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GS Paper: GS3

  • [5th March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Little has changed in the Income-Tax Bill, 2025

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017. (UPSC CSE 2019)

     

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (2018) and indirect taxes (2019).

    In February 2025, the Union Finance Minister introduced the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, to replace the Income-Tax Act, 1961. The government claims it will simplify tax laws and reduce disputes. However, despite some structural changes, many complexities remain, and the Bill grants even more authoritarian powers than the current law.

    Today’s editorial discusses the newly introduced Income-Tax Bill, 2025, which is important for the GS III Mains paper.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, while opposition parties protested against it.

    What are the key objectives of the Income-Tax Bill, 2025? 

    • Simplifying Tax Laws: To make the tax code easier to understand for both taxpayers and professionals. Example: Replacing complex legal phrases like “notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary” with simpler terms like “irrespective of anything to the contrary”.
    • Reducing Litigation and Ambiguity: To minimize legal disputes by providing clearer definitions and reducing interpretative confusion. Example: Consolidating compliance timelines into tables and schedules to avoid multiple interpretations of deadlines.
    • Modernizing Tax Compliance: To align tax administration with technological advancements and changing business environments. Example: Allowing the use of a “risk management strategy” to identify tax evasion through data analysis.
    • Ensuring Policy Continuity with Structural Reform: To retain core tax policies while improving the law’s structure for better efficiency. Example: Definitions like “income” still refer to the 1961 Act but are presented in a more structured format.
    • Expanding Digital Oversight: To empower tax authorities to investigate digital transactions and virtual assets. Example: Permitting access to digital platforms (e.g., email servers and social media) during tax investigations.

    Why did the government previously amend the criteria for a reassessment of tax?

    The government previously amended the criteria for reassessment of tax through the Finance Act, 2021, which came into effect on April 1, 2021. This marked a significant shift in the reassessment framework under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

    • Shift from “Reason to Believe” to “Information”: The previous requirement for reassessment was based on the assessing officer having a “reason to believe” that income had escaped assessment. Example: After 2021, tax authorities could reopen assessments if they had “information” suggesting unreported income, including data from third-party reports.
    • Introduction of Risk Management Strategy: The amendment introduced the use of a “risk management strategy” as a basis for reopening tax assessments. Example: Tax authorities can now reopen cases based on algorithm-driven data analysis without needing detailed justification.
    • Time Limit Reduction for Reopening Assessments: The time limit for reassessment was reduced from 6 years to 3 years for most cases, with a 10-year limit for cases involving income above ₹50 lakh. Example: If concealed income exceeds ₹50 lakh, tax authorities can reopen cases up to 10 years later, enhancing scrutiny in high-value matters.
    • Legal Challenges and Judicial Interpretations: The vague definition of “information” and the undefined “risk management strategy” led to concerns over arbitrary use of power. Example: Courts have intervened to limit reassessment powers, demanding stricter adherence to procedural safeguards to protect taxpayer rights.

    What are the main concerns regarding their implementation?

    • Increased Administrative Burden: The new system requires detailed procedures and prior approvals, leading to delays and increased workload for tax authorities. Example: Obtaining approval from senior officers before issuing notices can slow down reassessment, especially in cases involving large volumes of data.
    • Ambiguity in “Information” Definition: The term “information” used to trigger reassessment is broad and vague, allowing subjective interpretations. Example: Data from social media activity or third-party reports can be used for reopening cases, raising concerns about the reliability and accuracy of such information.
    • Risk of Harassment and Overreach: Despite safeguards, there is concern that taxpayers may still face unwarranted scrutiny under the new rules. Example: Cases where income exceeds ₹50 lakh can be reopened for up to 10 years, leading to prolonged uncertainty for taxpayers.
    • Challenges in Data Privacy and Security: Accessing digital platforms and using technology-based triggers raises privacy concerns for individuals and businesses. Example: Tax authorities can now access electronic records from email servers and financial platforms, increasing the risk of data misuse.
    • Legal Uncertainty and Litigation: Despite reforms, there is still a risk of judicial challenges due to the interpretive flexibility in the law. Example: Taxpayers may challenge reassessment notices on the grounds of insufficient evidence or procedural lapses, leading to further litigation.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhancing Clarity and Transparency: Clearly define terms like “information” and “risk management strategy” to prevent subjective interpretation and ensure uniform application. Example: Establish detailed guidelines on acceptable data sources and the procedure for using digital evidence.
    • Strengthening Safeguards and Oversight: Implement independent reviews for high-value reassessments and ensure data privacy through robust security protocols. Example: Mandate third-party audits to monitor the use of digital platforms and safeguard taxpayer rights.

