NavIC Constellation Drops to 3 Satellites, Fails to Provide Standalone Positioning: Govt Accepts

New Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules 2026 Mandate IST Traceability for All Official Use

India has made Indian Standard Time (IST) legally enforceable under the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026. All official and commercial systems must synchronize to IST traceable to CSIR-NPL. This reduces reliance on foreign GPS, improves cybersecurity, and enables 'One Nation, One Time'.

18th BRICS Summit New Delhi Declaration: RSSC Expansion, Space Debris, PAROS Working Group

The 18th BRICS Summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration, underscoring progress in expanding the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) to include new space agencies, strengthening space debris mitigation efforts, and advancing discussions on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) via an open-ended working group. This highlights deepening BRICS cooperation in space technology and security, a key area for UPSC International Relations and Science & Technology segments.

ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-05, India's First Geo-Orbit Imaging Satellite (2367 kg) via GSLV-F17

ISRO has successfully launched the EOS-05 satellite, India's first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, using GSLV-F17. This marks a comeback after launch failures in 2025-26 and replaces the failed EOS-03 mission. The satellite will provide real-time strategic imagery for national activities.

ISRO Launches EOS-05: India's First Geosynchronous Earth-Imaging Satellite for Strategic & Disaster Monitoring

ISRO has successfully launched EOS-05, India's first earth-imaging satellite placed in geosynchronous orbit. Unlike polar-orbiting satellites, it can continuously observe the same area, making it invaluable for real-time disaster response (floods, cyclones, forest fires), agricultural monitoring, and strategic security applications. This marks a significant leap in India's space-based surveillance capabilities.

ISRO Chairman Calls for Academia-Industry Partnership to Achieve Space Station by 2035, Moon Landing by 2040

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has called for a stronger academia-industry partnership to realise India's ambitious space goals, including an indigenous space station by 2035 and a manned Moon landing by 2040. The event, part of the ISRO Academia Connect initiative, highlights the need for application-oriented research and patents, moving beyond academic publications. This is crucial for aspirants tracking India's space programme and its growing self-reliance in critical technologies.

ISRO's GISAT-1A Launch in September 2026 After Two PSLV Failures; Expert Report Not Published

ISRO is set to launch GISAT-1A in September 2026 after two consecutive PSLV failures in 2025 and early 2026. The mission is crucial for restoring confidence in ISRO's launch capabilities. Additionally, the government's refusal to publish the National Level Expert Committee report raises transparency concerns relevant for governance and accountability.

PM Modi Meets 20 Space Startups on National Space Day, Pledges Unwavering Support for Sector

PM Modi interacted with 20 space startups ahead of National Space Day, emphasizing India's emergence as a global space hub. He assured policy continuity and unwavering support as the sector sees a boom post-2020 liberalization, with Skyroot Aerospace becoming the first private Indian company to conduct an orbital launch.

PM Modi to 20+ Space Start-ups: India's Private Space Ecosystem Can Attract Global Talent Pool

PM Modi met over 20 space start-up founders ahead of National Space Day, lauding their courage and stating that India's private space ecosystem can become a global magnet for scientific talent. The government promised stable policy support, boosting the morale of India's rapidly expanding space start-up sector, which now has over 400 companies.