Breakthrough research paves way for engineering materials vital for emerging quantum technology

• A breakthrough method of controlling properties of phonons-- energy wave travelling through crystal lattice on vibration of atoms of the material, through twist angles between layers of two-dimensional materials, can help engineer materials with tailored thermal, optical, and electronic characteristics, vital for quantum technology.
• A phonon is a collective excitation in a periodic, elastic arrangement of atoms or molecules in condensed matter like a tiny wave of energy that travels through the crystal lattice when atoms in the material start to vibrate. They are similar to movement of ripples in a pond on dropping of a stone.
• Phonon properties and their interactions can play a crucial role in developing optoelectronics tunable photonic devices. Scientists are exploring different methods in controlling properties of phonons for the purpose.
• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, have uncovered a method to vary twist angles in WSe2 (Tungsten diselenide) homobilayers to influence phonon hybridization and other key properties. This study, published in ACS Nano highlights the intricate relationship between periodic structures that form when two or more two-dimensional (2D) lattices overlap (moiré superstructures) and their impact on phononic and electronic interactions.
• Using Raman spectroscopy, the team demonstrated that twist angles between 1° and 7° in WSe2 homobilayers induce splitting in phonon modes.
• They also showed that unusual temperature-driven changes in Raman frequencies and line widths, particularly at low temperatures (below 50 K), emphasizing the interplay of electron-phonon coupling and phonon anharmonicity (restoring force in the system is not perfectly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium) in twisted systems.
• This research which used the Raman facility, set up with support from the FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions) program of Department of Science and Technology, and received funding support of DST, opens new pathways for the design of advanced materials for photonic, quantum, and electronic applications

World Malaria Day – 2025

• World Malaria Day is observed globally on 25th April each year, following its institution by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) member states during the 2007 World Health Assembly. The theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calls for renewed global commitment to end malaria through innovation, collaboration, and sustained action.  
• Once among the world’s highest malaria-burdened countries, India has demonstrated remarkable progress through sustained political will, grassroots participation, and targeted interventions. A defining milestone came in 2024, when India exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group—
• signalling a paradigm shift in the country’s malaria trajectory.  Backed by the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) and the National Strategic Plan (2023–2027), India has aligned its strategy with global standards while tailoring solutions to local needs.
• With an 80.5% reduction in malaria cases and 78.3% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2023, and over 122 districts reporting zero cases last year, the country is advancing with renewed momentum towards achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027 and setting a global benchmark in public health elimination efforts. India reaffirms its steadfast commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030.

What is Malaria? How does it occur?

What are its symptoms?

How can it be prevented?

How can it be treated?

Global Burden of Malaria

India’s Commitment and National Goals

• India remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate malaria by 2030, with the intermediate target of zero indigenous cases by 2027. The strategic roadmap for this mission is guided by:
• The National Framework for Malaria Elimination in India (2016–2030) outlines the vision, goals, and targets for phased malaria elimination.
• The recently launched National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027) builds upon earlier frameworks and aligns with the WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030.

Key Interventions and Strategic Approach by the Government for Malaria Control

• To translate its malaria elimination vision into actionable outcomes, India has adopted a comprehensive, evidence-driven strategy. This approach integrates disease management, vector control, and community-driven interventions to ensure lasting impact and inclusive health coverage.

Strategies for elimination of Malaria:

• Malaria surveillance as a core intervention for malaria elimination.
• Ensuring universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment by enhancing and optimizing case management -“testing, treating and tracking”.
• Ensuring universal access to malaria prevention by enhancing and optimizing vector control
• Accelerating efforts towards elimination and attainment of malaria –free status.
• Promoting research and supporting the generation of strategic information for malaria elimination and prevention of re-establishment of malaria transmission.