  • Government talks big on gender budget, delivers little

    Why in the News?

    The Union and State governments often express their commitment to women’s empowerment. One of the four main pillars of Viksit Bharat 2047 is women’s development.

    What are the three components of the gender budget?

    • Part A: Schemes with 100% allocation for women and girls. Example: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – a scheme focused entirely on improving the welfare of girls.
    • Part B: Schemes with 30% to 99% allocation for women and girls. Example: National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) – where a significant portion is directed toward maternal and child healthcare.
    • Part C: Schemes with less than 30% allocation for women and girls (introduced in 2024-25). Example: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) – where a small portion benefits women, though the primary beneficiaries are land-owning farmers.

    Why is the agricultural sector’s allocation under the gender budget considered ineffective for women?

    • Land Ownership Inequality: Most agricultural schemes, like PM-Kisan, are land-linked, and since agricultural land is typically owned by men, women are excluded from direct benefits. Example: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) provides ₹6,000 per year to land-owning farmers, but women who work on the land without ownership do not qualify.
    • Limited Focus on Women Farmers: There is insufficient funding for programs addressing the specific needs of women farmers, such as access to credit, training, and technology. Example: Schemes like the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), which focus on empowering women in agriculture, receive a smaller share of the gender budget.
    • Exclusion from Decision-Making: Women in agriculture often lack legal and institutional representation, limiting their ability to influence policy decisions and resource allocation. Example: Despite women forming a significant share of the agricultural workforce, they are underrepresented in farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives.

    Who benefits the most from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme?

    • Land-Owning Farmers: The primary beneficiaries of the PM-Kisan scheme are small and marginal land-owning farmers who receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments. Example: A male landowner with 2 hectares of cultivable land is eligible for the financial assistance under the scheme.
    • Male Family Members: Since land ownership in India is predominantly male, the male head of the household typically receives the direct cash transfer, even when women contribute equally to agricultural work. Example: In patriarchal households, the registered male family member receives the PM-Kisan payments, excluding women working on the same land.
    • Joint Landholders (Primarily Men): In cases of joint land ownership, the payment is usually disbursed to the registered owner, who is more often a man, rather than women co-owners. Example: If a piece of farmland is jointly owned by a husband and wife, the husband is more likely to be listed as the primary beneficiary.

    Why are women often excluded from its advantages?

    • Lack of Land Ownership: Women often do not hold legal ownership of agricultural land, making them ineligible for PM-Kisan benefits, as the scheme is limited to landowners. Example: A woman working on her family’s farmland cannot receive PM-Kisan payments if the land is registered in her husband’s name.
    • Patriarchal Inheritance Practices: Customary inheritance laws and patriarchal norms often prevent women from inheriting land, limiting their access to direct agricultural benefits. Example: In many rural areas, agricultural land is passed down to sons, excluding daughters from ownership and thus from PM-Kisan benefits.
    • Administrative and Documentation Barriers: Women face challenges in providing legal documents (such as land records or identity proof) required to register as beneficiaries under the scheme. Example: Widowed or single women who cultivate land but lack formal ownership documents are excluded from receiving financial assistance.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Gender-Inclusive Land Reforms: Promote joint land titles for spouses and simplify the land registration process to increase women’s eligibility for schemes like PM-Kisan.
    • Design Women-Centric Agricultural Programs: Introduce exclusive subsidies, credit access, and training for women farmers while increasing the allocation under gender-responsive schemes like Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP).

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Navratna Status for IRCTC and IRFC 

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) have been granted Navratna status, making them the 25th and 26th Navratna companies in India.

