India Elevates Its Reach: National Space Day Spotlights Deep Space Ambitions

What’s the News?

• India observed its second National Space Day, commemorating its rise from early space ventures to deep space aspirations.
• Key leaders, including the Prime Minister, lauded strides in space technology, public engagement, and private sector contribution.
• The focus shifted to expanding missions—from Chandrayaan‑3 to human spaceflight and beyond.

Deep Space Aspirations

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged scientists to prepare for deep space missions, stating that with Moon and Mars achieved, “our horizons lie beyond galaxies.” He advocated building an astronaut pool and mobilizing youth into space roles.
• He challenged space tech startups to create five unicorns in five years and drive annual rocket launches to 50 per year, confirming strong government backing.
• ISRO’s Chairman V. Narayanan revealed plans for India’s first human spaceflight mission (Gaganyaan‑1), a Venus orbiter (Chandrayaan‑4), and a national space station by 2035. He also projected a tripling of satellites serving India in coming years.
• ISRO unveiled a model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), marking progress toward human-capable orbital infrastructure and future space tourism.

Additional Info

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): Established in 1969, ISRO is the national space agency of India. It has been the driving force behind the country's space program, achieving numerous milestones that have garnered global recognition.
  • Historic Missions:
    • Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite, which marked its entry into the space age.
    • Mangalyaan (2013): The Mars Orbiter Mission made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first in the world to do so in its maiden attempt.
    • Chandrayaan Missions: A series of lunar exploration missions that have significantly contributed to our understanding of the Moon, including the discovery of water molecules and the unprecedented landing on the lunar south pole by Chandrayaan-3.
  • Launch Vehicle Technology:
    • Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV): Often referred to as the workhorse of ISRO, the PSLV is a reliable and versatile launch vehicle used for delivering satellites to various orbits.
    • Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV): This launch vehicle is used to place heavier satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
  • Satellite Navigation System:
    • Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC): An independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India. It is designed to provide accurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and the region extending approximately 1,500 km around it.

Sources

• DD News
• India TV News
• The Economic Times

India–France Engine Collaboration Elevates AMCA’s Indigenous Capabilities

What’s the News?

• India and France are set to begin joint development of a high‑performance jet engine—around 120 kN thrust—for India’s indigenous fifth‑generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and related future platforms.
• The agreement involves DRDO and Safran, with plans for full technology transfer, domestic design, testing, certification, and manufacturing.
• This follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s confirmation at a global forum on India’s push for indigenous defence self‑reliance.

Strategic Significance

• Technological independence: The project aims for full in-country development of jet engines, reducing reliance on imports and advancing self‑sufficiency in defence aerospace.
• Economic scale: Estimated project value is ₹61,000 crore, reflecting significant capital investment in domestic defence infrastructure.
• Long‑term capability building: The engine is expected to power the AMCA Mk‑II and future platforms, with ~250 engines required over the next decade.
• Global defence diplomacy: Reinforces Indo‑French strategic ties, deepening collaboration in high‑technology defence domains.

Additional Info

• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA):
  • The AMCA is a fifth-generation stealth, multi-role combat aircraft currently under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • It is designed to have advanced features such as stealth, supercruise, and superior maneuverability.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
  • DRDO is the premier agency under the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India, responsible for the military's research and development.
• Safran S.A.
  • Safran is a major French multinational aerospace and defence company, known for its expertise in aircraft engine manufacturing.
  • The company has a long-standing relationship with India, supplying engines for several Indian military and civilian aircraft.

Sources

• The Economic Times
• The Hindu

Kerala Achieves Complete Digital Literacy Through ‘Digi Keralam’ Campaign

What’s the News?

• Kerala has become the first state in India—arguably the world—to attain 100% digital literacy.
• Over 21.87 lakh citizens were trained under the government’s Digi Keralam programme.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is poised to make a formal declaration confirming this milestone.

Why This Matters

• Digi Keralam covered all age groups and demographics, making digital skills and access universally available.
• The campaign fostered inclusivity and community engagement through extensive volunteer support.

Additional Info

• Historical Context
  • Kerala first achieved universal literacy in the early 1990s.
  • Pullampara Panchayat served as the pilot, becoming the state’s first fully digital-literate panchayat.
• Programme Details
  • Digi Keralam launched in 2023, aimed to bridge digital gaps across the population.
  • Training modules taught smartphone basics, app usage (e.g., YouTube, messaging), and online utility payments.
  • Volunteers numbered over 2.5 lakh, including youth, NSS/NCC members, Kudumbashree workers, and community actors.
• Inclusivity Metrics
  • Surveyed 83 lakh people to identify digitally illiterate individuals; trained 21+ lakh thereafter.
  • People aged 75–90 were included once age restrictions were lifted; over 15,000 participants above 90 took part.
  • Among the digitally empowered was 105-year-old M A Abdullah Maulavi, who learned to use smartphones and access digital services.
• Digital Infrastructure & Governance
  • Kerala also pioneered K-FON, its own high-speed internet network, aiming to provide affordable digital access to all households.
  • The state already offers 9,000+ government services online and leverages K-SMART for local governance services.
  • KITE Kerala (formerly IT@School) supports ICT-enabled education and digital skills from schools to citizen services.
• Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) Project:
  • This project is a cornerstone of Kerala's digital infrastructure strategy.
  • Its objective is to provide high-speed, reliable internet connectivity across the state.
  • A key feature is the provision of free internet connections to families living Below the Poverty Line (BPL) and subsidized internet access for others.
• National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM):
  • This is a central government initiative launched to empower at least one person per household with crucial digital literacy skills.
  • The mission's goal is to make citizens IT literate so they can actively participate in the digital economy and access e-governance services.

Sources

• The Hindu
• CNBC-TV18

India Leads Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Forum as AIBD Executive Board Chair

What’s the News?

• India secured the Chairmanship of the Executive Board of the Asia‑Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), winning the highest number of votes at the 23rd AIBD General Conference in Phuket, Thailand.
• India previously held this position in 2016 and continues to serve as President of the AIBD General Conference until August 2025.
• Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati and President of AIBD General Conference, expressed gratitude for the trust shown by member countries and reaffirmed India’s intent to further collaborative media initiatives.

Strategic Implications

• This development is a testament to the international community's confidence in India's dynamic and independent media environment. India's leadership is poised to be pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of the AIBD, an organisation crucial for media development in the Asia-Pacific.
• As Chairman, India is expected to spearhead initiatives aimed at:
  • Fostering a collaborative ecosystem for broadcasters to navigate the challenges of the digital era.
  • Championing the principles of balanced, ethical, and responsible media content.
  • Promoting capacity building and knowledge sharing, particularly in areas of technological innovation and sustainable broadcasting models.
  • Strengthening the collective voice of the Asia-Pacific region on global media and broadcasting platforms.

Additional Info

• Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD):
  • Establishment: Founded in 1977 under the aegis of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
  • Nature: It is a unique regional inter-governmental organisation serving countries of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP).
  • Mandate: To achieve a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific region through policy formulation and resource development.
  • Secretariat: Hosted by the Government of Malaysia and located in Kuala Lumpur.
• Prasar Bharati:
  • Status: India's statutory autonomous public service broadcaster, established by an Act of Parliament.
  • Constituents: It comprises the Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio (AIR).
  • Mission: To inform, educate, and entertain the public while upholding democratic values, national integration, and promoting social development.

Sources

• Devdiscourse
• Press Information Bureau (PIB)

E-commerce Dominates Consumer Refund Grievances

What’s the News?

• The e-commerce sector has emerged as the leader in consumer refund-related grievances, with 3,594 cases reported.
• The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) facilitated refunds amounting to ₹1.34 crore within this sector.
• Across 27 sectors, the NCH successfully facilitated total refunds of ₹2.72 crore, addressing 7,256 consumer grievances.
• The travel and tourism sector followed e-commerce in the volume of refund grievances.

National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and Grievance Redressal

• The NCH has significantly enhanced its efficiency and reach through technological advancements, acting as a unified platform for consumers, government agencies, private companies, and regulatory bodies.
• A notable increase in call volumes has been observed, rising from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024.
• The average monthly complaint registrations have grown from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,11,951 in 2024.
• The number of convergence partners has expanded from 263 in 2017 to 1,131 in 2025, strengthening the grievance redressal mechanism.
• To improve accessibility, the NCH has integrated WhatsApp with its toll-free number (1915), enabling consumers to register grievances directly, especially during high call volumes.

Additional Info

• Consumer Protection Act, 2019:
  • This act replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, to provide timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes.
  • It established the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.
  • The act includes provisions for e-commerce and direct selling, making it more relevant to the current market landscape.
• National Consumer Helpline (NCH):
  • Launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, the NCH operates as a national helpline for consumers.
  • It provides information, advice, and guidance to consumers on their rights and helps in the resolution of their complaints.
  • The helpline is accessible through a toll-free number and other digital channels.

Sources

• DD News
• Devdiscourse
• The Economic Times

Nepal Verified for Rubella Elimination

What’s the News?

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially verified that Nepal has eliminated endemic rubella, a significant public health achievement.
• This milestone makes Nepal the sixth country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve rubella elimination.
• The verification was confirmed by the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination after reviewing Nepal's surveillance data and immunization coverage.

Rubella Elimination Strategy

• Nepal's success is the result of sustained political commitment and robust public health strategies implemented over several years.
• Key efforts included:
  • Introduction of the rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) into the national immunization program.
  • Conducting nationwide vaccination campaigns, achieving over 95% coverage with at least one dose of the vaccine.
  • Establishing a sensitive, case-based surveillance system to promptly detect and respond to any potential cases.
  • Innovative strategies such as observing an 'immunization month' and outreach programs to vaccinate missed children played a crucial role.

Additional Info

• About Rubella:
  • Rubella, also known as German Measles, is a contagious viral infection.
  • While it often causes mild illness in children and adults, it can have devastating consequences if a woman is infected during pregnancy.
• Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS):
  • Infection during early pregnancy can lead to CRS in newborns, which is a primary cause of preventable birth defects.
  • CRS can result in severe, lifelong conditions, including deafness, cataracts, heart defects, and developmental disabilities.
• Regional Goals:
  • The WHO South-East Asia Region has a collective goal to eliminate both measles and rubella by 2026.
  • Countries that have already eliminated rubella in the region include Bhutan, DPR Korea, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste.

Sources

• who.int
• health.economictimes.indiatimes.com