- A TOWERING FIGURE IN INDIA’S SCIENTIFIC EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
SUBJECT: PERSONALITY
- Dr. Kasturirangan was the fifth Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation from 1994 to 2003. He was also the Secretary, Department of Space, for over nine years.
- Dr. Kasturirangan is credited with transforming ISRO’s focus from experimental to operational space services, making space technology accessible to various sectors and the public.
- His tenure saw significant advancements in satellite communication(INSAT series), remote sensing(IRS series), and meteorological applications(METSAT, OCEANSAT).
- He was the project director of India’s first two experimental earth observation satellites BHASKARA-I & II.
- He steered the first operational Indian Remote Sensing satellite IRS-1A.
- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)was launched and operationalised.
- The first successful flight testing of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)took place under his leadership.
- Emphasized the societal benefits of space technology, extending its reach to tele education(EDUSAT), telemedicine, and communication
- The National Natural Resource Management System (NNRMS), utilizing remote sensing data, was established during his tenure to aid in agriculture, forestry, water resource management, and urban planning. He spear headed and laid the groundwork for the Chandrayaan-I mission, India’s first lunar probe.
2. A CHANCE FOR INDIA’S CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM TO MAKE WAVES
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- India possesses significant demographic and technological advantages to become a global hub for the media and entertainment(M&E) industry.
- Initiatives like the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES)2025 in Mumbai aim to foster this growth by attracting investors and showcasing Indian creativity.
- India’s rich storytelling tradition, diverse arts, and technological advancements in areas like VFX and animation are key strengths.
- The government is also actively supporting the M&E sector to drive innovation and create a dynamic ecosystem.
- The convergence of technology and creativity is opening new avenues in immersive media like VR, AR, and the metaverse.
3. PAKISTAN MUST ELIMINATE THE TERROR GROUPS WORKING ON ITS SOIL
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- India’s Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) has decided on strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Measures include canceling the visa of Pakistani nationals, suspending the Attari-Wagah border Integrated Check Post (ICP), and stating no engagement with Pakistan unless it acts against terror groups.
- India will also push for the suspension of the Permanent Indus Commission meeting and site visits for Indus Waters Treaty projects.
- Pakistan’s response, attributing Indian measures to internal compulsions, has been dismissive of India’s concerns about terrorism.
- India emphasizes the need for Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil and take credible action against perpetrators.
4. TEACHING CHILDREN TO EAT WELL MUST BEGIN IN SCHOOL
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- The United Nations General Assembly’s Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025)emphasizes the need for global efforts to end all forms of malnutrition.
- A key aspect is addressing the nutritional needs of children from their first1,000 days through adolescence.
- Experts advocate for integrating comprehensive nutrition education into the school curriculum from the pre-school level onwards.
- This education should cover healthy food choices, dietary diversity, understanding food systems, and the impact of food on health and the environment.
- Schools can play a vital role in shaping lifelong healthy eating habits and addressing the rising burden of malnutrition and diet-related diseases. Poor dietary habits are linked to various health problems, including malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases.
- Early nutrition education can help children make informed food choices, reducing their susceptibility to these issues.
- Schools can create supportive environments by providing healthy meals, offering cooking lessons, and involving families in nutrition initiatives.
5. INDIA, FRANCE TO FINALISE RS.63000 CR DEAL FOR 26 RAFALE M JETS ON APRIL 28
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- India and France are set to formally announce a ₹63,000 crore (approximately$7.6 billion) government-to-government deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets on April 28th.
- The deal includes22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainer aircraft compatible with aircraft carriers.
- The signing ceremony will be attended by the French Ambassador in India and the Indian Defence Minister. Delivery of the jets is expected to commence in three-and-a-half years and be completed within six-and-a-half years.
- This acquisition aims to enhance the Indian Navy’s air power capabilities, particularly for its aircraft carriers.