    Other Navratna Companies in Indian Railways

    • Container Corporation of India (CONCOR): Multimodal logistics.
    • Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL): Infrastructure expansion.
    • RITES Ltd: Transport consultancy.
    • IRCON International Ltd: Railway and highway construction.
    • RailTel Corporation of India Ltd: IT & communication services.

    What is Navratna Status?

    • Introduced in 1997, the Navratna scheme identifies high-performing CPSEs and grants them financial and operational independence.
    • It allows selected companies to compete globally while maintaining public sector ownership.
    • Categories of PSUs in India:
      • Maharatna:  Largest CPSEs with highest financial powers.
      • Navratna: Mid-tier CPSEs with strategic autonomy.
      • Miniratna: Emerging CPSEs with limited independence.

    Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status:

    A CPSE must-

    • Be a Miniratna-I company with an Excellent or Very Good rating in its MoU performance in three out of five years.
    • Achieve a composite score of 60+ based on:
      • Net Profit to Net Worth
      • Manpower Cost to Total Cost of Production
      • Profitability Ratios (PBDIT & PBIT)
      • Earnings Per Share
      • Inter-Sectoral Performance

    Benefits of Navratna Status:

    • Investment Autonomy: Can invest ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth in a single project without government approval.
    • Strategic Expansion: Freedom to form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and acquisitions.
    • Operational Flexibility: Can make independent business and investment decisions.
    • Enhanced Market Position: Attracts more investors and improves stock performance.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

    1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.

    2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Species in News: Marbled Cat

    Species in News: Marbled Cat

    Why in the News?

    The elusive marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) has been spotted in Dehing Patkai National Park in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

    About Marbled Cat

    • The marbled cat is a small wild cat species native to South and Southeast Asia.
    • It belongs to the Felidae family and is closely related to the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the bay cat (Catopuma badia).
    • The species was first described in 1836 by British zoologist William Charles Linnaeus Martin.
    • It is characterised by brown, gray, or yellowish fur with distinctive black spots, marbled patterns, and stripes for camouflage.
    • It is found in dense tropical and subtropical forests at elevations up to 2,500 meters.
    • It primarily inhabits rainforests, evergreen forests, and mountainous terrain.
    • It is arboreal, spending a significant amount of time in trees.
    • It is nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning it is most active at dawn and dusk.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT) due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
      • CITES: Appendix I

    About Dehing Patkai National Park

    • Dehing Patkai NP is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, India, near the border with Arunachal Pradesh.
    • It spans an area of 231.65 km² and is part of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve. It was upgraded to a national park in 2020 and officially notified in 2021.
    • The park features the largest stretch of lowland rainforests in India, including Dipterocarp trees, orchids, and medicinal plants like Rauvolfia serpentina and Acorus calamus.
    • The park is home to diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, Asian elephants, and Hoolock gibbons.
      • It is unique for hosting seven species of wild cats.
    • The Dehing River flows through the park, nourishing its forests and contributing to the biodiversity.
    • Indigenous communities such as the Tai Phake, Khamti, and Singpho tribes have lived in the area for generations, maintaining a close relationship with the forest.
    • The park is situated in the Patkai Hills region, part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, known for its rich biodiversity.
    • Known as the Amazon of the East, Dehing Patkai National Park is famous for its pristine rainforest ecosystems and significant biodiversity.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?

    (a) Khangchendzonga National Park

    (b) Nandadevi National Park

    (c) Neora Valley National Park

    (d) Namdapha National Park

     

  • First Comprehensive Survey of River Dolphins in India

    Why in the News?

    India’s first-ever comprehensive river dolphin survey conducted under Project Dolphin (2020) has estimated a population of 6,327 dolphins, primarily across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus River basins.

    First Comprehensive Survey of River Dolphins in India

    River Dolphins in India:

    Species Habitat Conservation Status Key Features & Threats
    Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

    		 Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna & Karnaphuli river systems (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) IUCN: Endangered
    WPA, 1972: Schedule I    		 Known as “Susu”, India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009. Faces threats from pollution, habitat fragmentation, and accidental bycatch.

    Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar) – Only dolphin sanctuary in India.
    Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)

    		 Indus River (Pakistan) & Beas River (India) IUCN: Endangered
    WPA, 1972: Schedule I    		 One of the rarest dolphins, facing population decline due to water diversion, dam construction, and habitat degradation.

