A look at ongoing Indian Space Missions

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Various space missions mentioned

Mains level: NA

Why in the News?

Since Chandrayaan 3’s successful moon landing on August 23, 2023 and its declaration of National Space Day, ISRO has remained highly active with several key missions, despite a quieter phase at Sriharikota.

Key Missions and Milestones:

	Details	Date
Chandrayaan 3	Successful Moon landing by Vikram lander. August 23 declared as India’s National Space Day.	August 23, 2023
Aditya L1	Solar science mission to study the Sun. Reached Earth-Sun L1 point on January 6, 2024. Studied solar storm in May 2024.	Launched: September 2, 2023 L1 Orbit: January 6, 2024
Gaganyaan TV-D1	First abort mission for Gaganyaan program. Tested Crew Escape System (CES); crew module recovered by INS Shakthi.	October 21, 2023
XPoSat	X-ray Polarimeter Satellite to study radiation polarization. Second such space observatory after NASA’s IPEX.	Launched: January 1, 2024
INSAT-3DS	Meteorological satellite launched to support GSLV credibility for NISAR mission. Enhances weather forecasting capabilities.	Launched: February 17, 2024
RLV-TD (Pushpak)	Reusable Launch Vehicle tests (LEX-02 and LEX-03) conducted. Simulated landing conditions for future Orbital Return Flight.	LEX-02: March 22, 2024 LEX-03: June 7, 2024
SSLV	Final development flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Successfully placed EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat in orbit.	August 16, 2024
ISRO Roadmaps	25-year roadmap until 2047. Plans for crewed lunar missions, sample-return missions, and the *Bharatiya Antariksh Station* (BAS) by 2035.	Announced: December 2023
Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)	New 3-stage launch vehicle under development to replace GSLV. Powered by semi-cryogenic, liquid, and cryogenic engines. Project report submitted to Union Cabinet.	Project report submitted: February 2024
NSIL Missions	Agreement with SpaceX for GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 launch. SSLV launch service agreement with an Australian company.	2024
Private Space Missions	Agnikul Cosmos launched SoRTeD-01, first semi-cryogenic engine vehicle from Indian soil. Skyroot and Dhruva Space progressing with tests and launches.	2024
IN-SPACe Initiatives	Released ‘Norms, Guidelines, and Procedures for Authorisation of Space Activities’. Granted first satellite broadband license to Eutelsat OneWeb and first ground station service license to Dhruva Space. 100 % Direct FDI policy.	2024

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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

[pib] World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES)

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES)

Why in the News?

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting has launched 25 challenges as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’ for the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES).

About WAVES

It is an international summit organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.
The first edition will take place from 20-24 November 2024 in Goa.
The summit will be hosted in Goa in collaboration with the State Government of Goa.
The Entertainment Society of Goa will act as the Nodal Agency for the event, following an MOU with Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
It is supported by industry partners like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Purpose:
- WAVES aims to be a pivotal forum for fostering dialogue, trade collaboration, and innovation within the evolving media and entertainment industry.
- The summit will showcase India as a hub for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment sector, attract investments, and position India as a global leader in the entertainment business.

Location & Collaboration:

WAVES is designed to promote sustainable growth in the media and entertainment industry.
It will help attract global trade and investment to India, positioning the country as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.
The summit will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore new opportunities, tackle challenges, and shape the future of the sector.

PYQ:

[2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

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Urban Floods

In news: Gumti River

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Gumti River

Why in the News?

India has refuted allegations that the recent floods in eastern Bangladesh were caused by the opening of the Dumbur dam over Gumti River in Tripura.

About Gumti River

	Details
Origin	*Dumboor Lake,* Tripura, India
Length	Approximately 150 kilometers
Course	Flows southward through Tripura, India, and then into Bangladesh; Joins the Meghna River.
Tributaries	Left: Raima, Manu Right: Deo, Khowai
Terrain	Hilly terrain in upper course, fertile plains in lower course
Biodiversity	Supports diverse flora and fauna
Projects Installed	Gumti Hydroelectric Project: Located near Dumbur; Generates hydroelectric power in Tripura; Bangladesh also receives 40 MW. Gumti Irrigation Project: Supports irrigation for agriculture in Tripura, India

PYQ:

[2014] Consider the following rivers:

Barak
Lohit
Subansiri

Which of the above flows / flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’?

