Today's Brief 25/01/2025

JN Analysis: https://youtu.be/0M54scNX4AE?si=VLZbxdnVPfnIC75l

 1 .SpaDeX:

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc.

 In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.

Objectives:

The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit. Secondary objectives include:

• Demonstration of the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics,

• Composite spacecraft control, and

• Payload operations after undocking.

Mission Concept:

The SpaDeX mission consists of two small spacecraft (about 220 kg each) to be launched by PSLV-C60, independently and simultaneously, into a 470 km circular orbit at 55° inclination, with a local time cycle of about 66 days. The demonstrated precision of the PSLV vehicle will be utilized to give a small relative velocity between the Target and Chaser spacecraft at the time of separation from the launch vehicle.

This incremental velocity will allow the Target spacecraft to build a 10-20 km inter-satellite separation with respect to the Chaser within a day. At this point, the relative velocity between the Target will be compensated using the propulsion system of the Target spacecraft.

At the end of this drift arrest maneuver, the Target and Chaser will be in the same orbit with identical velocity but separated by about 20 km, known as Far Rendezvous. With a similar strategy of introducing and then compensating for a small relative velocity between the two spacecraft, the Chaser will approach the Target with progressively reduced inter-satellite distances of 5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and 3 m, ultimately leading to the docking of the two spacecraft.

 After successful docking and rigidization, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated before undocking and separation of the two satellites to start the operation of their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years.

The indigenous technologies developed for enabling this docking mission are as follows:

• Docking mechanism,

• A suite of four rendezvous and docking sensors,

• Power transfer technology,

• Indigenous novel autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy,

• Inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft, incorporated with inbuilt intelligence to know the states of the other spacecraft,

• GNSS-based Novel Relative Orbit Determination and Propagation (RODP) processor to determine the relative position and velocity of the other spacecraft,

• Simulation test beds for both hardware and software design validation and testing.

In addition, SpaDeX, because of its small size and mass, is even more challenging due to the finer precision required for the rendezvous and docking maneuvers compared to docking two large spacecraft. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth.

Docking Mechanism:

The docking mechanism is a low-impact docking system (approach velocity is in the order of 10 mm/s), androgynous (docking systems are identical for both spacecraft, Chaser & Target), and is a peripheral docking system (concept similar to the International Docking System Standard used by other agencies for human missions).

The mechanism is smaller (450 mm) with one degree of freedom for extension and uses two motors compared to the IDSS (800 mm) on a hexapod with 24 motors. Multiple test beds were established to test the hardware and software simulation of the docking kinematics to verify and finalise the docking

approach parameters.

2 .PM Modi extends greetings on Uttar Pradesh’s 76th foundation day:

 (GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

Uttar Pradesh celebrated its 76th Foundation Day on January 24, 2025, commemorating the renaming of the United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh on that date in 1950.

The celebrations, held at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow, spanned three days, showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage and highlighting its ongoing development. Six individuals were honored with the "Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman" for their exceptional contributions in fields like music, agriculture, and education.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the state's rich history while outlining a vision for a progressive and self-reliant Uttar Pradesh. The Foundation Day served as a platform to reflect on the state's journey, celebrate its achievements, and unite in the mission of fostering a prosperous future.

3 .International Allied Health Conference 2024: A Global Platform for Healthcare Collaboration:

 (GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

The International Allied Health Conference 2024 (IAHC 2024) served as a pivotal global platform for healthcare collaboration. Held in Singapore from November 1-5, 2024, the conference brought together over 1,100 Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and students from more than 18 countries.

Organized by the National University Health System (NUHS) in partnership with SingHealth and the National Healthcare Group 1  (NHG), IAHC 2024 emphasized the theme "Advancing Allied Health: Diverse in Calling, United in Purpose."   

Key highlights included:

• Global Participation: The conference fostered international collaboration and knowledge exchange among AHPs.

• Launch of GAHN: A significant achievement was the launch of the Global Allied Health Network (GAHN), aiming to strengthen global cooperation and advance the AHP profession worldwide.

• Focus on Innovation: The conference showcased cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and technological advancements in the field of Allied Health.

• Professional Development: IAHC 2024 provided valuable opportunities for professional development through a range of workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions.

By uniting the international Allied Health community, IAHC 2024 played a crucial role in advancing healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes globally.

3 .BIO-E3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment) Policy:

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a significant initiative by the Indian government. Here's a breakdown:

Key Objectives:

• Boosting Biomanufacturing: The core focus is on scaling up high-performance biomanufacturing in India. This involves producing a wide range of products like medicines, materials, and biofuels using biological processes.

• Economic Growth: The policy aims to contribute substantially to India's economic growth by establishing a strong bioeconomy. This includes fostering innovation, attracting investments, and creating a thriving ecosystem for bio-based industries.

• Environmental Sustainability: A key aspect is promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. This involves utilizing renewable resources, reducing carbon emissions, and developing solutions for environmental challenges like pollution and climate change.

• Job Creation: The policy seeks to generate numerous employment opportunities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, by supporting the growth of the biotechnology sector.

Key Features:

• Focus on Thematic Sectors: The policy identifies six key sectors for targeted development:

  • Smart Proteins & Functional Foods

  • High-Value Bio-based Chemicals, Biopolymers & Enzymes

  • Precision Biotherapeutics

  • Climate-Resilient Agriculture

  • Carbon Capture 1  & Utilization   

4 .India leads global WASH innovation discourse at World Economic Forum 2025: At the India Pavilion during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, a high-profile discussion on “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability” was held, spotlighting India’s transformative work in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and its significant role in global climate resilience and sustainable development.

5 .The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

 (GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

completed its 10 years of implementation it is a government-backed savings scheme in India designed to encourage parents to save for their daughters' future education and marriage.

Key Features:

• Eligibility:

  • Only parents or legal guardians of a girl child can open an SSY account.

  • The girl child must be a resident Indian and below the age of 10 at the time of1 account opening.

• Account Limits:

  • Only one SSY account can be opened for a girl child.

  • A maximum of two SSY accounts can be opened per family (one for each girl child).

• Deposits:

  • Minimum initial deposit: Rs. 250

  • Minimum subsequent deposit: Rs. 250

  • Maximum annual deposit: Rs. 1,50,000

• Interest Rate:

  • The interest rate is fixed by the government and is generally higher than other savings options.

• Maturity:

  • The account matures after 21 years from the date of opening.

• Withdrawals:

  • Partial withdrawals are allowed after the girl child turns 18 or completes her 10th standard for higher education purposes.

• Tax Benefits:

  • Deposits in the SSY account are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

  • Interest earned on the account is also tax-free.

Benefits of SSY:

• High Returns: Offers competitive interest rates compared to other savings options.

• Tax Benefits: Provides significant tax advantages for parents.

• Long-Term Savings: Encourages long-term savings for the future of girl children.

• Government-Backed: Ensures the safety and security of investments.

Where to Open an SSY Account:

• Post Offices

• Authorized commercial banks

The SSY is a valuable tool for parents who want to secure their daughters' financial future. By providing a safe and rewarding investment option, the scheme contributes to the empowerment of girls in India.

Current Affairs Will be updated soon!!