    Beas Conservation Reserve (Punjab) – Focused on Indus River Dolphin protection.
    Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)

    		 Chilika Lake (India) & rivers of South & Southeast Asia IUCN: Endangered
    WPA, 1972: Schedule I    		 Known for “spy-hopping” behavior (rising vertically to observe surroundings). Threatened by fishing nets and habitat destruction.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • The survey estimated the Ganges River dolphin population at 6,324, with Uttar Pradesh (2,397) and Bihar (2,220) recording the highest numbers, while the Brahmaputra basin had 635 dolphins, indicating a stable population.
    • The Indus River dolphin population was found to be critically low, with only 3 individuals recorded in the Beas River in Punjab, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
    • Key habitats were identified, with the highest dolphin concentrations observed in the Bhind-Pachnada stretch of the Chambal River and the Chausa-Manihari stretch of the Ganga.
    • Dolphins were found to prefer deep water zones, confluences, mid-channel islands, and meandering sections of rivers, indicating specific habitat requirements.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

    (a) Saltwater crocodile
    (b) Olive ridley turtle
    (c) Gangetic dolphin
    (d) Gharial

     

  • MISHTI Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Central Government’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme.

    About the MISHTI Scheme

    • The MISHTI scheme was launched on June 5, 2023, to restore 540 sq. km of mangrove forests.
    • It aims to restore and expand 540 sq. km mangrove forests across 9 states and 3 union territories over a 5-year period (2023–28).
    • It aligns with India’s commitment to the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) at COP27 (2022, Egypt).
    • The scheme is funded through MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources, ensuring community participation.
    • It focuses on Sundarbans (West Bengal), Hooghly Estuary, and other coastal and wetland ecosystems.

    Gujarat’s Leadership in Mangrove Afforestation

    • Gujarat has emerged as India’s top state in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares (190 sq. km) in just two years under MISHTI.
    • The Gulf of Kutch (799 sq. km) leads in coverage, followed by the Gulf of Khambhat and Dumas-Ubhrat belt (134 sq. km).
    • Gujarat’s 1,650 km-long coastline is home to mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses, making it an
    • It aims to expand mangrove cover by an additional 350 sq. km, strengthening climate resilience and coastal biodiversity.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?

    (a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
    (b) South-West Bengal
    (c) Southern Saurashtra
    (d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

     

  • What is Planetary Alignment?

    Why in the News?

    On February 29, 2024, skywatchers worldwide witnessed a rare planetary alignment (parade) with seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus—lining up in the night sky.

    What is Planetary Alignment?

    • A planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets in the Solar System appear to line up in the sky as seen from Earth.
    • This phenomenon happens because planets orbit the Sun in a flat, disc-shaped plane called the ecliptic.
    • Although planets remain millions of kilometers apart, they seem to form a straight line from Earth’s perspective due to optical illusion and perspective.
    • The term “planet parade” is also used to describe this occurrence when multiple planets become visible in the sky at the same time.
    • Types of Planetary Alignments:
    1. Conjunction: Two or more planets appear close to each other in the sky.
    2. Small Alignment: Three planets align in a visible line.
    3. Large Alignment: Four or more planets appear aligned from Earth’s perspective.
    4. Full Alignment: All eight planets of the Solar System appear in a single line (very rare).

    How often do Planetary Alignments occur?

    • Planetary alignments are not uncommon, but their rarity depends on the number of planets involved.
      • Two- or Three-Planet Alignments: Occur multiple times a year.
      • Four- or Five-Planet Alignments: Visible every few years.
      • Six- or Seven-Planet Alignments: Appear every few decades.
      • Full Alignment (All Eight Planets): Extremely rare, occurs once every 170–200 years.
    • Recent & Upcoming Alignments:
      • August 2025: Expected four-planet alignment.
      • May 2492: The next predicted full planetary alignment of all eight planets.

    PYQ:

    [2019] On 21st June, the Sun:

    (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
    (b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
    (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
    (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

     

  • Research team takes big step towards making a Bose Metal

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have recently discovered a potential new state of matter, the Bose metal, found between a regular metal and a superconductor, with evidence of this phase in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.