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Orangutan Diplomacy

Why in the News?

Malaysia, after initially introducing its version of soft power called “Orangutan Diplomacy” following China’s successful “panda diplomacy,” has now reversed its decision.

What is Orangutan Diplomacy?

It is a Malaysian strategy that seeks to use orangutan conservation as a tool of soft power, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
It had first announced plans to gift orangutans (IUCN Status: Critically Endangered) to palm oil-buying countries.
It engages other countries in conservation efforts, focusing on symbolic adoptions rather than sending animals abroad.
Reasons behind:
- Palm Oil Industry Criticism: Malaysia faces criticism for deforestation due to palm oil plantations, threatening orangutans.
- Enhance Image: It aims to counter negative perceptions and showcase commitment to sustainability and position Malaysia as a leader in wildlife protection.
- Global Cooperation: It seeks to strengthen ties with major palm oil importers like China, India, and the EU through conservation partnerships.

Criticisms:

Habitat Concerns: Critics argue real conservation requires protecting habitats, not just symbolic actions.
Comparisons to Panda Diplomacy: Malaysia’s effort lacks the infrastructure and commitment seen in China’s panda conservation.

PYQ:

[2021] With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements :

1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.

2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.

3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

Imports weaken Indian pharma

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Biosimilar;

Mains level: Outdated Biosimilar Guidelines in India;

Why in the News?

The government has introduced two import-based initiatives to meet domestic needs, which could potentially dampen the growth of the domestic industry.
New medicines are generally under patent protection, preventing Indian companies from producing affordable generics/biosimilars.

Impact of two initiatives on Domestic Industry:

Global Tendering for 120 Medicines: The Department of Expenditure (DoE) allowed the Ministry of Health to buy 120 medicines, including popular anti-diabetes and anti-cancer drugs, through global tenders for government programs. This decision, which specifies certain brands for over 40 of these medicines, could increase the monopoly of foreign companies in India.
Customs Duty Removal on Cancer Medicines: The 2024-25 Union Budget proposed removing the 10-12% customs duty on three cancer medicines marketed by AstraZeneca. While intended to reduce prices, this measure is unlikely to significantly lower costs and may instead increase reliance on imports, further disadvantaging domestic producers.

Status of Indian Pharma

India is a leading manufacturer of vaccines, accounting for 60% of global production.
India supplies 70% of vaccines used by the WHO.
India is a major exporter of generic drugs, accounting for 20% of global exports.
The industry is expected to grow to over $130 billion by 2030.

What are Biosimilar guidelines?

Biosimilar guidelines in India are regulatory frameworks established by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to govern the development, approval, and marketing of biosimilars.
Biosimilars are biologic medical products that are highly similar to an already approved original biologic (known as the reference product), with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency.

Status Biosimilars:

Significant Market Size: The biosimilar market in India is valued at approximately $2.2 billion, and it is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the expiration of patents for several key biologics, which opens the door for biosimilar development.
Product Approvals: As of now, over 70 biosimilars have been approved in India, covering a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Notable examples include:
- Adalimumab (for rheumatoid arthritis)
- Trastuzumab (for breast cancer)
- Filgrastim (for neutropenia)
- Insulin glargine (for diabetes)

Outdated Biosimilar Guidelines in India:

Obsolete and Resource-Intensive:
- India’s biosimilar guidelines are outdated, requiring mandatory animal studies, which are no longer necessary in developed countries like the U.S. and EU with stringent regulatory standards.
- The guidelines also mandate clinical trials, while WHO and U.K. guidelines treat clinical trials as an exception rather than a rule.
Barrier for Domestic Producers:
- The stringent requirements for animal studies and mandatory clinical trials create significant barriers for Indian producers, making it difficult for them to compete with their global counterparts.
Impact on Patient Access:
- According to the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association, eliminating these duplicative requirements could lead to significant savings in time and resources, ultimately improving patient access to affordable biosimilars.

Way forward:

Update Regulatory Guidelines: Modernize India’s biosimilar guidelines by removing unnecessary requirements like mandatory animal studies and clinical trials, aligning them with global standards to reduce barriers for domestic producers.
Support Local Production: Utilize provisions in the Patents Act to promote domestic manufacturing of affordable medicines, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the local pharmaceutical industry.

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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

What is Tera Hertz Spectrum?

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum

Why in the News?

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on the Tera Hertz Spectrum.

About Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum

The THz Spectrum refers to a range of electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 100 GHz (gigahertz) and 10 THz (terahertz).

- This spectrum lies between microwaves and infrared light.
- It is known as the “THz gap” because it has been less explored compared to other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Key Features:

- Unique Properties: THz waves can pass through many materials like clothing, paper, and wood but are absorbed by water and metals.
- Applications: Used for advanced technologies like imaging, communications, and spectroscopy.
- Potential Uses: Security scanning, medical imaging, and high-speed wireless communication.

Impact of recent recommendation:

THEA will encourage innovation in Tera Hertz technologies, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The opening of specific frequency bands will boost the development and deployment of next-generation wireless technologies and automotive safety systems in India.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?

1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.

2. VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.

3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.

4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Shiveluch Volcano

Prelims Only World Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Shiveluch Volcano

Why in the News?

The Shiveluch Volcano in Russia erupted following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the country’s eastern coast.

About Shiveluch Volcano

	Details
Location	Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Approximately 56°39′N 161°21′E Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano) Approximately 3,283 meters (10,771 feet)
Geological Features	Large actively growing *lava dome, andesitic to dacitic lava*
Eruption History	Frequent eruptions; significant activity in 2005, 2010, and ongoing in 2023-2024
Hazards	Ash plumes, pyroclastic flows, lahars
Kamchatka Peninsula	Lies in far eastern Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk on the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea on the east. One of the world’s most concentrated areas of geothermal activity, with about 30 active volcanoes. Approximately 1,200 km long and 480 km across at its widest. Climate: Severe, with prolonged, cold, and snowy winters and wet, cool summers. Regional Capital: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Kuril Island chain runs from the southern tip of the peninsula to near Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island.

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

WHO investigating new Polio strain in Meghalaya

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Polio and its eradication

Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating a suspected new strain of polio in a two-year-old child from Tikrikilla, Meghalaya.

What is Vaccine-Derived Polio?

The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) contains a weakened form of the poliovirus that activates an immune response in the body.
The vaccine-virus is excreted after vaccination and can circulate in the environment.
In rare cases, if the population is under-immunized, the excreted virus can mutate over time and revert to a form capable of causing paralysis.
This mutated virus is known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).

About Polio:

	Details
Nature of Disease	Crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease affecting the nervous system.
Types of Poliovirus	– WPV1 (Wild Poliovirus type 1) – WPV2 (Wild Poliovirus type 2, eradicated globally) – WPV3 (Wild Poliovirus type 3, eradicated globally)
Current Status	WPV1 remains in circulation in *Afghanistan and Pakistan.*
Transmission	Primarily through the *faecal-oral route or contaminated water/food.*
Affected Population	Largely affects children *under 5 years of age.*
Impact	Virus multiplies in the intestine, may invade the *nervous system, causing paralysis.*
Prevention	– No Cure: Preventable through immunization. – Vaccines: – OPV: Oral Polio Vaccine given at birth, with doses at 6, 10, 14 weeks, and a booster at 16-24 months. – IPV: Injectable Polio Vaccine given with the 3rd dose of DPT under UIP.
India’s Status	Pulse Polio Immunization Initiative (1995) Declared polio-free by WHO in 2014, with the last wild poliovirus case reported in 2011.

PYQ:

[2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

(a) immunization of children and pregnant women

(b) construction of smart cities across the country

(d) New Educational Policy

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Mission

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: JUICE Mission

Why in the News?

