IN-SPACe Releases Planned Re-entry Guidelines: Safety Threshold 1 in 10,000, Mandates Third-Party Liability Insurance

ISRO Employee Unions Seek Clarity on Privatisation Post EOS-05 Launch Success

ISRO's successful EOS-05 launch was overshadowed by employee unions demanding clarity on job security and outsourcing, highlighting a tension between the agency's development-focused roots and its new 'space race' ambitions under the 2023 Space Policy.

Doppler Weather Radars: 51st DWR Inaugurated at Sambalpur Under Mission Mausam

India's 51st Doppler Weather Radar was inaugurated in Sambalpur, Odisha, boosting weather forecasting under Mission Mausam. This expansion enhances early warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall, a core exam topic for disaster management and science-tech.

ISRO Transfers SSLV, PSLV, LVM3 to Private Sector Under Indian Space Policy 2023

ISRO is transitioning from manufacturing operational launch vehicles to a pure R&D role, transferring SSLV, PSLV, and LVM3 production to private industry. This shift, mandated by the Indian Space Policy 2023, aims to expand India's share in the global space economy from less than 2% ($9 billion in 2026) to $40-45 billion over the next decade. The move opens up significant commercial opportunities for private players while preserving ISRO's expertise for strategic and scientific missions.

SC-NBWL Recommends Pygmy Hog for Critically Endangered List Under IDWH Scheme

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended adding the pygmy hog, the world's smallest and rarest wild pig, to the list of critically endangered species under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. This move signals a renewed focus on grassland conservation and species recovery, with potential expansion to West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

Ministry of Mines Notifies 2 Offshore Mineral Blocks Near Great Nicobar for Polymetallic Nodules

India has notified two offshore mineral blocks near Great Nicobar Island for polymetallic nodule and crust exploration, strengthening its critical minerals push under the blue economy framework. This connects directly to the Deep Ocean Mission, Samudra Manthan scheme, UNCLOS, and India's strategic need for deep-sea mineral security. For exams, remember the Act, the minerals, the contracts, and the institutional framework.

Parliamentary Panel Urges Geostationary Satellite for 24x7 Himalayan Forest Fire Monitoring

A parliamentary standing committee has flagged critical gaps in forest fire monitoring in the Himalayas, where 17% of India's landmass accounts for 57% of fire incidents. It recommends launching an Indian geostationary satellite for round-the-clock monitoring, setting up NDRF regional response centres, and formulating a national pine-needle policy. This is crucial for prelims (data, institutions) and mains (environmental governance, disaster management).

CAG Report Finds E. coli in Drinking Water at 8 Railway Stations, Recommends Water Quality Protocol

CAG has found E. coli in drinking water at eight railway stations, exposing poor water quality and sanitation oversight. Since E. coli can cause infection even in tiny amounts and some strains are becoming drug-resistant, the report raises public-health and antimicrobial resistance concerns a UPSC candidate must link to governance and service delivery.

CAQM-ISRO to Re-Test Burnt Area Protocol as Satellite-Ground Data Diverge in Punjab-Haryana

CAQM's burnt area assessment protocol, used to monitor stubble burning, is under validation due to divergence between satellite and ground data. This impacts air quality enforcement in Delhi-NCR and has been questioned in the Supreme Court, making it critical for environment and governance exams.