    What is a Bose Metal?

    • A Bose metal is a hypothetical anomalous metallic state where Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form but do not transition into a superconducting state.
    • This state exists between a normal metal and a superconductor, challenging traditional theories of condensed matter physics.
    • In simple terms, a Bose metal is a material where:
      • Electrons pair up into Cooper pairs (like in superconductors).
      • However, these Cooper pairs fail to achieve long-range coherence, meaning the material remains metallic instead of becoming superconducting.
      • This results in partial electrical resistance, unlike superconductors that have zero resistance.
    • Recent experimental studies suggest their existence in materials like Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) when subjected to specific conditions, such as thin layers and applied magnetic fields.

    Key Features:

    • Intermediate State: Exists between a metal and a superconductor.
    • Cooper Pair Formation: Electrons form pairs, but they don’t condense into superconductivity.
    • Anomalous Conductivity: Higher than normal metals but not infinite like superconductors.
    • Quantum Fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt Cooper pair coherence.
    • Hall Resistance Vanishing: Indicates charge transport by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
    • Observed in Thin 2D Materials: Seen in ultra-thin films of superconductors under specific conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

    1. Beryllium
    2. Cadmium
    3. Chromium
    4. Heptachlor
    5. Mercury
    6. Lead
    7. Plutonium

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
    (c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • Study identifies sources of PM2.5 in northern India

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published in Nature Communications has analyzed the sources and health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

    About PM2.5

    • PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 microns) refers to tiny air pollutants small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
    • These fine particles come from both natural sources (like dust storms and wildfires) and human activities (like burning fossil fuels and industrial emissions).
    • PM2.5 poses severe health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and reduced lung function.
    • The oxidative potential of PM2.5 is an important indicator of its toxicity and ability to cause cellular damage.

    Key Findings of the Study

    1. Major Sources of PM2.5 in Northern India:
    • The study analyzed PM2.5 pollution across five locations in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Delhi and Kanpur.
    • Delhi: PM2.5 is mainly from vehicular emissions, fossil fuel burning, and residential heating.
    • Outside Delhi: It consists of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and biomass-burning aerosols.
    1. PM2.5 Toxicity and Health Risks:
    • PM2.5 toxicity is linked to organic aerosols from inefficient combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
    • Traffic emissions and residential fuel burning significantly contribute to PM2.5-related health risks.
    1. Traffic as a Major Contributor:
    • Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA) from vehicular emissions were highest at urban roadside sites in Delhi (8 Îźg/mÂł).
    • HOA accounts for 50% of fossil fuel-derived aerosols, increasing to 40% in warmer months.
    1. Winter Pollution Due to Residential Heating and Cooking:
    • Cow dung combustion for heating and cooking in winter increases organic aerosols, with levels 10 times higher than in summer due to biomass burning and shallow boundary layers.
    1. India’s PM2.5 Toxicity Among the Highest Globally:
    • The study found that PM2.5 oxidative potential (toxicity) in Indian cities is up to 5 times higher than in Chinese and European cities.

    PYQ:

    [2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon dioxide
    2. Carbon monoxide
    3. Nitrogen dioxide
    4. Sulphur dioxide
    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 1, 4 and 5 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

  • ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1

    Why in the News?

    US’s Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, becoming the second private mission to do so and the first to land upright.

    What is ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1?

    • Blue Ghost Mission 1 is a private lunar landing mission by Firefly Aerospace under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
    • It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
    • It successfully landed on the Moon, at Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium.
    • The mission is designed to operate for 14 Earth days (one lunar day).

    Key Features of Blue Ghost Mission 1:

    • Carries 10 scientific instruments, including a lunar soil analyzer, a radiation-tolerant computer, and a GPS-based navigation experiment to test satellite navigation on the Moon.
    • Equipped with a high-definition imaging system to capture a lunar eclipse (March 14, 2024) and lunar sunset (March 16, 2024).
    • Successfully navigated a rocky and cratered surface using hazard-avoidance technology, slowing from thousands of miles per hour to just two mph before touchdown.
    • The lander is golden in color and about the size of a hippopotamus.
    • It supports Artemis missions by testing lunar technologies and reducing costs for future human exploration.

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO