● Ambassadors / Heads of Space Agencies / Representatives attended from 18 G20
nations and 8 friendly countries to deliberate current issues and opportunities in
global Space.
● The meeting was organised in two phases i.e. precursor event at Shillong and Main
event at Bengaluru.
LVM3 M3/OneWeb Mission
● Second commercial mission of LVM3 M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission was successfully
accomplished on 26th March, 2023, placing 36 OneWeb satellites into their intended
orbit.
● With this, NSIL successfully executed its contract to launch 72 satellites of OneWeb
to Low Earth Orbit.
RLV LEX Mission
SRO demonstrated the Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX)
on 2nd April, 2023 at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka.
The RLV LEX demanded several state-of-the-art technologies including accurate Navigation
hardware and software, Pseudolite system, Ka-band Radar Altimeter, NavIC receiver,
indigenous Landing Gear, Aerofoil honey-comb fins and brake parachute system
PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 mission
● PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 mission was successfully accomplished on 22nd April, 2023.
This was a dedicated commercial mission through NSIL with TeLEOS-2 as primary
satellite and Lumelite-4 as a co-passenger satellite.
● The satellites weigh about 741 kg and 16 kg, respectively. Both belong to Singapore.
They were launched into an Eastward low inclination orbit
GSLV-F12/NVS-01 Mission
● The mission was successfully accomplished on 29th May, 2023. GSLV deployed the
NVS-01 navigation satellite.
● NVS-01 is the first of the second-generation satellites envisaged for the Navigation
with Indian Constellation (NavIC) services.
● NVS series of satellites will sustain and augment the NavIC with enhanced features.
This series incorporates L1 band signals additionally to widen the services. For the
first time, an indigenous atomic clock will be flown in NVS-01.
YUVIKA-2023
● Young Scientists Programme YUVIKA–2023 was inaugurated by Chairman ISRO /
Secretary DoS Shri S Somanath on May 15, 2023.
● A total of 352 high school students from all across the country are selected to
participate in this two-weeks’ residential programme at 7 ISRO Centres viz. VSSC
Trivandrum, SAC Ahmedabad, URSC Bengaluru, SDSC Sriharikota, NRSC
Hyderabad, IIRS Dehradun and NE-SAC Shillong.
● ISRO's YUVIKA for high school students concurs with the objectives of National
Education Policy – 2020 for "catching the young" and orienting towards STEM with a
special focus on Space Science and Technology.

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3D Printing of PS4 Engine: A Leap Forward for ISRO
ISRO's Pioneering Achievement
● Successful Test of 3D-Printed Rocket Engine: On May 9, 2024, the Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO) made a significant breakthrough by successfully
testing a liquid rocket engine, the PS4, for the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite
Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This engine was manufactured using additive
manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing.
● Commitment to Innovation and Efficiency: This achievement highlights ISRO's
dedication to pushing the boundaries of space technology through innovative and
efficient methods.
Understanding 3D Printing
● Additive Manufacturing Process: 3D printing is a revolutionary additive
manufacturing technique that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer based
on computer-created designs.
GSAT-20 Launch via SpaceX Falcon 9

● Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 (first for NSIL communication satellite launch).
● Satellite: GSAT-20 (renamed GSAT-N2) - high-throughput Ka-band satellite.
● Owner/Operator: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
● Weight: 4700 kg (exceeds capacity of ISRO's LVM-3 rocket).
● Purpose: Meet communication needs in remote and unconnected areas.
● Significance: Second "demand-driven" satellite launch by NSIL.
ISRO Launches INSAT-3DS Weather Satellite

Mission: INSAT-3DS - weather forecasting satellite launched by ISRO for the
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
● Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F14 (16th flight, 10th with indigenous cryogenic stage).
● Orbit: Placed in geostationary orbit (GEO) after geosynchronous transfer orbit
(GTO).
● Purpose: Enhance weather observation and forecasting capabilities.
INSAT-3DS Features:
● Successor to INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR meteorological satellites.
● Carries Imager, Sounder, Data Relay Transponder, and Search & Rescue (SA&SR)
payloads.
● Monitors Earth's surface, oceans, and provides atmospheric data.
● Offers data collection, dissemination, and satellite-aided search & rescue services.
GSLV-F14 Details:
● Three-stage launch vehicle with 420-tonne liftoff mass.
● Stages: Solid propellant (first), liquid propellant (second), cryogenic (third).
● Launches communication, navigation, Earth observation, and other spacecraft.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO):
● Satellites appear stationary over a fixed position above the equator.
ISRO De-orbits Cartosat-2 Satellite
● ISRO successfully de-orbited and re-entered Earth's atmosphere with the
Cartosat-2 satellite upon reaching its end-of-life.

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● Cartosat-2: Launched in 2007, a remote sensing satellite in a Sun-synchronous orbit
(SSO).
○ SSO: Polar orbit where the satellite maintains a fixed position relative to the
Sun.
○ Provides high-resolution scene-specific imagery.
● De-orbiting: Achieved by lowering the perigee (closest point to Earth) using leftover
fuel.
● Significance: Complies with international space debris mitigation guidelines and
ensures long-term sustainability of space activities
Vyom Mitra
ISRO to launch India’s female robot astronaut, Vyommitra into space ahead of Gaganyaan
mission.
About Vyommitra:
● Vyommitra, a creation of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), derives
its name from the Sanskrit words Vyoma (meaning “Space”) and Mitra (meaning
“Friend”).
● This female robot has been specifically crafted for unmanned test missions preceding
the Gaganyaan human spaceflight endeavor.
● Classified as a half-humanoid robot due to the absence of legs, Vyommitra
possesses the ability to bend forward and sideways.
Key Features:
Resembling a human, it features facial expressions, speech capabilities, and sight
functions. | It will collect valuable data on the effects of space travel on human physiology
ISRO's Pushpak: Redefining Space Travel with Reusable Launch Vehicles

ISRO Achieves RLV Landing Milestone:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently accomplished a critical feat: the
successful landing experiment of their Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named Pushpak.
This test, conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range in Karnataka's Chitradurga district,
marks a significant stride towards developing cost-effective space transportation solutions.

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Understanding Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs):
● Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike conventional rockets that are discarded after a single
use, RLVs are designed to be launched, maneuvered, and then returned to Earth for
reuse. This significantly reduces launch costs associated with space missions.
● Concept: The core principle behind RLVs lies in recovering the expensive rocket
booster components used to propel spacecraft into orbit. After separation, these
reusable boosters return to Earth, potentially even landing vertically like airplanes,
allowing them to be refuelled and employed in future spaceflights.
ISRO's Pushpak RLV:
● Heat Shield Technology: ISRO equips its RLVs with additional protection like heat
shields to withstand the scorching temperatures encountered during atmospheric
re-entry.
● Flight Control Systems: Grid fins and other flight control surfaces are incorporated
into the design to ensure precise maneuverability during the landing phase.
Chennai Startup Launches India's Second Private Rocket: Agnibaan
A Milestone for Private Space in India:

India's private space industry witnessed a historic achievement with the successful launch of
Agnibaan, the first rocket developed by Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos
Private Limited. This launch, which took place on March 22nd, 2024 from the Satish Dhawan
Space Centre, marks a significant step forward for private space endeavors in India.
Second Privately Developed Rocket:
● Agnibaan holds the distinction of being India's second privately developed rocket.
● The first private rocket launch belonged to Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace
Private Limited, which successfully launched its Vikram-S rocket in 2022 under the
mission title "Prarambh."
Agnibaan's Pioneering Technology:
Agnibaan boasts several innovative features:
● Single-Piece 3D Printed Engine: It showcases India's advanced manufacturing
capabilities by incorporating the world's first single-piece 3D printed engine, designed
and built indigenously.
● Semi-Cryogenic Engine: This single-stage launch vehicle demonstration is powered
by a cutting-edge semi-cryogenic engine named Agnilet.
Japan's Lunar Triumph: Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)

Historic Landing on the Moon
This remarkable feat marks Japan as the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the
Moon, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India in this elite
lunar club.
SLIM: A Mission for the Future
SLIM is more than just a landing; it's a stepping stone for future lunar exploration. This
small-scale exploration lander is specifically designed for:
● Pinpoint Precision Landings: SLIM boasts advanced technology for precise
landings on the Moon's surface, crucial for future missions targeting specific areas of
scientific interest.
● Testing Low-Gravity Exploration Techniques: The mission serves as a testbed for
technologies essential for exploring other low-gravity environments in our solar
system. The data gathered from SLIM will be invaluable for planning future missions
to asteroids, Mars, and beyond.
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Mission Objectives
The primary goals of the SLIM mission are:
1. Demonstrate Accurate Lunar Landing Techniques
2. Accelerate Lunar and Planetary Exploration with Lighter Systems
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) spearheaded the development and
launch of SLIM.
ISRO to Launch Proba-3 for Sun Corona Study
● Mission: Proba-3 (European Space Agency) - First-of-its-kind precision formation

flying mission.
● Launch: By ISRO in 2024.
● Objective: Study the Sun's faint corona using a 144-meter solar coronagraph.
● Method: Two satellites flying in formation to create an artificial eclipse in space.
● Benefit: Enables continuous observation of the corona, previously obscured by the
Sun's brightness.
Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Completes Mission
● NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter successfully
concluded its mission, transmitting its final
signal from Mars.
● Firsts: Achieved the first powered, controlled flight
on another planet.
● Features: Solar-powered, designed for operation
in the thin Martian atmosphere (less than 1% of
Earth's density).
● Deployment: Launched with the Perseverance
rover as part of the Mars 2020 mission.
Intuitive Machines (IM-1) Mission to Moon
● Mission: Private U.S. lunar mission by Intuitive Machines (IM), launched by SpaceX
(52 years after Apollo missions).
● Spacecraft: IM-1 carrying Nova-C (Odysseus) lander and six NASA science
payloads.
● Objective: Soft landing near the Moon's south pole (Malapert A crater) to gather
lunar environment data.
● Significance: First successful private lunar soft landing after attempts by:
○ Beresheet (Israel, 2019)
○ Hakuto-R (Japan, 2023)
○ Peregrine (planned for 2024)
● Partnership: Part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.
Additional Notes:
● Countries with successful soft lunar landings: US, former Soviet Union, China, India,
and Japan.
● Peregrine mission aims to explore the Bay of Stickiness (Sinus Viscositatis).

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Fast Radio Bursts:
New Research on Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)

A recent study by astronomers from the University of Tokyo sheds new light on the
mysterious phenomenon of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). Their findings bolster the theory that
starquakes, or massive quakes on neutron stars, could be a significant source of these
powerful radio waves.
Understanding Fast Radio Bursts
FRBs are enigmatic celestial events characterized by:
● Intense bursts of radio waves: These bursts are incredibly bright and release
enormous amounts of energy in a very short duration (milliseconds).
● Cosmic origin: FRBs emanate from distant galaxies, often surpassing the Sun's
energy output in a week within a millisecond.
● Transient nature: The vast majority of FRBs are singular events, disappearing after
their initial burst. However, some FRBs exhibit repeating patterns.
India Enters the Hypersonic Age: Testing Begins at S2 Facility
India's aerospace capabilities - the successful testing of the country's first Hypervelocity
Expansion Tunnel Test Facility, named S2 or "Jigarthanda".
S2: A Pioneering Facility
● Location: Housed at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur's (IIT-Kanpur)
Department of Aerospace Engineering's Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics
Laboratory (HEAL).
● Length: 24 meters long.
● Developed by: A collaborative effort between the Aeronautical Research and
Development Board (ARDB), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and
HEAL.
UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO
● ISRO, Department of Space, Govt. of India offers a training programme on
nanosatellite assembly and building, UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &
Training by ISRO). Foreign Engineers/Scientists/Officials are eligible to get trained.
● The training provides an opportunity for the participating countries to strengthen their
capabilities in assembling, integrating, and testing nanosatellites.
● India announced this programme in 2018 in Vienna during the Symposium to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the First United Nations Conference on the
Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50).

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SlN NAME Launc Launc Launch Orbit Type Application
o h Date h Vehicle
Mass
44 EOS-07 Feb SSLV-D2/EOS Earth

10, -07 Mission Observation
2023
43 EOS-06 Nov PSLV-C54/EO Earth

26, S-06 Mission Observation
2022
42 INDIA-BHUTA Nov Earth

N SAT 26, Observation
2022
41 EOS-04 Feb PSLV-C52/EO Earth

14, S-04 Mission Observation
2022
40 EOS-03 Aug GSLV-F10/EO GTO Earth

12, S-03 (Geosynchrono Observation
2021 us Transfer
Orbit)
39 EOS-01 Nov PSLV-C49/EO LEO (Low Earth Disaster

07, S-01 Orbit) Managemen
2020 t System,
Earth
Observation
38 RISAT-2BR1 Dec 628 PSLV-C48/RIS LEO (Low Earth Disaster

11, Kg AT-2BR1 Orbit) Managemen
2019 t System,
Earth
Observation
37 Cartosat-3 Nov PSLV-C47/Car SSPO (Sun Earth

27, tosat-3 Mission Synchronous Observation
2019 Polar Orbit)
36 RISAT-2B May 615 PSLV-C46 LEO (Low Earth Disaster

22, Kg Mission Orbit) Managemen
2019 t System,
Earth
Observation

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35 HysIS Nov PSLV-C43/Hys SSPO (Sun Earth
29, IS Mission Synchronous Observation
2018 Polar Orbit)
34 Cartosat-2 Jan 710 PSLV-C40 / SSPO (Sun Earth

Series 12, Kg Cartosat-2 Synchronous Observation
Satellite 2018 Series Satellite Polar Orbit)
33 Cartosat-2 Jun 712 kg PSLV-C38 / SSPO (Sun Earth

Series 23, Cartosat-2 Synchronous Observation
32 Cartosat-2 Feb 714 kg PSLV-C37 / SSPO (Sun Earth

Series 15, Cartosat-2 Synchronous Observation
31 RESOURCES Dec 1235 PSLV-C36 / SSPO (Sun Earth

AT-2A 07, kg RESOURCES Synchronous Observation
2016 AT-2A Polar Orbit)
30 SCATSAT-1 Sep 371 kg PSLV-C35 / SSPO (Sun Climate &

26, SCATSAT-1 Synchronous Environment
2016 Polar Orbit)
29 INSAT-3DR Sep 2211 GSLV-F05 / GSO Climate &

08, kg INSAT-3DR (Geosynchrono Environment
2016 us Orbit) , Disaster
Managemen
t System
28 CARTOSAT-2 Jun 737.5 PSLV-C34 / SSPO (Sun Earth

Series 22, kg CARTOSAT-2 Synchronous Observation
27 INSAT-3D Jul 26, 2060 Ariane-5 GSO Climate &

2013 Kg VA-214 (Geosynchrono Environment
us Orbit) , Disaster
Managemen
t System
26 SARAL Feb 407 kg PSLV-C20 / SSPO (Sun Climate &

25, SARAL Synchronous Environment
2013 Polar Orbit) , Earth
Observation

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Theme 2: DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
What are Anti-Satellite Weapons

Anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons are technologies designed to intercept, disable, or destroy
satellites orbiting Earth. They primarily serve defence and strategic purposes.
Countries with ASAT Technology
● The development of ASATs began during the Cold War. While never used in warfare,
they have been employed to remove defunct satellites.
● Four countries have demonstrated successful ASAT tests:
○ United States (Bold Orion air-launched ballistic missile)
○ Russia (Nudol Missile)
○ China (SC-19 ASAT missile)
○ India
Need for ASAT Technology
The development of ASATs is a complex issue with both strategic and security
considerations:
● National Security: ASATs can protect critical infrastructure, military communication,
and intelligence-gathering reliant on satellites.
● Destroying Defunct Satellites: Many inactive satellites clutter space. ASATs can
eliminate these hazards.
● Deterrence: Possessing ASAT capabilities can deter adversaries. Knowing a nation
can defend its space assets discourages aggression. (For instance, China reportedly
disapproved of India's ASAT demonstration.)
● Technological Advancement: Advancements in missile and space technology
make ASAT development more accessible to various nations. It can be seen as a
natural progression, especially for countries with experience in space research and
missile technology.
India's Mission Shakti
On March 27, 2019, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
conducted Mission Shakti, a successful ASAT missile test that neutralized a satellite in
space. This mission was part of India's Ballistic Missile Defence Programme.
● Test Objective: Demonstrate India's ASAT capabilities by destroying a defunct
Indian satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO) at approximately 283 kilometers.
● Indigenously Developed: The entire mission, including the ASAT missile, was
developed domestically, showcasing India's ability to undertake such complex
endeavors.
● Weapon Used: The Prithvi Delivery Vehicle Mark-II (PDV MK-II), developed by
DRDO, collided with and destroyed an Indian Microsat-R satellite. This marked
India's first ASAT missile test.
Significance of Mission Shakti
● Strengthened Strategic Position: The success of Mission Shakti established India
as a spacefaring nation with advanced ASAT capabilities, bolstering its national
security. It made India the fourth country with demonstrated ASAT capabilities.

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● Deterrence Strategy: India's ASAT program signals its ability to protect its space
assets, deterring potential adversaries from attacking its satellites.
● Validation of Defence Technologies: The ASAT test also validated India's emerging
ballistic missile defence technologies, contributing to its broader defence capabilities.
Indian Navy's Twin Carrier Operations and INS Vikrant's Significance
Twin Carrier Operations:
● The Indian Navy recently conducted a demonstration of its growing naval prowess
with "twin carrier operations."
● MiG-29K fighter jets took off simultaneously from both carriers, INS Vikramaditya and
INS Vikrant, showcasing coordinated operations and enhanced capabilities.
INS Vikrant: A Symbol of Indigenous Strength
● INS Vikrant is a significant milestone for India, being the country's first domestically
designed and constructed aircraft carrier.
● This achievement places India among a select group of nations capable of such
complex shipbuilding: the US, Russia, France, the UK, and China.
● With a displacement of 43,000 tonnes, INS Vikrant is poised to be the world's
seventh-largest aircraft carrier upon full load.
Operational Capabilities:
● INS Vikrant can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft, including:
○ MiG-29K fighter jets
○ Kamov-31 helicopters
○ MH-60R multi-role helicopters
○ Indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)
○ Light Combat Aircraft (Navy)
● It utilizes the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method for launching
and recovering aircraft.
● To facilitate this, the carrier is equipped with a ski-jump ramp for launching and three
arrester wires for controlled landings.
Strategic Importance:
● INS Vikrant bolsters India's maritime capabilities, promoting its status as a "Blue
Water Navy" capable of operating in deep waters.
● The successful twin carrier operations demonstrate the Indian Navy's growing
coordination and ability to project power at sea.
Agni-5 Missile Achieves Multiple Warhead Capability: Mission Divyastra
Successful Test:
● India recently announced the successful test of an Agni-5 missile equipped with
multiple warhead capability.
● Codenamed Mission Divyastra, the test was conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Island off the Odisha coast.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself announced the successful launch.
Significance of Mission Divyastra:
● This technology allows a single Agni-5 missile to deploy multiple warheads and
strike different targets simultaneously.
● The system utilizes indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor
packages.

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● This ensures the re-entry vehicles reach their designated targets with high precision.
Overall Impact:
This successful test marks a significant advancement in India's missile technology and
strengthens its strategic deterrence capabilities.
Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle

Introduction:
● MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle.
● It is a missile payload technology that allows a single ballistic missile to deliver
multiple warheads and strike separate targets. These targets can be hundreds of
kilometers apart.
Current Possessors:
● As of today, several countries possess MIRV technology, including:
○ United States
○ Russia
○ China
○ France
○ United Kingdom
● Pakistan is reportedly developing a MIRV system, and Israel is suspected to either
have or be developing it.
Deployment Platforms:
● MIRV-equipped missiles can be launched from various platforms:
○ Land
○ Sea (ships)
○ Submarines (SLBMs)
Background:
● Developed in the early 1960s, MIRV technology allows a single missile to carry
numerous nuclear warheads, significantly increasing its destructive potential.
● The United States pioneered MIRV technology, deploying it on:
○ Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) in 1970
○ Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) in 1971
Lethality of MIRV Technology:
● Compared to traditional single-warhead missiles, MIRV technology offers a significant
advantage:
○ Multiple warheads: Each MIRV missile carries multiple warheads, enabling
attacks on several targets with a single launch.
○ Independent Targeting: MIRV warheads can be released at different speeds
and directions, allowing them to hit geographically dispersed targets.
Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System
Context: The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was

successfully flight-tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
About the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System
● SMART is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system.
● Objective: To enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy
far beyond the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes.
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● Designed and Developed by:
The Defence Research and
Development Organisation
(DRDO).
● Key Features:
● It's a canister-based
missile system, meaning
the missiles are stored and
transported in sealed
canisters.
● It consists of several
advanced sub-systems,
namely two-stage solid
propulsion system,
electromechanical actuator
system, precision inertial
navigation system etc.
● It carries an advanced
light-weight torpedo as
payload along with a parachute-based release system.
● It can be launched from both coasts and warships.
● The SMART system has a range "several times" that of the 20-40-km
conventional torpedoes.
Project-75I: India's Push for Advanced Indigenous Submarines
Project-75I is a significant initiative by the Indian Navy to bolster its underwater defense
capabilities through the construction of six advanced diesel-electric attack submarines. It
builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, Project-75.
Key features of Project-75I:
● Indigenous Construction: Aimed at achieving significant indigenization in
submarine construction, with a minimum of 45% local content in the first submarine,
progressively increasing to 60% for the sixth.
● Enhanced Stealth: The submarines will incorporate advanced features like acoustic
absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, and sophisticated sensor suites to
minimize detection.
● Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP): The most significant advancement over
Project-75 is the integration of AIP technology. This allows submarines to remain
submerged for extended periods (up to two weeks) by using fuel cells for propulsion,
significantly improving their operational endurance and stealth capabilities compared
to traditional diesel-electric submarines which require surfacing for battery recharge.
● Modern Weaponry: The submarines will be equipped with contemporary weaponry
including long-range guided torpedoes, tube-launched anti-ship missiles, and
advanced sonars.

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INS Imphal Undertakes Sea Trials
The Indian Navy recently celebrated a milestone with the maiden sea sortie of its third
indigenous stealth destroyer, the INS Imphal. This warship is part of the prestigious Project
15B class, signifying India's growing prowess in domestic warship design and construction.
About INS Imphal
● Named after: Imphal, a city in Northeast India
● Designed by: Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau
● Constructed by: Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL)
Key Features of INS Imphal
● Maximum Speed: 30 knots
● Length: 163 meters
● Width: 17 meters
● Displacement: 7400 tonnes (fully loaded)
● Indigenization: Major parts of the ship are manufactured in India.
Weaponry
● 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts
● Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers
● Indigenous Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers
● Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles
● BrahMos Surface-to-Surface Missiles
Project 15B: Building Indigenous Destroyers
Project 15B is an initiative to construct a fleet of four advanced destroyers for the Indian
Navy. The first two ships, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao, have already been
commissioned. The successful sea trials of INS Imphal mark a significant step towards
completing this project and bolstering India's naval defense capabilities.
India's Missile Systems:
India's missile arsenal plays a crucial role in maintaining regional security and strategic
deterrence. Developed through various programs, these missiles showcase India's growing
prowess in indigenous defense technology.
Missile Systems: Hallmark Features
● Indigenous Technology: Indian missiles are primarily built using domestic
technologies, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
● Quick Reaction Capability: Solid fuel-based propulsion systems enable swift
deployment and launch readiness.
● High Accuracy: Advanced guidance systems ensure precise targeting with minimal
collateral damage.
● Lethality: Powerful engines and warheads inflict significant damage on intended
targets.
Missile Programs of India
● Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP): Established in 1983
by DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organisation), this program aimed
to create a comprehensive missile development infrastructure in India. It successfully
concluded in 2008, delivering key missile systems like Prithvi, Akash, Nag, Trishul,
and Agni (1, 2, and 3).

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● BrahMos Aerospace Joint Venture: Founded in 1998, this Indo-Russian
collaboration produces the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, one of the world's
deadliest.
● Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme (BMD Program): Initiated in 1999,
this program focuses on developing a two-tiered ballistic missile defense system to
intercept incoming missiles within and beyond the atmosphere (endo and
exo-atmospheric interception). The Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air
Defence (AAD) missile systems are part of this program.
● Independent Projects (Post-IGMDP): Following the IGMDP's completion in 2008,
India has continued developing advanced missile systems like the Agni series, K-
Missiles, and the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HTDV).
Missile Classification by Speed
● Subsonic Missiles: Travel slower than sound (examples: Prithvi missile)
● Supersonic Missiles: Travel faster than sound but below Mach 5 (examples:
BrahMos missile)
● Hypersonic Missiles: Travel at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5 or
higher) (examples: Shaurya/Sagarika missiles, under development)
Missile Classification by Trajectory
● Ballistic Missiles: Follow a ballistic trajectory, reaching high altitudes before
re-entering the atmosphere for terminal attack (examples: Agni and Prithvi series)
● Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): Ballistic missiles reaching hypersonic speeds
during re-entry (example: China's DF-17 missile) - India is in the development stage
for HGVs.
● Cruise Missiles: Remain within the atmosphere throughout their flight path, flying at
a constant speed before striking the target.
○ Subsonic Cruise Missiles: Travel below Mach 1 (example: Nirbhay missile)
○ Supersonic Cruise Missiles: Travel at supersonic speeds (example:
BrahMos missile)
○ Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: Travel at hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5
(example: Russia's 3M22 Zircon; BrahMos-II under development)
Launch Mode Description Examples
Surface-to-Sur Launched from land-based platforms to Prithvi, Agni, BrahMos
face strike ground targets
Surface-to-Air Launched from land to intercept aerial Akash, MRSAM
threats like aircraft, helicopters, and drones
Air-to-Surface Launched from aircraft to attack Helina anti-tank missile
ground-based targets. fired from Rudra
helicopter
Air-to-Air Launched from aircraft against hostile aerial Astra BVR air-to-air
targets. missile fired from Tejas
Ship-to-Ship Naval anti-ship missiles launched from BrahMos anti-ship cruise
warships/submarines. missile fired from ships
Ship-to-Air Naval surface-to-air missiles for fleet air Barak-8 LR-SAM
defense. deployed on ships
Submarine-lau Fired from submerged submarines K-15 submarine-launched
nched ballistic missile
Shoulder-fired Man-portable missiles fired from launchers FIM-92 Stinger, Igla
carried by infantry. shoulder-fired SAMs
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Agni Missiles
Introduction:
India's credible minimum nuclear deterrence strategy relies heavily on the Agni missile
system. This series of missiles plays a crucial role in India's counter second-strike
capability, particularly against China.
About Agni Missiles:
● Category: Solid-propellant ballistic missiles
● Range: Short-range to intercontinental range (700-8,000+ km)
● Mobility: Road and rail mobile, enhancing survivability
History of Agni Missiles:
● Developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
(IGMDP) launched in 1983.
● First Test: Agni-I missile test-fired in 1989.
Agni Missile Variants:
● Agni-I: Short-range ballistic missile (range: 700-1,200 km)
● Agni-II: Medium-range ballistic missile (range: 2,000-3,500 km)
● Agni-III: Intermediate-range ballistic missile (range: 3,000-5,000 km)
● Agni-IV: Intermediate-range ballistic missile (range: 3,500-4,000 km)
● Agni-V: Intercontinental ballistic missile (range: 5,500-8,000+ km)
Focus on Agni-V:
● Indigenously Developed: Developed by the Defense Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO).
● MIRV Technology: The latest variant is reportedly being developed with Multiple
Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing it to carry
and deploy multiple warheads. (Note: Official confirmation of MIRV capability for
Agni-V is pending)
● Nuclear Capability: Capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
● Long Range: With a range exceeding 5,000 km, it qualifies as a long-range
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
● Development and Testing:
○ Announced in 2007.
○ Maiden flight test conducted in April 2012.
○ Recent successful test: A nighttime trial of the Agni-P, a new generation Agni
missile derived from Agni-Prime, was conducted in May 2024.
● Strategic Significance:
○ Three-stage solid-fueled engine enables it to reach most of China.
○ Plays a vital role in deterring potential threats from China.
Arrow-3 Missile Defense System
Overview:
Israel recently employed its advanced Arrow-3 missile interceptor against Iranian-backed
Houthi rebels, highlighting its air defense capabilities.
About Arrow-3 Missile Defense System:
● Function: Exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense system designed to
engage long-range ballistic missile threats.
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● Development: A joint project by Israel Aerospace Industries and the Missile
Defense Agency (US).
● Deployment: Operational since 2017, forming the uppermost tier of Israel's air
defense network.
● Purpose: Intercepts and destroys ballistic missiles during their spaceflight phase,
before atmospheric re-entry.
Features:
● Two-stage solid-fueled interceptors: Engage short and medium-range ballistic
missiles.
● System Components: Launcher, radar, and battle management system.
● Impressive Range: 2,400 kilometers.
● High-Altitude Interception: Can intercept threats at an altitude of 100 kilometers.
● Advanced Radar System: Includes early warning and fire control radar for
extended-range acquisition, multi-target detection, and tracking.
● Hit-to-Kill Technology: Destroys incoming missiles through direct impact.
DRDO's ABHYAS: A Game Changer for Aerial Target Practice
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted
flight tests of the High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) named "ABHYAS." This
innovative target system enhances the Indian Armed Forces' training capabilities.
Understanding ABHYAS
● Function: ABHYAS is a high-speed expendable aerial target drone designed for use
in air defense training exercises.
● Propulsion System: It utilizes a small gas turbine engine, enabling extended
high-speed flights, making it a more realistic target compared to traditional drones.
● Developed by: DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).
Iron Dome
Iron Dome, Israel's formidable anti-missile system, has recently made headlines for its
successful interception of over 5,000 rockets launched from Gaza. This narrow strip of land,
inhabited by 2.3 million Palestinians, has been a focal point of conflict, making Iron Dome a
critical component of Israel's defense strategy.
About Iron Dome
● Primary air missile defense system: Capable of defending against short-range

rockets by intercepting them in the airspace above the state.
● Operational since March 2011: Proven efficacy in handling multiple rockets
simultaneously, demonstrating its robust design and advanced technology.
Features
● Detection and Interception: Detects, analyzes, and intercepts a variety of threats,

including mortars, rockets, and artillery, with precision and efficiency.
● Missile-Defense Batteries: Powered by cutting-edge missile-defense batteries,
ensuring swift and effective response to incoming projectiles.

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● All-Weather Capabilities: Maintains operational effectiveness regardless of
environmental conditions, operating seamlessly day or night, in fog, rain, dust storms,
and low clouds.
● Versatile Interceptor Missiles: Equipped with a range of interceptor missiles,
allowing adaptation to different types of threats and precise engagement of targets.
● Range and Mobility: Designed to neutralize missiles with a range of about 40 miles
or less; its mobility allows deployment on land or aboard ships, enhancing defense
capabilities.
● Reload Capability: Requires periodic reloading to ensure continuous defense
against incoming missiles, a crucial aspect of its operational readiness.
MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft

The US State Department has approved the sale of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India
under the foreign military sales program.
Operation Sarvashakti
Operation Sarvashakti: Addressing Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
Genesis:
● Motivation: To counter the revival of terrorism by Pakistani proxies.
● Location: South of the Pir Panjal ranges, particularly the Rajouri-Poonch sector.
Strategic Coordination:
● Collaboration: The Indian Army is working in close coordination with Jammu and
Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special Operations Group, and intelligence agencies.
Indian Army Unveils Secure Mobile Ecosystem: SAMBHAV
SAMBHAV: A Leap Forward in Secure Communication
The Indian Army has successfully developed a revolutionary mobile ecosystem called
SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version). This indigenous system marks a
significant advancement in India's defense capabilities by offering:
● End-to-End Encryption: SAMBHAV guarantees secure communication with robust

encryption protocols, safeguarding sensitive information.
● Instant Connectivity on the Move: Soldiers can maintain secure communication
channels regardless of their location, ensuring seamless operations.
Atmanirbhar Bharat in Action: This initiative aligns perfectly with the Atmanirbhar Bharat
(Self-reliant India) vision. SAMBHAV signifies India's commitment to developing and
deploying indigenous defense solutions.
Phased Rollout Plan
The Indian Army plans to configure a total of 35,000 SAMBHAV sets in two phases:
Phase 1:
● Objective: Configure 2,500 SAMBHAV sets.

● Target Completion Date: January 15, 2024 (achieved)
Phase 2:
● Task: Complete configuration of remaining SAMBHAV sets.

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● Deadline: May 31, 2024
Key Features of SAMBHAV
● Indigenously Developed: SAMBHAV is a completely homegrown solution,

showcasing India's technological prowess.
● Secure 5G Platform: Leveraging advanced 5G technology, SAMBHAV ensures
high-speed and reliable communication.
● Academia-Industry Collaboration: Developed through collaboration with leading
academic and industry experts, SAMBHAV benefits from a combined pool of
knowledge.
● Dual-Use Infrastructure: The system utilizes existing commercial cellular networks,
promoting resource optimization.
IMPORTANT MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS
What is “Exercise VINBAX 2022” ? (TSPSC Group-1 PYQ 2022 )

A. It is the 3rd edition of Vietnam-India bilateral army drill.
B. It is held at the Dalhousie Cantonment, Himachal Pradesh.
C. It is held at the ChandiMandir Military Station, Haryana.
D. The last such drill was held in Vietnam in 2019.
E. The Exercise was focused on deployment of army engineers and medical teams in
United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Choose the correct answer:
1. A, B, C, D & E
2. A, C, D & E only
3. A, B & D only
4. C & D only
Defence Exercise Significance
1 VINBAX-2023 ● The Indian Armed Forces contingent arrived in

Hanoi, Vietnam for the fourth edition of Joint Military
Exercise VINBAX-2023.
● It’s an annual training event
● 2018 (First edition-Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh).
2 Exercise Cyclone ● 2nd Edition of the India-Egypt

● Started in Egypt
● The Indian contingent is being represented by
troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special
Forces).
● The Egyptian contingent is represented by the
Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian
Airborne Platoon.
● The Exercise will involve planning and execution of
special operations in sub conventional domains and
will be conducted in three phases.

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3 MILAN EXercise 2024 ● MILAN’ means 'a meeting of confluence' in Hindi
and its motto - Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration
symbolises the enduring spirit of International
Maritime Cooperation.
● 24 Indian Navy to Host MILAN 24 Exercise in
Visakhapatnam from 21st to 24th feb.
● 12th edition of biennial multinational naval exercise.
● Participating countries Indian, Indonesia, Singapore,
Sri Lanka and Thailand
● Over 60 prominent Defence Industries of India are
participating in MTEX-24 to showcase Indigenous
‘Capability & Capacity’.
4 Exercise Sea Dragon ● A multinational maritime exercise to enhance

interoperability.
● Between India + US, Australia, South Korea and
Japan.
5 Exercise Steadfast ● Launched by North Atlantic Treaty Organization

(NATO) Significance
● NATO's largest military exercise since the Cold War
● The first part of the exercise focuses on securing the
Atlantic up to the Arctic and the second part focuses
on moving troops across Europe, from the High
North to Central and Eastern Europe
● It has approximately 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO
Allies and Sweden as Invitee.
6 Ex-Ayutthaya ● 1st Bilateral Maritime Exercise.

● Between India and Thailand
● Symbolises the significance of 'Ayodhya' in India
and 'Ayutthaya' in Thailand
● 'Ayutthaya' meaning - The Invincible One or
Undefeatable
7 Exercise Desert ● Conducted by Indian Air Force

Knight ● By French Air and Space Force and UAE Air Force
8 Exercise Khanjar ● India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise

Khanjar
● Conducted in Himachal Pradesh.
9 SADA TANSEEQ ● Sada Tanseeq - Joint military exercise between

India and Saudi Arabia.
● Aim To train troops of both sides for Joint Operations
in Semi Desert terrain under Chapter VII of the
United Nations Charter
● Enable both the sides to share their best practices

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and facilitate developing interoperability
● held from January 29 to February 10 in Rajasthan.
10 Exercise Dustlik Exercise DUSTLIK is a yearly event conducted

alternatively in India and Uzbekistan.
2. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 15th
to 28th April 2024 at Termez, the Republic of
Uzbekistan.
3. The last edition was conducted at Pithoragarh (India)
in February 2023.
11 ‘Parivartan Chintan ● Parivartan Chintan will be the first-ever conference

of the Heads of all Tri-Services Institutions. It will be
chaired by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil
Chauhan.
● Aim: The conference’s objective is to foster the
creation of innovative and forward-thinking
strategies, initiatives, and reforms that will
accelerate the efforts towards achieving jointness
and integration.
● Participants: The conference will see participation
from the Department of Military Affairs, the
Headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff, and
the three Services.
12 ICG Ship Samudra ● The Minister of External Affairs recently visited

Paheredar Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, which
is in Manila Bay in the Philippines, as part of an
overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
● It is a specialised Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) of
the Indian Coast Guard.
● It is the second PCV of India (the first being ICGS
Samudra Prahari).
● It is Built by ABG Shipyard, Surat
● The ship’s primary role is pollution response at sea.
It is equipped with the most advanced and
sophisticated pollution response and control
equipment for mitigating oil spills.
● It includes containment equipment like hi-sprint
booms and river booms, recovery devices like
skimmers and side sweeping arms. The ship is
capable of unhindered oil-recovery operations.
13 IMT Trilateral Exercise- ● INS Tir and INS Sujata are set to join the upcoming
2024 India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Trilateral
(TRILAT) Exercise 2024.
● It is a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29
Mar 24 among the Indian, Mozambique and
Tanzania navies.
● Capability development to address common threats
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through training and sharing of best practices. 2.
Enhancing interoperability. 3. Strengthening
maritime cooperation.
14 EX TIGER TRIUMPH – ● India and the United States will conduct a bilateral
24” tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief (HADR) Exercise called Tiger Triumph – 24.
● It will take place on the Eastern Seaboard from
March 18 to March 31, 2024.
● It is the first tri-service military exercise between
India and USA.
● India has previously conducted tri-service exercises
only with Russia.
● First edition– 2019
● The exercise aims to improve cooperation between
the forces of both countries in conducting HADR
operations and to refine Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) for smoother coordination.
15 Bharat Shakti Exercise ● Bharat Shakti Exercise is based on the article

“Tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ to demonstrate
prowess of indigenously manufactured equipment”
● Recently, the Integrated tri-service exercise ‘Bharat
Shakti’ was held at Pokhran in Rajasthan.
● It is an integrated tri-service exercise conducted at
Pokhran, Rajasthan. Objective
● It aims to counter any threat through synergised joint
operations.
16 Sea Defenders-2024 ● The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf

ship reached Port Blair ahead of the ‘Sea
Defenders-2024’ joint exercise.
● It is a joint exercise between the Indian Coast Guard
(ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
● Location– It is scheduled to take place on March
9-10 near Port Blair’s coast of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
● Focus of the Joint Exercise: Maritime piracy and
other threats, simulated drone attacks on merchant
ships, joint search and rescue at sea, firefighting,
pollution response, and counter-drug operations.
17 Exercise Samudra ● The Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy are
Laksamana participating in the bilateral exercise ‘Samudra
Laksamana’. It is taking place from February 28 to
March 2, 2024, at or off Visakhapatnam.
● Aim– The exercise aims to strengthen ties and
improve coordination between the Indian and Royal
Malaysian Navy. Command under it is conducted–
59
Visakhapatnam-based Eastern Naval Command
● This is the 3rd Edition of this exercise which
includes harbor professional interactions followed by
the operational phase at sea.
● Participating ships- Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and
Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir Note– INS Kiltan is a
Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette of
the Indian Navy.
18 Exercise ‘DHARMA ● Recently, the 5th edition of the Joint Military

GUARDIAN’ 2024 Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced at
Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.
● Dharma Guardian’ is a bilateral military exercise
held alternately in India and Japan.
● It is the 5th edition of the exercise.
● The Japanese contingent is being represented by
soldiers of the 34th Infantry Regiment, and the
Indian Army contingent is being represented by a
battalion of the Rajputana Rifles.
● The exercise will also showcase India’s
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing
defense industrial capability of the country.
19 Exercise SURYA ● Nepal Army has arrived in India to participate in the

KIRAN 17th edition of Joint Military Exercise SURYA
KIRAN.
● It is a joint military exercise between India and
Nepal.
● It is Started in 2011
● To enhance interoperability in jungle warfare.
● To train in counter terrorism operations in
mountainous terrain.
● To provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief under the United Nations Charter on
peacekeeping operations.
20 Exercise VAJRA ● The 14th Edition of the Exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR”

PRAHAR has started at Umroi, Meghalaya.
● It is a joint exercise between Indian Army and US
Army Special Forces.
Other Exercises between India and US

1. Exercise Yudh Abhyas: It is a military exercise
between India and the US.
2. Exercise Tiger Triumph: It is a tri-service military
exercise between India and the US.
3. Exercise Cope India: It is a series of bilateral Air
Force exercises between India and the United
States.

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21 Exercise MITRA ● The Ninth Edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise
SHAKTI-2023 MITRA SHAKTI-2023” has started in Pune, India.
● To jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations
under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter
which authorizes the UN Security Council to take
enforcement measures including the use of military
force, to address threats to international peace and
security.
Other exercises between India and Sri Lanka
Exercise SLINEX:
● It is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian
and Sri Lankan Navy. It was started in 2005.
● The 10th edition of the exercise was held in April,
2023 in Colombo.
EX TIGER TRIUMPH - ● Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and

24 Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise
between India and US, Tiger Triumph, was held
onboard INS Jalashwa today 19 Mar 2024.
● The Harbour Phase of the exercise is being
conducted at Visakhapatnam from 18 to 25 Mar 24
IMT TRILAT 24) ● The second edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania

EXERCISE Trilateral Exercise concluded at Nacala,
Mozambique on 28 Mar 24. The week-long exercise
underscores the importance of enhanced maritime
cooperation and interoperability between the Navies
of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
● INS Tir and Sujata participated in IMT TRILAT 24
from 21 - 28 Mar 24 AT MUPUTO
EXERCISE SAMUDRA ● INDIA - MALAYSIA BILATERAL MARITIME

LAKSAMANA EXERCISE
Exercise Samudra Laksamana is underway from 28
Feb - 02 Mar 24 at/ off Visakhapatnam.
● Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship
KD Lekir are participating in the 3rd edition of this
exercise which has harbour professional interactions
followed by the operational phase at sea.
Sahyog Kaijin ● Coast guards of India, Japan come together for 19th
Exercise annual Sahyog Kaijin Exercise
● ndian Coast Guard and their Japanese counterpart
have come together for the 19th time, as a part of
the Annual Sahyog-Kaijin exercise which aimed at
improving interoperability, exchanging best practices
and validating their skill sets, standard operating
procedures.
● India has the world’s fourth-largest coast guard,
Japan Coast Guard is the second-largest.
● Japanese Coast Guard Vessel Echigo was accorded
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a formal welcome at the Chennai Port on Monday,
as it arrived on a 5-day goodwill visit, that also
includes the exercise.
Poorvi Leher’ ● INDIAN NAVY CONDUCTS extensive exercise

along the East Coast as part of efforts to check its
preparedness to meet any maritime security
challenges.
● he Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar on
East Coast under the Operational Control of the
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval
Command
“EXERCISE YUDH ● The 19th edition of “EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS” will

ABHYAS-23” be conducted from 25th September to 8th October
2023 in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA.
● It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the
Indian Army and the United States Army. The
previous edition of the Exercise was conducted in
Auli, Uttarakhand, India in November 2022
EXERCISE - SALVEX ● The Seventh edition of Indian Navy – US Navy (IN –

USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal
(EOD) exercise, SALVEX was conducted from 26
Jun – 06 Jul 23 at Kochi. IN and USN have been
participating in joint Salvage and EOD exercises
since 2005.
● The exercise saw participation from both the navies
which included the ships – INS Nireekshak and
USNS Salvor in addition to Specialist Diving and
EOD teams.
MAIDEN ● Indian Navy's indigenously built warship INS

INDIA-INDONESIA-AU Sahyadri, mission deployed in Indo-Pacific,
STRALIA TRILATERAL participated in the maiden trilateral Maritime
MARITIME EXERCISE Partnership Exercise with the ships and aircraft from
the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian
Navy from 20 - 21 Sep 2023.
● The trilateral exercise provided an opportunity for
the three maritime nations to strengthen their
partnership and improve their collective capability to
support a stable, peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific
region.
● INS Sahyadri, the third ship of the indigenously
designed and built Project-17 class multirole stealth
frigates was built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai and
is commanded by Capt Rajan Kapoor.
S-400 Air Defence System

Indian Deployment: According to reports, the Indian Air Force has deployed S-400 missile
units along the borders with China and Pakistan.
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Advanced Air Defense:
● The S-400 Triumf (meaning "Triumph" in Russian) is one of the world's most
advanced air defense systems.
● Developed by Almaz-Antey, a Russian state-owned enterprise, it is a mobile,
long-range surface-to-air missile system.
Comprehensive Defence Capability:
● The S-400 offers comprehensive protection against various aerial threats,
including:
○ Drones
○ Cruise missiles
○ Ballistic missiles
○ Fighter jets
Unmatched Detection and Engagement:
● The system employs a suite of advanced radars that can:
○ Detects aerial targets at a range of up to 400 kilometers (with surveillance
capability extending up to 600 kilometers).
● It has the capability to simultaneously engage up to 80 aerial targets.
● The S-400 can effectively neutralize threats at an altitude of up to 30 kilometers.
Other countries Air defence Systems
S.No Air defence system Country
1 Terminal High Altitude Area USA

Defense (THAAD
2 National Advanced USA

Surface-to-Air Missile
System (NASAMS)
3 Iron Dome System Israel
4 David sling Air Defence Israel

system
Year End Review Ministry of Defence
● HAL Helicopter Factory: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory

was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Tumakuru in
Karnataka. The factory is India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility and will
initially produce Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs).
● PM’s Tejas Sortie: In November, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flew a sortie in
‘Tejas’ Twin-Seater Light Combat Fighter aircraft designed, developed and
manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru
● LCA Tejas: HAL handed over the first twin-seater Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ to the
IAF in the presence of Rakha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in Bengaluru. It is a light
weight, all weather multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft, designed to support the training
requirements of the IAF and augment itself to the role of a fighter in case of necessity

63
● C-295 Transport Aircraft: First C-295 MW transport aircraft was formally inducted
into the Indian Air Force in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The
aircraft are being inducted through a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems
Limited and Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain. Fifteen more aircraft will be
delivered in flyaway condition and they are scheduled to be received till August 2025.
● 300th iDEX contract: Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship
initiative of the Ministry of Defence, reached a milestone with the signing of the 300th
contract. The contract, which was inked with Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited,
relates to the design and development of advanced Gallium Nitride Semiconductors
which is essential for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defence
applications ranging from radars to Electronics Warfare jammers.
● Sela Tunnel: This Project on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh
encompasses two tunnels of twin tube configuration. The alignment reduces the
travel distance by more than eight kms and cuts down the travelling time by an hour
while obviating the Sela Pass climb, providing all weather connectivity to Tawang.
This tunnel is nearing completion and will be the longest Bi-Lane Highway Tunnel in
the world at an altitude of 13,800 feet once completed.
● Rescue Operations Effort of BRO at Silkiyara Tunnel (Uttarakhand): A section of
Silkyara tunnel which was being constructed by NHIDCL on NH-134 in the Uttarkashi
district of Uttarakhand collapsed in November trapping 41 workers on site. As part of
the national effort, BRO undertook a task of construction of an 1,150m Approach
Road for employment of drilling equipment (Vertical Shaft). The approach road was
completed in a record time of 48 hours. The trapped workers were rescued in
November itself.
● Lt Cdr Prerna Deosthalee was named as the first woman officer to command an
Indian Naval Warship.
● The Indian Air Force deployed Group Captain Shaliza Dhami to take over the
command of a frontline combat unit in the Western sector. She is the first woman to
command any combat unit of IAF.
● Sqn Leader Manisha Padhi was named as India’s first Woman Aide-De-Camp (ADC)
to a Governor (Mizoram).
● Two Defence Industrial Corridors have been established at Uttar Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu to boost Defence Manufacturing ecosystem in the country with intent to attract
investment of Rs. 10,000 Crore in each DIC
● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated HAL’s New Helicopter factory in
Tumkuru to the nation on 6th Feb ’23. During the same event, Prime Minister
unveiled HAL’s indigenously designed and developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
● ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, successfully fired
from Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7, off the coast of Goa on 23rdAug’23. All the
objectives of the test were met. This was a joint effort by ADA and HAL.
● Indigenous Air Traffic Management System (ATMAS), jointly developed & installed by
BEL and Airports Authority of India (AAI), was inaugurated & commissioned at
Bhubaneswar airport on 27th Oct 2023.
● Combat trial of indigenously developed Varunastra, a ship-launched anti-submarine
heavy-weight torpedo (HWT) was successfully conducted on 6th June, 2023 by
Indian Navy. The Torpedo was fired from a submarine and successfully hit an
underwater target demonstrating the combat worthiness and capable of meeting the
Navy’s operational requirements. BDL has manufactured and supplied the torpedo
and associated in integration, torpedo preparation for sea trials and firing onboard
ship.
● The i-ATS (Indigenous- Automatic Train Supervision) system, developed by BEL,
was formally launched on the Red Line on 18th Feb 2023 from the Operations
Control Centre (OCC),

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● MIDHANI indigenously developed SNI C276 sheets, a premier corrosion-resistant
material. Alloy C276, strengthened with nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and a touch
of tungsten, excels in oxidizing and reducing environments used for flue gas
purification
● The 4th ship of Project-17A “Mahendragiri”, built by MDL, was launched on 01 Sep
2023 by Dr. Sudesh Dhankar wife of Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar.
● SPARSH: As part of digitisation and making the benefits more accessible, SPARSH
has been adopted by the new pensioners as approximately 95% of legacy
pensioners have migrated to SPARSH. SPARSH is an internet-based fully automated
project outsourced by CGDA for sanction, computation, revision and disbursement of
pension.
● French Bastille Day Parade: Indian Army contingent led the Tri-Services marching
contingent participating in the Bastille Day Parade 2023 at Paris in France.
Contingent of Punjab Regiment along with a band of Rajputana Rifles Centre
participated in the event, which was witnessed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
as the Chief Guest. This was the second representation of the Indian Army in Bastille
Day Parade after 2009.
● Operation Dost: Indian Army Field Hospital, comprising 99 persons including
various Specialists and Paramedics, established a Disaster Relief Hospital at
Iskenderun, Hatay Province, Turkey in February 2023. The hospital consisted of an
Operation Theatre and Trauma Care Centre
Commissioning/ Delivery
a. INS Vagir, fifth Submarine of Kalvari class, was commissioned on January 23, 2023
by the Chief of the Naval Staff.
b. Maldivian CG Ship Huravee, a Trinkat Class Fast Attack Craft was returned to India
by Maldives post handing over INS Tarmugli to Govt. of Maldives in May 2023. The
ship, post refit, was re-commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Tarmugli on
December 14, 2023.
c. Imphal, the third Ship of Project-15B successfully completed her Sea Trials followed
by Final Machinery Trials on August 25, 2023. The ship was delivered to the Indian
Navy on October 20, 2023 by M/s MDL, Mumbai. The ship is planned to be
commissioned on 26 December 2023.
d. Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first of the four Survey Vessel (Large) ships was
delivered to the Indian Navy by M/s GRSE on December 04, 2023. The ship would
be commissioned in January 2024.
Launch of Ships
a. The third GRSE ship of Project P17A Frigates, Vindhyagiri (Yard 3024), was
launched on Aug 17, 2023 at GRSE, Kolkata, by the President of India Smt
Droupadi Murmu.
b. The fourth ship of Survey Vessel Large, i.e. Sanshodhak (Yard 3028) was launched
on June 13, 2023 at M/s L&T Kattupalli by Chief Hydrographer to GoI.
c. Two ASW Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) namely Androth (Yard 3035) and Anjadip
(Yard 3030) were launched on March 21 and June 13, 2023 respectively at GRSE,
Kolkata. Three more ASW SWC namely Mahe (Yard 523), Malvan (Yard 524) and
Magrol (Yard 525) were concurrently launched on November 30, 2023 at CSL, Kochi.
d. The last of the seven P17A ships, i.e. Mahendragiri (Yard 12654) was launched on
September 01, 2023 at M/s MDL, Mumbai. The Vice President of India was the
Chief Guest for the event.
e. 1st Diving Support Craft A-20 (Yard-325) was launched on August 31, 2023 at M/s
Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, Kolkata.

65
f. The Tri-Services Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX 23) was conducted at Naval
Enclave Kakinada, with Visakhapatnam as the mounting base. This edition of the
exercise was the largest in terms of force levels from the Indian Army, with over 800
troops (being the maximum participation till date). Further, loading of a large number
of A and B type vehicles was also undertaken, which was the highest thus far in any
AMPHEX.
● Operation Kaveri’ was executed towards evacuating Indian nationals from Sudan
owing to military clashes between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support
Force (RSF).
● IN ships viz Teg, Tarkash and Sumedha, with HADR items and medical teams, were
diverted to Red Sea
● In the aftermath of devastation caused by Severe Cyclonic Storm Mocha off Sittwe,
Myanmar, on May 14, 2023, India launched Operation Karuna, as part of Mission
SAGAR, to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material to
Myanmar. Four IN ships namely Shivalik, Kamorta, Savitri and Gharial, were
deployed to Yangon, Myanmar
The IAF continued to train hard this year exercising not only with sister services for
enhancing jointness, but also with Air Forces of friendly foreign countries. Listed below are a
few:
● Ex Veer Guardian-23: Held in the period 12-27 Jan 23, this was the first air
exercise between India and Japan.
● Ex PASSEX with France: On 29 Jan 23, the IAF conducted ‘Ex PASSEX’ with
French fighter aircraft sailing onboard the aircraft carrier ‘Charles De Gaulle’ in
the IOR.
● Ex Desert Flag-8 in UAE: IAF participated in ‘Ex Desert Flag-8’ in Al-Dhafra,
UAE from 24 Feb-20 Mar 23. This was the first ever participation by the Tejas
in an international air exercise.
● Ex Cobra Warrior-23: IAF participated in the multinational Air Exercise ‘Ex
Cobra Warrior-23’ in the UK from 06-24 Mar 23. This exercise saw IAF aircraft
staging through Saudi Arabia for the first time.
● Ex Cope India-23: The USAF and the IAF participated in ‘Ex Cope India-23’ at
AFS Kalaikunda (fighters) and Panagarh (transport aircraft) from 10-21 Apr 23.
The Japan Air & Self Defence Force participated with one observer.
● Ex Orion-23: IAF participated in multinational exercise ‘Ex Orion-23’ in France
from 17 Apr - 05 May 23. The exercise saw the IAF’s Rafale aircraft ferrying
directly from France to India.
● Ex INIOCHOS-23: IAF participated in a multinational exercise ‘Ex Iniochos-23’
in Greece from 24 Apr - 05 May 23. This was the first Air Exercise between
India and Greece.
● Ex Bright Star-23. IAF took part in Ex Bright Star-23 with Egypt from 27 Aug
-16 Sep 23. The IAF’s MiG-29 fighters ferried directly from India to Egypt.
● Op Ajay (Israel – Hamas Conflict): Towards Op Ajay, first IAF C-17 aircraft was
launched on 22 Oct 23 in support of Palestinian citizens affected by the ongoing
Israel-Hamas conflict.
● Op Kaveri - HADR at Sudan: The break out of hostilities between Sudanese Armed
Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Sudan had resulted in stranding of
approximately 4000 Indian nationals and PIOs.

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● Op Dost - HADR at Turkiye and Syria: The Middle East nation of Turkiye and
adjoining Syria were struck by a catastrophic earthquake on the morning of 06 Feb
23. The IAF was immediately alerted and a prompt aid and assistance was launched
under ‘Operation Dost’.
● ITCM Missile: Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile is a new generation ‘Long
Range Land Attack Cruise Missile’ being developed for land and sea platforms. Flight
trial was conducted on 21st Feb 2023 from the Integrated Test Range, Balasore,
Odisha.
● Akash-NG: Flight trial of new generation Surface-to-Air Missile Akash-NG was
conducted against a Banshee target from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur,
Odisha
● Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile: MPATGM is a 3rd generation ATGM with
‘Fire & Forget’ and ‘Top Attack’ capabilities with day and night operational capability.
Flight Trials of MPATGM was conducted for a range of 2.5 Km at NOAR, Kurnool.
● Maiden test of ASTRA BVRAAM Missile on LCA Tejas: ASTRA is a
state-of-the-art BVR ‘Air-to-Air missile’ to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring
supersonic aerial targets. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, successfully fired the
ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
● Very Short Range Air Defence System: VSHORADS is a 4th generation Man
Portable Air Defence System system, employing state of art uncooled imaging
infrared seeker. The missile was flight tested against high speed unmanned aerial
targets, simulating approaching and receding aircraft from Integrated Test Range,
Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.
● BrahMos: BrahMos is a two stage precision strike supersonic cruise missile,
operating on fire and forget principle, which can be launched from multiple platforms
(at air, sea and ground) against land and sea targets.
● Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator: DRDO has successfully
carried out a flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, an
indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the
Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga in Karnataka.
● Crew Module Parachute System for Gaganyaan Programme: CMPS was
successfully demonstrated In-flight Abort Demonstration of Crew Escape System
with the newly developed Test Vehicle followed by Crew Module Separation & safe
recovery using parachute system developed by DRDO
Fattah: Iran's Hypersonic Missile

Iranian Innovation: Iran recently unveiled the "Fattah," its first domestically produced
hypersonic missile. This development has garnered significant attention due to its potential
military implications.
Hypersonic Speed and Range:
● Hypersonic missiles are a class of weapons designed to travel at extreme speeds,
exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). This translates to roughly 18,522
kilometers per hour.
● The Fattah boasts a reported target range of 1,400 kilometers, making it a
significant threat within its operational radius.
SAGAR SAMPARK
SAGAR SAMPARK: Inauguration of Indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite

System (DGNSS)
Inauguration

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● The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal,
inaugurated the indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS),
named ‘SAGAR SAMPARK’.
Implementation
● Operational Locations: The DGNSS service has been implemented at 6 locations
across the country to enhance maritime navigation safety and efficiency.
Benefits
● Safe Navigation: Minimizes navigational risks for mariners.
● Efficient Operations: Promotes the smooth and efficient movement of maritime traffic.
● International Compliance: Fulfills international maritime safety and navigation
obligations.
India's "Neerakshi": Eyes in the Water for Mine Detection

First Indigenous AUV: India has taken a significant step in underwater mine detection with
the launch of its first indigenous Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), named
"Neerakshi," which translates to "Eyes in the Water."
Developed for Multiple Missions:
● Neerakshi is primarily designed for mine detection, enhancing the safety of Indian
waters.
● However, its capabilities extend beyond mine hunting. It can be potentially used for:
○ Mine disposal (future development)
○ Underwater surveys
Collaborative Effort:
● The development of Neerakshi is a collaborative effort between:
○ Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a Kolkata-based
warship maker.
○ Aerospace Engineering Private Ltd (AEPL), an MSME entity.
Key Features:
● Neerakshi is a compact AUV with a cylindrical design.
● It measures approximately 2.1 meters in length and one foot in diameter.
● The lightweight vehicle weighs around 45 kilograms.
● With an operational endurance of nearly 4 hours, Neerakshi can effectively navigate
underwater environments.
● It boasts a maximum operating depth of 300 meters.
India's Varunastra Torpedo: A Powerful Weapon for Anti-Submarine Warfare

Successful Test Firing: The Indian Navy recently conducted a successful test-fire of the
Varunastra, an indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo (HWT). This test involved a live
warhead against an underwater target, marking a significant milestone in India's defense
capabilities.
Designed for Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare:
● Varunastra is a ship-launched, electrically-propelled torpedo specifically designed for
anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
● It is capable of effectively targeting even quiet submarines in various depths,
including shallow waters, and can operate even in environments with
countermeasures present.
Collaborative Development and Production:

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● The torpedo is a product of Indian innovation, designed and developed by the Naval
Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) located in Visakhapatnam.
● Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) is responsible for manufacturing the Varunastra.
Key Features of Varunastra:
● Size and Launch Platform: With a length of 7.78 meters and a diameter of 533.4
millimeters, Varunastra can be launched from both surface ships and submarines.
● Performance:
○ It can achieve speeds exceeding 40 knots (74 kilometers per hour) with a
range of 40 kilometers.
○ The torpedo carries a powerful 250 kg high-explosive warhead and can
operate at depths up to 600 meters.
● Advanced Guidance System:
● Enhanced Detection and Maneuvering
● Operational Flexibility
INS Imphal: India's Indigenous Stealth Destroyer

INS Imphal is a significant milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in naval defense. It is
the third of the four Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers built
indigenously under Project 15B.
Project Lineage:
● Project 15B represents the latest advancement in a series of destroyer projects
undertaken by the Indian Navy:
○ Project 15A (Kolkata Class): Predecessor to Project 15B.
○ Project 15 (Delhi Class): Earlier class of destroyers.
Design and Construction:
● INS Imphal is a testament to India's growing shipbuilding prowess.
○ Designed in-house by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau.
○ Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
Weaponry:
● INS Imphal is equipped with a formidable arsenal to deter and engage in various
maritime threats:
○ Medium-range surface-to-air missiles
○ BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles
○ Indigenous torpedo launchers
○ Anti-submarine rocket launchers
○ 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts
Project 15B and Beyond:
● Project 15B encompasses the construction of four destroyers:
○ INS Visakhapatnam
○ INS Mormugao (already commissioned)
○ INS Imphal (recently completed maiden sea sortie)
○ INS Surat

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Project 17A Frigates: A Parallel Advancement
The recent commissioning of the Mahendragiri frigate marks another achievement in
indigenous shipbuilding.
● Mahendragiri is part of Project 17A (Niligiri class), the successor to the Project 17
(Shivalik Class) frigates.
● Project 17A ships boast:
○ Enhanced stealth features
○ Advanced weapon and sensor systems
○ Improved platform management systems
● These frigates, designed indigenously by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau,
signify India's commitment to modernizing its naval fleet with domestic capabilities.
The ship has a maximum speed of 30 knots, a length of 163 meters, and a width of 17
meters.
When fully loaded, it displaces 7400 tonnes.
A significant portion of the ship is constructed using Indian-made components.
DRDO's Indigenous Drones

Surveillance and Reconnaissance Drones
● LAKSHYA (Target Drone): Designed for discreet aerial reconnaissance and
target acquisition. Launched by a solid propellant rocket motor and sustained by a
turbojet engine for extended missions.
● NISHANT (Multi-mission UAV): Launched using a mobile launcher, Nishant offers
day/night capability for versatile surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
● RUSTOM-1 (Short Range RPAS): This all-composite 800 kg class drone provides
robust surveillance capabilities.
● TAPAS/RUSTOM-2 (MALE UAV): A Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE)
unmanned aerial vehicle under development, TAPAS is designed for Intelligence,
Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
● NETRA (Light-weight UAV): This autonomous UAV offers a cost-effective solution
for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Armed Drone
● ARCHER (Short Range-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Weaponised): This armed
drone caters to reconnaissance, surveillance, and low-intensity conflict
scenarios.
Counter-Drone System
● VAJRA SENTINEL SYSTEM: This anti-drone system, manufactured under the
Indian Defence Exhibition (iDEX) initiative, bolsters India's air defense capabilities.
Important Note:
● ABHYAS (High-speed Expendable Aerial Target) While not explicitly mentioned for
UPSC Prelims due to its expendable nature, ABHYAS is a notable development for
cost-effective target practice.
Indian Air Force's Acquisition of Prachand Attack Helicopters
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to procure 156 'Made-in-India' Prachand attack
helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
About Prachand Attack Helicopters:

70
Prachand is an indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) crafted by the
state-run aerospace major, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Customized to meet the
requirements of the Indian armed forces, it excels in operating in both desert terrains and
high-altitude sectors. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the only attack helicopter
globally capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft).
Weapon
Missile Range Payload Characteristics
Short range surface-to-surface tactical ballistic

Prithvi-I 150 km 1000 kg
missile
Prithvi-II 350 km 500 kg Air Force version
Prithvi-III 350 km 1000 kg
Naval version of Prithvi I and Prithvi II class

Dhanush 350 km 1000 kg
missiles
600-700 Hypersonic, Canister-launched, capable of carrying

Shaurya 1000 kg
km both conventional and nuclear warheads
Designed to replace Prithvi-I, weapons: High

Prahaar 150 km 250 kg explosives, cluster munition, strategic nuclear
weapon
700-900
Agni-I 1000 kg Single stage solid fuelled
km
INTERMEDIATE-RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILE

Missile Range Weapon Characteristics
Payload
Agni-II 2000-3000 km 1000 kg Two and a half stage, solid fuelled missile
Agni-III 3200 km 2000-2500 kg 2-stage solid propulsion system
Agni-IV 3500 km 1000 kg 2-stage missile powered by solid
propellant

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Long-Range Ballistic Missiles
Missile Range Weapon Characteristics
Payload
Agni-V >5000 km 1500 kg 3-10 Multiple Independently Targetable
Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) warheads
Agni-V 8000-10,000 km 1000 kg MIRV warheads
I (Under development)
Surya 10,000 km (Under 3000 kg MIRV warhead
development)
Cruise missiles
Missile Rang Weapo Characteristics

e n
Payloa
d
Nirbhay 750-1 500 kg - Long range subsonic cruise missile. - First
000 indigenously developed long range cruise missile flying
km at low altitudes. - Arming the army, navy, and air
force. - Speed: Subsonic speeds of 0.7 mach. 
- Range: Long range of 700 to 1000 km. - Can fly at
tree-top altitudes as low as 10 m (now tested for 5 m).
 - Capable of delivering nuclear warheads of 200-300
kg. - 2-stage solid fuelled cruise missile. - Has
terrain-hugging and sea-skimming capabilities, making it
difficult to detect by enemy radars.
BrahMo 290 300 kg - Joint venture missile between India and Russia. -
s km Speed: Top speed of 2.8 Mach. - Range: After India
became a full member of the MTCR export control
regime, the range increased from 300 km to 450 km. 
- Operates on fire and forget principle. - Capable of
being launched from land, water, and air.
BrahMo 290 300 kg - Low weight air-launched version capable of being carried
s NG km by Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas LCA.
BrahMo 290 300 kg - Hypersonic with a speed of 6 Mach.
s II km
Air Defence Systems
Air Defence
Country System Description Range Target
Terminal High One-dimensional

Altitude Area missile system,
Defense limited to ballistic
US (THAAD) missiles 150-200 km Ballistic missiles

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Capable of
Patriot Advanced intercepting
Capability-3 various aerial Aerial targets
US (PAC-3) threats 180 km (aircraft, missiles)
National
Advanced
Surface-to-Air Adaptable Not specified
Missile System medium-range air (likely various
US (NASAMS) defense system Not specified aerial targets)
Short-range
ground-to-air
system for Not specified
defense against (designed for
Iron Dome rockets, missiles, short-range Rockets, missiles,
Israel System and drones threats) UAVs
Designed to
counter Not specified
medium-range (likely for
David's Sling Air threats like medium-range
Israel Defence system Hamas rockets threats) Hamas rockets
Very Short Range Man-portable

Air Defence system for Not specified
System close-in air Not specified (likely for
India (VSHORADS) defense (very short range) low-flying threats)
Long-range air Not specified

defense system (possible for
Prithvi Air (capabilities not high-altitude
India Defence system fully specified) 300-2000 km targets)
Medium-range air Not specified

defense system (possible for
Advance Air (capabilities not medium-altitude
India defense system fully specified) 150-200 km targets)
Not specified
Short-range Not specified (likely for
Akash Weapon surface-to-air (likely low-altitude
India System missile system short-range) targets)
Under
development,
designed for
multi-layered
defense against
Project Kusha various aerial
(Long-Range threats Stealth fighters,
Surface-to-Air 150, 250, 350 km aircraft, drones,
India Missiles) (layered defense) cruise missiles

73
Indian Missile Systems and Military Developments
Tested/Develo
System Description Developer ped Features
Canister-based missile
Next-generati system - Two-stage solid
SMART on propulsion system - Advanced
(Supersonic missile-based light-weight torpedo payload -
Missile-Assist torpedo Dr. APJ Abdul Parachute-based release
ed Release of delivery Kalam Island, system - Launched from
Torpedo) system DRDO Odisha warships and coasts
Three-stage solid fueled
engine - Launch weight:
50,000 kg - Range: over
5,000 km - MIRV technology:
multiple independently
Intercontinent targetable reentry vehicles -
Agni-V al ballistic Hypersonic speed - Thermal
Ballistic missile shield - Ring laser gyroscope
Missile with (ICBM) with inertial navigation system
MIRV multiple (NavIC) and satellite guidance
Technology warheads DRDO Not specified - Road-mobile launcher
Low-weight, fire-and-forget
Portable missile - State-of-the-art
MPATGM missile Miniaturised Infrared Imaging
(Man Portable launcher to Seeker - Launched from
Anti-Tank target tanks Pokhran Field tripod (max range 2.5 km) or
Guided and armoured Firing Range, shoulder-fired - Day/night and
Missile) vehicles DRDO Rajasthan top-attack capabilities
- Mobile system to intercept

New high-speed aerial threats -
Generation Range: 80 km - Flight altitude:
medium-rang 0.03-14 km - Dual-pulse solid
e rocket motor - Rate of fire: 1
surface-to-air missile in 10 seconds -
missile Integrated ramjet-rocket
AKASH-NG defence Off the coast propulsion system - Ku-band
Missile system DRDO of Odisha Active radar seeker
Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

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Platform Details
TAPAS BH-201 - Medium Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV - Successfully

(previously Rustom-II) tested for control capabilities from INS Subhadra - Developed
by Aeronautical Development Establishment
Autonomous Flying - High-speed flying-wing UAV - Tailless fixed-wing aircraft -

Wing Technology Scaled-down version of futuristic unmanned combat aerial
Demonstrator (FWTD) vehicle - Allows autonomous take-off and landing
MQ-9B Reaper - Designed for over-the-horizon flights - Integrated with

advanced maritime ISR capabilities - Variants: SkyGuardian and
SeaGuardian - India plans to equip MQ-9B SeaGuardian with
Sonobuoy for underwater acoustic surveillance
Aircraft/Helicopters
Platform Details
MH-60R Romeo - All-weather helicopter - Manufactured by Lockheed Martin - Supports

Helicopter ASW, surveillance, anti-shipping, and search and rescue missions
Dhruv - Multi-role helicopter - Designed and developed by Hindustan

Advanced Light Aeronautics Limited - Capable of operating in all-weather conditions -
Helicopter Undergoing safety upgrades
LCA Tejas - 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft - Designed by Aeronautical

Development Agency and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited -
Recently completed seven years of service in the Indian Air Force
LCH Prachand - Multi-role combat helicopter - Indigenously developed by Hindustan

Aeronautics Limited - Capable of operating at high altitudes and firing
air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles - Successfully inducted into the
Indian Air Force in 2022
Submarines/Ships
Platform Details
Project 75 - Involves construction of six conventional submarines - Successors: Kalvari,

(India) Khanderi, Karanj, Vagir, Vela - Incorporates Air Independent Propulsion
System (AIP)

75
INS - Third of four Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided missile destroyers - Armed
Imphal with medium-range surface-to-air missiles and Brahmos surface-to-surface
missiles - Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and
constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai - Part of
Project 15B, which includes INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao
DRDO Scores Bullseye with Successful Nirbhay Cruise Missile Test
India's Indigenous Missile Program Takes Flight:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a
remarkable feat with the successful flight test of the Nirbhay cruise missile, also known as
the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). This test, conducted at the Integrated
Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, marks a significant milestone for India's indigenous
missile development program.
ITCM: A Testament to Indian Innovation:
● Collaborative Effort: The ITCM is a product of collaborative ingenuity.
Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory, the Aeronautical Development Establishment
(ADE), spearheaded the project with contributions from other DRDO labs and
domestic industries.
● Technical Prowess: The ITCM is a two-stage missile boasting impressive
specifications:
○ Compact Design: Six meters long and weighing approximately 1.5 tonnes,
the ITCM is a maneuverable weapon system.
○ Long Range and High Speed: With a cruising speed of Mach 0.9 and a
strike range of up to 1,000 kilometers, the ITCM offers substantial operational
capabilities.
○ Indigenous Propulsion: The ITCM is equipped with a two-pronged
indigenous propulsion system:
■ An Indian-developed turbofan engine, the Manik.
■ A reliable propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research
Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru. The successful test validates the
effectiveness of this domestic technology.
India and Thailand Strengthen Maritime Cooperation
Key Events:
● Maiden Bilateral Exercise "Ayutthaya": The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy
conducted their first-ever bilateral maritime exercise named "Ayutthaya." (This name
signifies the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.)
● 36th Indo-Thai CORPAT: Alongside Exercise Ayutthaya, the 36th edition of the
India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was carried out. (This
highlights ongoing cooperation in maritime security.)
Exercise Ayutthaya Details:
● Meaning of Name: "Ayutthaya" translates to "The Invincible One" or "Undefeatable,"
symbolizing the historical significance of both Ayodhya (India) and Ayutthaya
(Thailand).
● Participating Ships:
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○ India: Indigenously built Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56.
○ Thailand: His Thai Majesty's Ship (HTMS) Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Desert Cyclone 2024
● The inaugural edition of joint military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ involving India
and the UAE is set to occur in Rajasthan from January 2 to January 15.
● The joint exercise would focus on counter terrorism operations
Chinook Helicopter: US Army's Workhorse
The Chinook, also known as CH-47F, is the U.S. Army's primary heavy troop and supply
transport helicopter. It's a versatile multi-mission helicopter manufactured by Boeing for
both the US military and international defense forces.
Key Features
● Heavy-Lift Capability: A twin-engine, tandem rotor helicopter designed for
transporting large cargo loads.
● Advanced Digital Technology: Equipped with a fully integrated digital cockpit
management system for enhanced control and navigation.
● Cargo Handling Efficiency: Features advanced cargo-handling capabilities that
optimize mission performance and handling.
● Durable Construction: A monolithic airframe with vibration reduction ensures a
smooth and stable flight experience.
● Impressive Performance:
○ Maximum Speed: 160 knots (296 kmph)
○ Carrying Capacity:
■ Up to 55 troops
■ Approximately 10 tonnes of mixed cargo
● Triple Hook System: Provides exceptional stability for carrying large external loads,
including the ability to handle multiple loads simultaneously.
Deployment in India
The Indian military also operates a fleet of approximately 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters,
leveraging their heavy-lift capabilities for various missions.
Helina: Anti-Tank Guided Missile

Why in the News?
● India successfully flight-tested Helina, an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), in
Pokhran.
● This test was part of user validation trials for the missile.
Developed by DRDO
● Helina is an indigenously developed anti-tank weapon by the Defence Research and
Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, under DRDO's Missiles and Strategic
Systems (MSS) cluster.
● Successful user trials have been conducted since 2018.
Features
● Maximum Range: 7 kilometers
● Platform Integration: Designed for the weaponized version of the Advanced Light
Helicopter (ALH)
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● All-weather Capability: Can operate in all weather conditions, day and night.
● Target Engagement: Effective against battle tanks with conventional or explosive
reactive armor.
● Deployment: Developed for integration with army and air force helicopters.
○ Air Force version: Dhruvastra
● Attack Modes:
○ Top Attack Mode: Missile climbs sharply after launch, travels at altitude, and
strikes the target from above.
○ Direct Hit Mode: Missile travels at a lower altitude for a direct hit.
Other DRDO Anti-Tank Missiles
● Nag: Third-generation fire-and-forget missile for mechanized infantry to engage
heavily fortified tanks.
● MPATGM (Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile): 2.5 km range, fire-and-forget,
top attack capability for infantry.
● SANT (Smart Stand-off Anti-Tank Missile): Under development for launch from
Mi-35 helicopters for air force anti-tank operations.
● ATGM for MBT Arjun: Laser-guided, precision-guided munition launched from the
Arjun tank's main gun to defeat heavily armored targets.
LCA Tejas LSP-3 Achieves Successful PTO Shaft Test
DRDO's Indigenous Development

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted a
successful maiden flight test of the Power Take-Off (PTO) Shaft on Light Combat Aircraft
(LCA) Tejas Limited Series Production (LSP) -3 aircraft in Bengaluru.
About LCA Tejas
● The LCA Tejas is a lightweight, tailless, multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft, the
smallest and lightest in its class.
● Designed to carry a variety of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and precision-guided
weapons.
● Equipped with air-to-air refueling capability.
● Maximum Payload Capacity: 4000 kg
● Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8
Power Take-Off (PTO) Shaft
● The successfully tested PTO shaft is an indigenous design and development by the
Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) of DRDO in
Chennai.
● Designed with a unique and patented "Frequency Spanning Technique" to handle
variations in engine operating speeds.
● This lightweight, high-speed, lubrication-free shaft transmits high power between the
aircraft engine gearbox and the Aircraft Mounted Accessory GearBox, while
accommodating misalignments in the driveline.
(MPATGM) weapon system

Context: The Indian Army successfully conducted field trials of the Man Portable
Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) weapon system at the Pokhran Field Firing Range
in Rajasthan.
About the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)
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● About: The MPATGM Weapon System is
a portable missile launcher designed to
strike and neutralize enemy tanks and
armoured vehicles.
● Developed by: It was developed
indigenously by the Defence Research &
Development Organisation (DRDO).
● Components: The system includes the
MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition
System, and Fire Control Unit.
● Features:
● It is a low-weight, fire-and-forget
missile.
● It is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along
with advanced avionics.
● It is launched using a tripod designed for a maximum range of 2.5 km with a launch
weight of less than 15 Kg. It can also be carried by a soldier’s shoulder itself.
● Equipped with day/night and top-attack capabilities, it offers versatility and
enhanced effectiveness in various operational scenarios.
AKASH-NG Missile
Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully
tested the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile off the coast of Odisha.
About the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) Missile
● The AKASH-NG is a medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile defense system.
● Developer and Manufacturer: It is developed by
the DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics
Limited and Bharat Electronics.
● Used by: The Indian Air Force (IAF).
● Key Features:
● Operational range: It can intercept high-speed,
agile aerial threats with a range of around 80
km.
● Flight altitude: 0.030–14 km (98–45,932 ft).
● Engine: Dual-pulse solid rocket motor.
● Rate of fire: 1 missile in 10 seconds.
● Propulsion system: It uses an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system (A
ramjet is a type of air-breathing engine that uses the forward motion of the engine
to provide air for combustion).
● Radar seeker: The missile uses a Ku-band Active radar seeker (The Ku band is
the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies
from 12 to 18 GHz).

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Apache Helicopters
The Indian Army has planned to station its six newly acquired AH-64E Apache attack
helicopters at Jodhpur, Rajasthan to bolster the army's military preparedness and to
strengthen its stance against Pakistan.
The Apache Helicopter
● The AH-64E Apache is a highly advanced and lethal attack helicopter procured by the
Indian Army from the United States.
● It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
● Armed with fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles, it possesses heavy anti-armour capabilities,
making it effective against tanks and armoured vehicles.

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Theme 3: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
Salient Features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023
Introduction:
The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, aims to regulate the processing of digital
personal data while balancing individual rights and the need for lawful data processing.
Protection Measures:
● Obligations of Data Fiduciaries: Entities processing data are obligated to adhere to
specified data processing standards.
● Rights and Duties of Data Principals: Individuals to whom the data relates have
rights protected under the bill.
● Financial Penalties: Penalties are imposed for breaches of rights, duties, and
obligations.
The bill is based on seven principles:
1. Consented, Lawful, and Transparent Use
2. Purpose Limitation
3. Data Minimisation
4. Data Accuracy
5. Storage Limitation
6. Reasonable Security Safeguards
7. Accountability
Innovative Features
● Conciseness and Simplicity: The bill is concise and SARAL, employing plain
language, illustrations, and minimal cross-referencing.
● Gender Neutrality: It uses "she" instead of "he" for the first time in parliamentary
law-making.
Individual Rights
● Right to Access Information
● Right to Correction and Erasure
● Right to Grievance Redressal
● Right to Nominate Representative
Enforcement Mechanisms
● Individuals can approach Data Fiduciaries initially and escalate to the Data Protection
Board if unsatisfied.
● Data Fiduciaries have obligations such as security safeguards and grievance
redressal systems.
● Significant Data Fiduciaries have additional obligations like appointing a data auditor
and conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments.
Protection of Children's Data
● Processing children's data requires parental consent and prohibits detrimental
processing activities.
Exemptions
● Exemptions are provided for certain purposes such as national security, research,
and regulatory functions.
Functions of the Board
● Remediation of data breaches

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● Inquiry into complaints and breaches
● Alternate Dispute Resolution
● Advising government actions against repeat offenders.
India's Semiconductor Manufacturing Initiative
The Indian government has recently made headlines by approving the establishment
of three semiconductor fabrication units, signaling a significant stride towards achieving
self-reliance in semiconductor production.
Key Announcements
1. Semiconductor Fab in Dholera, Gujarat:
● Established by Tata Electronics in collaboration with Taiwan’s Powerchip
Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.
● Investment of Rs 91,000 crore.
● Specializes in high-performance computer chips using 28 nm technology for
applications in EVs, telecom, and defense.
2. Semiconductor Unit in Morigaon, Assam:
● Set up by Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT).
● Projected output of 48 million chips per day, targeting automotive and electric
vehicle sectors.
3. Semiconductor Unit in Sanand, Gujarat:
● Established by CG Power, Renesas Electronics Corp (Japan), and Stars
Microelectronics (Thailand).
● Construction to commence within 100 days.
Neuralink: Pioneering Brain-Computer Interface Technology
Introduction
Neuralink, founded by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2016, has achieved a significant
milestone by implanting its wireless brain chip in a human for the first time.
Device Overview: Telepathy
● The device, named Telepathy, consists of a coin-sized chip surgically implanted in the
skull, with ultra-thin wires connecting directly to the brain.
● This configuration establishes a seamless brain-computer interface, enabling direct
communication between the brain and external devices.
Juice Jacking: A Cautionary Note from RBI
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a cautionary message to mobile
phone users regarding the threat of juice jacking, highlighting the importance of safeguarding
personal and financial data while using mobile devices.
What is Juice Jacking?
● Origins: Coined by investigative journalist Brian Krebs in 2011, juice jacking is a form
of cyberattack that targets users through public USB charging ports.

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● Modus Operandi: In this attack, hackers tamper with public USB charging ports,
manipulating them through hardware and software changes to steal data or install
malware on connected devices.
● Data Theft and Malware Installation: Hackers leverage juice jacking to pilfer sensitive
information such as passwords, credit card details, addresses, and other personal
data stored on the targeted device.
● Proliferation: Juice jacking incidents have been on the rise, with reports emerging
from various public spaces including airports, hotels, and shopping centers.
RBI's Cautionary Message

The RBI underscored the importance of vigilance and protection against juice jacking,
emphasizing the need for users to safeguard their personal and financial data while using
mobile devices.
Bluebugging: A Caution from Andhra Pradesh Police
Andhra Pradesh Police recently cautioned smartphone users about the threat of
bluebugging, highlighting the importance of understanding and safeguarding against this
hacking technique.
What is Bluebugging?
● Definition: Bluebugging is a sophisticated hacking technique that exploits
discoverable Bluetooth connections to gain unauthorized access to a device.
● Attack Method: Once a target device accesses a rigged link, the attacker can seize
complete control over it, enabling them to read and send messages, access the
victim’s phonebook, and even eavesdrop on phone calls.
● Extent of Control: When a device is blue-bugged, the hacker gains unfettered access
to all data stored on the device, including messages, calls, and sensitive information.
● Vulnerability: Devices lacking adequate Bluetooth protection are more susceptible to
bluebugging attacks.
Distinguishing Bluebugging from Other Bluetooth Attacks
● Bluejacking: This involves sending harmless messages to device owners for the
purpose of pranking or promoting products.
● Bluesnarfing: A more sinister form of attack where hackers illicitly access
Bluetooth-connected devices to download sensitive data like phone books,
messages, or images.
● Bluebugging: Unlike bluejacking and bluesnarfing, bluebugging grants attackers full
control over a target device. Hackers can manipulate the device to make and receive
calls, send messages, and access data without the victim's knowledge.
Bletchley Park: Historic Site and Global AI Safety Summit Host
Bletchley Park, renowned for its pivotal role in World War II, hosted the world’s first global
summit on artificial intelligence (AI) safety in 2023. This summit culminated in the publication
of the “Bletchley Declaration,” aimed at fostering international collaboration on AI safety.
Bletchley Declaration: Enhancing Global Collaboration on AI Safety
Recognition of AI Potential
● Acknowledges AI's potential to enhance human well-being.

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Bhashini Platform: Empowering Language Access in Digital India
Overview:
Bhashini is India's premier Artificial Intelligence (AI)-led language translation platform,
conceived under the Digital India initiative. It aims to revolutionize language access to the
internet and digital services in Indian languages, including voice-based interactions, while
fostering content creation in vernacular languages.
Objectives:
● Enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including
voice-based access.
● Facilitate the creation of content in Indian languages.
● Make Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources
publicly available for utilization by Indian MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators.
Key Features:
● Language Access: Empowers Indians with easy access to the internet and digital
services in their native languages.
● Bhasadaan Section: Offers a dedicated space for individuals to contribute to various
crowdsourcing initiatives.
● Accessibility: Available through dedicated Android and iOS apps, ensuring
widespread accessibility.
Functionality:
● The platform operates through four distinct modes: Suno India, Likho India, Bolo
India, and Dekho India.
● Users can participate by transcribing spoken content (Suno India), generating text
content (Likho India), validating transcribed texts (Bolo India), or verifying visual
content (Dekho India).
Bhasha Daan
Bhasha Daan
Bhasha Daan is an initiative to crowdsource language inputs for multiple Indian
languages as part of Project BHASHINI.
It calls upon citizens to help build an open repository of data to digitally enrich
his/her own language.
The aim here is to create large datasets for Indian languages, which can be used to
train AI models for use by different stakeholders to create products or services for the
following:
Training and benchmark datasets
Data contributions from government entities, language chapters, communities
etc
Crowdsourcing initiatives
Open source language models
Categories of Bhasha Daan
Suno India: One can enrich one’s language by typing the audio he/she hears, or by
validating the text transcribed by others.
Bolo India: One can enrich one’s language by donating the voice, through recording
of sentences. One can also validate the audios recorded by others
LikhoIndia : One can contribute by translating the prompted text. One can also
validate the translations contributed by others.
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Dekho India: One can enrich one’s language by typing the text seen, or by labelling
the image. One can also validate the images contributed by others.
Bhashini – National Language Translation Mission
‘Digital India BHASHINI’ seeks to enable easy access to the internet and digital
services in Indian languages, including voice-based access, and help the creation
of content in Indian languages.
It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the Digital
India Week, 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Bhashini stands for BHASaINterface for India
It is under the Ministry of Electronics & IT.
Digital India Bhashini, as India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)-led language
translation platform, will enable massive citizen engagement to build multilingual
datasets through a crowd-sourcing initiative called Bhasha Daan.
India AI Mission
Government Approves IndiaAI Mission

The Union Cabinet has approved the IndiaAI Mission, a comprehensive national-level
initiative to propel India's advancement in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The mission is allocated
a budget of ₹10,371.92 crore for a period of five years.
Mission Objectives:
● Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
● Goal: To establish a well-structured framework for implementing the IndiaAI Mission
through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This collaborative approach aims
to foster a thriving AI innovation ecosystem within India.
● Implementing Agency: The mission will be executed by the IndiaAI Independent
Business Division (IBD), functioning under the Digital India Corporation (DIC).
Key Components of the Mission:
● IndiaAI Compute Capacity:
○ Objective: To develop a robust AI compute infrastructure equipped with at
least 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). This will be achieved
through public-private partnerships.
● IndiaAI Innovation Centre:
○ Function: To create and deploy original Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and
domain-specific foundational models that cater to critical sectors.
● IndiaAI Datasets Platform:
○ Purpose: To function as a centralized platform offering seamless access to
non-personal datasets for Indian startups and researchers. This will act as a
one-stop shop for data resources.
● IndiaAI Application Development Initiative:
○ Focus: To promote the development and utilization of AI applications in crucial
sectors. The initiative will:
○ Identify problems and challenges faced by Central Ministries, State
Departments, and other institutions.
○ Subsequently, the focus will shift towards developing, scaling, and advocating
for the adoption of impactful AI solutions that can drive large-scale
socio-economic transformation.
● IndiaAI FutureSkills:

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○ Objective: To address and eliminate barriers that hinder individuals from
enrolling in AI programs. This initiative will also work towards expanding the
availability of AI courses within undergraduate, postgraduate (Master's), and
Ph.D. programs in India.
Note:
NITI Aayog is to set up India’s first AI-specific cloud computing infrastructure called
AIRAWAT.
Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): In 2020, India joined with 15 other
countries to form the GPAI to establish frameworks for the responsible utilization of emerging
technologies.
Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Hyderabad.

Telangana has signed an agreement with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to establish the
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Hyderabad.
More about the News
● WEF’s C4IR Initiative: This initiative aims to harness the potential of technological
progress for the equitable and human-centered transformation of industries,
economies, and societies.
● Launch: The C4IR will be launched during Bio Asia-2025.
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
● Definition: The Fourth Industrial Revolution refers to the digital transformation in
manufacturing through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing,
and other advanced technologies.
● Smart Factories: The concept is also associated with "smart factories," where
connected cyber-physical systems merge physical and digital aspects.
● Origin of the Term: The term "Fourth Industrial Revolution" was coined by Klaus
Schwab, the founder of the WEF.
DoT's Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative
● Launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
● Aims to revolutionize infrastructure planning & design.
● Leverages Digital Twin technology with AI, IoT, 5G/6G, and advanced computing.
● Creates a collaborative platform for stakeholders to implement innovative solutions.
Digital Twin (for reference):
● Digital replica of a physical entity.
● Uses real-time data to simulate situations and optimize decision-making.
● Differs from simulations due to larger scale and two-way information flow.
Hanooman': An AI Model for Indian Languages
BharatGPT Unveils Indic Language Initiative:

The BharatGPT group, a consortium led by IIT Bombay along with seven other esteemed
Indian engineering institutes, has announced plans to introduce a service akin to ChatGPT,
specifically catering to Indian languages.
Introducing 'Hanooman':
This initiative takes the form of a series of large language models (LLMs) collectively known
as 'Hanooman'. These models hold the potential to revolutionize the way people interact with
AI in India.

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Hanooman's Capabilities:
● Multilingual Proficiency: Hanooman can communicate and understand information
in eleven Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi. This addresses a
critical gap in AI accessibility for a vast population.
● Model Variations: The project encompasses various LLM sizes, ranging from 1.5
billion to a staggering 40 billion parameters. This allows for tailoring the models to
specific needs and computing resources.
● Multimedial Potential: Hanooman's capabilities extend beyond text. It can generate
speech, videos, and potentially other multimedia content in Indian languages,
opening doors for diverse applications.
Targeted Applications:
The development of Hanooman is driven by its potential to serve four key sectors:
● Healthcare:
● Governance:
● Financial Services:
● Education:
Garbhini-GA2: A Precise AI Model for Fetal Age Estimation in India
Revolutionizing Pregnancy Care in India:

Researchers at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)-Translational
Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) Faridabad, and the Indian Institute of
Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have collaborated on a groundbreaking innovation:
Garbhini-GA2. This AI-powered model offers a more precise method for determining fetal
age during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy in Indian women.
Significance of Garbhini-GA2:
● Improved Pregnancy Care: Accurate fetal age estimation is crucial for various
aspects of prenatal care. It allows for:
○ Precise Due Date Calculation: This ensures timely preparation for childbirth
and scheduling of prenatal interventions if necessary.
○ Optimal Monitoring: Doctors can tailor prenatal monitoring strategies based
on the accurate gestational age.
● Addressing Regional Variations: Existing formulas might not account for potential
variations in fetal growth patterns observed in different populations. Garbhini-GA2,
being India-specific, addresses this concern.
Kochi-Lakshadweep islands submarine optical fiber connection project
● It is the submarine cable connectivity project from Mainland (Kochi) to eleven

Lakshadweep Islands namely, Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Chetlet, Kalpeni,
Minicoy, Androth, Kiltan, Bangaram and Bitra has been extended.
● The project is funded by Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of
Telecommunication.
● Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was the Project Executing Agency and the
work was awarded to M/s NEC Corporation India Pvt Ltd through Global Open
Tendering process.
● The major activities related to the project include Marine Route Survey, Submarine
Cable laying, Civil Construction of CLS stations, Installation, Testing and
Commissioning of End Terminals (SLTE).

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● Significance of the project
○ The KLI-SOFC project will lead to an increase in internet speed unlocking
new possibilities & opportunities.
○ For the first time since independence, Lakshadweep will be connected
through Submarine Optic Fibre Cable.
India: A Hub for Web 3.0 Talent

A recent report by NASSCOM, titled "The India Web3 Start-up Landscape, An Emerging
Technology Leadership Frontier," highlights India's promising position in the global Web 3.0
domain.
● The report reveals that India is home to a significant portion of the global Web 3.0
workforce, boasting 11% of the world's Web3 talent.
● This translates to a skilled workforce of nearly 75,000 blockchain professionals in
India.
Thriving Web 3.0 Startup Ecosystem
● The NASSCOM study delves into the dynamic Web 3.0 startup landscape in India. It
aims to foster a deeper understanding of the potential applications and the current
state of Web 3.0 startups within the country.
● The report indicates impressive growth in the Indian Web 3.0 startup ecosystem:
○ The number of Web 3.0 startups in India has surged to a community of over
450, with a remarkable presence of four unicorns.
○ Between 2021 and 2022 alone, India witnessed the establishment of more
than 170 new Web 3.0 startups.
○ This rapid growth reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
exceeding 50% since 2015.
Understanding Web 3.0
● Web 3.0, or Web3, represents the third generation of the World Wide Web. It's an
evolving concept that envisions a "read-write-execute" web, with decentralization
as its core principle.
● Web3 aspires to create a digital world built on blockchain technology, empowering
users to interact directly with each other, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
● This new era of the web is expected to be driven by advancements in Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
● Web 3.0 has become a prominent term encompassing innovative technologies such
as blockchain, the metaverse, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Proton Improvement Plan (PIP-II) Project

● International Collaboration: PIP-II is the first particle accelerator built in the US
(Fermilab) with significant contributions from India (DAE), France, Italy, Poland, and
the UK. (India contributes $140 million worth of components).
● Neutrino Research: PIP-II will power the world's most powerful neutrino beam for
the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at the Long-Baseline Neutrino
Facility (LBNF). This will aid in research on neutrinos, fundamental particles crucial
for understanding the universe's origin and evolution.
● Particle Accelerators: These machines accelerate charged particles like protons to
near light speed for scientific research. They consist of:
○ Source: Produces particles
○ Accelerator: Increases particle speed
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○ Beam Tube (Vacuum): Allows free particle movement
○ Electromagnets: Steer the particle beam
● Examples of Large Particle Accelerators:
○ Large Hadron Collider (LHC): Most powerful (CERN, Geneva); discovered
Higgs Boson.
○ Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre (SLAC): Longest linear accelerator
(USA); discovered quarks and tau leptons.
○ European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF): Most intense hard x-ray
source (France).
Steel Slag Road Technology (SSRT)

Why in the News?
JSW Steel successfully constructed a 1 km, four-lane road section using Steel Slag Road
Technology (SSRT) on the National Highway-66 (Mumbai-Goa). This project aligns with the
Waste to Wealth and Clean India Mission.
What is SSRT?
● Waste Utilization: SSRT utilizes steel slag, a non-metallic byproduct from steel
production, as an aggregate in road construction.
● Composition: Steel slag is a glassy material rich in calcium, magnesium,
manganese, and aluminium silicates and oxides.
● Processing: Before use, steel slag undergoes processing to remove impurities and
metals, resulting in a strong and durable aggregate.
C-Bot: Coral Reef Guardian
● Developed by: National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa
● Function: C-Bot is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed for
monitoring coral reefs.
● Capabilities:
○ Reaches depths of up to 200 meters.
○ Aids the Indian Navy in bathymetry studies (seafloor mapping) for navigation.
○ Assists in locating active hydrothermal vents, crucial for understanding
oceanographic processes.
PM-KISAN Scheme Gets AI-powered Chatbot for Enhanced Support
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has launched a revolutionary AI Chatbot
specifically designed for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
This marks a significant step as it's the first AI Chatbot integrated with a major flagship
scheme of the Indian government.
Benefits for Farmers:
● Comprehensive Guide: The AI Chatbot acts as a one-stop resource for

beneficiaries, providing timely and accurate answers to their queries related to the
PM-KISAN scheme.
● Multilingual Support: Understanding the regional diversity of Indian farmers, the
Chatbot is integrated with Bhashini, enabling multilingual support. This empowers
farmers with information access in their preferred language (currently available in
English, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, and Tamil, with support for all 22 Indian languages
planned soon).

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● Transparency and Empowerment: This innovative integration of technology is
expected to enhance transparency in the scheme and empower farmers to make
informed decisions.
Made in India Chipsets for NavIC Navigation System
Indigenous Chipsets for NavIC Signals
For the first time, India will have chipsets designed and manufactured domestically to
receive and process signals from its indigenous navigation system, NavIC. This initiative is a
collaborative effort between the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of
Electronics & Information Technology.
Hyderabad Firm Leads Development
Manjeera Digital Systems Private Limited, a Hyderabad-based company, is partnering with

the government to design and commercially produce these NavIC-compatible chipsets. The
company's baseband processor chip utilizes an indigenously developed Universal
Multifunctional Accelerator (UMA) processor IP, enabling it to handle NavIC signals.
Manjeera's UMA Processor
Manjeera Digital Systems, a fabless semiconductor company, holds the patent for the UMA
processor, a high-performance computing (HPC) chip. This homegrown technology not only
facilitates navigation but also enables tracking for both commercial and civilian applications.
Enhanced Accuracy with NavIC
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) expects NavIC to provide positional
accuracy of up to 5 meters, significantly surpassing the 20-30 meter accuracy offered by
GPS.
Bharat NCX 2023: National Cyber Security Exercise
Overview
● The 2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise 2023 (Bharat NCX 2023) will
be conducted as a hybrid exercise over a period of twelve days, from 09 to 20
October 2023.
Objectives
● Training Senior Management and Technical Personnel: The exercise aims to train
senior management and technical personnel from Government/Critical Sector
organizations and Public and Private agencies.
● Focus on Contemporary Cyber Threats: Emphasizes understanding and handling
contemporary cyber threats.
● Cyber Incident Response: Enhances capabilities in responding to and managing
cyber incidents.
Conduct and Strategic Partnership
● Organized by National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS): The exercise is
conducted by the NSCS, Government of India.
● Strategic Partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU): The program is
carried out in strategic partnership with RRU.
Key Points
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● Hybrid Format: Combines online and in-person training sessions.
● Duration: Spans twelve days, providing an extensive period for in-depth training and
practice.
● Participants: Involves key personnel from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive
approach to national cyber security.
Theme: DISEASES IN NEWS
Causal Symptoms/ Affected

Disease Organism Category Vector Organ
Contaminated Food and High fever, weakness,
Typhoid Salmonella typhi Bacterial Water abdominal pain
Pneumoni Streptococcus Fever, chills, cough,
a pneumoniae Bacterial - headache
Dysentery,
Amoebiasi Entamoeba Protozoa Abdominal pain,
s histolytica n Housefly constipation, bloody stool
Plasmodium Protozoa
Malaria species n Anopheles mosquito Recurring fever, chills
Dry, scaly lesions on skin,
Ringworm Various fungi Fungal - scalp, nails
Ascaris Contaminated food, Abdominal pain, nausea,
Ascariasis lumbricoides Helminth water blockage of intestines
Swelling of lower limbs
Filariasis Wuchereria Helminth Culex mosquito (elephantiasis)
Common Nasal congestion, sore
Cold Rhinovirus Viral Air throat, cough
Human Sexual contact, blood Immune system
Immunodeficien transfusion, suppression, opportunistic
HIV/AIDS cy Virus (HIV) Viral contaminated needles infections
Not
Uncontrolled cell Fixed/ Varies depending on
Cancer growth Genetic Sometimes Heredity cancer type
Disease Description Transmission Symptoms
Chikungunya Mosquito-borne Aedes (Stegomyia) Fever, rash, joint pain

disease caused aegypti and Aedes
by chikungunya (Stegomyia)
virus (CHIKV) albopictus
mosquitoes

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Zika Virus Transmitted Guillain-Barré Microcephaly in babies born
primarily by syndrome, to infected mothers
Aedes neuropathy and
mosquitoes myelitis
Swine Flu Caused by swine Direct or indirect Fever, cough, runny nose,
Strain H1N2 influenza viruses exposure to pigs or muscle aches, headache,
contaminated sore throat, and vomiting and
environments diarrhea
Lumpy Skin Infectious viral Fever, nodules on Reduced milk yield

Disease disease mainly skin and
(LSD) affecting cattles occasionally death
Hepatitis C Viral infection that Reuse or Fatigue, nausea, vomiting,

affects the liver inadequate abdominal pain, dark urine,
sterilization of and yellowing of the skin and
medical equipment eyes (jaundice) in some
cases
Nipah Virus Zoonotic virus Fruit bats of family Fever, headache, muscle
(NIV) transmitted from (Pteropodidae) and aches, vomiting, and
animals to genus (Pteropus) dizziness. In severe cases,
humans encephalitis (inflammation of
the brain), respiratory
distress, and coma may occur
Avian Subtype of the Human influenza Fever, cough, sore throat,

Influenza A influenza A virus (rare) as well as bird muscle aches, headache,
(H9N2) Virus flu diarrhea, and vomiting
Lymphatic Neglected tropical Microscopic Swollen lymph nodes and

Filariasis (LF) disease (NTD) parasites limbs (lymphedema) in some
commonly known nematodes cases
as elephantiasis (roundworms)
Noma Severe Malnutrition, living in Severe facial pain, swelling,

gangrenous extreme poverty fever, and bad breath. As the
disease of mouth with poor oral health disease progresses, the
and face tissues of the face begin to
die (become gangrenous)
Huntington Disease (HD):

● Huntington’s disease: An inherited genetic disease causing progressive breakdown
(degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain.
● Caused by: Mutation in the gene HTT, responsible for producing a protein called
huntingtin.
● Symptoms: Uncontrolled movements, Impaired coordination of balance and
movement and decline in cognitive abilities.

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● Treatment: There is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease and no way to slow or
stop the brain changes it causes. The existing treatments focus on managing
symptoms.
About MPOX
● Zoonotic Viral Disease: Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox
virus. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the DRC.
● Two Clades: There are two known types (clades) of MPOX virus — Clade I
originating in Central Africa and Clade II originating in West Africa.
Symptoms:
● Rash or Mucosal Lesions: The most recognizable symptom is a skin rash or
lesions on the mucous membranes, typically lasting 2-4 weeks. These lesions
progress through stages, starting as flat spots, then becoming bumps, filled with fluid,
and eventually crusting over before falling off.
● Fever: Fever is a common symptom, often appearing before the rash.
● Other Flu-like Symptoms: Headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and
swollen lymph nodes are also frequently reported.
Transmission:
● Human-to-Human: MPOX primarily spreads through close, direct contact with body
fluids or lesions of an infected person. This can include:
○ Skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual contact
○ Contact with respiratory secretions through prolonged face-to-face contact
○ Indirect contact with contaminated objects like clothing, bedding, or towels
● Sexual transmission:
○ Sexual transmission of MPOX has been confirmed, with a significant portion
of cases in the DRC outbreak found in sex workers.
○ The new variant in the DRC seems to cause milder lesions primarily on the
genitals, potentially leading to missed diagnoses and silent transmission.
Zoonotic Diseases
● Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
These diseases can be caused by various germs,
○ Viruses (e.g., rabies, Ebola, Mpox)
○ Bacteria (e.g., anthrax, brucellosis, salmonellosis)
○ Parasites (e.g., giardia, toxoplasmosis, tapeworms)
○ Fungi (e.g., ringworm, histoplasmosis)
● Transmission Between Animals and Humans: Zoonotic diseases are infections
that spread between animals and people.
● Severity: Some zoonotic diseases like rabies can be severe and life-threatening,
while others may be milder and resolve on their own.
Examples of Zoonotic Diseases: MPOX, Rabies, West Nile Virus, Salmonella, Ebola
Virus Disease (EVD).

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Sickle Cell Disease
Context: The UK has become the first country in the world to approve the use of gene
therapy for treating sickle cell disease.
About the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
● Definition: Sickle-cell disease, also known as sickle-cell anaemia is a genetic
disorder that affects haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
through the body.
● Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible enough to move easily
through the blood vessels.
● In sickle cell disease, the red blood cells are crescent- or “sickle”-shaped. These
cells do not bend or move easily and can block blood flow to the rest of the body.
● Types: Sickle cell disease exists in two forms within the human body.
● One is the Sickle Cell trait, in which the individual does not exhibit any disease or
symptoms and lives a normal life.
● The second form is characterised by the presence of symptoms related to sickle
cell disease.
● Causes:
● The cause of Sickle cell disease is a defective gene, called a sickle cell gene.
● A person will be born with sickle cell disease only if two genes are inherited—one
from the mother and one from the father.
● Symptoms:
● Early stage: Extreme tiredness or fussiness from anaemia, painfully swollen hands
and feet, and jaundice.
● Later stage: Severe pain, anaemia, organ damage, and infections.
● Treatment:
● The only cure for this disease is bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
● However, there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms, lessen
complications, and prolong life.
● Prevalence of SCD in India:
● India has the second-highest disease burden of SCD globally after African
countries.
● An estimated 30,000-40,000 children in India are born with the SCD every year.
● One in 86 births among the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population is affected by SCD,
with higher rates in central, western, and southern India.
● Government initiatives:
● National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: it’s a part of the National
Health Mission (NHM), aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by the
year 2047.
● Technical operational guidelines were launched for prevention and control of
hemoglobinopathies in 2016 including sickle cell anaemia.
About Kala Azar Disease

● Kala azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a neglected tropical disease
(NTD).
○ Kala azar is the second leading NTD cause of mortality.
● Caused by: The protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani.
○ The parasites primarily affect the visceral organs, such as the spleen, liver,
and bone marrow.
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● Transmission: The parasite is transmitted by the bite of an infected female sandfly,
Phlebotomus argentipes.
● Symptoms: Irregular fevers, weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, and severe
anemia.
● Prevalence: Kala azar is endemic in 76 countries and four countries account for
68% of cases worldwide: India, Sudan, Brazil, and Kenya.
○ In 2020, India accounted for 18% of the global burden of kala-azar.
● Diagnosis: Diagnosing Kala Azar often involves clinical evaluation, blood tests to
detect the presence of the parasite, and sometimes, a bone marrow biopsy for
confirmation.
○ Serological tests and molecular techniques are also used for
Neglected Tropical Diseases
National Policy of Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021:
● Creation of national registry for rare diseases

● Classification of rare diseases into three groups:
○ Group 1: Those which could be controlled by one-time curative treatment
■ Example: Osteopetrosis and Fanconi anaemia
○ Group 2: Those which could be controlled by long-term or lifelong treatment
with a relatively lower cost
■ Example: galactosemia and homocystinuria
○ Group 3: Treatment is available, very high cost and lifelong therapy
■ Example: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Pompe disease, and
Hunter syndrome
● Government to provide 20 Lakh Rupees for poor patients to Group 1 diseases under
Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
● For Group 3 Diseases: Government would create a Centre of Excellence, a digital
platform who has patients, corporate donors, / voluntary donors.

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Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
● About: Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever, is a viral
hemorrhagic fever endemic to South Asia, primarily found in the Western Ghats
region of India.
● Origin: It was first identified in 1957 in the Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka, India, hence
the name.
● Cause: It's caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), a member of the
Flaviviridae virus family (the same family as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika).
● Transmission:
● Vector-Borne: The primary vectors are ticks, especially those of the genus
Haemaphysalis. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected
tick.
● Animal to Human Transmission: Humans can also contract the virus by coming
into direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals, such as monkeys, which
often die in large numbers during outbreaks.
● No Direct Human-to-Human Transmission: There is no evidence of direct
human-to-human transmission.
Pompe Disease
Context: Nidhi Shirol, India’s first Pompe disease patient passed away at the age of 24
years.
About the Pompe Disease
● Also known as the ‘Glycogen Storage Disease Type II’.
● Cause: It is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha
glucosidase (GAA), which is crucial for breaking down glycogen into glucose within
the lysosomes of cells. Without GAA, glycogen builds up in the body's cells.
● Symptoms:
● Prevalence: Range from 1 in 40, 000 to 1 in 300, 000.

Treatment: There is currently no cure for Pompe disease. But there are treatment options
like Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) to improve the patient’s quality of life. It involves
the infusion of the missing enzyme to alleviate glycogen buildup.
Cholera:
● Cholera: is acute diarrhoeal disease, characterized by severe watery diarrhoea
and rapid dehydration.
● Caused by: Ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio
cholerae.
● Vibrio cholerae Strains: Two main causative strains: O1 and O139.
○ O1: Responsible for the majority of recent outbreaks, with several sub-types
exhibiting varying degrees of virulence.
○ O139: Primarily found in Asia, though sporadic cases have been reported
elsewhere. Less prevalent than O1 but can still cause significant outbreaks.
● Global burden: Estimated 1.3-4 million cases and 21 000-143 000 deaths annually,
likely an underestimation due to underreporting.
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● Symptoms and Transmission:
○ Symptoms: Severe dehydration leading to vomiting, muscle cramps,
lethargy, and shock in some cases.
○ High-risk areas: Peri-urban slums, refugee camps, areas affected by conflict
or natural disasters, and communities with inadequate water and sanitation
infrastructure.
○ Transmission linked to: Lack of safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation
facilities, poor hygiene practices, and overcrowding.
Diabetes:
World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14th. The theme for World
Diabetes Day 2023 is Access to diabetes care.
About Diabetes:
● Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not produce
enough insulin or does not use insulin properly.
● What is Insulin: It is a hormone that helps the body's cells use glucose for energy. If
the body does not have enough insulin, or does not use it properly, glucose builds up
in the blood.
● Effects: High blood glucose levels leading to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease,
and blindness.
Diabetes in India
● India has the second-highest number of people with diabetes in the world, with over
74 million people living with the disease.
Types of Diabetes: Diabetes manifests in various forms based on factors contributing to its
development. The primary types are Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Insipidus, and Gestational
Diabetes.
● Diabetes Mellitus: The body's inability to use or respond effectively to produced
insulin, resulting in inadequate blood sugar regulation.
● Diabetes Mellitus further divides into two categories.
○ Type 1 Diabetes: Also known as Diabetes Mellitus Type 1.
■ Causes: Characterized by the pancreas's inadequate insulin
secretion.
■ Symptoms: Unexplained weight loss, Persistent hunger and
slow-healing cuts.
○ Type 2 Diabetes: Also referred to as Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.
■ Causes: Insulin resistance, Genetically predisposed and overweight.
■ Symptoms:Often overlooked signs,Slow, steady weight loss.
● Diabetes Insipidus: Develops when the hypothalamus fails to produce or respond to
antidiuretic hormone (ADH), affecting the kidneys' water control.
● Gestational Diabetes : Occurs in expectant mothers with unexplained elevated
blood sugar levels, usually resolving post-birth.
Initiatives related to Diabetes:
● Global Diabetes Compact (2021): A global call to action to fight diabetes, launched
by the WHO.
● National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) (1997): Helping people with
prediabetes prevent type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes and education.
● National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) (2010): A comprehensive

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program to prevent and control major NCDs in India, with a focus on strengthening
infrastructure, human resource development.
● World Diabetes Day (November 14th, annually since 1991): Raising awareness of
diabetes and promoting the importance of access to quality diabetes care for
everyone.
Tuberculosis (TB)
● Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. It spreads from person to person through air. TB usually affects the
lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or
the spine.
● World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed on 24th March to spread awareness of the
consequences of TB.
Symptoms
● Feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
● The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the
coughing up of blood.
Transmission
● TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat
coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
● These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment.
● Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected; this
is called latent TB infection.
Policies By Indian Government to Eradicate TB
1. Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: India is determined to eradicate TB from
the nation by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030.
2. Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative: This program provides extra diagnostic, nutritional, and
vocational support to individuals undergoing TB treatment.
3. National TB Prevalence Survey: India conducts its own extensive survey to
accurately assess the actual burden of TB in the country. It stands as the largest
survey of its kind globally.
4. TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign: Launched by the Union Ministry for Health
and Family Welfare, this campaign complements the survey in the fight against TB.
TB Vaccines in Development: Two vaccines, VPM (Vakzine Projekt Management) 1002
and MIP (Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii), have been identified for TB and are currently
undergoing clinical trials.
Gene Therapy Trial for Hemophilia A in India

India's foray into gene therapy for hemophilia A marks a significant advancement in the field
of medical treatment for this rare genetic disorder. The Union Science and Technology
Minister recently announced the successful initiation of the first human clinical trial at
Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore.
Understanding Hemophilia A:
● Rare Bleeding Disorder: Hemophilia A, also known as classical hemophilia, is a
genetic condition that affects blood clotting.
● Factor VIII Deficiency: People with hemophilia A have insufficient levels of a vital
blood protein called factor VIII, essential for normal clot formation. This deficiency
leads to excessive bleeding following injuries or even minor surgical procedures.
● X-Linked Inheritance: Hemophilia A is caused by a defect on the X chromosome.
Males are more commonly affected, while females can be carriers of the faulty gene.
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Historical Context:
● Royal Disease: Queen Victoria of Britain (1819-1901) is recognized as the most
prominent carrier of hemophilia A. The condition spread through her descendants in
various European royal families, earning it the moniker "royal disease" in the past.
Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR)
● AMR is the phenomenon where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over
time, losing responsiveness to medicines. This renders infections more challenging
to treat, escalating the risks of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
Status of AMR:
● The WHO estimates that AMR will cause 10 million deaths globally by 2050, and
India is expected to account for a significant proportion of these deaths.
● A 2022 study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that India has the
highest rates of AMR in the world, with over 70% of bacteria resistant to at least one
antibiotic.
Causes of AMR:
● Natural Evolution AMR can arise through two main mechanisms of natural
evolution:
○ Genetic Mutation: Bacteria can develop resistance through spontaneous
genetic mutations in their DNA.
○ Horizontal Gene Transfer: Bacteria can also acquire resistance genes from
other bacteria or even from other organisms, such as plants or animals.
● Misuse and Overuse: One of the primary drivers of AMR is the inappropriate use of
antimicrobials, both in humans and animals. This includes:
○ Self-medication: Using antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
○ Overuse in agriculture: The use of antibiotics in livestock farming.
○ Use in non-therapeutic settings: Using in aquaculture and plant cultivation.
● Water and Sanitation: Lack of clean water and sanitation can also contribute.
● Infection Control: Inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in
healthcare settings can also play a role in the spread of AMR.
● Lack of awareness: about the responsible use of antimicrobials and the dangers of
AMR can contribute to the problem.
● Red Line Campaign: The Red Line Campaign is an initiative launched by the WHO
in 2017 to promote responsible antibiotic use and reduce AMR.
● Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS):
GLASS is a global surveillance system established by the WHO to monitor AMR
trends and antibiotic use patterns.
● Muscat Conference: In 2022, the Third Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Muscat, bringing together over 30 countries to
discuss and adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat AMR.
Havisure®: A Milestone in Public Health - India's First Indigenous Hepatitis A Vaccine
Havisure® Launched by IIL

Major Development: Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a subsidiary of the
National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has achieved a significant milestone in public
health by launching Havisure®. This marks the arrival of India's first indigenously
developed Hepatitis A vaccine.
Understanding Hepatitis A

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Hepatitis A: A Cause for Concern
Havisure® targets Hepatitis A, a:
● Viral Disease: Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the
hepatitis A virus.
Importance of Vaccination
The availability of Havisure® strengthens India's fight against Hepatitis A and offers several
potential benefits:
● Improved Public Health: Widespread vaccination can significantly reduce the
number of Hepatitis A cases, leading to a healthier population.
● Enhanced Affordability: Domestic production has the potential to make the vaccine
more affordable and accessible to a wider population.
● Reduced Dependence on Imports: Indigenous development lessens reliance on
imported vaccines, promoting self-sufficiency in healthcare.
Havisure® is a testament to India's growing capabilities in vaccine development and
production. It represents a critical step towards a healthier future for the nation.
CoViNet- A Global Laboratory To Monitor Emerging Coronaviruses
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global network of laboratories called
CoViNet to identify and monitor potentially novel coronaviruses that could emerge shortly.
About CoViNet: CoViNet is a network of global laboratories with expertise in human, animal
and environmental coronavirus surveillance.
Thriving Network:
● CoViNet comprises 36 laboratories from 21 countries in all six WHO regions (Africa,
Americas, South-east Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific),
including three Indian laboratories.
● Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute.
● The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology in Pune. The
Translational Health Science and Technology Institute.
Project on Anemia Control Launched under Mission Utkarsh
Mission Utkarsh takes a significant step towards tackling anemia among adolescent girls in
India with the launch of a new project focused on Ayurvedic interventions.
Key Details:
● Collaboration: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between

the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Ayush to
implement this project.
● Coordinating Agency: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
(CCRAS) will oversee the project's execution.
● Implementation:
○ Pilot Phase: The project will be piloted initially in five aspirational districts:
■ Dhubri (Assam)
■ Bastar (Chhattisgarh)
■ Paschimi Singhbhum (Jharkhand)
■ Gadchiroli (Maharashtra)
■ Dholpur (Rajasthan)
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○ Targeted Beneficiaries: Approximately 94,000 adolescent girls between the
ages of 14-18 years registered under the Poshan Tracker program at nearly
10,000 Anganwadi Centres across these districts will benefit from the project.
● Execution: Renowned Ayurvedic research institutes will handle the project's
execution in each district:
○ Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Guwahati (Assam)
○ All India Institute for Ayurveda, New Delhi
○ CARI, Bhubaneshwar (Odisha)
○ Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Nagpur (Maharashtra)
○ National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Technology Transfer of Cholera Vaccine
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has initiated a technology transfer process for a
simplified oral cholera vaccine (OCV-S) to Biological E, a major pharmaceutical company
based in Hyderabad, India.
Key Points:
● Technology License Agreement: Biological E signed a technology license
agreement with IVI in 2023 to acquire the OCV-S technology.
● OCV-S Benefits:
○ Simplified formulation compared to existing vaccines.
○ Potential to lower production costs.
○ Potential to increase production capacity for current and future
manufacturers.

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HEALTH
2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew
Weissman for their research enabling the development of mRNA vaccines against
COVID-19.
What is mRNA?
mRNA stands for “messenger RNA.” It is a molecule that carries genetic information from
DNA to the ribosomes in cells, where it is used as a template for protein synthesis.
What are mRNA vaccines?

mRNA vaccines are a type of vaccine that uses messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct cells in
the body to produce a specific viral protein, such as the spike protein of a COVID-19 virus.
This protein triggers an immune response, helping the body build immunity against the virus.
Notably, mRNA vaccines do not contain live or weakened viruses, making them safe and
effective tools for preventing infectious diseases like COVID-19.
100th anniversary of Satyendra Nath Bose's
Satyendranath Bose
Why in news?: Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Satyendra Nath Bose's
groundbreaking work in quantum mechanics.
About Satyendra Nath Bose
Early Life and Academic Beginnings:
● Birth in Calcutta (1894): Satyendra Nath Bose was born in Calcutta in 1894, laying
the foundation for a life of intellectual curiosity and scientific inquiry.
● Physics Lecturer at Calcutta University (1916): Bose commenced his career as a
physics lecturer at Calcutta University in 1916, Later transitioned to Dacca University.
Contributions:
● Authorship of Paper: In 1924, Bose authored a seminal
paper titled "Planck's Law and Hypothesis of Light
Quanta," a groundbreaking contribution to quantum
physics.
● Novel Derivation of Planck's Law: Bose introduced a
novel derivation of Planck's law in his 1924 paper,
proposing fresh perspectives on the behavior of light
quanta.
● Treating Radiation as a Gas of Photons (Photon Gas):
One of Bose's innovative ideas was treating radiation as
a gas of photons, a conceptual shift in understanding the
nature of light.
Einstein's Recognition and Collaboration:
● Einstein's Translation: Einstein recognized the
significance of Bose's work and translated his paper into German, bringing
international attention to Bose's groundbreaking ideas.

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● Development of Bose-Einstein Statistics: The collaboration between Bose and
Einstein led to Bose-Einstein statistics, a fundamental concept in quantum
mechanics.
● Exploration of Bose-Einstein Condensates: Bose and Einstein's collaborative
efforts explored Bose-Einstein condensates, a state of matter with unique properties.
Legacy and Recognition:
● Nobel Prize in Physics (2001): He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001,
recognizing the transformative impact of Bose-Einstein condensates on the field.
● Padma Vibhushan (1954) and National Professor (1959): Bose's exemplary
contributions were acknowledged with the award of the Padma Vibhushan in 1954.
● Dedication by Rabindranath Tagore: Rabindranath Tagore dedicated his scientific
work, Visva-Parichay, to Bose in 1937, highlighting the respect and admiration for
Bose.
SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences: The establishment of the SN Bose National
Centre for Basic Sciences stands as a testament to Bose's enduring impact.
Traditional Medicine in Focus: India Hosts First Global Summit
WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India

● Established in India as the world's first WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
(GCTM).
● Location: Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
● India's investment: US$ 250 million for establishment, infrastructure, and operations.
India's Traditional Medicine Systems
● Rich repository of medicinal plants.
● Major indigenous medicine systems: Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Folk (tribal)
medicine.
● Over 8,000 herbal remedies codified in AYUSH systems.
Opportunities in India's AYUSH Sector
● Exponential growth: $3 billion in 2014 to $18 billion in 2020 (projected to reach $24
billion by 2023).
● 7,000 operational AYUSH-based health and wellness centers.
● Investment and innovation potential: supply chain management, AYUSH diagnostics,
telemedicine.
Government Initiatives to Promote AYUSH
· Ministry of AYUSH: Established in 2014 as a dedicated ministry for traditional
medicine and treatment.
· National AYUSH Mission (NAM): Launched to promote AYUSH systems
through:
o Cost-effective services
o Strengthened educational systems
o Quality control enforcement for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathy
(ASU &H) drugs
o Sustainable availability of ASU &H raw materials
First Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
● Held in India alongside the G20 health track ministerial meeting.
● Gandhinagar Declaration: Key outcome establishing a dedicated platform for
traditional medicine under the G20 framework.
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○ Aims: International collaboration, best practice sharing, seamless integration
of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare.
● Enhanced Role of WHO Centre: GCTM to study traditional medicine from India and
collaborate with international research institutes for evidence-based research on
global traditional medical practices.
U-WIN Portal: A Digital Transformation for India's Immunization Program
Objectives of U-WIN Portal

● Streamlined Immunization Management: U-WIN aims to digitize the UIP,
facilitating:
○ Registration and vaccination of pregnant women
○ Recording of delivery outcomes
○ Registration of newborns
○ Administration of birth doses and all subsequent vaccinations
● Centralized Information Source: The portal will serve as a single source of truth for
immunization data for the targeted UIP population.
○ Live updates on vaccination status, delivery outcomes, and routine
immunization session planning will be maintained.
Benefits of U-WIN Portal
· Improved Tracking: U-WIN, linked to ABHA IDs (Ayushman Bharat Health
Accounts), will enable better beneficiary tracking across states and districts through a
centralized database.
· Vaccine Acknowledgement and Cards: Pregnant women and children will receive
vaccine acknowledgement slips and immunization cards linked to their ABHA IDs.
· Expected Outcome: U-WIN is expected to significantly boost national immunization
coverage.
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
● Launched in 1985, UIP is a part of the Reproductive and Child Care (RCH) program
under the National Health Mission (NHM).
● UIP aims to reduce mortality and morbidity by immunizing pregnant women and
newborns against eight specified vaccine-preventable diseases.
National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)
Unique Identification for Organ Transplants

A recent directive by the Union Health Ministry mandates assigning a unique National Organ
and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for both donors and recipients in all organ
transplant cases.
Curbing Unethical Practices
This initiative aims to eliminate commercial dealings in organs, particularly those involving
foreign citizens.
NOTTO-ID Allocation Process
● Deceased Donors: NOTTO-ID is mandatory for organ allocation.
● Living Donors: NOTTO-ID must be generated within 48 hours after the transplant
surgery.

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● Responsibility: Hospitals are responsible for generating NOTTO-IDs through the
NOTTO website.
Enhanced Monitoring
The directive also emphasizes stricter monitoring of organ transplants by local authorities.
About National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)
● Function: NOTTO, a national level organization under the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare, serves as the central coordinating body for organ and tissue
transplantation activities in India.
● Core Activities:
○ Coordination and Networking: Facilitation of procurement, distribution, and
registry of organs and tissues for transplantation.
○ Apex Centre: Oversees all India activities related to organ and tissue
transplantation.
One Health initiative:
One Health Joint Plan of Action

● Launched by the Quadripartite: FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH.
● A collaborative action plan (2022-2026) to address health challenges at
human-animal-plant-environment interface.
● Focus areas:
○ One Health capacity building for health systems.
○ Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics.
○ Endemic zoonotic diseases.
○ Neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases.
○ Antimicrobial resistance and the environment.
○ Food safety risks.
One Health Concept:
● Recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and
environmental health.
● Vision originates from the tripartite-plus alliance of FAO, WOAH, and WHO.
● Promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines:
○ Human health
○ Animal health
○ Plant health
○ Soil health
○ Environmental and ecosystem health
● Goal: Improve, protect, and defend the health of all species.
India's One Health Mission
The One Health Mission is a comprehensive initiative endorsed by the Prime Minister's
Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) in July 2022. This
ambitious mission signifies India's commitment to a holistic approach towards public
health, encompassing animal, plant, and environmental health.
Inter-Ministerial Collaboration:

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● The mission fosters collaboration between 13 ministries and departments,
including:
○ Department of Science and Technology (DST)
○ Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
○ Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
● This collaborative approach ensures a unified effort in addressing public health
challenges at the human-animal-environment interface.
National Institute for One Health: A Central Coordinating Body
● The establishment of a National Institute for One Health in Nagpur is a pivotal
element of the mission.
● This institute will serve as the central coordinating body, spearheading national and
international activities in the field of One Health.
● The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the institute on December 11, 2022,
marking a significant step forward in operationalizing the mission.
First ABDM Microsite Under NHA '100 Microsites Project' Launched in Mizoram
In News
● The National Health Authority (NHA) announced the 100 Microsites Project to
accelerate the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) nationwide.
● Mizoram became the first state in India to operationalize an ABDM microsite.
About Microsites
● The 100 Microsites Project under ABDM is a crucial initiative designed to reach out to
the bulk of small and medium scale healthcare providers from the private sector.
● Microsites are specialized regions focused on enhancing the digital integration of
healthcare services at a local level.
● These microsites aim to facilitate the implementation of digital health infrastructure,
improving healthcare delivery and accessibility.
Key Points
● National Health Authority (NHA): The body responsible for implementing the ABDM
and overseeing the microsites project.
● Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): An initiative aimed at creating a
comprehensive digital health ecosystem in India.
● First Operational Microsite in Mizoram: Marks a significant milestone in the
nationwide rollout of ABDM.

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BIOTECHNOLOGY
THREE PARENT BABY

● A baby has been born using three people's DNA in the UK with help of Mitochondrial
Donation Treatment (MDT) procedure.
Involves conceiving a child from IVF (in vitro fertilization) using the genetic material of
the parents and the mitochondrial material of a donor.
● Diseased mitochondria are replaced by healthy mitochondria in order to avoid
transfer of mitochondrial diseases from the mother to the offspring.
● Done either before or after IVF of the egg.
NexCAR19: India's Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy for Cancer

Introduction:
● Cancer patients in India now have access to a new treatment option: NexCAR19, an
indigenously developed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy.
What is NexCAR19?
● CAR-T Cell Therapy: A type of immunotherapy that uses the patient's own T cells,
genetically modified to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
● NexCAR19: The first CAR-T cell therapy indigenously developed in India by
ImmunoACT, a company incubated at IIT Bombay.
● Approval: Recently approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
(CDSCO), India's central drug regulatory body.
● CDSCO: Established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to ensure the safety,
efficacy, and quality of drugs in India.
Understanding Epigenetics in Cancer Research
The DEEP Project:
● The CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is collaborating on the
Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership (DEEP) project.
● Epigenetic Epidemiology: A field that studies how environmental and behavioral
factors can influence gene expression through epigenetic modifications.
NexCAR19 represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment for India. Additionally,
research like the DEEP project highlights the growing importance of epigenetics in
understanding and potentially treating various diseases.
First human clinical trial of gene therapy for ‘haemophilia A’.
Why in news?: India has conducted the first human clinical trial of gene therapy for
‘haemophilia A’.
What is Hemophilia A?
● Hemophilia is a group of rare bleeding disorders caused by a congenital deficiency
in specific clotting factors. The most prevalent form is Hemophilia A. Hemophilia A
results from a deficiency in a crucial blood clotting protein known as factor VIII.
● Due to this deficiency, individuals experience prolonged bleeding after injuries, as
their blood takes longer to clot than usual.

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Gene Therapy
● Gene therapy is a therapeutic strategy aimed
at treating diseases by modifying or
manipulating the genetic material within a
patient's cells.
● Gene therapies can work by several
mechanisms:
○ Replacing a disease-causing gene
with a healthy copy of the gene
(replacement gene therapy).
○ Inactivating a disease-causing gene
that is not functioning properly.
○ Introducing a new or modified gene
into the body to help treat a disease.
● Gene therapies can have an autologous or
allogeneic source of cells:
○ Autologous: The patient's cells are
used as a source of cells.
○ Allogeneic: Cells from a donor are
used as a source of cells.
Types of Gene Therapy
●
Involves modifying genes inside germ or gamete cells (sperm or
ova) during reproduction.
● Modified genes are passed onto future generations, altering the
genome of offspring.
● Issues associated:
○ Straightforward delivery of edited genes into reproductive cells
Germline .
Therapy ○ All cells will have functioning genes.
○ Ethically controversial.
○ Inconsistent and variable guidelines and regulation.
○ Limited research/application permitted.
○ Manipulation passed to the next generation, resulting in good
or bad outcomes.
●
Involves inserting therapeutic DNA into body cells, excluding germ
Somatic cells.
Gene ● Effects of therapy are confined to the individual being treated and
Therapy not inherited by offspring.
● Issues associated:
○ Tricky delivery of edited genes into target cells.

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○ Difficult to achieve gene functioning in the genome.
○ Therapy is short-lived and has to be repeated.
○ Regulations available to govern applications.
○ Research/application permitted as only actual person affected.
Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG)
About INSACOG
● Establishment: December 2020 by the Indian Government.
● Function: A multi-agency consortium of Regional Genome Sequencing Laboratories
(RGSLs) to monitor genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.
● Initial Number of Laboratories: 10 (expanded to 28)
● Function of RGSLs: Genome sequencing and identification of Variants of Concern
(VOCs), Variants of Interest (VOIs), potential VOIs, and other mutations.
● Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India
● Joint Initiative: MoHFW, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
.
About Various Vaccines:
● Vaccines: These are biological preparations that offer active acquired immunity to
a specific infectious disease. They work by exposing the body to a weakened or
inactive form of a pathogen (virus or bacteria) or its components. This stimulates the
body's immune system to develop antibodies that can recognize and fight the real
infection if encountered later.
● Types of Vaccines: There are four common types of vaccines:
1. Inactivated Vaccines: These vaccines contain killed versions of the
pathogen that cannot replicate but can still trigger an immune response.
a. Examples: Polio vaccine, Influenza vaccine (flu shot)
2. Attenuated Vaccines:
a. These vaccines contain weakened live pathogens that can replicate
but are less harmful than the wild virus. They provide strong immunity
but carry a small risk of causing a mild version of the disease in some
individuals.
b. Examples: Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, Chickenpox
vaccine
3. Toxoid Vaccines:
a. These vaccines target the toxins produced by certain bacteria, not the
bacteria themselves.
b. As toxins often cause disease symptoms, the body develops immunity
against them, preventing illness.
c. Examples: Tetanus vaccine, Diphtheria vaccine
4. Subunit Vaccines:
a. These vaccines contain specific antigens (molecules on the
pathogen's surface) that trigger an immune response.
b. This approach avoids introducing the entire pathogen, making them
suitable for people with weakened immune systems.

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c. Examples: Hepatitis B vaccine, Shingles vaccine.
GenomeINDIA project
Launched by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Ministry of Science and
Technology in 2020.
Aim: To collect 10,000 genetic samples from citizens across India and create a Reference
Genome for the Indian Population.
What is a Human Genome Reference Sequence?
A human genome reference sequence is an accepted representation of the entire human
genome, made up of a combination of DNA from several people.
About the Mission:
● Comprises researchers from 20 national institutes led by the Centre for Brain
Research, Bengaluru.
● Datasets generated will be stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre in Faridabad.
● Inspired by the Human Genome Project (HGP), the first international research effort
to determine the entire human genome DNA sequence.
Human Genome Project (HGP):
● Launched in 1990, completed in 2003 and covered approximately 92% of the total
human genome sequence.
● Led by the 'International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium' which involved
scientists from 20 institutions in six countries: France, Germany, Japan, China, the
UK and the US
Year End Review Department of Biotechnology
ADVIKA, a Superior Drought Tolerant High-Yielding Chickpea Variety: An improved

drought tolerant desi chickpea variety “ADVIKA (NC 7)” was developed by introgression of
an ABC transporter gene in the genetic background of JG 16 that enhances seed weight
and yield (7% high) under drought stress.
Accel Breed: a speed breeding facility at PAU, Ludhiana for accelerating crop
improvement programme: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed a
State-of-the-Art speed breeding facility, named “AccelBreed”. The facility contains eight
environmentally controlled chambers where all the important environmental variables such
as light, temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration required for the growth of the crop
plants can be controlled at will.
RRI's SpeedFlower Protocol for Revolutionizing Rice Breeding for Global Food
Security: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has established a state-of-the-art
speed breeding facility at Varanasi, India and also developed novel SpeedFlower Protocol by
smartly combining light parameters
DBT’s Efforts for Vaccine Development: Significant advances have been witnessed in
indigenous development of vaccines, as mentioned below:
1. India’s 1st indigenously developed quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus (qHPV)
vaccine against cervical cancer;
2. World’s 1st and India’s indigenously developed DNA based Vaccine, ZyCoV-D;
3. India’s 1st protein subunit vaccine for COVID-19, CORBEVAXTM;

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4. India’s indigenously developed mRNA vaccine GEMCOVAC-19™;
5. India’s 1st intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine, iNCOVACC;
6. India’s 1st Omicron booster vaccine based on mRNA Platform, GEMCOVAC- OM.
● First gene therapy clinical trial in India for Hemophilia A: Central Drugs Standard
Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved India’s first gene therapy clinical trial for
Hemophilia A involving a novel hematopoietic stem cell based lentiviral vector-based
gene therapy technology.
Development of novel blood bag technology: A study group at Institute for Stem Cell
Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), an autonomous institute of DBT at Bengaluru,
developed taurine and acridine containing electrospun-nanofibrous-sheets (Tau-AcrNFS)
Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) is the first National repository for life science data in
India, established at Regional centre of Biotechnology (RCB), an autonomous institute of
DBT at Faridabad. IBDC is being developed under active collaboration with NIC, NII and
ICGEB, New Delhi.
DBT-BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genomic Research (NIPGR), at New Delhi, through the
startup Fruvitec, developed technologies which can enhance shelf life of fruits and
vegetables and keep nutritional status intact during storage.
Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal has setup

Bioincubator Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNEST) incubator to
develop women entrepreneurship through orchid floriculture in Meghalaya.
Global Bio India 2023 was organized at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan from 4th-6th
December 2023. This largest Biotech Expo of 500+ biotech startups, incubators, industry,
and other stakeholders was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (I/C)
Ministry of Science and Technology.

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Theme: Nuclear Technology
Very Useful for Group-1,Group-2,Group-3 and other Competitive Exams

PYQ Theme
Indian Nuclear Reactors and Key Components
India's Nuclear Power Landscape

● Currently, India operates 22 nuclear reactors across eight sites, with a total capacity
of 6,780 MW.
● These reactors consist of two main types:
○ Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs): 18 reactors (bold)
○ Light Water Reactors (LWRs): 4 reactors (bold)
Essential Components of a Nuclear Reactor
● Nuclear Fuel:
○ Located at the reactor's core, the fuel typically consists of enriched
uranium-235 (U-235) pellets contained in long, thin metal tubes called fuel
rods (bold).
● Moderator:
○ Positioned within the core, the moderator plays a critical role by slowing
down neutrons (bold) released during nuclear fission. These neutrons are
initially high-energy (fast neutrons). For a sustained chain reaction, neutrons
need to be slowed down to thermal neutrons, which are more likely to cause
fission in other U-235 atoms.
○ Common moderators include:
■ Ordinary water (Light Water Reactors) (bold)
■ Heavy water (deuterium oxide) (bold)
■ Graphite (bold)
● Control Rods:
○ Made from materials that readily absorb neutrons (bold), control rods are
inserted or withdrawn from the reactor core to meticulously control the rate
of fission (bold). This regulates the number of neutrons available to cause
fissions and, consequently, the power output of the reactor.
● Coolant:
○ To prevent overheating and potential meltdowns, a coolant continuously
circulates throughout the reactor core. This coolant absorbs the immense
heat generated by the ongoing nuclear chain reaction. Common coolants
include water and liquid sodium (bold).
Components of Nuclear Reactor
Component Description
Fuel - Contains fissile atoms whose energy is extracted by fission. - Uranium-235 is

the most common fuel used in nuclear power plants.

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Control Rods - Made from a material capable of absorbing neutrons. - Used to manage the
chain reaction by regulating the fission rate. - Can be dropped or pulled to
maintain or increase the fission rate as needed.
Moderator - Slows down the neutrons released during the fission reaction. - Prevents
neutrons from being too energetic to efficiently provoke other fission reactions.
Coolant - Transfers heat released during fission from the reactor core to the turbine
and alternator. - Removes heat generated by the nuclear fuel. - The fluid used
for this purpose is the coolant.
Steam - Large heat exchangers transferring heat from a high-pressure primary circuit
Generator (in PWR) to a secondary circuit where water turns to steam. - Steam
generated in this secondary circuit is then used to drive turbines and generate
electricity.
Nuclear power plants in india
Name Of Nuclear Power Station Location Operator Capacity (MW)

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station Gujarat NPCIL 440
Madras Atomic Power Station Tamil Nadu NPCIL 440
(Kalpakkam)
Narora Atomic Power Station Uttar NPCIL 440
Pradesh
Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant Karnataka NPCIL 880
Rajasthan Atomic Power Station Rajasthan NPCIL 1,180
Tarapur Atomic Power Station Maharashtra NPCIL 1,400
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Tamil Nadu NPCIL 2,000
Name Of Nuclear Power Station Location Operator Capacity (MW)

Madras (Kalpakkam) Tamil Nadu BHAVINI 500
Rajasthan Unit 7 and 8 Rajasthan NPCIL 1,400
Kakrapar Unit 3 and 4 Gujarat NPCIL 1,400
Kudankulam Unit 3 and 4 Tamil Nadu NPCIL 2,000

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Name of Nuclear Power Station Location Capacity
Tarapur Maharashtra 300
Madras Tamil Nadu 1,200
Kaiga Karnataka 1,400
Chutka Madhya Pradesh 1,400
Gorakhpur Haryana 2,800
Bhimpur Madhya Pradesh 2,800
Mahi Banswara Rajasthan 2,800
Haripur West Bengal 4,000
Mithi Virdi (Viradi) Gujarat 6,000
Kovvada Andhra Pradesh 6,600
Jaitapur Maharashtra 9,900

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India's Three-Stage Nuclear Programme
India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has formulated a three-stage nuclear
program to achieve a sustainable, reliable, and self-sufficient nuclear energy source. This
program addresses India's limited uranium reserves and leverages its abundant thorium
reserves.
Program Overview:
The Department of Atomic Energy's three-stage nuclear program aims to establish a
sustainable, long-term, and reliable domestic source of nuclear energy for India. This
program addresses India's limited uranium reserves (around 2% of global reserves) by
leveraging its abundant thorium resources (approximately 25% of the world's thorium).
Stage 1: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
● Focus: Setting up PHWRs and the associated fuel cycle.
● Fuel: Natural uranium (99.3% U-238, 0.7% U-235)
● Process:
○ U-235 undergoes nuclear fission, sustaining the chain reaction.
○ Non-fissile U-238 is converted into fissile Plutonium-239 (Pu-239) as a
byproduct in the spent fuel.
● Output: Pu-239, which becomes fuel for Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) in Stage 2.
Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
● Fuel: Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel
● Process:
○ Utilizes Pu-239 (byproduct from Stage 1) and U-238 in MOX fuel.
○ Breeder reactors: U-238 in the core undergoes nuclear transmutation to
produce more Pu-239 fuel (breeding).
○ Employs fast neutrons for fission, eliminating the need for a moderator to slow
them down.
○ Can also convert fertile Thorium-232 into fissile Uranium-233 for Stage 3.
Significance of FBRs:
● Reduced Waste: FBRs significantly reduce nuclear waste by utilizing Pu-239
(radioactive waste from Stage 1) as fuel.
● Advanced Safety: These reactors boast inherent passive safety features for
emergency shutdowns.
● Cost-Effectiveness: Capital and electricity generation costs are comparable to other
nuclear and conventional power plants.
● Bridge to Stage 3: FBRs pave the way for utilizing thorium in Stage 3.
Stage 3: Thorium-Based Reactors
● Focus: Utilizing India's vast thorium reserves through Advanced Heavy Water
Reactors (AHWRs).
● Process: Thermal breeder reactors will convert Thorium-232 into Uranium-233
through transmutation.
● Demonstration Project: The 40 kW Thorium-based KAMINI reactor in Kalpakkam,
Tamil Nadu, showcases the feasibility of this stage.
Overall Significance:
India's three-stage nuclear program is a strategic approach to ensure long-term energy
security by effectively utilizing its domestic thorium reserves and minimizing reliance on
imported uranium.

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International Regulatory Mechanism
Mechanism Description India
International Atomic The IAEA promotes the safe, secure, and peaceful use of Member
Energy Agency nuclear technologies worldwide. It serves as the world's
(IAEA) "Atoms for Peace and Development" organization within
the United Nations family.
Non-Proliferation The NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, Non-Me
Treaty (NPT) promote cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy use, and mber
work towards nuclear disarmament. It has 191 member
states, and India is not one of them.
Nuclear This regime focuses on principles, norms, rules, and Non-Me

Non-proliferation & practices related to nuclear weapons, based historically on mber
Disarmament the NPT.
Regime
Treaty on the The TPNW, effective since January 2021, seeks to Non-Me
Prohibition of reinforce the stigma against nuclear weapons and promote mber
Nuclear Weapons disarmament in line with the NPT's disarmament
objectives. It prohibits the possession, use, and threat of
use of nuclear weapons.
Nuclear Suppliers The NSG consists of nuclear supplier countries aiming to Non-Me
Group (NSG) prevent nuclear weapon proliferation by implementing mbe
export control guidelines. It facilitates access to nuclear
technologies for various purposes, excluding weapons.
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

Principle:
● ITER is a fusion reactor that utilizes the Tokamak approach.
● Objective: To demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of controlled
fusion for future commercial power generation.
● Tokamak: A specific type of magnetic confinement device. It uses powerful
magnetic fields to confine extremely hot plasma (a soup of charged particles)
heated to millions of degrees Celsius.
● Process: Inside the Tokamak, light isotopes of hydrogen (Deuterium and Tritium)
are heated and compressed to undergo nuclear fusion, releasing enormous amounts
of energy.
Details:
● Launched in 1985.
● Location: Saint-Paul-les-Durance in southern France.
● Joint collaboration of 35 countries, including China, European Union, India, Japan,
Korea, Russia, and the United States.
● Designed to produce 500 MW of fusion power from 50 MW of input heating power.
● Project is about 65% complete and expected to be completed by 2025.
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India's Nuclear Programme: Pokhran-I, Pokhran-II and Beyond
Why in news?:
On May 11, 1998, India conducted a series of nuclear bomb tests codenamed Operation
Shakti (meaning "strength") or Pokhran-II. This marked a significant milestone in India's
journey towards becoming a nuclear power.
Timeline:
● Foundation:
○ Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR): Established in 1945
(Bombay) as India's first nuclear physics research institute thanks to Homi J.
Bhabha's efforts.
○ Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): Founded in 1954 with Bhabha as its
director.
● The Threat Perception:
○ 1962 Sino-Indian War: Highlighted the need for self-sufficiency in defense

against China, which conducted its nuclear test in 1964.
○ 1965 India-Pakistan War: Further emphasized the need for a strong
deterrent against Pakistan, backed by China.
● The "Discriminatory" NPT:
○ Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) (1968): Defined nuclear-weapon states as
those that tested before 1967 (US, Russia, UK, France, China). This excluded
India from the club.
○ India's Refusal: The NPT failed to address India's security concerns, leading
to its non-proliferation.
● Pokhran-I (Operation Smiling Buddha):
○ 1974: Conducted by Indira Gandhi's government as a "peaceful nuclear
explosion."
○ International Response: Global condemnation and sanctions, particularly
1980s:
Important events during 1990s:
○ Fall of USSR (1991): Loss of a key military ally.
○ US Military Aid to Pakistan: Heightened security concerns.
○ Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) Discussions: India did not sign
this 1996 treaty.
Pokhran-II (Operation Shakti):
● 1998: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government granted permission and conducted the
tests.
● India Declares Nuclear Status: Unlike Pokhran-I, India openly declared itself a
nuclear state.
● Global Response: Milder condemnation compared to 1974.
● Strategic Significance: Entry into the elite nuclear club, solidifying India's position
as a major power.
India's Nuclear Doctrine (Post-Pokhran-II):
● 1999 Doctrine: Introduced Credible Minimum Deterrence (CMD) and
No-First-Use (NFU) policies, advocating for non-proliferation and disarmament.
● Shifting Image: India's commitment to deterrence changed its global perception.
The 2008 US-India civil nuclear deal acknowledged India's responsible nuclear
status.
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Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) Achieves Core-Loading Milestone
The Prime Minister of India recently witnessed the commencement of core-loading at
the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located at the Madras Atomic Power Station in
Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This marks a significant step towards operationalizing this
indigenous reactor.
About the PFBR
● Function: Breeder reactor designed to produce more fissile material than it
consumes.
● Fuel Cycle:
○ Stage 1: Uses Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel, a blend of plutonium and uranium.
○ Stage 2 (Breeding): A uranium-238 "blanket" surrounding the core
captures neutrons and undergoes transmutation to create more fissile fuel
(plutonium).
○ Stage 3 (Thorium Utilization): Envisages using thorium-232 in the blanket.
Thorium will be transmuted into fissile uranium-233 for use as fuel.
● Coolant: Utilizes a two-circuit, liquid sodium cooling system for efficient heat transfer
and safety.
● Indigenously Developed: Designed and constructed entirely by Bhartiya Nabhikiya
Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI) with contributions from over 200 Indian industries.
● Advanced Safety Features: Third-generation reactor with inherent passive safety
mechanisms for a prompt and safe shutdown during emergencies.
Apsara-U: Upgraded Research Reactor

Background
● Apsara, the first research reactor in Asia, was commissioned at the Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay, Maharashtra in 1956.
● After serving for over five decades, the reactor was shut down in 2009.
Apsara-U: A New Era
● On September 10, 2018, an upgraded version, Apsara-U, became operational at
Trombay.
Key Features of Apsara-U
● Type: Light water swimming pool type research reactor
● Fuel: Indigenously-made plate type dispersion fuel elements using Low Enriched
Uranium (LEU)
● Increased Capacity: Offers higher capacity compared to the original Apsara reactor.
Applications
● Enhanced Radioisotope Production: Apsara-U will significantly boost (by about
50%) the domestic production of radioisotopes for medical applications.
● Research Activities: The reactor will also be used for advanced research in:
○ Nuclear physics
○ Material science
○ Radiation shielding
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
Overview
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a collaborative project
involving 35 countries, including the United States, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and
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the European Union. It is currently under construction in France and aims to be the world's
largest Tokamak facility for facilitating large-scale magnetic fusion reactions to generate
clean and sustainable fusion energy.
India's Contribution
● India joined ITER as a full partner in 2005 to advance its domestic fusion research
programs.
● The Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) supervises India's participation in ITER and
its own Tokamaks (ADITYA-U and SST-1).
● ITER-India, a dedicated agency under IPR, manages India's contributions to the
project.
● Key components delivered by India include: Cryostat, In-wall Shielding, Cooling
Water System, Cryogenic System, Heating Systems, Diagnostic Systems, Power
Supplies, and Diagnostics.
● As a member, India contributes 9% of the ITER operating costs.
Tokamak Technology
Why in news?:
South Korea's Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device,
aka the "artificial sun", set a new world record by sustaining plasma at a temperature of
100 million degrees Celsius for 48 seconds.
What is a Tokamak?
● A tokamak is a device that uses magnetic confinement to create a nuclear fusion
reaction and generate energy.
● The name "tokamak" is a Russian acronym for "toroidal chamber with magnetic
coils".
● The first tokamak, called T-1, went into operation in Russia in 1958
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT): Addressing the Gap in Cancer Care)
Current Scenario in India

● Presently, there are no government facilities offering proton beam therapy in India.
● PBT is considered a promising alternative to traditional radiation therapy for treating
solid tumors, particularly head and neck cancers.
Understanding Proton Beam Therapy
● Mechanism: PBT utilizes a beam of high-energy protons to target and destroy
cancer cells.
● Advantages over Traditional Radiation:
○ Precise Tumor Targeting: Minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding
healthy tissues.
○ Effectiveness: Proven results in treating various cancers, including brain,
prostate, ovary, breast, lung, bone, and soft tissue tumors.
Challenges in Setting Up PBT Facilities
● Infrastructural and Regulatory Hurdles: Safety concerns raised by the Department
of Atomic Energy pose significant challenges.
● Safety Concerns:

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○ High Volatility of Hydrogen: Requires daily checks to prevent leaks from the
machine.
○ Large and Costly Equipment: PBT machines can be massive (up to three
stories tall) and extremely expensive (around ₹500 crore).
Existing Scenario and Success Story
● Currently, Apollo Hospital in Chennai is the sole provider of PBT in South and West
Asia.
● The hospital has successfully treated over 900 patients, with brain tumors
constituting nearly half (47%) of the cases.
Bhabhatron-II TAW Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Machine Introduced at PGI Chandigarh

Indigenous Development
The Bhabhatron-II TAW Cobalt-60 Teletherapy machine, a completely indigenous unit
developed by a joint venture of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Panacea
Medical Technology, has been installed at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education
and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh.
Advantages of Bhabhatron-II
● Effective Radiotherapy: Delivers efficient radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients.
● Advanced Features:
○ Paperless recordkeeping
○ Improved treatment accuracy and efficacy
○ Enhanced safety features
○ Minimal downtime (60-70 treatments daily without interruptions)
● Cost-Effectiveness:
○ Significantly lower cost compared to imported Cobalt-60 machines
○ 75% less expensive than low energy linear accelerators
○ Enables wider application of cancer treatment
Treatment Versatility
● Bhabhatron-II is suitable for treating cancers in various locations, including:
○ Brain
○ Head and neck
○ Breast
○ Extremities
● It is a well-established and accepted treatment modality in cancer centers across
India and abroad.
Benefits for PGI and Patients
● The Department of Radiotherapy at PGI treats a large number of cancer patients
(250-300 daily) from North India.
● Bhabhatron-II's installation will allow PGI to:
○ Increase patient capacity for radiotherapy treatment
○ Offer affordable and high-quality treatment
○ Provide timely access to care
● This reinforces PGI's commitment to effective cancer control in the region.
Bhabha Kavach: India's Lightweight Bullet Proof Jacket

Introduction

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Bhabha Kavach is India's lightest and most affordable bulletproof jacket, showcased at the
International Police Expo 2019 in New Delhi.
Key Features
● Weight: 6.6 kg (significantly lighter than traditional jackets weighing around 17 kg)
● Protection Level: Offers protection against:
○ AK-47 assault rifle (7.62mm hard steel core bullets)
○ INSAS rifle (5.56mm Indian Small Arms System bullets)
○ Self-loading rifle (SLR) (7.65mm bullets)
Development and Production
● Indigenous Development: Collaboratively developed by Indian defense
organizations:
○ Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
○ Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI)
○ Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) (technology transfer of carbon
nanomaterials)
● MIDHANI: Public sector undertaking specializing in metal and metal alloy
manufacturing (Hyderabad, Telangana)
● Ordnance Factory Board: Industrial organization under the Ministry of Defence
(Kolkata)
Manufacturing
● Bhabha Kavach is constructed from layers of high-density, high-tenacity polyethylene
fused at high temperatures to form a rigid armor plate.
● This plate is then sprayed with BARC's carbon nanomaterial for enhanced protection.
● Materials used:
○ Hard boron carbide ceramics
○ Carbon nanotubes
○ Composite polymer
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
● India's premier nuclear research facility (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
● Multidisciplinary research center with advanced research and development
infrastructure.
● Core mandate: Peaceful applications of nuclear energy, primarily for power
generation.
NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION

Why in the News?
The Union Government has approved a Rs 19,744 crore National Green Hydrogen mission
that aims to make India a ‘global hub’ for using, producing and exporting green hydrogen.
About:
● It is a program to incentivise the commercial production of green hydrogen and make
India a net exporter of the fuel. The Mission will facilitate demand creation,
production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen.
● Sub Schemes:
1. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT): It
will fund the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and produce green
hydrogen.

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2. Green Hydrogen Hubs:States
and regions capable of
supporting large scale
production and/or utilization of
hydrogen will be identified and
developed as Green Hydrogen
Hubs.
Objective:
● Developing green hydrogen production
capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million
Metric Tonne) per annum, alongside
adding renewable energy capacity of
about 125 GW (gigawatt) in India by
2030.
● It aims to entail over Rs 8 lakh crore of
total investments and is expected to
generate six lakh jobs.
● It will also lead to a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports by over Rs 1 lakh crore
and an abatement of nearly 50 MT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Nodal Ministry:
● Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
What is Green Hydrogen?
● Hydrogen is a key industrial fuel that has a variety of applications including the
production of ammonia (a key fertilizer), steel, refineries and electricity.
● However, all of the hydrogen manufactured now is the so-called ‘black or brown’
hydrogen because they are produced from coal.
● Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. But pure, or the elemental
hydrogen, is very scarce. It almost always exists in compounds like with oxygen to
form H2O, or water.
● But when electric current is passed through water, it splits it into elemental oxygen
and hydrogen through electrolysis. And if the electricity used for this process comes
from a renewable source like wind or solar then the hydrogen thus produced is
referred to as green hydrogen.
● Colors attached to hydrogen indicate the source of electricity used to derive the
hydrogen molecule. For instance, if coal is used, it is referred to as brown hydrogen.
Current Production:
● Green hydrogen currently accounts for less than 1% of global hydrogen production
due to it being expensive to produce.
● A kilogram of black hydrogen costs USD 0.9-1.5 to produce while grey hydrogen
costs USD 1.7-2.3 and blue hydrogen can cost anywhere from USD 1.3-3.6.
However, green hydrogen costs USD 3.5-5.5 per kg, according to a 2020 analysis by
the Council for Energy, Environment and Water.
Need for Producing Green Hydrogen:
● Hydrogen is a great source of energy because of its high energy content per unit of
weight, which is why it is used as rocket fuel.
● Green hydrogen in particular is one of the cleanest sources of energy with close to
zero emission. It can be used in fuel cells for cars or in energy-guzzling industries like
fertilizers and steel manufacturing.

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● Countries across the world are working on building green hydrogen capacity as it can
ensure energy security and also help in cutting carbon emission.
● Green hydrogen has become a global buzzword, especially as the world is facing its
biggest-ever energy crisis and the threat of climate change is turning into a reality.
INDIA AI MISSION
Union cabinet has approved over Rs 10,300 crore for IndiaAI Mission
About IndiaAI Mission
● Aim: o Establish an ecosystem for AI innovation through public-private partnerships.
● Deploying over 10,000 Graphics processing units (GPUs) for advanced AI
computing infrastructure.
● Driving responsible, inclusive growth of India's AI ecosystem through
democratization, data quality improvement, and indigenous AI capabilities
development.
● Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
● Funding: Over 5 years through a public-private partnership model.
● Implementing agency: 'IndiaAI' Independent Business Division under Digital India
Corporation.
● New Bodies: IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC) and IndiaAI Datasets Platform.
World’s First Prototype of BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’ Launched
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the world's first
prototype of the BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’, developed by Toyota Kirloskar
Motor.
About Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle
● An Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle has both a Flexi Fuel engine and an electric
powertrain.
● This configuration provides the dual benefit of higher ethanol use and much higher
fuel efficiency.
● Similar to a Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV), it can provide 30-50% higher fuel
efficiency.
● The vehicle can run 40-60% in EV mode with the engine shut off.
Key Points
● Flexi Fuel Engine: Allows the use of multiple fuel types, primarily ethanol blends.
● Electric Powertrain: Enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by allowing
significant operation in EV mode.
● BS 6 Stage II Compliance: Adheres to the stringent emission norms set by Bharat
Stage 6 (BS 6) Stage II.
● Toyota Kirloskar Motor: The developer of the world’s first prototype of this innovative
vehicle.
India's 1st Small-Scale LNG Plant Commissioned

Boosting Gas-Based Economy:
India's ambitions to transition towards a gas-based economy have received a significant
push with the commissioning of the country's first-ever Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) plant.
Leading the Initiative:

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● GAIL (India) Ltd, the largest natural gas company in India, spearheaded this
development.
● The plant is situated at GAIL's Vijaipur site in Madhya Pradesh.
MethaneSAT: Tracking Methane Emissions for a Greener Future
Fighting Climate Change with Innovation:

The fight against climate change has gained a powerful new tool with the recent launch of
MethaneSAT. This Earth observation satellite, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
from California, marks a significant advancement in monitoring global methane emissions.
MethaneSAT's Mission:
● Global Methane Monitoring: MethaneSAT is specifically designed to track and
measure methane, a potent greenhouse gas, across the entire globe.
● Data for Climate Action: The data collected by the satellite will be crucial for
pinpointing sources of methane emissions and informing strategies to curb them.
● Transparency and Collaboration: Notably, the data will be made publicly available
and free to access in near real-time, fostering transparency and collaboration in
global climate efforts.
Partnerships for Impact:
● Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): This US-based non-profit environmental
advocacy group spearheaded the MethaneSAT initiative.
● Development Team: A strong consortium of partners contributed to MethaneSAT's
development, including:
○ Harvard University
○ Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
○ New Zealand Space Agency
● Mission Partner: Google's involvement as a mission partner highlights the
increasing role of technology companies in combating climate change.
●
India's First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry Sets Sail
A Green Milestone for Indian Waterways:

India recently witnessed a historic moment with the launch of its first indigenously built
hydrogen fuel cell ferry boat. Prime Minister himself flagged off this pioneering vessel in
Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, marking a significant stride towards clean and sustainable inland
water transportation.
Crafted for Green Navigation:
● Made in India: This eco-friendly ferry was manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited
(CSL) under the government's Harit Nauka initiative, which promotes sustainable
maritime development.
● Emission-Free Operations: The vessel utilizes hydrogen fuel cells for propulsion,
generating electricity without harmful emissions like pollutants or greenhouse gases.
This aligns perfectly with India's net-zero goals.
Status of Nuclear power capacity in India:
● Installed nuclear power capacity: The present installed nuclear power capacity in
India is 7480 MW comprising 23 nuclear power reactors (July 2023).
● Share in Total Energy Mix: Currently, nuclear energy accounts for 3% of the total
power generation share,

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● KNPP houses two operational units each with a capacity of 1,000 MW, totaling 2,000
MW of electricity generation.
● Once all six units are commissioned, estimated by 2027, the power plant will have a
combined capacity of 6,000 MW, making it the largest nuclear power station in India
India's Atomic Clock Network: Ensuring One Nation, One Time
National Synchronization for Enhanced Timekeeping:

India is embarking on a crucial project to deploy atomic clocks across the country. This
initiative, spearheaded by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) under the Ministry of
Science & Technology and Ministry of Consumer Affairs, aims to synchronize all digital
devices with Indian Standard Time (IST).
Benefits of Atomic Clock Network:
● Precision Timekeeping: Atomic clocks offer unparalleled accuracy compared to
conventional clocks. This nationwide network will ensure all devices, from
smartphones to computer systems, display the exact IST, promoting uniformity
across the country.
● National Security: Precise timekeeping plays a critical role in various national
security applications, including synchronized communication networks and navigation
systems. A robust atomic clock network strengthens India's time sovereignty and
reduces dependence on external time sources.
● Joining the Elite Club: With this deployment, India's space agency, ISRO, will join a
select group of space agencies like those of the US, UK, Japan, and Korea that
utilize Rubidium Atomic Clocks in their GPS satellites. The Indian version of this
technology will be employed in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
(IRNSS), also known as NavIC.
National Quantum Mission Gets Green Light:
India Poised to Be a Leader in Quantum Technologies

The Indian government recently approved a significant investment in the future with the
launch of the National Quantum Mission (NQM). This ambitious initiative, backed by a
budget of Rs. 6003.65 crore over the next seven years (2023-24 to 2030-31), aims to propel
India to the forefront of quantum technology research and development.
Key Objectives of the National Quantum Mission
● Fostering a Thriving Quantum Ecosystem: The NQM's core focus is to nurture a
vibrant and innovative ecosystem for quantum technologies (QT) in India. This will
involve promoting scientific and industrial research and development (R&D) across
the entire spectrum of QT.
● Driving Economic Growth: The mission recognizes the immense potential of QT to
drive economic growth. By fostering a robust domestic QT sector, India aims to reap
significant economic benefits in the long run.
● Global Leadership in Quantum Technologies: The NQM aspires to position India
as a global leader in the development and application of quantum technologies. This
ambitious goal will be achieved through cutting-edge research and advancements in
various QT subfields.
Mission Highlights
● Developing Powerful Quantum Computers: The NQM targets the development of
intermediate-scale quantum computers within eight years. These machines will boast
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50 to 1000 physical qubits, utilizing diverse platforms like superconductors and
photonics.
● Revolutionizing Secure Communication: The mission prioritizes the development
of secure quantum communication technologies. This includes establishing
satellite-based secure communication networks within India, facilitating long-distance
secure communication with other countries, and implementing inter-city quantum key
distribution networks. Additionally, the creation of multi-node quantum networks with
quantum memories is envisioned.
● Establishing Thematic Hubs: To spearhead research efforts, four Thematic Hubs
(T-Hubs) will be set up in leading academic institutions and national research and
development institutes. Each T-Hub will concentrate on a specific domain within QT –
Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and
Quantum Materials & Devices.
Important Tables of General Science

Vitamins and Deficiency Diseases
TSPSC Group-1 PYQ
Match the following:
A. Calciferol I. Beri beri
B. Thiamine II. Rickets
C. Cyanocobalamine III. Scurvy
D. Ascorbic acid IV. Pernicious anemia
V. Goitre

(1) A-V; B-III; C-I; D-IV
(2) A-II; B-I; C-IV; D-III
(3) A-II; B-IV; C-III; D-V
(4) A-IV; B-I; C-III; D-II
Vitamin Resources Deficienc Symptoms

y
Diseases
Thiamin (B1) Cereals, oil seeds, Beri beri Vomitings, fits, loss of
vegetables, milk, meat, appetite, difficulty in
fish, eggs. breathing, paralysis.
Riboflavin (B2) Milk, eggs, liver, kidney, Glossitis Mouth cracks at corners,
green leafy vegetables. red and sore tongue, scaly
skin.
Niacin (B3) Kidney, liver, meat, egg, Pellagra Diarrhoea, dermatitis,

fish, oil seeds. dementia.

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Pyridoxine (B6) Cereals, oil seeds, Anaemia Nausea, convulsions,
vegetables, milk, meat, irritability.
fish, eggs, liver.
Cyanocobalami Synthesised by bacteria Pernicious Lean and weak, less

n (B12) present in the intestine. anaemia appetite, neurological
issues.
Folic acid (B9) Liver, meat, eggs, milk, Anaemia Diarrhoea, loss of
fruits, cereals, leafy leucocytes, problems
vegetables. related to mucus in the
intestines.
Pantothenic Sweet potatoes, ground Burning Numbness, tingling,

acid (B5) nuts, vegetables. feet irritability.
Biotin (B7) Pulses, nuts, vegetables, Nerves Fatigue, mental depression,

liver, milk, kidney. disorders muscle pains, walking
problems, sprain.
Ascorbic acid Green leafy vegetables, Scurvy Delay in healing of wounds,

(C) citrus fruits. fractures in bones, bleeding
gums.
Retinol (A) Leafy vegetables, carrot, Eye, skin Night blindness,

tomato, pumpkin, diseases xerophthalmia, cornea
papaya, mango, meat, failure, scaly skin.
fish, egg, liver, milk, cod
liver oil, shark liver oil.
Vitamin D Liver, egg, butter, cod Rickets Improper formation of

(sunshine liver oil, shark liver oil, bones, knock-knees,
vitamin) sun rays. swollen wrists, delayed
dentition, weak bones.
Tocoferol (E) Sunflower oil, fruits, Fertility Sterility in males, abortions

vegetables, sprouts. disorders in females.
Phylloquinone Green leafy vegetables, Blood Delay in blood clotting, over

(K) milk, meat, egg. clotting bleeding.
issues

127
128
Group-1 PYQ
Match the following:
A. Malaria I. Plasmodium
B. Elephantiasis II. Filaria
C. Typhoid III. Clostridium
D. Tetanus IV. Wuchereria
V. Salmonella

(1) A-I; B-IV; C-V; D-III
(2) A-I; B-II; C-III; D-V
(3) A-I; B-III; C-V; D-IV
(4) A-I; B-IV; C-III; D-II
List of Bacterial Diseases
Name of Caused by Parts of Body Method of Type of

Disease Affected Spread Vaccination or
Antibodies
Diphtheria Corynebacteriu Upper respiratory Droplet Toxoid

m diphtheriae tract, mainly throat; infection
toxin affects heart
Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Mainly lungs Droplet BCG (living

(TB) tuberculosis infection, attenuated
drinking milk bacteria),
from infected Antibiotics (e.g.,
cattle streptomycin)
Whooping Bordetella Upper respiratory Droplet Killed bacteria

cough pertussis tract, inducing violent infection
(Pertussis) coughing

129
Gonorrhoea Neisseria Reproductive Contagion Antibiotics (e.g.,
gonorrhoeae organs: mainly by sexual penicillin,
mucous membranes contact streptomycin)
of urinogenital tract;
eye infections in
newborns
Syphilis Treponema Reproductive Contagion Antibiotics (e.g.,

pallidum organs, eyes, bones, by sexual penicillin)
joints, central contact
nervous system,
heart, skin
Tetanus Clostridium Blood; toxin affects Wound Toxoid

tetani motor nerves of infection
spinal cord and
muscles, causing
lockjaw
Cholera Vibrio cholerae Alimentary canal, Faecal Killed bacteria

mainly small contaminatio (short-lived
intestine n (food or protection);
waterborne); Antibiotics (e.g.,
handling tetracyclines,
contaminate chloramphenicol)
d objects;
vector (flies)
Typhoid fever Salmonella Alimentary canal, Same as Killed bacteria

typhi then spreading to cholera (TAB vaccine)
lymph, blood, lungs,
bone marrow, spleen
Bacterial Shigella Alimentary canal, Same as No vaccine

dysentery dysenteriae mainly ileum and cholera
colon

130
Bacterial food Salmonella Alimentary canal Mainly Antibiotics (e.g.,
poisoning spp. foodborne tetracyclines)
(salmonellosis (meat from
) infected
animals,
poultry,
pigs); faecal
contaminatio
n as cholera
Important Acids and Substance
Acid Substance
Acetic Acid Vinegar
Oleic Acid Olive Oil
Citric Acid Lemon, Orange
Stearic Acid Fats
Butyric Acid Stale cheese
Tartaric Acid Grapes, Tamarind
Lactic Acid Battered Milk, Curd
Palmitic Acid Palm Oil
Oxalic Acid Spinach, Tomato
Ascorbic Acid Amla (emblica fruit)
Malic Acid Apples
Uric Acid Urine
Tannic Acid Tea

131
List of Viral Diseases
Name of Caused by Parts of Body Method of Spread Type of

Disease Affected Vaccination
Influenza A myxovirus Respiratory Droplet infection Killed virus

(RNA virus) passages:
epithelial lining of
trachea and
bronchi
Common Large variety Respiratory Droplet infection Intramuscular

cold of viruses, passages injection
commonly
rhinovirus
(RNA Virus)
Smallpox Variola virus Respiratory Droplet infection Living

(DNA virus) passages, then (wounds in skin) attenuated
skin virus, no longer
carried
Chickenpox Varicella-zoster Blistering skin Air-borne droplets Living

rash attenuated
virus
Mumps A Respiratory Droplet infection Living

paramyxovirus passages, attenuated
(RNA virus) infection via virus
blood, salivary
glands, testes in
adult males
Measles A Respiratory Droplet infection Living

paramyxovirus passages, attenuated
(RNA virus) spreading to skin virus
and intestines
German Rubella virus Respiratory Droplet infection Living

measles passages, lymph attenuated
(Rubella) nodes in neck, virus, essential
eyes, and skin for girls due to
pregnancy
complications

132
Poliomyeliti Poliovirus Pharynx and Droplet infection or Living
s (polio) (RNA virus) intestines, then via human feces attenuated
blood; virus given
occasionally orally
motor neurons in
spinal cord,
paralysis may
occur
Yellow fever An arbovirus Lining of blood Vector: arthropods Living

(RNA virus) vessels and liver (e.g., ticks, attenuated
mosquitoes) virus
AIDS Retrovirus Immune system, Sexual intercourse Not available

(RNA virus) leading to (homo- and
opportunistic heterosexuals),
infections and blood transfusions,
cancers contaminated
needles,
mother-to-child
Ebola Ebola virus Multiple organs, Contact with bodily No licensed

haemorrhag (EVD) causing severe fluids of infected vaccine
ic fever hemorrhagic individuals or available
fever, fatal illness animals,
contaminated
objects
Zika disease Zika virus Mild illness Vector: No vaccine

(mosquito-born similar to dengue mosquitoes available
e disease) and yellow fever; (Aedes species),
in pregnant sexual
women, linked to transmission,
microcephaly in mother-to-child
newborns during pregnancy

133
Important Acids, Bases and Their uses
Category Substance Uses
Acids Acetic Acid Preparation of Pickles
Citric Acid Preparation of Pulti-hora
Carbonic Acid Cold Drinks
Oxalic Acid Removal of Ink stains
Sulphuric Acid Manures, Batteries
Hydrochloric Acid Medicine, Dyes
Nitric Acid Explosives
Bases Ammonium Hydroxide Removing of grease Stain, Glass

Cleaners
Potassium Hydroxide & Sodium Soap

Hydroxide
Calcium Hydroxide Bleaching Powder, Lime Water
Aluminium Hydroxide Fire extinguisher
Salts Common Salt Food preservation
Sodium Carbonate (Wash soda) Wash Clothes
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Cake

soda)

134
Digestive Enzymes
S.N Enzyme/Substa Secrete Secreted Digestiv Acts on Products

o nce d by into e juice
2 Pepsin Gastric Stomach Gastric Proteins Peptones

glands juice
3 Bile (No Liver Duodenu Bile juice Fats Emulsificatio

enzymes) m n (breaking
down of
large fats
into small
globules)
4 Amylase Pancre Duodenu Pancreat Carbohydrat Maltose

as m ic juice es
5 Trypsin Pancre Duodenu Pancreat Proteins Peptones

as m ic juice
6 Lipase Pancre Duodenu Pancreat Fats Fatty acids

as m ic juice and glycerol
7 Peptidases Intestin Small Intestinal Peptides Amino acids

al Intestine juice
glands
8 Sucrase Intestin Small Intestinal Sucrose Glucose

al Intestine juice (Cane
glands Sugar)
Some Common Diseases caused by micro-organisms in Human
S.N Name of the Disease Causative Mode of Preventive

o Microorganis Transmission Measures
m
1 Tuberculosis Bacteria Air Vaccination (BCG),

Avoid using infected
persons materials
2 Chicken pox Virus Air Vaccination

(Varicella)
135
3 Measles, Mumps Virus Air Vaccination (MMR)
4 Polio Virus Air, Water Vaccination (Polio

drops)
5 Swine flu Virus Air Vaccination
6 Cholera, Typhoid Bacteria Food, Personal hygiene

Contaminated and good sanitary
Water, Housefly habits, Consume
(vector) boiled drinking water
7 Malaria Plasmodium Female Use mosquito nets,

Anopheles repellents, Avoid
Mosquitoes stagnation of water
(vector)
8 Dengue Virus Mosquitoes Use mosquito nets,

(Aedes) repellents, Avoid
stagnation of water
9 Chikungunya Virus Mosquitoes Use mosquito nets,

(Aedes) repellents, Avoid
stagnation of water
10 Japanese Encephalitis Virus Mosquitoes Use mosquito nets,

(Culex) repellents, Avoid
stagnation of water
11 Diphtheria, Whooping Bacteria, Virus Contaminated Pentavalent Vaccine

Cough, Tetanus, water, food,
Hepatitis B, Direct contact
Haemophilus Influenza
'B'
12 Diphtheria, Whooping Bacteria Contaminated DPT (Triple antigen)

Cough, Tetanus water, food,
Direct contact

136
Important Hormones and their Effect
S.N Gland Hormone Effect

o
1 Testes Testosterone Formation of sperm, secondary sexual

characters in males
2 Ovaries 1. Estrogen Formation of ovum, menstruation, embryo

implantation, secondary sexual characters in
females
2. Progesterone
3 Pituitary 1. Growth Hormone Shows effect on general growth. Stimulates

gland other endocrine glands
2. Follicle Stimulating FSH directs follicles for formation of ova and

Hormone (FSH) stimulates testes to produce sperms in males
3. Luteinizing LH causes the egg to burst out from follicle and

Hormone (LH) flow into the fallopian tubes
4 Adrenal Adrenalin Controls emotions

gland
Endocrine Glands
S.N Name of Location Hormone Secreted Response of Body to Hormone

o the
Endocrine
Gland
1 Pituitary Floor of 1. Somatotropin Growth of bones

brain
2. Thyrotropin Activity of thyroid gland
3. Gonadotropin Activity of ovary and testis

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4. Stimulates secretion from
Adrenocorticotropic adrenal cortex
hormone
5. Luteinising · In males: secretion of

hormone testosterone
· In females: ovulation,
development of corpus
luteum, and secretion of
progesterone
6. Follicle · In males: spermatogenesis

Stimulating
Hormone (FSH) · In females: growth of
Graafian follicles, estrogen
secretion, milk production
and secretion
· Regulate absorption of
water from the kidney tubules
2 Thyroid Attached Thyroxine General growth rate and

to trachea metabolic activity
3 Ovary Lower 1. Estrogen Growth of the uterus and

abdomen skeleton of the pelvis, control of
the 28-day menstrual cycle in
females
2. Progesterone Development of uterus,

implantation, development of
mammary glands
4 Testes Scrotum Testosterone Growth of hair on face, muscular

development, deepening of
voice, normal sexual behavior,
and development of male sex
organs
5 Adrenal On top of Adrenaline Increase in heart-beat rate, rise

kidneys in blood sugar, dilation of the
coronary artery, dilation of the
pupil of the eye
6 Pancreas Near 1. Insulin Decrease in glucose percentage

duodenum in blood

138
2. Glucagon Increase in glucose percentage
in blood
Important Alkaloid and their uses and source
S.N Alkaloid Plant Name Uses Part of the Plant

o
1 Quinine Cinchona officinalis Antimalarial drug Bark

(Cinchona)
2 Nicotine Nicotiana tabacum Insecticide, stimulant Leaves

(Tobacco)
3 Morphine Papaver somniferum Pain killer Fruit

(Opium)
4 Cocaine Papaver somniferum Pain killer Fruit

(Opium)
5 Reserpine Rauwolfia serpentina High BP Roots

(Snake root)
6 Caffeine Coffea arabica Central nervous Seeds

(Coffee plant) system stimulant
7 Nimbin Azadirachta indica Antiseptic Seeds, Bark, Leaves,

(Neem) Fruit, Flower
8 Scopolami Datura stramonium Sedative Flower

ne
9 Pyrethroid Chrysanthemum Insecticides Flower

s spp.
What are the Properties of Light?
Following are the important properties of light –
● Light travels in a straight line.
● The speed of light is faster than sound. Light travels at a speed of 3 x 108 m/s.
● Reflection of light
Reflection is the phenomenon in which light travelling in one medium, incident on the surface
of another returns to the first medium, obeying the laws of reflection. According to the laws of
reflection
1. The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the surface at the point of
incidence all lie in the same plane.
2. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
● Refraction of light
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Refraction is a phenomenon in which there is a change in the speed of light as it travels from
one medium to another and there is a bending of the ray of light. The refracted ray obeys the
following laws.
1. The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal to the surface at the point of
incidence all lie in the same plane.
2. For the given pair of media and for the light of the given wavelength, the ratio of the
sin of the angle of incidence to the sin of the angle of refraction is always a constant.
● Dispersion of light
The splitting of a ray of white light into its constituent colours is called dispersion.
● Diffraction of light
The phenomenon of bending of light around corners of small obstacles and hence it’s
encroachment into the region of the geometrical shadow is called diffraction.
● Polarisation of light
Normal light vibrates in all directions perpendicular to the propagation of light. If the light is
constrained to vibrate in only one particular plane, then the light is called polarised light. The
phenomenon is called polarisation.
● Interference of light
Interference is the phenomenon of modification in the intensity of light due to redistribution of
light energy in the region of superposition of two or more light waves.

140
Newtons laws and their Example
Law Example Property
1 Newtons 1st Law Stable Equilibrium of At equilibrium, the

Body algebraic sum of the
moments of all the
individual forces about
any point is equal to
zero.
2 Newtons 1st Law Law of force According to this law,

“the force acting on a
body is directly
proportional to the rate of
change of linear
momentum of the body
and the change in
momentum takes place
in the direction of the
force”. This law helps us
to measure the amount
of force. So, it is also
called as ‘law of force’.
3 Newtons 3rd Law Flying Nature of bird Newton’s third law states
that ‘for every action,
When birds fly they push there is an equal and
the air downwards with opposite reaction. They
their wings (Action) and always act on two
the air pushes the bird different bodies’.
upwards (Reaction).
Examples
When a person swims he
pushes the water using When you fire a bullet,
the hands backwards the gun recoils backward
(Action), and the water and the bullet is moving
pushes the swimmer in forward (Action) and the
the forward direction gun equalises this
(Reaction). forward action by moving
backward (Reaction).

141
4 Law of Conservation of Propulsion of Rocket Propulsion of rockets is
Linear Momentum based on the law of
conservation of linear
momentum as well as
Newton’s III law of
motion.
There is no change in
the linear momentum of
a system of bodies as
long as no net external
force acts on them.
PROPERTIES OF LIGHT
1. Light is a form of energy.

2. Light always travels along a straight line.
3. Light does not need any medium for its propagation. It can even travel through
vacuum.
4. The speed of light in vacuum or air is, c = 3 × 108 ms–1.
5. Since, light is in the form of waves, it is characterized by a wavelength (λ) and a
frequency (ν), which are related by the following equation: c = ν λ (c - velocity of light)
6. Different coloured light has different wavelength and frequency.
7. Among the visible light, violet light has the lowest wavelength and red light has the
highest wavelength.
8. When light is incident on the interface between two media, it is partly reflected and
partly refracted.
9. Angle of refraction is the smallest for red and the highest for violet.
10. The scattering of sunlight by the atoms or molecules of the gases in the earth’s
atmosphere is known as Rayleigh scattering.

