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    Science and Technology, Important Development for Competitive Exams. 

    Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return to Earth

    After an extended mission of 286 days in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore safely returned to Earth on March 18, 2025. Their journey back marked the conclusion of an extraordinary mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

    Key Highlights:

    • Mission Duration: Originally planned as an eight-day mission starting in June 2024, their stay was extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule.
    • Return Journey: The astronauts traveled aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which successfully splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast.
    • Achievements: During their extended mission, the duo conducted critical scientific experiments, performed equipment repairs, and participated in spacewalks. Sunita Williams set a record for the most career spacewalking time by a female astronaut, logging 62 hours over nine excursions.

    ISRO conducts flight acceptance hot test of Cryogenic Engine for LVM3 launch vehicle 

    ISRO has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test of the cryogenic engine for the LVM3-M6 mission at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

    The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle, and each mission’s cryogenic engine undergoes hot testing before flight.

    ISRO stated that an innovative test method has reduced setup time and effort, enabling faster delivery of cryogenic stages.

    The CE20 engine performed as expected, meeting all test objectives. It will now be integrated into the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the LVM3-M6 mission, set for the second half of 2025.

    ISRO completes SpaDEx Undocking Experiment

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completes the undocking experiment under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEx) mission. This marks a significant milestone in developing autonomous docking and undocking technologies, essential for future space stations, deep-space missions, and satellite servicing.

    Key Highlights of SpaDEx Mission:

    ✅ Satellites Involved: SDX-01 (Chaser) & SDX-02 (Target)
    ✅ Undocking Date: March 13, 2025
    ✅ Orbit Altitude: 460 km with 45° inclination
    ✅ Successful power transfer between satellites before undocking – a crucial step for long-term space operations

    This accomplishment places India alongside global space leaders like the United States, Russia, and China, proving ISRO’s technical excellence in orbital docking and separation.

    Future Missions Boosted by SpaDEx

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO, emphasizing that this achievement will pave the way for major upcoming missions, including:
    🚀 Bharatiya Antriksh Station (India’s future space station)
    🌕 Chandrayaan-4 (Next lunar mission)
    👨‍🚀 Gaganyaan (India’s first human spaceflight program)

    SpaceX-NASA Crew-10 Mission Launched to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

    SpaceX and NASA have launched the Crew-10 mission to bring back US astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months.

    🔹 Launch Date: 14 March 2025
    🔹 Rocket: Falcon 9
    🔹 Spacecraft: Dragon
    🔹 Mission: Crew-10

    This mission not only aims to rescue Williams and Wilmore but also delivers four new astronauts to the ISS:
    ✅ Anne McClain & Nichole Ayers (NASA)
    ✅ Takuya Onishi (JAXA – Japan)
    ✅ Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos – Russia)

    Why Were Williams & Wilmore Stranded?

    🛰️ They arrived at the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, which was meant to be a short test flight.
    ⚠️ However, helium leaks & thruster failures led to months of investigation, delaying their return.

    NASA & Boeing’s Efforts

    After extensive analysis, NASA and Boeing, along with SpaceX, devised a solution to safely return the astronauts. The Crew-10 mission is a significant step in ensuring the success of future space operations.

    India’s Web3 Ecosystem Surges with 4.7 Million New Developers in 2024

    India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in Web3, with a report (March 2025) predicting it will become the largest hub for Web3 developers by 2028.

    The ‘India Web3 Landscape’ report by Hashed Emergent highlights that in 2024, 4.7 million Indian developers joined GitHub, accounting for 17% of all new Web3 developers globally, making India the second-largest base for crypto developers.

    Key development areas include gaming, NFTs, DeFi, and RWAs. Over half of Indian Web3 developers joined in the past two years, and most are under 27 years old.

    Hackathons and university partnerships in Odisha, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, and Kerala are helping introduce blockchain technology to students.

    India ranks third globally in Web3 startup founders, with over 1,200 startups. Investor confidence has surged, with a 109% increase in funding in 2024, totaling $564 million.

    The report highlights AI, RWAs, and staking solutions as major investment drivers, with both global and local venture capital firms heavily investing in Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain projects.

    Reliance Jio has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer Starlink’s satellite-based internet services in India

    Reliance Jio, a leading telecommunications company in India, announced on March 12, 2025, that it has entered into a significant agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite-based internet services to the country. This partnership aims to enhance internet connectivity across India, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking.

    Under the agreement, Jio will make Starlink equipment available through its retail outlets and online platforms, providing installation support to customers. This collaboration is expected to complement Jio’s existing broadband services, such as JioFiber and JioAirFiber, by extending high-speed internet access to even the most challenging locations.

    The deal, however, is contingent upon SpaceX receiving the necessary regulatory approvals from the Indian government. Once approved, this partnership could revolutionize India’s internet landscape, offering reliable and affordable broadband services to millions of people.

    This move comes shortly after Jio’s rival, Bharti Airtel, signed a similar agreement with SpaceX, signaling a competitive push towards satellite-based internet services in India. Both telecom giants are now poised to leverage Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to bridge the digital divide and ensure seamless connectivity across the nation.

    India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, “Sṛjanam”, at AIIMS New Delhi

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, “Sṛjanam”, at AIIMS New Delhi on 10 February 2025. Developed by CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, this pioneering technology aims to transform biomedical waste management in healthcare facilities.

    The Sṛjanam rig disinfects pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, and laboratory disposables without using incinerators, reducing environmental impact. It also neutralizes foul odors, replacing them with a pleasant fragrance. With an initial capacity of 400 kg per day, it processes 10 kg of degradable medical waste daily.

    Dr. Singh emphasized India’s shift from “fragile five” to “First Five” in economic growth and highlighted the rig’s role in sustainability and waste-to-wealth transformation.

    NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) Major Achievements and Future Missions

    On February 6, 2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Space, stated in the Rajya Sabha that space sector reforms have unlocked India’s commercial potential in space. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, has been instrumental in boosting industry participation in space-related activities.

    Key Achievements of NSIL:

    • Successfully launched GSAT-N1 (GSAT-24) in June 2022 for DTH services.
    • Launched GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) in November 2024 for broadband services (currently in-orbit testing).
    • Successfully launched 124 international and 3 Indian customer satellites using PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV.
    • Operates 15 in-orbit communication satellites providing services for DTH, broadband, and TV.
    • Disseminating Earth Observation satellite data globally since May 2023.
    • Provided 11 launch vehicle tracking supports and 9 early orbit phase (LEOP) & TTC supports for Indian and international customers.
    • Signed 75 Technology Transfer Agreements to transfer ISRO-developed technologies to Indian industries.
    • NSIL is a profit-making company with increasing revenues since its inception in 2019.

    Upcoming Missions:

    • GSAT-N3 (Q1 2026): To meet India’s S-Band communication needs.
    • First fully industry-made PSLV (Q2 2025): Produced by HAL-L&T consortium.

    Dr. Singh emphasized that India aims to expand its commercial space business, including satellite and rocket manufacturing, launch services, and space-based applications. The space sector reforms since June 2020 have enabled NSIL to operate under a demand-driven model, strengthening India’s presence in the global space market.

    ISRO Celebrates 100th Launch Milestone with NVS-02 Success

    On January 29, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NVS-02 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission, conducted using the GSLV-F15 rocket, marks ISRO’s 100th launch from Sriharikota.

    The NVS-02 satellite is part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, aimed at enhancing India’s space-based navigation services. The satellite will provide accurate positioning services for various sectors, including transportation, defense, and logistics.

    India set to launch first human-operated underwater submersible under Deep Ocean Mission

    India is set to launch its first human-operated underwater submersible in 2025 as part of the Deep Ocean Mission.

    Depth Capabilities: Initially designed for a depth of up to 500 meters, with plans to extend to 6,000 meters by next year.

    Mission Objectives: Explore underwater resources, enhance knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems, and advance India’s blue economy.

    Resource Identification: Aim to identify critical minerals, rare metals, and undiscovered marine biodiversity with economic and environmental implications.

    Sustainability: Contribute to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.

    Pixxel Space Launches World’s Highest-Resolution Hyperspectral Satellites

    Pixxel Space, a Bengaluru-based startup backed by Google, launched its first private satellite constellation, Firefly, on January 14, 2025, using a SpaceX rocket from California.

    Key Features: Firefly consists of six satellites, making it the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging constellation. The satellites observe Earth in over 150 spectral bands, capturing detailed data for various applications.

    Applications:

    • Agriculture: Monitoring vegetation health.
    • Mining: Identifying mineral compositions.
    • Environmental Monitoring: Tracking water quality and atmospheric changes.
    • Defense: Enhancing surveillance capabilities.

    Future Plans: Three additional satellites to be launched in the next two months and Expansion to a 24-satellite constellation by 2029.

    The technology enables precise detection of chemical, biological, and environmental changes, marking a major advancement in hyperspectral imaging.

    SpaDeX Mission Successful: India Becomes Fourth Country to Achieve Space Docking

    On 16 January 2025, ISRO announced that India successfully achieved space docking under the SpaDeX mission, becoming the fourth country in the world to do so, after Russia, the USA, and China.

    Mission Details: The mission demonstrated the docking, undocking, and power transfer capabilities between two satellites in low-Earth orbit. It involved maneuvering, precise docking, retraction, and stabilizing the docked satellites as a single unit.

    Future Applications: The success of SpaDeX will support ambitious projects like the Indian Space Station and Chandrayaan-4. It showcased critical technologies for in-space robotics, spacecraft control, and payload operations.

    Leadership and Indigenous Technology: The project was led by N. Surendran and featured the fully indigenous Bharatiya Docking System.

    Launch Details: SpaDeX was launched on 30 December 2024 aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket along with other payloads.

    Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota approve by Cabinet

    Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota: On 16 January 2025, Cabinet approved a Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at a cost of ₹3985 crore.

    The project aims to support Next Generation Launch Vehicles, human spaceflight missions, and increase launch capacity for ISRO.

    India Joins UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics

    India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics.

    Purpose: The committee focuses on setting global standards and practices for using big data and data science in official statistics.

    India’s Contribution: India will showcase its initiatives, such as the establishment of the Data Innovation Lab and the exploration of alternative data sources.

    Committee Objective: The UN Committee investigates the benefits and challenges of big data, including its use in monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals (SDGs).

    ArabPlast 2025: India Leads Charge in Sustainable Plastics

    The 17th edition of ArabPlast, West Asia’s premier trade exhibition for plastics and petrochemicals, opened on January 7, 2025, in Dubai, with India emerging as a key player in sustainable manufacturing. Running through January 9, 2025, the event has attracted over 750 exhibitors from 12 international pavilions, focusing on innovations in plastics, recycling, petrochemicals, packaging, and rubber industries.

    India’s delegation, led by the Plastic Export Promotion Council of India (PLEXCONCIL), includes 125 companies, a 70% increase from the previous edition. This underscores India’s growing role in the global plastics sector and commitment to sustainable practices and the circular economy. Vikram Bhaduria, Chairman of PLEXCONCIL, highlighted the potential for expanding Indo-UAE trade relations.

    The event emphasizes environmental sustainability, with Indian companies showcasing biodegradable plastics and advanced recycling technologies. The GCC petrochemical sector, generating over $100 billion in annual revenues, is also a key focus.

    Inaugurated by Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, ArabPlast 2025 solidifies Dubai’s status as a global hub for industrial innovation and sustainable development, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore new technologies and forge partnerships.

    IndiaAI Partners with Microsoft to Accelerate AI and Skilling in India

    IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under Digital India Corporation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft on January 8, 2025, to boost Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and development in India. This collaboration aligns with the core objectives of the India AI Mission. Here are the key highlights:

    Skilling 500,000 individuals: By 2026, Microsoft will work with IndiaAI to train students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs.

    AI Catalysts: Establishing a Center of Excellence to promote rural AI innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, impacting 100,000 AI innovators through hackathons, community building, and an AI marketplace.

    AI Productivity Labs: Setting up labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes/NIELIT centers across 10 states to train 20,000 educators and empower 100,000 students with foundational AI courses in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

    AI-enabled solutions for critical sectors: Leveraging Microsoft Research’s expertise.

    Founders Hub program: Providing benefits to up to 1,000 AI startups, including Azure credits, business resources, and mentorship.

    Indic language models: Developing models with support for India’s linguistic diversity.

    Datasets platform: Building tools for dataset curation, annotation, and synthetic data generation.

    AI frameworks and standards: Collaborating on responsible AI development and supporting an AI Safety Institute in India.

    PSLV-C60: India’s Leap Forward in Space Docking Technology with SpaDeX

    The PSLV-C60 mission was launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

    Mission Objective: The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), in a low-Earth circular orbit.

    SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment): SpaDeX is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission aimed at developing and demonstrating the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft.

    Significance: This mission is historic as it aims to make India the fourth country globally to master space docking technology. This capability is crucial for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, the Indian space station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.

    Payloads: The PSLV-C60 carried 24 experimental payloads contributed by academia and startups. These payloads include high-resolution imaging, multi-spectral imaging for vegetation studies, and radiation monitoring.

    Technological Milestones: The mission incorporates several cutting-edge technologies such as a compact docking mechanism, laser range finders, power transfer technology, and inter-satellite communication systems.

    Future Operations: Docking operations are set to begin, with the final docking expected by January 7, 2025. Post-docking, electrical power transfer will be tested before the satellites operate their individual payloads for up to two years.

    Smart India Hackathon 2024: A Platform for Technological Innovation

    The Smart India Hackathon 2024 concluded successfully with multiple teams from across India emerging as winners across various categories. The event was held at multiple nodal centres, including the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur, and IIT Jammu, among others.

    Key Highlights:

    1. Winners in Mumbai: Teams such as Team Terabyte (Girijananda Chaudhary University Guwahati), Team Shiledar (Datta Meghe College of Engineering Navi Mumbai), and others were recognized for their solutions in problem statements like ‘Conversational Image Recognition Chatbot’, ‘Women Safety Analytics’, and ‘AI-based solution for traffic management’.
    2. Participation: A total of 34 teams consisting of 204 students participated at Welingkar Institute in Mumbai, working on problem statements provided by various ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Science and Technology.
    3. NIT Srinagar: Hosted the Grand Finale for the first time, with six teams emerging as top performers from the 51 nodal centers across the country.
    4. Awards in Agriculture: Prizes for agriculture problem statements were bagged by institutions like Welingkar Institute of Management, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Yashwant Rao Chavan Engineering at IIT-Hyderabad.
    5. Other Winners: NIT Silchar and IIIT Nagpur won prizes for their solutions on oil spills and beach recreation suitability, respectively, at Vardhaman College of Engineering in Hyderabad. Datta Meghe College of Engineering, IIIT and Management Institute Gwalior, and others also received accolades for Earth Sciences problem statements.
    6. IIT Jammu: The Grand Finale saw 28 teams tackling critical cybersecurity challenges, with six teams receiving ₹ 1 lakh prizes.
    7. Notable Guests: The closing ceremonies were graced by dignitaries such as Professor Manoj Singh Gaur, Satish Kaul, Sunit Kumar, and Sandeep Sharma.

    Conclusion:
    The Smart India Hackathon 2024 fostered innovation among young minds, addressing real-world challenges across various sectors. The event highlighted the importance of such initiatives in driving technological advancements and aligning with India’s vision of a technologically advanced future.

    ISRO launches PSLV C-59 carrying ESA’s PROBA-3 from Sriharikota

    On 5 December 2024, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV C-59 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 16:04 IST, carrying the PROBA-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit. The mission, a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), is managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm.

    The PROBA-3 mission, an in-orbit demonstration, involves two satellites launched in a stacked configuration to showcase advanced technologies such as precise satellite positioning, formation flying, and proximity operations. These satellites, weighing a combined 545 kg, were placed in orbit 18 minutes after launch and will fly in close formation to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere).

    This launch underscores ISRO’s expertise in commercial satellite missions, with PSLV C-59 marking the second ESA satellite launch using an Indian rocket.

    Shukrayaan Mission: ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite Scheduled for Launch in 2028

    ISRO has received approval from the Indian government for the Shukrayaan mission, a Venus Orbiting Satellite set to launch in 2028. Announced by ISRO Director Nilesh Desai, the mission will enhance India’s planetary exploration capabilities.

    Desai also revealed plans for Chandrayaan 4, a collaborative mission with Japan, aiming for a precise landing at the Moon’s south pole by 2030, pending approval. This mission will feature a heavier rover weighing 350 kg, significantly larger than Chandrayaan 3’s.

    ISRO is advancing its INSAT 4 series for improved weather forecasting and communication, incorporating advanced sensors and satellites to match global technological standards in meteorology and oceanography.

    Future plans include a Mars mission with both orbital and surface exploration goals, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, with an unmanned flight expected in two years, followed by a manned mission.

    The Indian government has also approved the construction of a space station, with the first module set for 2028 and full completion by 2035. The space station will serve as a transit hub for future lunar missions, aligning with India’s goal to land on the Moon by 2040.

    Scientists at JNCASR identify new pathway for Monkeypox detection and diagnostics

    Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have discovered a novel method to detect and develop diagnostic tools for the Monkeypox virus (MPV). They identified and characterized G-quadruplex sequences (GQs) within the MPV genome, which are unique nucleic acid structures absent in other pox viruses, pathogens, or the human genome.

    This discovery holds potential for creating diagnostic tools and antiviral therapies, as these GQs can be targeted using small-molecule fluorescent probes. The Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized that this work is significant given the global concerns about MPV’s unanticipated spread, unclear transmission modes, and symptoms. The research offers valuable insights into MPV virology and aids in developing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

    India Launches First Indigenous Antibiotic, Nafithromycin, to Combat Drug-Resistant Infections

    On 20 November 2024, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic, to combat drug-resistant infections. Speaking at the launch event in New Delhi, he highlighted that the three-day treatment regimen of Nafithromycin is a breakthrough in addressing drug-resistant pneumonia, a condition causing over two million deaths annually.

    Developed with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under the Department of Biotechnology, the drug is marketed under the trade name Miqnaf. This Made-in-India antibiotic is a significant step in tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), marking a milestone in India’s pharmaceutical innovation.

    ISRO Launches GSAT-20 via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, USA

    ISRO successfully launched its advanced communications satellite GSAT-20 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, USA, on 18 November 2024. The satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is one of India’s heaviest and will provide broadband services in remote areas and in-flight Internet on passenger aircraft.

    1. First-time collaboration with SpaceX: ISRO launched GSAT-20 through its commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL).
    2. Reason for choosing SpaceX: India’s LVM-3 rocket, or “Bahubali,” cannot carry such a heavy payload, and French provider Arianespace lacks operational rockets currently. SpaceX’s Falcon-9, capable of launching up to 8.3 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit, was chosen.
    3. Operational Lifespan: GSAT-20 will operate for 14 years.
    4. Satellite status: It is healthy, and its solar panels have been deployed.

    This marks a significant milestone in ISRO’s efforts to enhance satellite-based broadband connectivity.

    World’s first CO₂-to-methanol conversion plant at NTPC Vindhyachal

    On November 8, 2024, NTPC, India’s largest power producer, marked its 50th anniversary by inaugurating the world’s first CO₂-to-methanol conversion plant at its Vindhyachal facility. NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh called this a “historic step” in carbon management and sustainable fuel production.

    The company is advancing various green technologies, including Gen-4 ethanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel. Additionally, NTPC has developed the first indigenous catalyst for methanol synthesis and is progressing in hydrogen and carbon capture innovations. At the event, NTPC also introduced hydrogen-fueled buses in Leh and launched new IT applications.

    World’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat was launched into space by Japan

    On November 5, 2024, Japan launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, into space to test wood’s viability as a space-grade material. Developed by Kyoto University researchers, LignoSat is made from honoki wood, traditionally used for sword sheaths.

    After a 10-month experiment on the ISS, honoki was found to be the most suitable timber for space applications. Constructed using a traditional Japanese technique without screws or glue, LignoSat will orbit Earth for six months, testing wood’s resilience to extreme temperatures (-100 to 100°C) and its potential to shield semiconductors from space radiation.

    ISRO launch India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh

    ISRO has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, simulating life in an interplanetary habitat to advance India’s lunar and interplanetary mission goals. Analog missions are conducted in Earth locations with conditions that mimic space environments, helping to test and solve challenges for space research. Ladakh’s dry, cold climate and high-altitude terrain resemble Martian and lunar landscapes, making it ideal for such a mission.

    The month-long mission includes a compact, inflatable habitat named Hab-1, equipped with a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation, creating a self-sustaining environment. This setup offers insights into sustaining human life for long-term space missions to the Moon and Mars. Collaboratively organized by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, the mission also leverages Ladakh’s low-oxygen, low-pressure conditions to evaluate life support systems, essential for future interplanetary missions.

    AIIMS Delhi starts GRASSROOT trial to evaluate advanced stent retriever for stroke treatment

    On October 28, 2024, AIIMS Delhi announced the start of the GRASSROOT clinical trial in New Delhi. This trial will test the safety and effectiveness of a new stent retriever designed for treating stroke clots. AIIMS explained that this device is specifically made to address the needs of stroke patients in India.

    Dr. Sailesh Gaikwad, Head of Neurosciences at AIIMS, stated that the trial aims to improve stroke recovery and set new standards for stroke care. He also mentioned that the treatment would be affordable to make it accessible to more patients in India and globally.

    India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held in New Delhi, from 15 to 18 October 2024

    The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, concluded on 18 October 2024. The four-day event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 October, brought together over 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from more than 190 countries. On the final day, discussions focused on collaboration to drive digital transformation and innovation.

    The 8th edition of IMC highlighted India’s innovation ecosystem, with advancements in 6G, quantum technology, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and green tech. The event featured 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, and over 900 technology use cases. It hosted 100 sessions, with more than 600 speakers. On the final day, discussions centered on AI governance and strategies for future regulation and policy.

    SpaceX Starship Rocket Catches Reusable Booster

    On 14 October 2024, SpaceX achieved a major milestone by catching the massive booster stage of its Starship rocket using robotic arms as it returned to the launchpad in southern Texas. After liftoff, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned, while the upper stage was scheduled to splash down in the Indian Ocean.

    The Starship rocket, at 71 meters tall, is the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever built and is designed to be fully and rapidly reusable. This breakthrough is part of SpaceX’s goal to develop a reusable rocket system similar to airplanes, capable of landing, refueling, and launching again within hours. The success of this reusable system is crucial for reducing space travel costs and facilitating more frequent missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

    NASA launches Europa Clipper to Jupiter’s moon Europa

    On October 14, 2024, NASA launched the Europa Clipper, its largest spacecraft for a planetary mission. The mission’s goal is to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, specifically to determine if its subsurface ocean, hidden beneath a thick layer of ice, could support life.

    The solar-powered robotic probe will travel 2.9 billion kilometers over 5 years and 6 months, reaching Jupiter in 2030. Once there, it will operate in the intense radiation environment of Jupiter, the solar system’s largest planet, focusing on studying Europa’s potential habitability.

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