1. Aryabhata: India’s First Satellite (1975) – History
Key Facts about Aryabhata
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 19 April 1975 |
| Launched By | Soviet Union (USSR) from the Kapotnya (Volgograd) Launch Site |
| Weight | Around 360 kilograms |
| Purpose | Conduct scientific experiments in solar physics and X-ray astronomy. |
| Orbit Duration | Remained in orbit for nearly 17 years until re-entry in February 1992. |
| Naming | Named by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. |
Mission Purpose
| Objective | Details |
|---|---|
| Solar Physics Studies | Observing solar X-rays to understand solar flares and emissions. |
| X-ray Astronomy | Study of celestial bodies emitting X-rays, such as stars and galaxies. |
Successes and Challenges
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Success | Successfully made initial X-ray observations post-launch. |
| Power Failure | Experienced a power system failure within 5 days. |
| Data Transmission | Despite issues, Aryabhata transmitted valuable data for a few more days. |
| Long-Term Impact | The satellite remained a symbol of scientific aspiration for India, even after becoming non-functional. |
Significance of Aryabhata’s Launch
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Standing | India became one of only 11 countries capable of placing satellites into space. |
| International Recognition | The Soviet Union issued a commemorative Aryabhata stamp in 1976. |
| Diplomatic Achievement | Strengthened Indo-Soviet scientific and diplomatic ties. |
| Cultural Pride | Reflected India’s commitment to blending scientific progress with cultural heritage. |
Countries with Satellite Capability in 1975
- USA
- USSR
- United Kingdom
- France
- China
- West Germany
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Italy
- India (with Aryabhata)
Relevance & Local Application
- GS Paper I – Post-Independence India:
- Aryabhata represents India’s early technological achievements and space exploration ambitions.
- Useful for answers related to India’s scientific growth, self-reliance in technology, and diplomatic ties during the Cold War era.
- For Himachal Pradesh:
- Science initiatives like Aryabhata inspire similar regional efforts in space technology awareness, STEM education, and satellite-based disaster management for hilly states like HP.
Summary
Launched on 19 April 1975 with Soviet assistance, Aryabhata was India’s first satellite, designed to study solar physics and X-ray astronomy. Although it faced a power failure shortly after launch, it marked a historic scientific and diplomatic milestone for India. The mission showcased India’s early space ambitions, earned international recognition, and symbolized national pride in post-independence technological progress. Aryabhata laid the foundation for India’s space journey and Indo-Soviet cooperation during the Cold War.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims :
1. Aryabhata, India’s first satellite launched in 1975, was mainly designed for:
a) Military reconnaissance
b) Communication services
c) Experiments in solar physics and X-ray astronomy
d) Weather forecasting
Answer: c) Experiments in solar physics and X-ray astronomy
2. Aryabhata was launched with the assistance of which country?
a) United States
b) Soviet Union (USSR)
c) France
d) Japan
Answer: b) Soviet Union (USSR)
Mains :
- “The launch of Aryabhata in 1975 marked not just a technological breakthrough but also a significant moment of national pride for post-independence India.” Discuss.
(GS Paper I – History / Scientific Development) - Discuss the role of Indo-Soviet cooperation in India’s early space program, with particular reference to the launch of Aryabhata.
(GS Paper II/III – International Relations / Science and Technology)
2. INS Sunayna and the IOS SAGAR Mission – Defence and Security
About INS Sunayna
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) |
| Commissioning Date | October 15, 2013 |
| Builder | Goa Shipyard Limited (Indigenously built) |
| Operational Base | Southern Naval Command (Kochi, Kerala) |
| Primary Role | Fleet support, coastal/offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, protection of offshore assets. |
Key Features of INS Sunayna
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Two powerful diesel engines enabling speeds above 25 knots. |
| Technology Systems | Automatic power management system, latest navigation, communication, and electronic warfare support systems. |
| Armament | – 76 mm naval gun with electro-optic fire control |
- Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS)
- Chaff launchers for defence against missiles | | Helicopter Capability | Can embark and operate a helicopter, extending surveillance and operational range. |
About IOS SAGAR
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Indian Ocean Ship Security and Growth for All in the Region (IOS SAGAR). |
| Mission Objective | Training and capacity-building of maritime forces of Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs) in the Indian Ocean Region. |
| Strategic Aim | Enhancing regional maritime security cooperation. |
| Tagline | One Ocean, One Mission. |
| Relation to SAGAR Initiative | IOS SAGAR operationalizes India’s broader SAGAR Vision announced by PM Modi in 2015, focusing on a secure and stable Indian Ocean. |
🇮🇳 India’s Broader Maritime Strategy: SAGAR
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Security | India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). |
| Growth | Promoting sustainable maritime economic development for regional states. |
| Collaboration | Partnering with IOR nations through exercises, training, disaster response, and capacity-building. |
Significance of INS Sunayna’s Deployment
- Showcasing Indigenous Naval Strength: Reinforces India’s shipbuilding capabilities and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence).
- Soft Power Diplomacy: Strengthens ties with African countries like Mozambique through capacity-building.
- Regional Maritime Leadership: Positions India as the “preferred security partner” and “first responder” in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Strategic Outreach: Complements India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategies.
Relevance & Local Application
- GS Paper III – Defence and Security:
- Highlights India’s growing naval diplomacy, regional leadership, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
- For Himachal Pradesh:
- Defence services are a popular career choice in HP; understanding naval strategies is useful for interviews and defence-related optional subjects.
Summary
INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel, plays a vital role in India’s maritime strategy through surveillance, fleet support, and regional outreach. Deployed under the IOS SAGAR mission, it strengthens naval cooperation with Indian Ocean nations by offering training and capacity-building. This aligns with India’s SAGAR vision of regional security and growth, showcasing India’s naval strength, defence self-reliance, and maritime diplomacy, especially in strategic regions like Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims :
1. INS Sunayna belongs to which class of Indian naval ships?
a) Shivalik-class
b) Talwar-class
c) Kolkata-class
d) Saryu-class
Answer: d) Saryu-class
2. What does the acronym SAGAR stand for in India’s maritime policy?
a) Sustainable and Growth for Asian Region
b) Safety and Growth for African Region
c) Security and Growth for All in the Region
d) Strategic and Global Alignment for Region
Answer: c) Security and Growth for All in the Region
Mains :
- Discuss the role of the Indian Navy in strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy with special reference to initiatives like SAGAR and deployments like IOS SAGAR.
(GS Paper III – Defence and Security) - Evaluate the importance of indigenously built offshore patrol vessels like INS Sunayna in enhancing India’s maritime security and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
(GS Paper III – Defence / Economy)
3. Criminalisation of Civil Disputes – A Judicial Concern – Polity
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Judicial Concern Raised | Misusing criminal law (IPC sections like 406, 420, 506) in civil disputes undermines the legal process. |
| Core Issue | Civil disputes such as money recovery, cheque bounce, and property disagreements are being wrongly criminalized to harass opponents. |
| Impact on Legal System | – Overburdens courts with criminal cases. |
- Threatens fair legal proceedings and misuses state machinery.
Illustrative Example
| Scenario | Criminalisation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Civil Dispute | Mr. A lends money to Mr. B; B defaults on repayment. |
| Misuse | Mr. A files criminal case alleging cheating (Section 420 IPC) instead of seeking civil recovery. |
Statistics on Case Backlog
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Civil Cases Pending (District Courts) | Over 1.08 crore cases. |
| Old Civil Cases (more than 1 year) | 68% of pending civil cases. |
| Criminal Cases Pending (All Courts) | 76% of total 4.52 crore cases are criminal in nature. |
(Source: National Judicial Data Grid, 2025)
Supreme Court’s Past Stand
| Case Name | Judicial Principle Established |
|---|---|
| G. Sagar Suri vs. State of UP (2000) | Criminal law must not be used as a substitute for civil remedies. |
| Dalip Singh vs State of UP (2010) | Abuse of process through false claims must be curbed. |
Legal Safeguards Suggested
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Use of Section 250 CrPC | Courts can order compensation to falsely accused persons and deter frivolous criminal cases. |
| Early Scrutiny by Magistrates | Courts must screen complaints carefully to detect misuse at the earliest stage. |
| Decriminalization of Minor Civil Offenses | Move to reduce criminal sanctions where civil remedies are adequate (policy reform). |
Relevance & Local Application
- GS Paper II – Governance and Judiciary:
- Important for writing on judicial reforms, decriminalization, speedy justice, and efficient legal process.
- For Himachal Pradesh:
- HP’s own judiciary faces significant case backlogs; insights into preventing criminalisation of civil disputes can help improve judicial efficiency locally.
Summary
The judiciary has raised alarms over the misuse of criminal law provisions like IPC Sections 406 and 420 to settle civil disputes such as loan defaults or property disagreements. This trend clogs courts, undermines justice, and misuses state machinery. Landmark judgments emphasize that criminal law should not substitute civil remedies. Suggested reforms include early judicial scrutiny, use of CrPC Section 250 to deter false cases, and policy moves toward decriminalizing minor civil matters.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims :
1. Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code primarily deals with:
a) Forgery
b) Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
c) Criminal breach of trust
d) Criminal intimidation
Answer: b) Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
2. Which section of the Criminal Procedure Code allows a court to award compensation for false accusations?
a) Section 438
b) Section 482
c) Section 250
d) Section 161
Answer: c) Section 250
Mains :
- “The increasing trend of criminalising civil disputes undermines the sanctity of criminal law and burdens the judiciary.” Critically analyze.
(GS Paper II – Polity / Governance / Judiciary) - Discuss the judicial safeguards available to prevent the misuse of criminal law in cases primarily involving civil liability.
(GS Paper II – Polity / Legal Reforms)
4. India Raises Concerns Over U.S. Visa Revocations Impacting Indian Students – International Relations
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Developments | Around 50% of recent U.S. visa revocation notices issued to Indian students. |
| U.S. Justification | Claimed non-discriminatory application across all nationalities (including China, South Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh). |
| Indian Response | Raised concerns through formal diplomatic channels; offering assistance to affected students. |
| Human Rights Issue | Concerns over fairness, due process, and minor infractions leading to cancellations. |
What is ‘Catch and Revoke’?
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Initiative Origin | Launched under U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in 2024. |
| Mechanism | Uses AI-based monitoring of visa holders’ social media activities. |
| Focus | Students allegedly expressing views against U.S. foreign policy, or minor infractions flagged in police databases. |
| Criticism | – Privacy violations |
- Disproportionate targeting
- Inconsistent legal safeguards. |
Why This Matters for India
| Impact Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Diaspora Engagement | Indian students form the largest group of international students in the U.S. (~20% share). |
| Economic Contribution | Indian students contribute billions of dollars to the U.S. economy annually through tuition and living expenses. |
| Human Rights Advocacy | Protecting citizens abroad is a critical aspect of India’s foreign policy. |
| Bilateral Relations Sensitivity | Visa issues can strain India-U.S. strategic ties ahead of high-level diplomatic engagements. |
Diplomatic Engagements Ahead
- Bilateral talks between U.S. and Indian leadership to cover broader strategic and economic ties.
- Visa revocation concerns may be informally raised, even if not officially on the agenda.
- Emphasis on mutual respect for people-to-people ties as a cornerstone of India-U.S. relations.
Relevance & Local Application
- GS Paper II – International Relations:
- Important for writing on India’s diaspora policy, human rights protection abroad, and India-U.S. relations.
- For Himachal Pradesh:
- Many students from HP aspire to study abroad; understanding diplomatic protection mechanisms is important for local-global linkage awareness.
Summary
India has formally expressed concern over the disproportionate revocation of U.S. visas affecting Indian students, particularly under the AI-driven ‘Catch and Revoke’ initiative. This policy, criticized for privacy violations and lack of due process, has sparked fears of unfair targeting. With Indian students forming a key part of the U.S. academic and economic landscape, the issue carries significant diplomatic and human rights implications. It also risks straining bilateral ties ahead of major diplomatic engagements.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims :
1. The ‘Catch and Revoke’ program in the U.S. is associated with:
a) Strengthening cybersecurity protocols
b) AI-based monitoring of visa holders for security risks
c) Revoking driving licenses based on traffic violations
d) Immigration amnesty programs
Answer: b) AI-based monitoring of visa holders for security risks
2. India has formally raised concerns with which country regarding disproportionate student visa revocations in 2025?
a) Australia
b) United Kingdom
c) United States
d) Canada
Answer: c) United States
Mains :
- “The safety and rights of Indian students abroad are a critical component of India’s diaspora policy.” Examine this statement in light of recent visa revocation issues involving Indian students in the U.S.
(GS Paper II – International Relations / Diaspora Affairs) - Discuss the implications of surveillance-based immigration policies like ‘Catch and Revoke’ on international student mobility and human rights.
(GS Paper II – Human Rights / Global Governance)
5. Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease – Science and Technology
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature of Disease | A progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to loss of dopamine-producing neurons. |
| Key Symptoms | Tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and postural instability. |
| Current Treatment | Primarily dopaminergic drugs like Levodopa, but do not regenerate neurons and may cause long-term side effects. |
| Need for Innovation | Therapies targeting regeneration rather than just symptom management are urgently needed. |
Stem Cell Approach for Parkinson’s
| Technique | Details |
|---|---|
| Source of Cells | iPSCs reprogrammed from adult somatic cells (like skin or blood cells). |
| Process | iPSCs differentiated into dopaminergic progenitor cells, then transplanted into the patient’s brain. |
| Potential | Regenerate lost neurons and restore motor function naturally. |
| Trial Focus (Kyoto Study) | Safety monitoring and preliminary evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness. |
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Explained
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Pluripotent cells artificially derived from non-pluripotent cells by reprogramming. |
| Inventor | Shinya Yamanaka (Nobel Prize, 2012). |
| Applications |
- Diabetes: Creation of insulin-producing beta cells.
- Leukemia: Generation of blood cells post-chemotherapy.
- Neurological Disorders: Potential therapy for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s.
- Drug Testing: Test toxicity of new drugs without human trials initially. | | Advantages | Avoid ethical issues of embryonic stem cells.
Patient-specific cells reduce transplant rejection risks. |
Types of Stem Cells: Embryonic vs Adult
| Feature | Embryonic Stem Cells | Adult Stem Cells |
|---|---|---|
| Potency | Pluripotent (can form any cell type) | Multipotent (limited types) |
| Source | Embryos (blastocyst stage) | Mature tissues like bone marrow |
| Ease of Growth | Easily cultured | Difficult to expand in lab |
| Ethical Concerns | High (destruction of embryos) | Low (sourced from adults) |
Significance of the Development
- Medical Advancement: Hope for permanent treatment options for millions of Parkinson’s patients globally.
- Biotechnology Boost: Promotes the use of stem cell therapy in mainstream medicine.
- Ethical Acceptance: iPSC-based therapies sidestep moral dilemmas associated with embryonic research.
- Health Diplomacy: Research partnerships like Japan-India collaboration possible in future health initiatives.
Summary
Stem cell therapy using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers new hope for treating Parkinson’s disease by regenerating lost dopamine-producing neurons. Unlike conventional drugs, iPSCs—reprogrammed from adult cells—can potentially restore natural brain function with reduced ethical concerns and rejection risks. Ongoing trials, such as in Kyoto, are testing safety and effectiveness. This innovation marks a major advancement in neurodegenerative disease treatment and opens pathways for future biotechnology-led therapies.
Exam Connect – Possible Questions
Prelims :
1. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are primarily generated by:
a) Differentiating embryonic stem cells
b) Reprogramming adult somatic cells
c) Harvesting fetal tissue
d) Using bacteria to induce pluripotency
Answer: b) Reprogramming adult somatic cells
2. Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily affected in Parkinson’s disease?
a) Serotonin
b) Dopamine
c) Acetylcholine
d) GABA
Answer: b) Dopamine
Mains :
- Discuss the role of stem cell technology in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. What are the ethical and scientific challenges involved?
(GS Paper III – Science and Technology / Health) - Compare and contrast embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in terms of their applications, ethical concerns, and scientific advantages.
(GS Paper III – Science and Technology / Biotechnology)