Other Supportive Interventions

• Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for community mobilization. This includes mass media campaigns, community engagement, and leveraging local influencers.
• Inter-sectoral convergence involving various ministries and stakeholders to address the socio-economic and environmental determinants of malaria.
• Capacity building: Over 850 health professionals trained in 2024 and conducting studies on insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy.
• The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016–2030 categorizes regions by malaria prevalence, with Category 3 – Intensified Control Phase targeting high-burden areas. This phase focuses on aggressive disease control, district-level planning, and specific strategies for P. vivax, supported by robust systems and resources to move towards elimination.
• Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) targets 159 high-burden districts across 12 states, focusing on malaria-prone and vulnerable populations to accelerate elimination efforts.
• Funding supports key interventions such as LLIN distribution, entomological surveillance, and data-driven monitoring systems to ensure sustained impact.
• Integration of malaria services under Ayushman Bharat and delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Officers.

India’s Record Cargo Movement on Inland Waterways

• Record Cargo Movement Marks a Milestone in Inland Water Transport
• In a significant achievement for India''s inland water transport (IWT) sector, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) reported a record-breaking cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2024–25. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of sustained investments and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing the country''s inland waterways infrastructure. The number of operational national waterways has also increased from 24 to 29 during the same period, reflecting a strategic push towards multimodal connectivity and sustainable transport solutions.​
• Exponential Growth in Cargo Traffic in last ten years
• Cargo traffic on National Waterways has increased from 18.10 (million metric tonnes) MMT to 145.5 MMT (million metric tonnes) between FY-14 and FY-25, recording a CAGR of 20.86%.

Expansion of National Waterways

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has expanded the number of National Waterways (NWs) from 5 to 111 under the National Waterways Act, 2016. Since 2014, the Government has invested around ₹6,434 crore to develop waterway infrastructure.
• The operational length of NWs increased from 2,716 km (2014-15) to 4,894 km (2023-24). Major works include fairway maintenance, community jetties, floating terminals, Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMTs), and navigational locks.
• To boost Ease of Doing Business, IWAI launched digital tools like Least Available Depth Information System (LADIS), River Information System (RIS), Car-D, Portal for Navigational Information (PANI), and Management Information and Reporting Solution (MIRS). Green initiatives such as Hybrid Electric Catamarans and Hydrogen Vessels are being introduced to reduce pollution and promote river tourism.

Targets and Sustainable Development

• The Government of India has set ambitious targets for cargo movement via inland waterways.
  IWAI aims to increase the modal share of freight movement through IWT from 2% to 5% and traffic volume to more than 200 million metric tonnes (MMT) in line with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and more than 500 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2047 as per the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.​
• A Policy Measures to Boost Inland Waterways

Jalvahak – Cargo Promotion Scheme

• The Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector in India is still developing and needs support to shift cargo from road and rail to waterways. Although waterway transport is cheaper, overall logistics costs can be higher due to multimodal handling. To address this and promote IWT, the “Jalvahak” Scheme was launched on 15 December 2024 with a budget of Rs. 95.42 crores. It has two key components:
• Financial Incentive: Cargo owners get a 35% reimbursement on actual operating costs for shifting cargo from road/rail to IWT, encouraging use of waterways.
• Scheduled Services: Regular cargo services have been introduced to boost reliability and predictability.

Key routes include:

• Kolkata–Patna–Varanasi (NW-1)
• Kolkata–Pandu (NW-2 via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route)
• Kolkata–Badarpur/Karimganj (NW-16 via IBP route)
• The scheme covers cargo movement on NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16, benefiting surrounding regions and building trust in waterway transport.
• 2. Extension of Tonnage Tax to Inland Vessels
   Announced on 1st February 2025 during the budget, the tonnage tax regime has been extended to inland vessels registered under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021.
• Benefit: Provides a stable and predictable tax regime based on vessel tonnage rather than profits, thereby lowering the tax burden and encouraging broader adoption of inland shipping.
• 3. Regulatory Framework for Private Investment
  The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 have been notified, enabling private investment in inland waterways infrastructure by establishing a clear legal and operational framework for the construction and management of jetties and terminals.
• 4. Port Integration
  To ensure seamless multimodal logistics, the Multi-Modal Terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, as well as the Intermodal Terminal at Kalughat, are being transferred to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata for operation and management. This integration is expected to streamline cargo movement between ports and inland waterways.
• 5. Digitisation and Centralised Database
  A centralised portal is being developed for the registration of inland vessels and crew, similar to the ''Vahan'' and ''Sarathi'' systems used for road transport. This initiative will:
• Simplify registration processes
• Provide real-time data on vessel and crew availability
• Enhance transparency and planning in the sector
• 6. Cargo Aggregation Infrastructure
  To resolve issues related to sparse industrial presence along waterways, cargo aggregation hubs are under development:

Freight Village at Varanasi

• Integrated Cluster-cum-Logistics Park at Sahibganj
• The National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and Indian Port and Rail Company Ltd. have been engaged to develop and provide rail connectivity to these logistics hubs.
• 7. Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route Operationalisation
  Routes No. 5 & 6 between Maia and Sultanganj have been successfully trialled under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol. Regular operations will commence following consent from the Government of Bangladesh.
• 8. Engagement with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
  More than 140 PSUs have been engaged to explore shifting a portion of their cargo to IWT. Ministries including Petroleum, Fertiliser, Coal, Steel, and Heavy Industries have been requested to align their cargo movement plans with the modal shift targets of the Maritime India Vision.

Infrastructure developments for inland water transport:

• Fairway Maintenance: Ongoing river training, dredging, channel marking, and surveys on National Waterways (NWs) to maintain a 35/45 m width and depths of 2.0 to 3.0 meters for vessel navigation.
• NW-1 (Ganga River): 49 community jetties, 20 floating terminals, 3 Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), and 1 Inter-Modal Terminal (IMT) built, along with 5 pre-existing terminals.
• NW-2 (Brahmaputra River): 12 floating terminals, MMTs at Pandu, Jogighopa, and terminals at Bogibeel and Dhubri for river cargo/cruise vessels. 4 dedicated jetties constructed at Jogighopa, Pandu, Biswanath Ghat, and Neamati.
• NW-3 (West Coast Canal, Kerala): 9 permanent terminals with godowns and 2 Ro-Ro terminals constructed.
• NW-68 (Goa): 3 floating concrete jetties in 2020, 1 in 2022 installed in Mandovi River.
• NW-4 (Krishna River, Andhra Pradesh): 4 tourist jetties commissioned.
• Other Projects: 12 Nos. floating jetties on NW-110 (River Yamuna) in Mathura-Vrindavan stretch in Uttar Pradesh, 2 Jetties on NW-73 (River Narmada) & 2 Jetties on NW-37 (River Gandak) in Bihar are under execution.

Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future

• India''s concerted efforts in developing its inland waterways have yielded significant results, with record cargo movements and expanded infrastructure.
• The combination of strategic investments, policy initiatives, and digital innovations positions the country to further enhance its IWT sector, contributing to sustainable transportation and economic development. Continued focus on these areas will be crucial in achieving the ambitious targets set for the coming decades

DRDO achieves significant milestone in Scramjet Engine Development

• on Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has achieved a significant milestone in the field of Hypersonic Weapon Technology. DRDL conducted long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for more than 1,000 seconds at the newly built state-of-the-art Scramjet Connect Test Facility at Hyderabad on April 25, 2025. The ground-test is in continuation of the earlier test reported for 120 seconds in January 2025. With the successful test, the system will be soon ready for full scale flight worthy combustor testing.
• A Hypersonic Cruise Missile is a class of weapons that can travel more than five times the speed of sound (> 6100 Kmph) for long duration and is powered by Air breathing engine. Air breathing propulsion systems, having supersonic combustion, plays a critical role for long-duration cruise conditions. This test validates the design of long duration scramjet combustor as well as test facility. It is an outcome of an integrated effort put by the DRDO labs along with industry & academia and paves a strong base for the nation’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, Industry partners and academia for the remarkable achievement. He termed the success as a reflection of the Government’s strong commitment in realising critical Hypersonic Weapon Technologies for the nation.

What are Hypersonic missiles?

• Hypersonic missiles are a class of advanced weaponry that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 i.e., five times the speed of sound or more than 5,400 km/hour, it added. 
• "These advanced weapons have the potential to bypass existing Air Defence Systems and deliver rapid and high-impact strikes. Several nations including USA, Russia, India and China are actively pursuing Hypersonic technology. The key to hypersonic vehicles is Scramjets, which are air breathing engines capable of sustaining combustion at supersonic speeds without using any moving parts," the statement said.
• The ground test of scramjet combustor showcased several notable achievements, demonstrating its potential for operational use in Hypersonic vehicles, like successful ignition and stable combustion, it added.

What is ignition in a scramjet engine? 

• Ignition in a scramjet engine is like ‘keeping a candle lit in a hurricane’. Scramjet combustor incorporates an innovative flame stabilisation technique that holds continuous flame inside the combustor with air speed in excess of 1.5 km/s.
•  Many novel and promising ignition & flame holding techniques were studied through many ground tests in arriving at Scramjet Engine configuration. Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation tools were used for their evaluation and performance prediction. 
• "The indigenous development of endothermic scramjet fuel, the first time in India, jointly by DRDL and Industry is central to this breakthrough. The fuel offers dual benefits of significant cooling improvement and ease of ignition.
•  The team developed a special manufacturing process to achieve stringent fuel requirements of DRDL at Industrial scale," it added.
• Another key achievement is the development of state-of-art Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) which is designed to withstand extreme temperatures encountered during hypersonic flight.
• A new advanced ceramic TBC having high thermal resistance & capable of operating beyond melting point of steel has been jointly developed by DRDL and Department of Science & Technology (DST) Laboratory. 
• The coating is applied inside the Scramjet engine using special deposition methods that enhance their performance and longevity. With demonstrated capabilities in stable combustion, enhanced performance and advanced thermal management, this breakthrough sets the stage for next generation Hypersonic missiles.

India to launch 150 satellites in 3 years to boost border and coastal surveillance: ISRO Chief

• In a significant move to bolster border and coastal security, India plans to launch an additional 100 to 150 satellites over the next three years, according to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan. He revealed the ambitious strategy during an event in Chennai on Wednesday.
• Presently, India has around 55 operational satellites. However, for a country with extensive land borders and a 7,500-kilometre-long coastline, this number falls short of the requirement for thorough surveillance,
• Space Technology as a National Security Tool Post-Pahalgam Attack
• Highlighting the necessity for a more robust satellite network, Narayanan, who also serves as Secretary of the Department of Space, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s space sector reforms for enabling increased private participation in the development of satellites and launch vehicles.
• A “We require a considerable number of satellites to safeguard our borders. The current fleet is insufficient. The Prime Minister’s reforms have opened up the sector to private players, allowing them to contribute to satellite manufacturing, with ISRO providing necessary guidance. Our target is to add 100 to 150 satellites within the next three years. This will enable us to comprehensively monitor the entire country,” he said.
• Narayanan made these remarks in response to a question on how ISRO could contribute to national security in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities.
• India’s SpaDeX Mission Achieves Second Satellite Docking
• In addition to outlining security-related initiatives, Narayanan also shared updates on ISRO’s recent technological strides. He noted that India had successfully completed the second docking of satellites under its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission earlier this week—an achievement that places India among a select group of nations, including the United States, Russia, and China, capable of executing satellite docking operations.
• The SpaDeX mission, launched via PSLV-C60 on 30 December 2024, first achieved docking on 16 January and undocking on 13 March. The second docking was completed last week, further advancing India’s satellite servicing capabilities in space.
• Looking ahead, Narayanan said ISRO scientists are also working on developing a satellite dedicated to studying climate change. The project is designed with international collaboration in mind, particularly focusing on the needs of G20 countries. “India will contribute about 50 per cent of the satellite’s payload, while the remaining components will be developed by other G20 member states

New Study reveals super-Earths could be prevalent around stars, according to astronomers

• A recent study has revealed that super-Earth exoplanets, worlds that are larger than Earth but smaller than Uranus or Neptune, are far more common in the universe than previously believed.
• The discovery, made by an international team of researchers using the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet), challenges previous assumptions about the frequency and distribution of these intriguing planets.
• The research team, led by astronomers from Ohio State University, Harvard University, and institutions in China and Korea, discovered that super-Earths can orbit as far from their stars as Jupiter orbits the Sun, contradicting the earlier belief that these planets are typically found only in close proximity to their host stars.
• By studying light anomalies caused by gravitational microlensing, the team detected one such super-Earth, OGLE-2016-BLG-0007, which has a mass roughly twice that of Earth and an orbit wider than Saturn''s.
• "This study suggests that for every three stars, there is likely at least one super-Earth with a Jupiter-like orbital period," 
• The team''s discovery was made possible through the technique of microlensing, a phenomenon in which the light from a distant star is bent and magnified by the gravitational field of an object, such as a planet, passing in front of it.
• This effect allows astronomers to detect objects that would otherwise be difficult to observe directly.
• "This study was a major step forward," Gould said, adding, "Scientists have long known that smaller planets are more common than large ones, but within this pattern, we''ve found excesses and deficits, offering new insights into planetary distribution."
• Through microlensing, astronomers can detect planets at various distances from their stars, including those with wider orbits.
• This breakthrough helps to reveal the prevalence of super-Earths that exist beyond the inner solar system, offering a new perspective on how planets form and evolve in different environments.
• One of the most significant findings of the study is its challenge to the prevailing theories of planetary formation.
• While it was long believed that gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn formed through the process of runaway gas accretion, the new study suggests that the mechanisms behind the creation of these planets may vary and may include both accretion and gravitational instability.
• The discovery of super-Earths was made possible by the KMTNet, a global network of telescopes strategically located in South Africa, Chile, and Australia.
• This network allows scientists to monitor millions of stars for microlensing events, providing valuable data on distant exoplanets.
• "Finding a microlensing star event is already difficult. Finding one with a planet is even harder," Pogge said, adding, "We need to observe hundreds of millions of stars to detect even a handful of these microlensing signals."
• So far, only 237 out of the more than 5,000 exoplanets discovered to date have been identified using microlensing.
• However, with the continuous advancements in technology and the ongoing work of international collaborations like KMTNet, astronomers are hopeful that more discoveries will follow.
• The new findings have broader implications for understanding planetary system formation.
• The study revealed that exoplanets can be grouped by both their mass and composition, and it highlighted significant gaps in the distribution of certain types of planets.
• These insights will likely open new avenues for future research into how planets form, evolve, and interact with their host stars.
• "We''re reconstructing not only the history of the universe but also the processes that govern it," said Pogge, adding, "Bringing these pieces together into a coherent picture has been incredibly rewarding."
• This study was published in the prestigious journal Science, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of exoplanet distribution and formation.

Broken bones, eating in cemetery: Researchers discover ancient human skeletons, revealing mysteries of Medieval women

• In the United Kingdom, archaeologists have found 41 human skeletons, mostly of women, from around 500 to 600 AD. These remains, found in south Wales, give a rare look into the Early Medieval period, which is not well recorded in history.
• Experts say the women likely had hard lives working in farming. Each person was buried in a separate grave at the site.
• Female skeletons showed signs of past injuries like broken legs and even a neck, likely from farming accidents, per Seaman. Though the site was near the sea, there’s no proof they ate fish.
• People likely lived nearby and even ate in the cemetery. Some buried there were high-status and had links with people from mainland Europe.
• Archaeologists found fine glass cups from France, suggesting high-status items at the site. 

Economic inequality

• A during that time, the gap between rich and poor was small, and most people worked in farming. Just because luxury items were found doesn’t mean all buried individuals were wealthy.
• “It’s high status activity happening within the cemetery, that doesn’t need to mean that every individual is necessarily a high status person,” 
• The contrast between the high-status material and the poor health of the individuals is not too surprising. This was a period in which the difference between the rich and the poor wasn’t very great, and it seems like everybody was involved to a greater or lesser extent in agriculture,

Former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan passes away: 10 things to know about the space scientist

• K Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away on Friday in Bengaluru, officials said.
• “He left for heavenly abode this morning at his residence in Bengaluru. His body will be kept at Raman Research Institute (RRI) for paying last respects on April 27,” 
• A Kasturirangan, who was 84 at the time of his death, is survived by his wife and two sons, according to the report, quoting family sources. The sources also said that the former ISRO chief had been suffering from ailments related to age for the past few months.
• Here are 10 things to know about former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan
•  Kasturirangan served as the chairperson of the drafting committee on the new National Education Policy (NEP), chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
•  Kasturirangan served as ISRO chief for nine years till 2003.
•  He was earlier the Director of ISRO Satellite Centre, where he oversaw the activities related to the development of new generation spacecraft, Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS-1A & 1B) as well as scientific satellites.
• Under his leadership, ISRO successfully launched many satellites, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and, more recently, the first successful flight testing of the all-important Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
• He had also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (2003–09) and as a member of the Planning Commission of India. Kasturirangan was also the director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, from April 2004 to 2009.
•  The former ISRO chief was born on October 24, 1940, at Ernakulam in Kerala to CM Krishnaswamy Iyer and Visalakshi.
• Hailing from Tamil Nadu, his family had settled at Chalakudy in Thrissur district. His mother was from a Palakkad Iyer family.
• Kasturirangan earned his Bachelor of Science with Honours and Master of Science degrees in Physics from Bombay University. He received his Doctorate Degree in Experimental High Energy Astronomy in 1971 working at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
• As an astrophysicist, his interests included research in high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy. He also made significant contributions to studies of Cosmic X-ray sources, celestial gamma-rays and effect of cosmic X-rays in the lower atmosphere.
• For his exemplary work, Kasturirangan was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2000. The space scientist has also won several other awards throughout his life for his contributions.
• "In the Indian tradition, it is believed that the seeds sown by great individuals blossom into mighty trees, offering shade and sustenance for generations to come, thereby forming a rich ecosystem and legacies down the line. Professor Kasturirangan''s visionary work in space and education has indeed grown into such lofty trees, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in science and contribute to the nation''s progress," .
• His indomitable spirit, characterised by unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence, will continue to energise future scientific endeavours in the country,
• Recalling that during Kasturirangan''s tenure at ISRO Satellite Centre (now the U R Rao Satellite Centre), he was the Project Director for India''s first two experimental earth observation satellites, BHASKARA-I & II, the Chairman said, one of his landmark contributions was the expansion of India’s remote sensing (Indian Remote Sensing) programme.
• Satellites like IRS-1C and IRS-1D launched during his tenure, provided high-resolution data for use in agriculture, forestry, water resources, and urban planning, he said. His vision helped bridge the gap between advanced technology and development, demonstrating how space science could directly benefit the general public.
• He spearheaded the successful development and launch of vital satellite series like Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for communication and meteorology, and IRS for Earth observation, he said. The space programme witnessed a successful operationalisation of PSLV and flight testing of GSLV during his leadership, he added.
• Notably, India''s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, was conceived during his leadership, firmly establishing the nation in lunar exploration and yielding invaluable scientific insights.
• As an Astrophysicist, Dr. Kasturirangan''s interest includes research in high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy. He actively supported and drove the development and realisation of the multi-wavelength astronomy mission, AstroSat, right from the beginning, he highlighted

From Indus Water Treaty to Simla Agreement: A look at key pacts signed between India and Pakistan

• In a strong retaliatory move following the brutal terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir''s Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. The decision came in response to the broad-daylight carnage carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror group known as the offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
•  In addition to suspending the decades-old water-sharing pact, the Indian government has also revoked visas issued to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, which facilitates easier cross-border travel for select individuals. All Pakistani travellers scheduled to visit India under this programme will now be barred from entry.
• Tensions escalated further as India shut down the Attari-Wagah border, halting the last remaining overland connectivity between the two countries.
• India has also declared Pakistani diplomats and defence advisors posted at the High Commission in New Delhi as "persona non grata", ordering them to leave the country within seven days. Notably, ties between India and Pakistan have always been a complex mix of conflict, diplomacy, and uneasy peace.
• While the two neighbours have fought wars, faced off over cross-border terrorism, and seen prolonged periods of tension, they have also inked several important bilateral agreements to manage conflict, promote peace, and facilitate dialogue.
• These pacts have played a crucial role in shaping the subcontinent’s geopolitical landscape. From water sharing arrangements to post-war peace talks, each agreement tells a story of negotiation, compromise, and hope. Though many of these agreements have been tested over time, they remain significant markers in the historical timeline of India-Pakistan relations.
• Let’s take a detailed look at the major accords that have defined this delicate and often volatile relationship.
• Karachi Agreement (1949): It was the outcome of discussions held between Indian and Pakistani military representatives in Karachi from July 18 to July 27, 1949. Facilitated by the Truce Sub-Committee of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan, the agreement aimed to define a ceasefire line in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. Officially, it was termed as an accord between the military representatives of both nations concerning the establishment of a ceasefire line in the state.
• Liaqat-Nehru Pact (1950): It was a bilateral agreement signed on April 8, 1950, between the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. The agreement aimed to ensure the fair treatment and protection of minority communities in both nations following the traumatic events of the Partition.
•  In the wake of widespread communal violence and the mass migration of Hindus and Muslims between India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), there was growing concern for the safety and rights of minorities. The pact led to the establishment of minority commissions in each country and allowed those who had migrated to return and manage or sell off their abandoned properties.
• Indus Waters Treaty (1960): The pact was signed between the two countries on September 19, 1960, by the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the then Pakistani President Ayub Khan. The agreement laid out the framework for sharing the waters of the Indus River system.
• According to its terms, India was granted exclusive rights over the waters of the Eastern Rivers—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—while Pakistan was allocated the waters of the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The treaty aimed to manage and utilise the water resources of the Indus basin peacefully between the two nations.
• Tashkent Declaration (1965): It was a peace agreement signed on January 10, 1966, between the then Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Muhammad Ayub Khan, in the aftermath of the 1965 war between the two countries. The talks were held in Tashkent, the capital of present-day Uzbekistan, and were mediated by Soviet Premier Aleksey Kosygin. As part of the agreement, both nations consented to withdraw their troops to the positions they held before August 15, 1965. Tragically, Prime Minister Shastri passed away in Tashkent shortly after the signing, on January 11, 1966.
• Simla Agreement (1972): It was signed on July 2, 1972, between the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in Shimla following the end of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The accord aimed to formalise the cessation of hostilities and establish a framework for peaceful bilateral relations. One of the key provisions of the agreement was a mutual commitment by both countries to respect the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and work towards maintaining peace in the region.
• Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement (1988): It was signed on December 21, 1988, by the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It is a bilateral treaty focused on nuclear arms restraint between the two nations. Coming into effect in January 1991, the agreement prohibits both countries from launching surprise attacks on each other''s nuclear facilities. As part of its implementation, since January 1992, India and Pakistan have consistently exchanged annual lists detailing their respective civilian and military nuclear-related sites, reinforcing transparency and confidence-building measures.
• Lahore Declaration (1999): It was signed on February 21, 1999, and was a pivotal peace agreement between India and Pakistan, aimed at reducing tensions and fostering friendly relations.
• The then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif formalised the declaration during the former''s historic bus journey to Lahore. The agreement emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution of all bilateral issues, especially Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with the Simla Agreement.
•  It also included commitments to nuclear risk reduction, confidence-building measures, and improved people-to-people contact. The declaration was hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough, especially after the 1998 nuclear tests by both nations. However, the optimism was short-lived, as the Kargil conflict erupted just months later, undermining the spirit of the pact.

China launches first thorium-based nuclear reactor: Where is India in the race?

• In a monumental step toward clean and safe nuclear energy, China has successfully launched the world’s first thorium-based nuclear reactor. This pioneering project, set in the remote Gobi Desert in Wuyi City, Gansu Province, is not just a scientific breakthrough but a bold statement in global nuclear innovation—especially as energy geopolitics tighten amid China’s ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

China’s Milestone: The thorium molten salt reactor

• Initiated in October 2023, the Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR) is designed to generate 2 megawatts (MW) of electricity—modest, but symbolically powerful. Backed by a substantial $444 million investment since 2011, this project marks the world''s first operational instance of thorium-based nuclear energy.
• China’s ambition does not stop here. Plans are underway to scale up to a 10 MW thorium reactor by 2030, demonstrating its long-term commitment to advancing this alternative fuel technology.

Why thorium matters

• Thorium offers significant advantages over conventional uranium fuel:
• It generates less radioactive waste
• It is inherently safer, reducing meltdown risks
• It is non-proliferative, making it harder to weaponise
• However, thorium itself is not fissile. It must be converted into uranium-233 (U-233) through a complex process. While this adds to development costs, the long-term benefits in safety, sustainability, and geopolitics have made thorium an attractive option for future energy systems.

India: A longtime advocate of thorium energy

• Although China has taken the lead in deployment, India has been at the forefront of thorium research for decades. India possesses 25% of the world’s thorium reserves, the largest globally. The country’s nuclear roadmap, developed under the visionary Dr. Homi Bhabha, has long aimed to utilise thorium as a core energy resource, especially given India’s limited uranium reserves.
• Thorium research began in earnest in the 1950s with the three-stage nuclear program, the final stage of which focuses on thorium-fueled reactors. India’s strength lies in its deep technical expertise, built over decades through institutions like the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

India’s nuclear vision: From thorium to smrs

• India’s ambitions have been renewed in the Union Budget 2025–26, with the launch of the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat. The goal is to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, including through thorium, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and fast breeder technologies.
• A budget of Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated specifically for SMRs, with plans to develop five indigenous models by 2033. These reactors, with capacities ranging from 30 to 300+ MWe, offer scalable, cost-effective solutions and are suitable for deployment even in remote and industrial zones.
• India is also pushing forward with the Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)—220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)—that can serve as captive power plants for steel, aluminium, and other heavy industries.

Fast breeder reactors: India''s bridge to thorium

• The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam is critical for India’s thorium roadmap. By breeding U-233 from thorium, this 500 MWe reactor is a technological enabler for the third stage of India’s nuclear program.
• In March 2024, the PFBR achieved a major milestone: successful sodium filling and pump commissioning, followed by core loading. Its commercial operation is expected to set the stage for thorium utilisation at scale.

Expanding India’s nuclear footprint

• As of January 2025, India’s nuclear capacity stands at 8,180 MW, with plans to scale up to 22,480 MW by 2032. Major new projects include:
• Indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs at Kakrapar (KAPS-3 & 4)
• A 6 x 1208 MW plant at Kovvada, in collaboration with the USA
• The Mahi-Banswara project in Rajasthan under the ASHVINI JV between NPCIL and NTPC
• India is also exploring molten salt reactors, similar to China’s, with BARC leading R&D efforts aimed at thorium deployment in the next decade.

Safety, sustainability, and sovereignty

• India maintains a strong record on nuclear safety, with radiation levels well below global benchmarks. Its commitment to a closed fuel cycle, indigenous technology, and public-private collaboration positions the country to be a global leader in next-generation nuclear technology.
• A recent discovery of additional uranium deposits at Jaduguda Mines has also boosted India''s confidence in maintaining a self-reliant nuclear fuel supply for decades to come.

A two-horse race in thorium innovation

• While China has achieved the world’s first operational thorium reactor, India remains a formidable player with unmatched thorium reserves, strong scientific foundations, and a clear roadmap.
• The two Asian giants are now leading a global race toward cleaner, safer, and more secure nuclear energy—with thorium as a potential game-changer. As India pushes forward with SMRs, fast breeders, and public-private partnerships, its ambition to generate 30% of electricity from thorium by 2050 looks increasingly feasible