The challenging task of entering the earth’s atmosphere from orbit

•  A series of carefully calculated manoeuvres ensure that the spacecraft/crew module is at the perfect angle to re-enter the atmosphere to use atmospheric drag to slow down the craft.
• The friction generated when it collides with air molecules creates intense heat―more than 1,000 degrees Celsius. “The sophisticated heat shields are typically made of materials designed to absorb and dissipate heat
• WHEN METEOROIDS ENTER the earth’s atmosphere and burn up, they are called meteors (those that survive become meteorites).
• Meteors are almost entirely vaporised and the bright trails they leave are called shooting stars.
• Being an eye-catching phenomena, shooting stars have become the subject of much superstition―like the belief that seeing them can bring good luck.
• Luckily for astronauts, scientists do not set much store by luck. They rely on precision and cutting-edge technology.
• Many modern spacecraft are designed for touchdowns on land. They might use additional systems like engines that fire in the direction opposite to motion to ensure a soft landing to complete the challenging task of entering the earth’s atmosphere from orbit 
• Gaganyaan crew module will have sophisticated systems that will guide the module during re-entry, ensuring it follows the correct trajectory and lands in the designated area 

Navigating the challenges of prolonged stay in space

• Physically, the microgravity environment leads to muscle atrophy and bone density loss (up to 1 per cent per month), as the lack of gravitational force reduces the need for the body to support itself
• “Additionally, fluid shifts can cause facial puffiness and increased intracranial pressure, sometimes leading to vision problems. The radiation exposure in space is also higher, which increases the long-term risk of cancer
• It is well-known that astronauts are required to exercise daily. “Resistance and cardiovascular exercises are crucial to counteract the effects of microgravity
•  The effect on circadian rhythm is another concern. “There is lack of natural light cycles and the monotonous environment can disrupt circadian rhythm, potentially leading to sleep disorders
•  Also, isolation, confinement and distance from earth can contribute to stress, anxiety and loneliness. “The constant need for vigilance and the high stakes of the mission can contribute to mental fatigue and cognitive decline over time
•  Another important step is monitoring and correcting vision alterations caused by the shifting fluid in the body putting pressure on the optic nerve. Fluid redistribution in microgravity can also affect cognitive function.
• Fluid levels normalise within a few days of returning to earth, typically, but astronauts may still require assessments and support.
• Radiation exposure is another significant concern. Despite the protection offered by the ISS, astronauts are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation because of the lack of the shield that is the earth’s atmosphere.
• This can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Long-term medical surveillance is necessary to monitor potential health issues arising from this exposure
• The brain being confused by the change in gravity leads to space sickness―nausea, vomiting and headaches.
•  However, this condition does not last long. After a few days in space, the brain adapts and space sickness usually goes away. Sometimes, being back on earth can cause a similar condition called gravity sickness.
• Another condition that goes away as the body adjusts in space is swelling in the mucous membranes of the nose, leading to stuffy noses
•  After returning to earth, astronauts may also feel dizzy when they stand up―a result of a form of low blood pressure.
• This happens because of the earth’s gravity making it harder for the heart to pump blood up to the head, compared with space.

India, Sri Lanka decide to ramp up defence, energy, trade ties

·         Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka categorically conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the island nation will not allow its territory to be used against India’s security interests, an assurance that came amid concerns in New Delhi over China’s attempts to increase its military influence over Colombo.

·          Dissanayaka, on a three-day visit to India, held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Modi that saw both sides deciding to soon conclude a defence cooperation agreement and ramp up energy ties by establishing electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines.

·         Highlights of the meeting:

·         In the meeting, Modi conveyed to Dissanayaka India’s consistent support to the island nation in its quest for economic recovery and stability. 

·         Dissanayaka thanked Modi for India’s support in stabilizing the Sri Lankan economy through unparalleled and multi-pronged assistance including emergency financing and forex support worth $4 billion. He acknowledged India’s crucial assistance in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, including as co-chair of the Official Creditors’ Committee (OCC), as being instrumental in finalising the debt restructuring discussions in a timely manner. 

·          He further thanked the government of India for extending financial assistance of $20.66 million to settle payments due from Sri Lanka for projects completed under existing Lines of Credit thereby significantly reducing the debt burden at a critical time.Modi and Dissanayaka underscored the common challenges faced by the two nations in the Indian Ocean and vowed to work together in countering traditional and non-traditional threats as well as to ensure a free, open, safe and secure region.

·          As a trusted and reliable partner, India conveyed its continued commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka in advancing its defence and maritime security needs and extending necessary assistance towards augmenting its capabilities to address its maritime challenges.

·         The two sides also inked a protocol amending an agreement between the two countries for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. An MoU was inked for training and capacity building programmes for civil servants of Sri Lanka.

 Oil siphoning, illicit trading, terror attacks: Why India requires stricter transport security rules

·         Transport security has, forever been, an area of concern worldwide. It is often due to the fear of tampering with consignments, for terrorism or other illegitimate purposes, including cyber intrusion, criminal attacks aimed at supply chains, and hijacking for financial gain.

·         Compared to the 1990s, attacks on transportation systems all over the globe have more than doubled in the last two decades, prompting the government to discuss future strategies to keep transport systems safe.

·         Security agencies have been brainstorming on the issue for some time now, and one of the proposals being discussed is the need for setting up a Comprehensive Transport Security Framework (CTSF) in the country

·         At the moment, there is no national framework that holistically looks at transport security even though rails, roads, waterways and even pipelines are major hotspots of transport security breaches in the country.

·         The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) for rail security, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for airways, and a three-tier coastal security ring all along the Indian coastline have been set up to safeguard the respective transportation areas.

·         However, the National Road Safety Policy, which highlights the policy initiatives to be taken by the government to improve road safety activities, does not mention any security measures formulated for roads.

·         Besides, police being a state subject, the scope of investigations gets limited when other states are involved. Of late, government sources pointed out that public order is another cause hampering road transportation

·         Meanwhile, pipeline transport security is often threatened due to oil pilferage and oil spills posing a threefold menace — fire hazards, groundwater pollution from percolation, and air pollution due to evaporation. Importantly, such siphoned crude oil is sold to illegal businesses.

·         While roads and railways appear to be significant trading mediums, around 95 per cent of the country’s trading by volume and 70 per cent by value is done through maritime transport, as per government estimates.

·         “Major challenges faced at the ports are inadequate cargo-handling equipment, lesser road networks within the port areas, limited IT systems and inefficiency due to poor hinterland connectivity through rail, road, highways and inland waterways,” said a senior government official.

·         A suggestion to create a unit under the ministry of cooperation that can centrally monitor rules and regulations while guiding all land, water and air transporters is under consideration after it was suggested at a recent gathering of police chiefs and central security agencies.

·         A comprehensive transport security framework can involve multiple stakeholders, it was pointed out.

·         The transport terror history in the country is a long-listed one. Several incidents, including cargo bomb explosion crashing Toronto-Mumbai Air India Flight 182 killing 329 passengers, 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, and the 2019 car-bomb attack on a military convoy in Jammu & Kashmir, raise a question about the country’s transportation security.

Way Forward:

·         Unlike India, many countries possess transportation security units which oversee security-related matters involving transporters. “These models can be studied to learn best practices on creating the proposed framework”.

Migrant workers ‘indispensable’ to global economic growth: UN labour agency

·         The term “international migrants in the labour force” means that persons can be working or unemployed, and more than 155 million had jobs. 

·          International migrants continue to play a vital role in the global labour market, accounting for 4.7 per cent of the labour force in 2022, according to the latest report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

·          The ILO’s ‘Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’, indicates that 167.7 million migrants were part of the labour force of their destination countries in 2022. 

·          Of these, 102.7 million were men and 64.9 million were women (rounded figures). 

·          This represents an increase of more 30 million since 2013, an increase that was mainly observed between 2013-2019.

·          The report underscores the complexities of labour migration and the key need for targeted policies to support international migrants. These include improving access to decent work opportunities and enhancing the protection of migrant workers. 

·          With the majority of migrants employed in high-demand sectors, ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities for fostering sustainable development and inclusive labour markets is a policy priority.

Key points of the report:

·          In today’s globalised economy, more people in search of decent work are looking for job opportunities beyond their home country. The term “international migrants in the labour force” means that persons can be working or unemployed, and more than 155 million had jobs. 

·         The majority of migrants in the labour force were concentrated in high-income countries, which accounted for 68.4 per cent of the total (114.7 million people), followed by 17.4 per cent (29.2 million) in upper-middle-income countries.The majority of migrants in the labour force were concentrated in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe; Northern America; and the Arab States. 

·          The share of migrants in the labour force living in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe increased from 22.5 per cent in 2013 to 23.3 per cent in 2022. In contrast, the share of migrants in the labour force of Northern America and the Arab States experienced slight declines.

·         • Migrants faced a higher unemployment rate (7.2 per cent) compared to non-migrants (5.2 per cent), with migrant women (8.7 per cent) experiencing higher unemployment levels than men (6.2 per cent).

·         This disparity may be driven by factors such as language barriers, unrecognised qualifications, discrimination, limited childcare options, and gender-based expectations that restrict employment opportunities, particularly for women.

·         A significant proportion of migrants – 68.4 per cent – were employed in the services sector, compared to 51.5 per cent of non-migrants.

·          This trend was largely driven by the global demand for care and domestic work, particularly among women. 28.8 per cent of migrant women and 12.4 per cent of migrant men were employed in care economy, compared to 19.2 per cent of non-migrant women and 6.2 per cent of non-migrant men.

Internet Governance Forum: Shaping a safe and equitable digital future

·         As the world navigates rapid digital transformation, the 19th United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the theme "Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future."

·         Bringing together participants from over 170 countries, the Forum comes at a pivotal moment following the recent adoption of the Global Digital Compact (GDC).

·         The comprehensive framework, adopted as part of the Pact for the Future, aims to ensure digital technologies serve humanity’s best interests.

·         In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the transformative power of digital technology. He stated: “Digital technology has fundamentally reshaped our world and holds enormous potential to accelerate human progress.

·         “But unlocking this potential for all people requires guardrails, and needs  a collaborative approach to governance.

Bridging the digital divide

·         Despite the rapid expansion of digital technology, 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline with the majority residing in developing countries.

·         Addressing this gap, alongside fostering trust and security in the digital realm, will be central to the Forum’s discussions.

Shaping the future of AI

·         Over the four days, participants will explore diverse topics, including AI governance, online safety, and sustainable digital practices.

·         Sessions will highlight innovative solutions, particularly for underserved communities, while advancing strategies to combat the spread of hate speech and misinformation online.

·         The Forum also aims to reinforce human rights in digital spaces, with a focus on equitable data use and privacy protections.

·         The concluding Riyadh IGF Messages will synthesize discussions into actionable recommendations for policymakers.

·         In a rapidly changing digital world, the collaborative efforts led by the IGF and the GDC will be essential in ensuring that technology serves humanity and promotes a future where no one is left behind.

Genomes reveal timing of Homo sapiens interbreeding with Neanderthals

• Neanderthals went extinct roughly 39,000 years ago, but in some sense these close cousins of our species are not gone. Their legacy lives on in the genomes of most people on Earth, thanks to interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.
• New research is providing the most precise estimate to date of when this mixing occurred – with the height of the interaction around 47,000 years ago – and showing how Neanderthal components have shaped the human genome in functions such as skin pigmentation, immune response and metabolism.
• One group of scientists examined genomes from three female and three male Homo sapiens individuals who lived around 45,000 years ago based on bones found in a cave at the German town of Ranis, and one genome from a woman from about the same time whose skull was found in a cave at Zlaty kun mountain in the Czech Republic.
•  The study, published in the journal Nature and involving the oldest Homo sapiens DNA ever sequenced, gave a date range for the mixing of about 49,000 to 45,000 years ago.
• A second group of researchers examined the genomes of 300 present-day and ancient Homo sapiens individuals, including 59 who lived between 2,000 and 45,000 years ago.
• The study, published in the journal Science, gave a date range of the mixing of about 50,500 to 43,500 years ago.The scientists described the interbreeding, found to have been more recent than previous estimates, as a single extended period of gene flow lasting for numerous generations.
• It is difficult to know the nature of the interaction between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals based on genome data beyond being able to say they mixed and had children together.
• The researchers could not pinpoint geographically where this interbreeding occurred but saw the Middle East as likely.
• Neanderthals, formally called Homo neanderthalensis, were more robustly built than Homo sapiens and had larger brows.
• They lived from around 430,000 years ago until their disappearance relatively soon after Homo sapiens – a species that arose roughly 300,000 years ago in Africa – trekked into areas Neanderthals inhabited in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
• Previous research has shown that Neanderthals were intelligent, creating art and using complex group-hunting methods, pigments probably for body painting, symbolic objects and perhaps spoken language.Most people today have genes inherited from Neanderthals, roughly 1-2% of their DNA.
• “Neanderthals were living outside Africa for thousands of years before modern humans arrived, and they were presumably adapted to the climate and pathogens outside Africa.
• Thus, some of their genes may have been beneficial to modern humans,” said University of California, Berkeley population geneticist Priya Moorjani, one of the research leaders.
• For instance, an immune gene variant inherited from Neanderthals protects against coronaviruses like the one that caused the COVID pandemic.
• Some Neanderthal genes involved in the immune system and skin pigmentation increased in frequency in Homo sapiens over time, suggesting their value to survival.
• “In contrast, some genomic regions are nearly devoid of Neanderthal ancestry,” Moorjani said.That indicates that some Neanderthal gene variants proved lethal to Homo sapiens and were not passed down through generations.
• Among the Ranis individuals, a mother and daughter were identified. The Zlaty kun woman, about 145 miles (230 km) away, turned out to be distantly related to two of the Ranis people.The genomes revealed their physical appearance.
• “These early Europeans numbered just a few hundred and had dark skin, dark hair and brown eyes, reflecting their arrival from Africa,” said one of the researchers, zooarchaeologist Geoff Smith of the University of Reading in England.
• These early Homo sapiens pioneers in Europe faced harsh Ice Age conditions. The genome data from the Ranis and Zlaty kun individuals showed they have no descendants alive today, indicating their population died out – a lost branch of the human family tree. Zlaty kun’s remains illustrate a hazardous landscape.
• “Marks on the skull hint towards predators, possibly hyenas, to have either attacked her or gnawed on the skull after her death,” said evolutionary geneticist Arev Sümer of the Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, one of the research leaders.The fate of the Neanderthals has been long debated.
• “There are different ideas of what role modern humans played in the extinction of Neanderthals. We find it at least plausible that the relatively small incoming modern human population may have incorporated a substantial part of the likely even smaller Neanderthal population in the region at the time.
• Since their DNA persists in present-day humans’ genomes, they are – in a way – alive and well and more successful than ever”.

Japan, India startups to study laser-equipped satellite to tackle space debris

• Space startups in Japan and India said on Tuesday they had agreed to jointly study using laser-equipped satellites to remove debris from orbit, an experimental approach to the increasingly imminent problem of orbital congestion.
• Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity said they would study business opportunities for in-space services such as de-orbiting a defunct satellite and extending a spacecraft’s life.
• Carved out from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT this year, Orbital Lasers is building a system that will use laser energy to stop the rotation of space junk by vaporising small parts of its surface, making it easier for a servicing spacecraft to rendezvous.
• Orbital Lasers plans to demonstrate the system in space and supply it to operators after 2027, said Aditya Baraskar, the company’s global business lead. It can be mounted on InspeCity satellites if the companies clear regulatory requirements in India and Japan, Baraskar added.
• The companies said they had signed a preliminary agreement to initiate the collaboration. InspeCity was founded in 2022 and raised $1.5 million last year, while Orbital Lasers has raised 900 million yen ($5.8 million) since it was established in January.
• A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination in late October said that urgent action was necessary to track and manage objects in low Earth orbit because of the rapid increase in satellites and space junk.
• There are already more than 100 companies in the space servicing market as satellite constellations expand, Nobu Okada, chief executive of Japanese debris mitigation pioneer Astroscale, said earlier this year.
• The project is the latest example of collaboration between Japan and India, whose governments are working together on the joint Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, which could launch as early as 2026.
• Indian rocket maker Skyroot and satellite builder HEX20 are also working with Japanese moon exploration firm ispace on a future lunar orbiter mission.
• The two countries’ commercial space tie-ups have been driven by Japanese satellite data solutions for India’s disaster management and agriculture, and can expand to more fields such as manufacturing, said Masayasu Ishida, chief executive of Tokyo-based nonprofit SPACETIDE, which has hosted space business conferences since 2015.
• “The key is finding where and how to build complementary relationships” that align with national policies such as Make in India, which aims to boost local production.

Rich countries, island states lock horns on climate change at UN court

·         The World Court concludes hearings on Friday on countries’ legal obligation to fight climate change and whether large states contributing most to greenhouse-gas emissions may be liable for damage caused to small island nations.

·         The International Court of Justice will issue an opinion on those questions, likely in 2025, that could be cited in climate change-driven litigation around the world.

·         During two weeks of hearings, rich countries of the global north broadly argued that existing climate treaties like the Paris Agreement, which are largely non-binding, should be the basis for deciding countries’ responsibilities.

·         For their part, developing nations and small island states bearing the brunt of climate change sought robust measures to curb emissions, and want to regulate financial support from wealthy polluting nations.

·         “On the current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions, Tuvalu will disappear completely beneath the waves”, Eselealofa Apinelu, representing the small island state, told the judges.Nearly 100 states and organisations took part in hearings at the institution, the top U.N. court for disputes between states, where small island nations had spearheaded the efforts to get the U.N. General Assembly to ask for an advisory opinion.

·         World Court opinions are not binding, but carry legal and political weight. Experts say the court’s opinion on climate change could set a precedent in climate change-driven lawsuits in courts from Europe to Latin America and beyond.

·         “The power of an ICJ opinion does not lie only in its direct enforcement, but in the clear message and guidance it will send to the many courts around the world that are grappling with the question of state obligations to address the climate emergency and remedy climate harm,”

·         The hearings opened in early December with Pacific island nation Vanuatu, which urged judges to recognise and repair the harm caused by climate change.

·         The world’s largest emitters, the U.S. and China, together with countries like Saudi Arabia and several EU members, argued that existing treaties produced by U.N.-backed climate change negotiations, which are largely non-binding, should be the benchmark in determining states’ obligations.

·         “China hopes that the court will uphold the U.N. climate change negotiations mechanism as the primary channel for global climate governance

·         Under the Paris Agreement, countries have to update their national climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), every few years with the next round due by February 2025.

·         The UN has asked countries to deliver economy-wide plans that show an increased, non-binding ambition to hold the world to 1.5C (2.7F) of warming.

·         “NDCs concern an obligation of best efforts, not of results,” a Saudi Ministry of Energy representative told the court, in comments that worried those arguing for binding rules to curb fossil fuel use.

Composition of ICJ :

·         The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of 9 years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. These organs vote concurrently but separately.

·         In order to be elected, a candidate ought to receive an absolute majority of the votes in both bodies.

·         In order to ensure a degree of continuity, one third of the Court is elected each three years and Judges are eligible for re-election.

The 15 judges of the Court are disbursed in following regions:

·         Three from Africa.

·         Two from Latin America and the Caribbean.

·         Three from Asia.

·         Five from Western Europe and other states.

·         Two from Eastern Europe.

ICJ’s Jurisdiction and Functioning

·         ICJ acts as an international court with two fold jurisdiction i.e. legal disputes between States submitted to it by them (contentious cases) and requests for advisory reviews on legal questions cited by United Nations organs and specialised groups.

·         Only States which might be contributors of the United Nations and which have turned out to be parties to the Statute of the Court or which have common jurisdiction under certain conditions, are parties to contentious instances.

·         The judgment is final, binding on the parties to a case and without enchantment (at the maximum it can be difficult to interpret or, upon the discovery of a new truth, revision).

·         A State which considers that the opposite facet has not performed the obligations incumbent upon it under a judgment rendered by using the Court may also deliver the matter before the Security Council, that’s empowered to advise or determine upon measures to be taken to give impact to the judgment.

Limitations on the Functioning of ICJ

·         ICJ suffers from certain boundaries, these are mainly structural, circumstantial and related to the material sources made available to the Court.

·         It has no jurisdiction to attempt people accused of conflict crimes or crimes against humanity. 

·         It differs from the Courts which deal with allegations of violations of the human rights conventions under which they were established, in addition to programs from States at which courts can entertain programs from individuals, that isn’t always feasible for the International Court of Justice.

·         The jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice is trendy and thereby differs from that of professional international tribunals, which include the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

 India Plans to Launch Advanced Quantum Satellite in 2-3 Years

·         India is set to join an elite group of countries with quantum satellite capabilities, aiming to secure communication networks against hacking and cyberattacks.

·          The satellite will be crucial in the larger quantum communications network under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).

·         “Satellite-based communication will be required to secure country-wide or international communication. The Department of Space is planning to launch a quantum satellite in 2-3 years for quantum communications,

·         The NQM has organised its work across four verticals: computing, communication, measurement, and sensing. The communications vertical aims to create a secure network resistant to breaches by quantum computers.

·         Satellite-based communication will complement the optical fibre-based network by addressing distance limitations. While optical fibres can transmit photons up to 250 km, satellites can enable longer-range communication.

·         Photons lose energy after 100-250 km in optical fibres, requiring costly trusted nodes every 150 km. Satellites, with a wider reach, are more practical.

·         Quantum satellites use quantum key distribution (QKD) technology to secure information transmission. Countries like China, the US, and members of the European Union have already launched such programmes.

·         In Parliament, Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, announced that the government will develop satellite-based secure quantum communication between two ground stations over a range of 2,000 km within India and internationally.

·         The integration of quantum computing and AI is anticipated to revolutionise various sectors, including drug discovery and cybersecurity

·         The NQM’s focus on quantum communication and computing aims to prepare India for these emerging challenges and opportunities. By developing indigenous quantum technologies, India seeks to safeguard its digital infrastructure and enhance its technological capabilities.

·         Also, The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) in India has recently taken a major step in enhancing telecommunications technology. Recently, C-DOT signed agreement with Silizium Circuits Pvt Ltd, a semiconductor startup. This collaboration focuses on designing and developing components for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) RF Front End Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). This initiative is part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme aimed at encouraging innovation in telecommunications.

·         C-DOT is the premier research and development centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India. Established to promote advanced telecom technologies, it plays a vital role in the country’s digital transformation. C-DOT focuses on developing indigenous solutions to meet India’s growing communication needs.

Objectives of the Agreement :

·         The primary goal of the agreement is to develop advanced semiconductor solutions for LEO satellite components. This initiative targets key challenges in satellite communication, including power efficiency, high-speed data transmission, and robust signal integrity. The project is expected to support both domestic and global satellite infrastructure projects.

·         The TTDF scheme is designed to support Indian startups and research institutions in the telecom sector. It aims to encourage innovation and commercialisation of telecommunication products.

·         The fund plays important role in bridging the digital divide by enabling affordable broadband and mobile services across India.

Impact on Satellite Communication

·         The collaboration is set to drive innovation within India’s satellite communication ecosystem. By focusing on high-performance and reliable communication systems, the project aims to enhance connectivity in both urban and rural areas. This initiative aligns with India’s vision of a self-reliant and future-ready satellite communication network.

Future Prospects

·         As India continues to invest in indigenous technology, this initiative is expected to pave the way for advancements in satellite communication. It reflects the country’s commitment to developing its own technology solutions and enhancing digital connectivity for all citizens.

India’s digital health push: Over 71 crore Ayushman Bharat Health accounts created

·          More than 71.16 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) as of December 10, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

·         Additionally, 3.54 lakh health facilities have been registered, and 5.37 lakh healthcare professionals have been added to the Healthcare Professional Registry.

·         The ABDM seeks to establish an integrated online platform that facilitates the interoperability of health data, enabling the creation of electronic health records for every citizen.

·         According to the health ministry, the mission is designed to provide the backbone for India’s digital health infrastructure.

·         ABDM aligns with several government health schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), reproductive child health, and TB programs, promoting the widespread adoption of digital health records.

National Health Mission achievements

·         Jadhav also highlighted the achievements under the National Health Mission (NHM), which focuses on strengthening public healthcare infrastructure across India.

·         Key outcomes include reducing the maternal mortality ratio to 97 per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2020, lowering the infant mortality rate to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020, and decreasing the total fertility rate to 2.0 between 2019 and 2021.

·         Key initiatives under the NHM include the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, National Ambulance Services, Mobile Medical Units, and Free Diagnostics and Drugs Service programs. Reproductive and Child Health programs have also been prioritized.

Ayushman Cards and Financial Protection

·         Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides financial protection to vulnerable families, 36.16 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued as of December 12, including 29.87 crore cards for rural beneficiaries. These cards offer coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for healthcare services.

Mission Indradhanush: Expanding Immunization Coverage

·         Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, also informed the Rajya Sabha about the progress of Mission Indradhanush, a key initiative aimed at enhancing immunization coverage across the country.

·         A total of 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women have been vaccinated under this mission, which focuses on ensuring that individuals missed by routine vaccination programs receive essential vaccines.

·         The mission administers 11 vaccines as part of the Universal Immunization Programme, contributing to increased vaccine coverage across the country.

 India’s school education advances in infrastructure and digital access

·         India’s school education system has seen steady progress over the past decade, with key initiatives focused on infrastructure development, digital inclusion, promotion of regional languages, and equity in education

·         Ministry highlighted advancements in school infrastructure between 2013-14 and 2023-24. The availability of electricity in schools increased from 53% to 91.8%, while computer access improved from 24.1% to 57.2%. Internet facilities also witnessed growth, rising from 7.3% to 53.9%.

·         Access to basic facilities such as drinking water increased from 83.2% to 98.3%, and handwashing facilities grew from 43.1% to 94.7%.

·         The government increased its expenditure on education. Per-child expenditure grew from ₹10,780 in 2013-14 to ₹25,043 in 2021-22, marking an upward trend in funding dedicated to school education.

·         The minister also discussed the promotion of Bharatiya languages in school curricula. Textbooks for Classes 1 and 2 are now available in 23 Indian languages, and multilingual e-content in 126 Indian languages and 7 foreign languages has been developed on the DIKSHA platform.

·         The government has launched educational channels catering to diverse audiences, including a Tamil-language channel in 2024, the ULLAS channel for adult education in September 2024, and a channel for hearing-impaired learners in Indian Sign Language by December 2024.

·         The role of women in education has also been crucial, with the number of female teachers increasing by over 30% since 2014. Between 2014 and 2024, over 61% of teaching posts have been filled by women, who now represent the majority of the teaching workforce.

·         The representation of rural students in NVs rose from 78% in 2014 to 90% in 2024. The introduction of OBC reservations in 2021 increased the representation of students from these backgrounds to 38.83% in NVs and 29.33% in KVs by 2024.

·          Furthermore, more than 45,000 students from these institutions qualified for NEET, and over 2,000 students secured IIT admissions without external coaching.

·         The number of CBSE-affiliated schools doubled between 2014 and 2024, growing from 14,974 to 30,415. Vocational education in schools also expanded, with the number of schools offering vocational courses increasing from 960 in 2014 to 29,342 in 2024. Enrollment in vocational education grew from 58,720 in 2014 to over 30.8 lakh in 2024.

·         Technology-driven reforms have also streamlined various processes, including admissions, teacher transfers, and CBSE affiliations. Schools have transitioned to e-office platforms, improving administrative functions and enhancing efficiency.

·         Efforts to align textbooks with the National Curriculum Framework continue, with competency-based textbooks now available for seven out of 15 grades. NCERT is expanding its annual printing capacity, from 5 crore to 15 crore textbooks, to keep up with growing demand.

·         The government has enhanced the PM POSHAN scheme. Between 2014 and 2024, the central government allocated over ₹1.04 lakh crore to support mid-day meals in schools, compared to ₹71,525 crore allocated in the previous decade.

·          Meal costs were revised in December 2024, increasing to ₹6.19 for primary and Balvatika classes and ₹9.29 for upper primary classes.

·         To further improve learning outcomes, the government has set up 32 Vidya Samiksha Kendras, with 24 integrated into the Rashtriya VSK at NCERT.

·         The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan, an assessment of learning outcomes, was conducted in December 2024, covering 23 lakh students across over 87,000 schools.

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

·         India is accelerating its space ambitions with the announcement of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space station designed to establish a sustained human presence in space.

·         The station aims to support medium- to long-duration human spaceflight missions and enable advanced scientific research and technology development in microgravity.

·         Union Ministry  revealed on Wednesday that the first module of BAS, known as BAS-01, is scheduled for launch in 2028. The station is expected to become fully operational by 2035.

·          This milestone is part of a broader expansion of the Gaganyaan programme, which now includes precursor missions to BAS, reflecting India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight.

·         In addition to the BAS project, the central government has been actively fostering private-sector participation in the space sector to drive innovation and large-scale investment.

·         The Indian government estimates that the nation’s space economy, currently valued at $8.4 billion and representing 2-3% of the global market, has the potential to reach $44 billion by 2033, with private-sector involvement playing a crucial role in achieving this growth.

·         The liberalised space policy now allows non-governmental entities to undertake comprehensive space activities.

·         To facilitate this, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) was established to promote, authorise, and oversee private-sector involvement.

·         The government has implemented a range of initiatives to encourage private-sector growth. These include the Indian Space Policy 2023, which offers regulatory certainty for stakeholders, and a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund dedicated to supporting space start-ups.

·         IN-SPACe has also introduced various support schemes, including seed funding, mentorship, and skill development programmes, as well as facilitating technology transfers for small satellite launch vehicles and Earth observation systems.

·         The impact of these efforts is evident in the growth of space start-ups in India, which have increased from just one in 2014 to 266 today.

·          IN-SPACe has signed 71 agreements with private entities, enabling them to contribute to the development of launch vehicles and satellites. 

·         Additionally, initiatives such as public-private partnerships in Earth observation systems and revised FDI policies are further opening doors for foreign investment in the Indian space sector.

·         India’s Department of Space has also been advancing ground station capabilities. It has successfully developed a Tri-band Data Reception System that enables cost-effective tracking and data reception from remote sensing satellites.

·         These capabilities have been leveraged to support 17 satellite and launch vehicle missions on a commercial basis.

·         The Department of Space has made Earth observation data widely accessible. Data with a spatial resolution of five metres is available for free, while higher-resolution data is offered at no cost to government entities and at fair prices to private players.

·         NSIL, ISRO’s commercial arm, has been providing tracking facilities and satellite data services to domestic and international clients as part of its “Ground Station as a Service” initiative. This reflects the increasing commercialisation of India’s space capabilities.

·         To streamline processes for private players, IN-SPACe is exploring the creation of a single-window interface for authorisations, approvals, and licences, aimed at reducing administrative hurdles for companies operating in the space sector.