European scientists are preparing to execute a first-of-its-kind ‘Double Slingshot’ orbital maneuver to guide the JUICE probe towards Jupiter using a double slingshot technique.

About JUICE Mission:

	Details
Launch	By European Space Agency (ESA) on April 14, 2023, Ariane 5 rocket To study Jupiter’s Moons
Aim	Investigating the potential for life on Jupiter’s moons and understanding the Jovian system
Mission Duration	Approximately 12 years Expected arrival at Jupiter in July 2031
Primary Objectives	Ganymede Exploration: Study its surface, subsurface, magnetic field, and potential subsurface ocean to assess habitability. Europa Exploration: Investigate the surface, subsurface, and potential ocean beneath the ice; analyze interactions with Jupiter’s magnetosphere to assess its potential to support life. Callisto Exploration: Study its surface, geological diversity, and possible subsurface ocean; understand its history of impacts and tectonic activity. Jupiter System Exploration: Analyze Jupiter’s atmosphere, magnetosphere, and their interactions with the moons; study the dynamics of the magnetosphere and its influence on the surrounding environment.
Key Instruments	JANUS: Jovis, Amorum ac Natorum Undique Scrutator (Optical Camera) RIME: Radar for Icy Moons Exploration J-MAG: JUICE Magnetometer MAJIS: Moons and Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer
Significance	First interplanetary spacecraft to the outer Solar System planets not launched by the United States First mission set to orbit a moon other than Earth’s Moon

What is the Double Slingshot Maneuver?

The JUICE probe will first use the moon’s gravity to set itself on the correct trajectory towards Earth.
Immediately after, it will use Earth’s gravity to slow down and redirect towards Venus and, eventually, Jupiter.

Significance of the Gravity Assist

This technique, used for decades in space exploration, involves using a planet or moon’s gravity to alter the speed or direction of a spacecraft.
It is unique as it involves back-to-back gravity assists using both the moon and Earth’s gravity, which has never been attempted before.

PYQ:

[2020] The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(d) Evolved LISA

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

[pib] Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Why in the News?

Many individuals, organizations, and zoos in India currently possess living specimens of exotic animal species listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- These exotic species must be reported and registered as mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the PARIVESH 2.0 Portal.

Legal Framework for Reporting of Animals in Possession

The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, were notified under Section 49 M of the Wild Life (Protection) Act via a Gazette Notification on February 28, 2024.
Who Must Register: Any person or entity in possession of a living specimen of species listed in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Failure to report and register these species within the stipulated time frame may result in penal actions.

About Schedule IV of the WPA

	Details
Protection Level	Provides legal protection to species, prohibiting their hunting, capture, or trade. Protection is less stringent compared to Schedules I & II.
Offenses and Penalties	Violations can lead to fines and imprisonment, but penalties are generally less severe than those for species in higher schedules.
New Amendment (2022)	The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, inserted a new Schedule IV for specimens listed in the CITES Appendices.
Examples of Species	Flamingos, Hares, Falcons, Kingfishers, Magpie, and Horseshoe Crabs.
Purpose	Ensures legal protection to prevent exploitation and population decline of species that are not critically endangered but still need protection.
General Protection Role	Plays an important role in broader conservation efforts, offering safeguards to a wider range of species in India.

PYQ:

[2020] If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

(a) A licence in required to cultivate that plant.

(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.

(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

Key Missions and Milestones:

Why in the News?

About WAVES

Location & Collaboration:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Gumti River

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Orangutan Diplomacy?

Criticisms:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Impact of two initiatives on Domestic Industry:

Status of Indian Pharma

What are Biosimilar guidelines?

Status Biosimilars:

Outdated Biosimilar Guidelines in India:

Way forward:

Why in the News?

About Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum

Impact of recent recommendation:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Shiveluch Volcano

Why in the News?

What is Vaccine-Derived Polio?

About Polio:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About JUICE Mission:

What is the Double Slingshot Maneuver?

Significance of the Gravity Assist

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Legal Framework for Reporting of Animals in Possession

About Schedule IV of the WPA

PYQ: