1. India's Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory Mission Launched Successfully
Tags: Science and Technology
On 2 September 2023, India's first solar observatory mission, Aditya-L1, was successfully launched from the Sriharikota Space Centre.
An Overview of the News
The mission took off at sharp 11:50 a.m., setting off on a 125-day journey to study the Sun.
The PSLV C57, an XL version with extended strap-on motors and higher fuel capacity, was used for this mission.
All flight parameters were normal, ensuring a safe start of the mission.
Aditya L1 will reach the Lagrange 1 point in four months, where unique gravitational forces are at work.
Objectives and scope of Aditya L1 mission
The primary objective of the Aditya L1 mission is to conduct comprehensive studies of the solar winds and the Sun's atmosphere.
The satellite carries seven different payloads whose task is to observe different layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost corona.
The mission aims to increase our understanding of many solar phenomena, such as coronal heating, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), pre-flare and flare activities, as well as solar weather dynamics.
Additionally, the mission will contribute to the investigation of particle and field propagation within the interplanetary medium.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters - Bengaluru
Chairman - S Somnath
Important Points:
Since 1999, India has successfully launched 431 foreign satellites from 36 different countries using its indigenous rockets.
Most of these satellite launches were done using the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket.
Notably, the PSLV rocket achieved a remarkable feat by deploying 104 satellites into orbit in a single flight.
2. ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan Rover Confirms Presence of Sulfur on Moon
Tags: Science and Technology
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed the presence of sulfur on the Moon's surface through the Pragyan rover module of Chandrayaan-3.
An Overview of the News
This important discovery is the result of in-situ recordings made near the Moon's south pole.
The confirmation of sulfur has essential implications for understanding the elemental composition of the Moon and its geological history.
About Pragyan Rover
Lunar Rover: Pragyan is a lunar rover designed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) as a component of the lunar exploration project Chandrayaan-3.
Previous attempt: In an earlier attempt, an earlier version of the rover was included in the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Launched on July 22, 2019, the rover was lost along with its lander Vikram due to an accident on the Moon on September 6.
Chandrayaan-3 Launch: The next mission, Chandrayaan-3, was launched on July 14, 2023. It carried updated versions of both the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover.
Successful Landing: The Chandrayaan-3 mission was crowned with success when its Vikram lander and Pragyan rover successfully landed around the Moon's south pole on August 23.
3. World's first ethanol-powered car unveiled by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Tags: Science and Technology
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the world's first car that runs entirely on ethanol in New Delhi, marking a historic moment for India's energy landscape.
An Overview of the News
The car is the first Stage-II BS-VI electrified flex-fuel vehicle, which runs entirely on ethanol as a fuel source.
Currently, India's oil import bill stands at Rs 16 lakh crore, which highlights the need to curb this expenditure.
Addressing environmental concerns, Minister Gadkari underlined the need for sustainable solutions, stressing that 40 percent of pollution is generated from the transport sector.
Ethanol blending not only reduces pollution but also has the potential to increase India's agricultural growth by 12 to 20 percent, thereby creating several employment opportunities.
Significant Benefits of Ethanol Blending
Financial savings: Estimated annual savings of Rs 35 thousand crore in import cost through the implementation of 20 percent ethanol blending.
Exceeding targets: India achieved 10 percent ethanol blending ahead of its 2022 target, leading to a revised target of 20 percent ethanol blending by 2026, five years ahead of the original target of 2030.
Accelerated timeline: To further promote ethanol blending, the government has accelerated its timeline and increased the target of achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to 2025.
Nationwide Availability: There is a plan to make 20 percent ethanol blended petrol (E20) widely accessible across India by 2025.
Advances in ethanol blending and its benefits
History of Biofuel Blending: Government efforts to integrate biofuel blending began earlier, with a limited success rate of 1.53 percent under the previous administration.
Remarkable progress: The present government has increased the ethanol blending from 1.53 percent to 10.17 percent by July 2022, which shows substantial progress in this initiative.
Empowering farmers: Ethanol blending has contributed to farmers earning Rs 82,000 crore, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India.
Flex-Fuel Technology: The newly introduced flex-fuel technology allows higher levels of ethanol blending in petrol, over 20 percent. The technology aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable mobility, and reduce dependence on conventional fuel sources.
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Hardeep Singh Puri
4. Aditya-L1 Space Observatory: Studying the Sun from Space
Tags: Science and Technology
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch Aditya-L1, India's first space-based observatory designed to study the Sun.
An Overview of the News
The launch is scheduled for 2 September 2023 at 11:50 a.m. from the Sriharikota Space Station in Andhra Pradesh.
ISRO will use the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C57 (PSLV-C57) for the Aditya L1 mission.
The satellite will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point L1 within the Sun-Earth system, which is located approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.
The journey to reach the Lagrange point is estimated to take about four months.
A major advantage of this halo orbit around the L1 point is that it provides an unobstructed view of solar activity, without interference from astronomical events such as eclipses.
Objectives and Scope of Aditya L1 Mission
After the success of Chandrayaan 3, ISRO has launched the ambitious Aditya L1 mission.
The primary objective of the Aditya L1 mission is to conduct a comprehensive study of the solar wind and the Sun's atmosphere.
The satellite will carry seven different payloads aimed at observing different layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and outermost corona.
The mission aims to enhance our understanding of several solar phenomena, such as coronal heating, coronal mass ejection (CME), pre-flare and flare activities, as well as the dynamics of solar weather.
Additionally, the mission will contribute to the investigation of particle and field propagation within the interplanetary medium.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launched its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters - Bengaluru
Chairman - S Somnath
5. First ABDM Microsite Launched in Mizoram
Tags: Science and Technology
National Health Authority (NHA) inaugurated the ABDM microsite in Aizawl, Mizoram as part of the 100 microsites project.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the ABDM microsite is to accelerate the adoption of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) across India.
Mizoram is the lead state operating the ABDM microsite.
The initiative aims to transform health facilities including private clinics, small hospitals, and laboratories into ABDM-enabled establishments that provide digital health services.
Appointment of Interfacing Agency in Mizoram
The implementation of the ABDM microsite in Aizawl has been entrusted to "Youth for Action" appointed as the interfacing agency.
His role includes overseeing the successful execution of the ABDM microsite at Aizawl.
Significance of the 100 Microsites Project
CEO of NHA underlines the paramount importance of the 100 microsites project under ABDM.
This initiative has the potential to revolutionize healthcare digitization and encourage active participation of small and medium-scale healthcare providers.
Enhanced Patient Experience
Patients can seamlessly link their health records with Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
Access and sharing of health records is facilitated through ABDM-enabled personal health record (PHR) applications on mobile devices.
Learning from Pilot Projects
Previous pilot projects in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat have contributed to shaping the architecture of the wider 100 Microsites project under ABDM.
States like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh are also making significant progress in implementing ABDM microsites.
6. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launches Tele-Law 2.0
Tags: Science and Technology
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched Tele-Law- 2.0 on August 25, 2023, in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hosted the Tele-Law 2.0 event at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi.
The event marks the achievement of helping 5 million citizens and highlights the use of technology in providing pre-litigation advice to the public.
Tele-law services are being integrated with legal representation services under the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono) program.
This integration streamlines access to legal advice, assistance, and representation through a unified registration process on the Tele-Law platform.
The event recognizes and honors frontline workers who play a vital role in providing legal services directly to the people.
The event has been organized by the Department of Justice in association with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.
The event is in line with the government's vision to strengthen the legal aid ecosystem and ensure equitable access to justice for all.
Important components of organizing include:
Screening of a documentary showing the journey of tele-law from 2017 to 2022.
"Tele-Law-2.0" is being launched, which combines the Tele-Law and Nyay Bandhu apps, Also an e-tutorial has been released.
Unveiling of “Voices of Beneficiaries”, a compilation of firsthand experiences shared by people who have benefited from Tele-Law.
Presenting the "Achievers Catalogue", which acknowledges outstanding performers such as Paralegal Volunteers, Village Entrepreneurs, Panel Lawyers, and State Coordinators for the years 2022-2023 and April to June 2023.
7. India declares August 23 as National Space Day in honor of Chandrayaan-3's moon landing
Tags: Science and Technology
On 26 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the designation of 23 August as National Space Day in honor of India's Chandrayaan-3 moon landing.
An Overview of the News
The specific spot where Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon will be named 'Shivshakti', and the spot where Chandrayaan-2 landed will be called 'Tiranga Point'.
PM Modi made this announcement during his visit to the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Chandrayaan-3 Achievements:
On 23 August 2023, Chandrayaan-3 achieved a historic feat by becoming the first mission to land on the South Pole of the Moon.
Mission goals included a safe lunar landing, rover maneuverability, and the performance of scientific experiments on-site.
India has now joined the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China in successfully landing on the Moon.
Objectives of Chandrayaan-3:
Chandrayaan-3 is set to operate on the lunar surface for one lunar day (equivalent to 14 Earth days).
The Pragyan rover will detect, conduct experiments, and transmit the data to the lander within a radius of 500 meters around the landing site.
The Vikram lander will relay data and images to the orbiter, which will then transmit them back to Earth.
Both the lander and the rover carry advanced scientific instruments for a variety of lunar investigations including terrain analysis, mineralogical composition, surface chemistry, atmospheric studies, and water/resource exploration.
Additional Payloads and Studies:
The propulsion module that propelled the lander and rover into a 100 km lunar orbit contains the SHAPE payload.
SHAPE (Spectro-Polarimetry of the Habitable Planet Earth) is designed to study the spectral and polarimetric characteristics of Earth from the orbit of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-1
Chandrayaan-1 was the first Indian lunar probe launched by ISRO.
It was part of the Chandrayaan program and was launched in October 2008 and the mission lasted till August 2009.
Chandrayaan-1 consisted of a Lunar Orbiter and an Impactor.
The Lunar Orbiter conducted scientific research and collected data about the Moon.
The objective of the mission was to make a detailed map of the Moon's surface and study its composition.
Chandrayaan-1 had advanced instruments to test the presence of water ice and minerals.
The spacecraft carried both Indian and international scientific payloads.
Chandrayaan-1 made important discoveries including evidence of water molecules on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-2:
India's second lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO.
Components: Lunar Orbiter, Vikram Lander, and Pragyan Rover.
Scientific Objective: Study the composition of the lunar surface and find lunar water.
Launch: July 22, 2019, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
Landing Site: Intended for the south polar region of the Moon at a latitude of 70°S.
Planned Landing Date: September 6, 2019
Landing Result: The lander crashed due to a software glitch.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launched its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters - Bengaluru
Chairman - S Somnath
8. Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover Begins Lunar Mobility Operations
Tags: Science and Technology
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed that the mobility operation of Pragyan Rover on Chandrayaan-3 has begun.
An Overview of the News
The payload has been activated on the lander module. Both the lander and the rover instruments will now analyze the mineralogical composition of the Moon and detect seismic activities in its atmosphere.
Indigenously developed Pragyan Chandra Rover successfully de-lighted from Vikram Lander.
Pragyan Chandra Rover begins the exploration of the lunar surface, making India the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon.
About Chandrayaan:
Chandrayaan-3 is ISRO's third lunar mission after Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Chandrayaan-2 (2019).
Chandrayaan-1 revealed lunar insights, including the presence of water ice.
Chandrayaan-2 was intended to land on the Moon but faced challenges, which led to the deployment of the rover from lunar orbit.
Chandrayaan-3's enhancements and objectives:
Chandrayaan-3 builds on the successes of earlier missions and addresses the challenges.
The lander has an advanced braking system for controlled landing.
The rover boasts advanced capabilities and scientific instruments as compared to the rover of Chandrayaan-2.
9. Dr. Jitendra Singh unveils the unique 'NAMOH 108' lotus and launches Lotus Mission along with innovative initiatives
Tags: Science and Technology
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a new 'Lotus flower variety named 'Namoh 108' developed by CSIR-NBRI in Lucknow. This lotus has an extraordinary 108 petals and holds religious and symbolic significance.
An Overview of the News
The unveiling of 'NAMOH 108' is seen as a special gift to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedicated ten years in office.
The Lotus Mission was also launched on the occasion and this project, like other priority schemes, aims to achieve specific goals. For example, the National Honey and Bee Mission, the National Bamboo Mission, and many other missions were mentioned.
The unique 'Namoh 108' lotus variety blooms from March to December, rich in nutrients. In particular, its whole genome sequencing has been completed to better understand its characteristics.
Under the Lotus research program, NBRI in collaboration with FFDC, Kannauj introduced a garment made of lotus fiber and a perfume named 'Frotas' extracted from lotus flowers.
Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the CSIR-NBRI Digital Herbarium, a repository of botanical specimens of India, and released books on roses, plant resources of Uttar Pradesh, and an e-flora guide.
Collaborative research on cotton was initiated through an MoU between CSIR-NBRI and M/s Nucleome Informatics, Hyderabad.
The event showcased state-of-the-art research, technologies, and products developed by NBRI through a six-day theme-based exhibition. It served to highlight his achievements to various stakeholders.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Shashani, Director, NBRI welcomed Dr. Jitendra Singh and acknowledged the transformative impact of the 'One Week One Lab' initiative in showcasing CSIR achievements.
10. Union Minister launches Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
Tags: Science and Technology
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During the concluding day of the G20 Health Ministers' meeting held in Gandhinagar on 19th August 2023, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the 'Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)', a network managed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
An Overview of the News
The launch event was graced by the presence of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, who attended the launch of GIDH.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the G20 Chair of India leveraged its expertise in setting up a national digital health framework by coordinating various digital health interventions.
Apart from the launch of GIDH, Dr. Mandaviya also unveiled the World Bank's flagship report 'Digital-in-Health - Unlocking Value for Everyone'.
Discussion focus areas during the three-day meeting:
Health Emergency Preparedness and Response: There is a special emphasis on combating antimicrobial resistance and adopting the One Health framework.
Strengthening Pharmaceutical Sector Cooperation: Enhancing cooperation within the pharmaceutical sector to address common challenges.
Digital health innovation: exploring innovative approaches in the realm of digital health to improve health care outcomes.