142
11. When sunlight passes through the atmosphere, the blue colour (shorter wavelength)
is scattered to a greater extent than the red colour (longer wavelength). This
scattering causes the sky to appear in blue colour
12. At sunrise and sunset, the light rays from the Sun have to travel a larger distance in
the atmosphere than at noon. Hence, most of the blue lights are scattered away and
only the red light which gets least scattered reaches us. Therefore, the colour of the
Sun is red at sunrise and sunset.
13. The scattered light contains some additional frequencies (or wavelengths) other than
that of incident frequency (or wavelength). This is known as Raman scattering or
Raman Effect.
14. Raman Scattering is defined as “The interaction of light ray with the particles of pure
liquids or transparent solids, which leads to a change in wavelength or frequency.”
Basics of Lens
Lens is basically classified into two types. They are: (i) Convex Lens (ii) Concave Lens
(i) Convex or bi-convex lens: It is a lens bounded by two spherical surfaces such that it is
thicker at the centre than at the edges. A beam of light passing through it, is converged to a
point. So, a convex lens is also called as converging lens.
(ii)Concave or bi-concave Lens: It is a lens bounded by two spherical surfaces such that it
is thinner at the centre than at the edges. A parallel beam of light passing through it, is
diverged or spread out. So, a concave lens is also called as diverging lens.
APPLICATIONS OF CONVEX LENSES

1. 1. Convex lenses are used as camera lenses
2. 2. They are used as magnifying lenses
3. 3. They are used in making microscope, telescope and slide projectors
4. 4. They are used to correct the defect of vision called hypermetropi
APPLICATIONS OF CONCAVE LENSES

1. 1. Concave lenses are used as eye lens of ‘Galilean Telescope’
2. 2. They are used in wide angle spy hole in doors.
3. 3. They are used to correct the defect of vision called ‘myopi

143
S. Convex Lens Concave Lens
No
1 A convex lens is thicker in the middle than A concave lens is thinner in the middle
at edges. than at edges.
2 It is a converging lens. It is a diverging lens.
3 It produces mostly real images. It produces virtual images.
4 It is used to treat hypermetropia. It is used to treat myopia.
Myopia
● Myopia, also known as short sightedness, occurs due to the lengthening of eye ball.
With this defect, nearby objects can be seen clearly but distant objects cannot be
seen clearly.
● the image of distant objects are formed before the retina
● This defect can be corrected using a concave lens
Hypermeteropia
● Hypermeteropia, also known as long sightedness, occurs due to the shortening of
eye ball. With this defect, distant objects can be seen clearly but nearby objects
cannot be seen clearly
● the image of nearby objects are formed behind the retina
● This defect can be corrected using a convex lens
Presbyopia
● Due to ageing, ciliary muscles become weak and the eye-lens become rigid
(inflexible) andso the eye loses its power of accommodation.
● Because of this, an aged person cannot see the nearby objects clearly. So, it is also
called as ‘old age hypermetropia’
Astigmatism
● In this defect, eye cannot see parallel and horizontal lines clearly.
● It may be inherited or acquired. It is due to the imperfect structure of eye lens
because of the development of cataract on the lens, ulceration of cornea, injury to the
refracting surfaces, etc. Astigmatism can be corrected by using cylindrical lenses.

144
Component Use of the Component
Resistor Used to fix the magnitude of the current through a circuit
Variable resistor or Rheostat Used to select the magnitude of the current through a circuit
Ammeter Used to measure the current
Voltmeter Used to measure the potential difference
Galvanometer Used to detect the current and its direction
Diode Used in electronic devices
Light Emitting Diode (LED) Used in seven segment displays

145
Difference between the sound and light waves
S. Sound Light
No
1 Medium is required for the propagation. Medium is not required for the
propagation.
2 Sound waves are longitudinal. Light waves are transverse.
3 Wavelength ranges from 1.65 cm to 1.65 Wavelength ranges from 4 × 10⁻⁷ m to 7 ×

m. 10⁻⁷ m.
4 Sound waves travel in air with a speed of Light waves travel in air with a speed of 3
about 340 ms⁻¹ at NTP. × 10⁸ ms⁻¹.
Speed of sound in different media
S. No Nature of the Medium Name of the Medium Speed of Sound (in ms⁻¹)
1 Solid Copper 5010
2 Solid Iron 5950
3 Solid Aluminium 6420
4 Liquid Kerosene 1324
5 Liquid Water 1493
6 Liquid Sea water 1533
7 Gas Air (at 0°C) 331
8 Gas Air (at 20°C) 343
Longitudinal Waves
Sound waves are longitudinal waves that can travel through any medium (solids, liquids,
gases) with a speed that depends on the properties of the medium. As sound travels through
a medium, the particles of the medium vibrate along the direction of propagation of the wave.
This displacement involves the longitudinal displacements of the individual molecules from
their mean positions. This results in a series of high and low pressure regions called
compressions and rarefactions
Categories of sound waves based on their frequencies
1. Audible waves – These are sound waves with a frequency ranging between 20 Hz
and 20,000 Hz. These are generated by vibrating bodies such as vocal cords,
stretched strings etc.

146
2.Infrasonic waves – These are sound waves with a frequency below 20 Hz that
cannot be heard by the human ear. e.g., waves produced during earth quake, ocean
waves, sound produced by whales, etc.
3. Ultrasonic waves – These are sound waves with a frequency greater than 20 kHz,
Human ear cannot detect these waves, but certain creatures like mosquito, dogs,
bats, dolphins can detect these waves. e.g., waves produced by bats.
ECHOES
● An echo is the sound reproduced due to the reflection of the original sound from
various rigid surfaces such as walls, ceilings, surfaces of mountains, etc.
● If you shout or clap near a mountain or near a reflecting surface, like a building you
can hear the same sound again.
● The sound, which you hear is called an echo. It is due to the reflection of sound.
DOPPLER EFFECT
● The whistle of a fast moving train appears to increase in pitch as it approaches a
stationary listener and it appears to decrease as the train moves away from the
listener.
● This apparent change in frequency was first observed and explained by Christian
Doppler (1803-1853), an Austrian Mathematician and Physicist.
● He observed that the frequency of the sound as received by a listener is different
from the original frequency produced by the source whenever there is a relative
motion between the source and the listener. This is known as Doppler effect
Applications of Doppler effect
1. To measure the speed of an automobile
2. Tracking a satellite
3. RADAR (RAdio Detection And Ranging) In RADAR, radio waves are sent, and the
reflected waves are detected by the receiver of the RADAR station. From the
frequency change, the speed and location of the aeroplanes and aircrafts are
tracked.
4. SONAR: In SONAR, by measuring the change in the frequency between the sent
signal and received signal, the speed of marine animals and submarines can be
determined.
S. Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fusion

N
o
1 The process of breaking up (splitting) of a Nuclear fusion is the combination of two

heavy nucleus into two smaller nuclei is lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.
called 'nuclear fission'.
2 Can be performed at room temperature. Extremely high temperature and pressure

are needed.
3 Alpha, beta, and gamma radiations are Alpha rays, positrons, and neutrinos are
emitted. emitted.

147
4 Fission leads to the emission of gamma Only light and heat energy are emitted.
radiation. This triggers the mutation in the
human gene and causes genetic
transform diseases.
Structure Functions
Cerebral Sensory perception, control of voluntary functions, language, thinking,

cortex memory, decision making, creativity
Thalamus Acts as a relay station
Hypothalamus Temperature control, thirst, hunger, urination, important link between

nervous system and endocrine glands
Cerebellum Maintenance of posture and balance, coordination of voluntary muscle

activity
Pons and Role in sleep-awake cycle, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive control
medulla centers
Note:
PM Modi named Chandrayaan-3 landing site as ‘Shiva Shakti Point’ and Chandrayaan-2
crash site as ‘Tiranga Point’ and has named 23 August to be celebrated as ‘National
Space Day’.
On 14 November 2008, the Moon Impactor probe of Chandrayaan-1 landed on the lunar
surface. The MIP crashed as planned, near the South Pole of the moon at a point was
named as ‘Jawahar Sthal’ or Jawahar Point. This came in honor of the first Prime Minister
of India, Jawaharlal Nehru and on this it was also his birthday.
Quick Info bytes
1. The IIIT Bangalore recently unveiled “XoRehab,” a new IoT-enabled wheelchair

device that was made possible by the Centre for the Internet of Ethical Things and
with help from several government and foreign groups. Specifically made to help
stroke patients recover after surgery,
2. Swedan Scientists made first free-standing sheet made of gold, which is only one
atom thick. This 2D sheet, named “goldene,”
3. Geologists from MIT and Oxford University discovered the oldest evidence of Earth’s
magnetic field in 3.7 billion-year-old rocks from Greenland’s Isua Supracrustal Belt
4. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) have achieved
breakthrough in speech technology by developing and patenting “LOQU,” a novel
method to generate human speech signals directly from vocal cord vibration signals

148
5. Government of India sets up a 7 member panel headed by Vijay Kumar Saraswat to
drive legislation on recovery of Critical Minerals
6. India and the United Kingdom are engaged in discussions on sharing technical
expertise and experience in maritime electric propulsion systems to meet the future
requirements of Indian warships.
7. Sunita Williams, a veteran Indian American astronaut, is preparing for her third space
mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She will be piloting Boeing’s
Starliner spacecraft on its inaugural crewed flight, known as the Crew Flight Test
(CFT) mission, scheduled for launch on May 6,
8. Recently, China launched the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft carrying a three-member crew
to its orbiting Tiangong space station. The mission is part of China’s ambitious space
program, which aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030.
9. Worlds first personalised mRNA vaccine for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin
cancer, is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials in the United Kingdom. The
vaccine, developed by Moderna and Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD),
10. Bharat Electronics Limited Signed MoU with IIT Mandi for cooperation in Research
and Technology development in Areas of Semiconductors, Quantum technologies an
drone
11. India’s first Mobile testing facility for Medical devices calibration is developed by IIT
Madras
12. India’s largest conference on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - “AI Days
2024” conference was held in Hyderabad o Swecha along with multiple partners
organised the conference with the theme - “AI4 society”
13. Underlining India's focus on innovation in defense technology, the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted the inaugural international workshop
on 'Emerging Technologies & Challenges for Exoskeletons' in Bengaluru.
Exoskeletons, wearable robotic systems that augment human capabilities, hold
immense potential for diverse applications. These range from medical advancements
in pediatric care for conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to bolstering
military personnel, rescue workers, and industrial applications.
14. the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the
lightest bulletproof jacket in India. The jacket, designed by the Defence Materials and
Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, offers
protection against the highest threat level 6 as per BIS 17051 standards.
15. India signed a USD 5.5 billion deal with Russia in October 2018 to acquire five units
of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems.
16. The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G), in collaboration with the
Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) cell of Kamrup
election district in Assam, has developed an innovative 3D printed dummy ballot unit.
Unveiled at the IIT-G campus, this initiative aims to enhance voter awareness and
participation, particularly among new voters and senior citizens.
17. Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., two women
officers of the Indian Navy, created history by successfully completing a nearly
two-month transoceanic expedition on the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini.
They are the first women from India to achieve this remarkable feat. The expedition,
flagged off from Goa on February 28, 2024, concluded with Tarini’s triumphant return
to her base port on April 21, 2024.
18. Command Hospital, Pune became the first government hospital in India to conduct
successful piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCI). Piezoelectric BCI
system is an implantable medical electronic device for hearing impaired patients.

149
19. Microsoft’s newly introduced VASA-1 AI model represents a significant advancement
in the field of generative artificial intelligence. This AI model has the capability to
produce hyper-realistic talking faces from just a single portrait photo
20. The technology giant Google has recently made headlines due to its handling of
employee protests against Project Nimbus, a lucrative cloud computing contract with
the Israeli government.
21. World Health Organization (WHO) Approved a new oral cholera vaccine called
Euvichol-S, manufactured by EuBiologics Co., Ltd. in South Korea. The vaccine has
a similar efficacy to existing cholera vaccines
22. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has launched the Longevity India Initiative, a
large-scale project aimed at pioneering ageing research in India.
23. Sana, the AI-powered news anchor of India Today Group, garnered international
acclaim at the prestigious International News Media Association (INMA) Global
Media Awards held in London. Sana's innovative approach to news delivery earned
her the top prize in the 'Best Use of AI in Customer-Facing Products' category. This
win highlights India Today Group's successful integration of AI technology to
transform newsrooms and enhance audience engagement.
24. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has
announced the launch of its new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Meta AI.
Powered by the company’s latest AI model, Llama 3,
25. India will deliver the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the
Philippines soon. The delivery is part of a USD 375 million deal signed between the
two nations in 2022, marking India’s first major defence export.
26. The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Kanpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on
research and development of technologies to address health issues faced by soldiers
in difficult terrains.
27. The Kerala Health Department is set to introduce detailed standard operating
procedures (SOPs) for the outbreak investigation and control of at least eight
infectious diseases as part of its One Health initiative.
28. Astronomers have found the most massive stellar-mass black hole ever detected in
our galaxy, the Milky Way. Named Gaia BH3, this black hole is located approximately
2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Aquila
29. The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a novel public health initiative
- S.A.R.A.H. (Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health). This first-of-its-kind digital
health promoter empowers individuals by providing information on critical health
topics, encompassing healthy habits and mental well-being. S.A.R.A.H. represents a
significant step towards realizing the fundamental right to health for all.
30. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable
hydrogel to remove microplastics from water, addressing the global issue of plastic
pollution.
31. Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced that Indian
national Gopichand Thotakura will be part of a six-member crew on the next New
Shepard mission.
32. If successful, Thotakura will become the second Indian citizen in space after wing
commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and the first Indian civilian astronaut.
33. Chinese scientists have developed world’s first satellite series (Tiantong-1) capable
of enabling smartphone calls without the need for ground-based infrastructure such
as Base Transceiver Station (BTSs) or cellular towers. o In Sep 2023, Huawei
Technologies released the world’s first smartphone that supported satellite calls, by
directly connecting to the Tiantong satellites.
150
34. World Cybercrime Index: India Ranks 10th Globally in Cybercrime.he index has been
developed by researchers from the University of Oxford, University of New South
Wales, Monash University, and Sciences Po.
35. For the sixth year in a row, India had the most number of Internet shutdowns reported
anywhere in the world in the year 2023
36. Microsoft has unveiled Phi-3-mini, the smallest model in its new Phi-3 family of open
AI models. Phi-3-mini, with just 3.8 billion parameters, is claimed to be the most
capable and cost-effective small language model (SLM) available
37. Recently, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a warning
regarding the potential misuse of public charging ports found in locations such as
cafes, hotels, and airports. The agency has alerted users about the risk of “juice
jacking attacks
38. An international team of scientists, led by researchers from the Physical Research
Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, has discovered strong evidence indicating the
presence of ozone on Callisto, one of Jupiter’s largest moons
39. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted its third
mission involving the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named “Pushpak” on March
22, 2024.
40. Agnikul Cosmos is a Chennai-based, IIT-Madras-incubated space start-up that is set
to create history by launching India’s first rocket from a private launchpad on March
22, 2023.
41. the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is collaborating with Vellon
Space, an Indian space start-up, to further research and development in
extra-terrestrial manufacturing. This partnership marks a crucial milestone in the field,
with IIT Madras providing a Technology Development Fund to Vellon Space for
demonstrating its miniature space laboratory, ‘AsteriX Lab,’ in orbit.
42. The Department of Science & Technology has joined forces with the Telangana
government-led T-Hub to establish a unique Machine Learning and Artificial
Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH). This collaboration aims to foster AI innovation,
create job opportunities, and provide a conducive ecosystem for AI startups in India.
43. Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd (MPVL), the sole manufacturer of indelible ink, is
working diligently to meet the unprecedented demand for this essential product. The
company has received its largest order to date from the Election Commission,
totaling 26.55 lakh vials worth ₹55 crore.
44. Three tiny moons, one orbiting Uranus and two circling Neptune, have been recently
confirmed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), bringing the total number of
known moons to 28 around Uranus and 16 around Neptune.
45. India’s first dedicated surveillance satellite constructed entirely by a domestic
company, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), is slated to launch from a SpaceX
rocket by April 2024
46. Anuvadini’, an Artificial Intelligence-based multilingual translation application
developed indigenously, will facilitate swift conversion of existing English materials
into multiple languages through machine learning as the bedrock
47. Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) is an initiative by
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It serves as an early warning
system designed to detect and track space debris and other hazards that could pose
threats to Indian satellites in orbit.
48. The advanced Technology Innovation Institute (TII) of the United Arab Emirates has
launched the Falcon Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing
open-source generative AI models.

151
49. the government has launched the SWATI (Science for Women- A Technology &
Innovation) portal, a database highlighting accomplishments of Indian women in
STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) fields. The
interactive portal was developed by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research
(NIPGR) to address the gender gap in sciences.
50. Recently, the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully tested an
unmanned High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) in Karnataka. This 5-meter-long
drone with 11-meter wingspan flew at an altitude of 3 kilometers for 8 hours.
51. Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)
Platform was inaugurated in Kerala. It is set up by the Naval Physical &
Oceanographic Laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO). o It has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar
systems destined for the Indian Navy onboard various platforms including ships,
submarines and helicopters.
52. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and IIT Kharagpur recently
signed an agreement to create 10-Gigabit XGS-PON (10 Gbps Symmetric Passive
Optical Network) components, funded by the Telecom Technology Development
Fund (TTDF) scheme. This collaboration for next-generation telecommunication
technologies ..
53. On February 4, 2024, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has broken the world
record for the most time spent in space, surpassing his compatriot Gennady Padalka.
Kononenko has logged over 878 days in orbit and is expected to reach 1,000 days
54. NASA has recently announced that its Mars robot helicopter Ingenuity, the first
vehicle to achieve powered, controlled flight on another world
55. The XSPECT instrument aboard India’s pioneering XPoSat space observatory has
successfully acquired its first images of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant.
56. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently said that it has
successfully developed a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle for rocket
engines,By replacing the engines with C-C nozzle , a mass reduction of
approximately 67% can be achieved. This substitution is projected to increase the
payload capability of the PSLV by 15 kg
57. Researchers at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have
developed an innovative new system called Work4Food that could guarantee fair
minimum incomes for food delivery personnel in India’s booming app-based food
ordering industry
58. GolDN -Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an instrument named GolDN for
mechanically recycling waste plastic polymers through melt-mixing. This indigenous
single screw extruder can manufacture composites from thermoplastic waste that can
be molded into materials like paver blocks
59. World Health Organization (WHO) granted prequalification to the R21/Matrix-M
malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and manufactured by the
biotechnology company Serum Institute of India.
60. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been honored with the
prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize in recognition of its groundbreaking
Chandrayaan-3 mission. The award, presented by the Exploration Museum in
Húsavík, Iceland, acknowledges ISRO’s exceptional contributions to lunar
exploration and understanding celestial phenomena.
61.
62. Abdoulaye Diabate, an African scientist from Burkina Faso, has been awarded the
2023 Falling Walls Prize for Science and Innovation Management for his

152
groundbreaking research on a gene drive technology aimed at eliminating malaria
and its carriers, female Anopheles mosquitoes.
63. South Korean Fusion Reactor “Artificial Sun or K-Star” sets new record by generating
plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees celsius for a duration of 48 seconds
64. India’s AstroSat space telescope has reached a significant milestone by detecting its
600th Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB), showcasing the sustained performance of its
Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI) eight years post-launch.
65. Amazon is investing heavily in an advanced large language model (LLM) called
“Olympus.” This model is reported to have 2 trillion parameters, potentially
outstripping OpenAI’s GPT-4, which has one trillion
66. U R Rao Satellite Centre (formerly known as ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC)),
Department of Space, in Bengaluru recently celebrated Satellite Technology Day
(STD) 2024, marking the significant milestone of the 50th anniversary of India's first
satellite launch, Aryabhata, on 19th April 1975.
67. ImmunoACT, backed by IIT-B and Laurus Labs, has received approval from the
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for India’s first CAR-T cell
therapy, NexCAR19.
68. ISRO will conduct Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START)
2024 to attract youngsters to fields of space science and technology with the Theme
- Exploration of the solar system .The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology
(GUJCOST) has been appointed as the Nodal Centre for this programme.
69. Researchers at the Materials Research Centre (MRC), Indian Institute of Science
(IISc), have achieved a breakthrough in wastewater treatment and potential medical
diagnostics. They’ve developed a cutting-edge enzyme mimetic called “NanoPtA”
70. The UK is undertaking a groundbreaking project to create the world’s most powerful
laser, called “Vulcan 20-20,” with an £85 million investment from the UK Science and
Technology Facilities Council.
71. Recently, the Minister of State for Communications, Government of India launched
TRINETRA Security system at Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
campus New Delhi.The solution provides 24x7 near real-time actionable
cyber-security status and detection aand resolution of cyber-threats (Virus,
Malware, Ransomware, Spyware etc.).
72. Defence Ministry has been developing Maya OS as the replacement for Windows on
its PCs. Maya OS is based on Ubuntu, which itself is based on Linux.
73. Mika', The World's First Ever AI Humanoid Robot CEO,As the first CEO female robot,
Mika is a board member who steers operations on Dictador's behalf
74. ROBOT 'BANDICOOT' TECHNOLOGY TO ELIMINATE MANUAL SCAVENGING-
Kerala Government
75. Japan and the European Union have officially inaugurated testing at the world’s
largest experimental nuclear fusion plant. Located roughly 85 miles north of Tokyo,
the six-story, JT-60SA “ tokamak ” facility heats plasma to 200 million degrees
Celsius (around 360 million Fahrenheit) within its circular,
76. China starts up world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor-The Huaneng
Shidaowan high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant, the
world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant
77. The first largest indigenous 700 MWe Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3 in
Gujarat starts operations at full capacity. It is developed by NPCIL
78. Indian Oil Corporation Limited has established facilities for production of Reference
Gasoline Fuels (E-5, E-10 and E-20) at its Paradip Refinery and Reference Diesel
Fuel (B-7) at its Panipat Refinery.
153
79. India’s first 3D printed post office is now open for business in Bengaluru and it is built
by L&T company with the help of IIT-Madras
80. India’s first drone common testing centre under the Defence Testing Infrastructure
(DTI) scheme will be established at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. It will be
established in 2.3 acres at the SIPCOT Industrial Park, Vallam Vadagal near
Sriperumbudur.
81. Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11was first food crop created by a team of scientists
from Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) with
assistance from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Department
of Biotechnology got approval of GEAC
82. Recently, the PM has inaugurated India’s first facility to produce rare earth permanent
magnets in Visakhapatnam.
● IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus Launch - IIT Madras became the first-ever IIT to
launch a campus on a foreign country (Tanzania)
● ‘Sparsh Bharati’ - a new guide for visually impaired persons- Bharati script V.
Srinivasa Chakravarthy, a professor of biotechnology in the Indian Institute of
Technology Madras has developed a script for persons with visual impairment.
● The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras has developed a technology called
‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) for the removal of
Arsenic and Metal ions from water.
● The Hon’ble Supreme Court in October 2023 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with IIT Madras for collaborating on using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
and emerging technologies for transcription tools, summarization of page transcript,
translation Tool, an exclusive streaming platform for court trials
● Development of indigenous mobile operating system BharOS - An IIT
Madras-incubated firm JandKOpsdeveloped an Indigenous Mobile Operating System
that can benefit India’s 100 crore mobile phone users. Called ‘BharOS,’ this software
can be installed on commercial off-the-shelf handsets
● Development of indigenous 5G RAN Tech & transfer to Industry - In one of the
largest technology transfer deals from academia in India, a 5G RAN (Radio Access
Network) technology developed by a multi-institutional team has been licensed to an
industry partner TEJAS NETWORKS (A Tata Group Company) for a sum of Rs. 12
Crore.
● IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur and the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics
Engineering and Research (SAMEER) developed a ‘5G RAN sub-system’ at the 5G
Test Bed. The three institutions are jointly licensing the 5G RAN technology to TEJAS
NETWORKS (A Tata Group Company), which will play a vital role in leveraging it for
further advancements and commercial applications.
● Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed a
three-dimensional (3D) paper-based portable device that can detect adulteration in
milk within 30 seconds
● Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) recently
developed an indigenous river model, BRAHMA-2D.
● An IIT Guwahati team, led by Professor Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, has developed a
device that detects the glycemic index in food items in minutes
● IIT Guwahati researchers develop pharmaceutical and food products from tea factory
● IIT Delhi Started its campus in Abu dhabi
● A tripartite MoU has been signed between DST, NIGST & TiH IIT Tirupati for
establishment of a Geospatial Innovation Hub (Centre of Excellence) in pilot mode
with an aim to create a robust geospatial innovation ecosystem in the country.
154
● Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore achieved a major milestone of free
space quantum communication between a moving source and a stationary observer.
This is an important step towards India’s efforts in secure quantum communications
using satellites.
● Installation of Asia's largest 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope has been
inaugurated at Devasthal in Uttarakhand.
●
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOOK

PREPARED BY : MD.YOUNUS, K.HARSHITH, G.VENKATESH

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ISRO's Launch Vehicle Fleet

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Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3):

1.Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR)Location: Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

Chandrayaan-3: India's Triumphant Lunar Mission

1. Mission Overview and Objectives:

4. Propulsion Module (PM):

Payload Payload Name Abbreviation Objective

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Recent and Future Lunar Missions

Space Agency Mission Name

Aditya-L1: India's First Dedicated Solar Mission:

● Mission Goal: Aditya-L1, launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023, marks a

Mission Details and Launch:

Payload Payload Name Objectives

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Objective: Demonstrate India's human spaceflight capability by sending a crew of 3 on a

Gaganyaan Mission Update:

XPoSat: ISRO's Mission to Study Polarized X-rays

What is X-ray Polarization?

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AstroSat: India's First Multi-wavelength Space Observatory

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ISRO's Responsible De-orbiting of Cartosat-2

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India's Regional Navigation System: IRNSS-NavIC

India's First PBN Demonstration for Helicopters

International Space Station (ISS)

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NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)

PSLV-C55-ISRO to launch Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite

Launching Organization: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

● PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 was launched successfully on April 22, 2023 at 14:19 hours

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ISRO’S LVM-3 / OneWeb India-2 Mission

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India’s first private rocket Vikram-S is launched into space

● Launching Organization: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with

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NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

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India's First Dark Sky Reserve: Hanle in Ladakh

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MoUMemorandum of Understanding between (ISRO) and Mauritius Research and

● The initiative is anticipated to engage Indian industries in developing specific satellite

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The Kármán Line: Gateway to Space

GEMINI Device: Aiding Indian Fishermen with Navigation and Safety

GEMINI Launched for Fishermen's Safety and Communication

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The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) Project

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Web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan