ISRO Gears Up for GSLV and PSLV Launches, Private Rocket Vikram-1 Ready; BRICS HOSA 2026 Meet Key Outcomes

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.

India's First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Launched July 18; Gaganyaan Parachute Test Qualified

India's first privately developed orbital rocket Vikram-1, built by Skyroot Aerospace, was successfully launched on July 18, 2026, from Sriharikota under 'Mission Aagaman', making India only the third country globally to achieve private orbital launch capability. The article also covers new IN-SPACe re-entry guidelines, Gaganyaan mission progress (SOLVE motor test, IMAT-05 parachute test, crew module qualification), and a Tracxn report revealing SpaceTech funding concentration. Critical for UPSC: space sector reforms, private participation, and ISRO's human spaceflight milestones.

SC Applies Section 498A to Live-in Relationships; NOTTO Launches Real-Time Organ Transplant Portal with Aadhaar Pledges

The Indian Express UPSC Key for August 4, 2026, covers multiple crucial topics: the Supreme Court's ruling extending Section 498A cruelty protection to live-in relationships, the launch of a real-time organ transplant portal by NOTTO, the Vikram Sarabhai Medal awarded to Annapurni Subramaniam, India's resilient fertiliser supply amid the Iran war, the science behind Europe's wildfires, and the Ceuta migrant crisis. These topics span Polity, Health, Science, Environment, and International Relations, offering direct material for UPSC Prelims and Mains.

PM Modi Announces Indian Space Station by 2035; BRICS Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam

India announced its own space station by 2035, marking a major milestone for ISRO. The 18th BRICS Summit begins in New Delhi (Sept 12-13, 2026) with Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting India after 7 years. Other key developments include Indian Railways' highest-ever daily PRS bookings (22 lakh+), Brent crude crossing $100/barrel, and NEET PG 2026 response sheets to be released by NBEMS.

Weekly UPSC Compilation: BRICS New Delhi Declaration, Swachh Vayu 2026 Rankings, Sagar Manthan Launch & More (Sept 7-13)

This week's UPSC current affairs compilation covers critical topics: BRICS New Delhi Declaration (India hosting, key outcomes), Swachh Vayu rankings 2026 (Lucknow tops), Sagar Manthan ORV launch, and more. Essential for Prelims facts and Mains analysis on environment, IR, defence, and culture.

GRSE Launches Indigenous ORV 'Sagar Manthan' for NCPOR under ₹4,077 Cr Deep Ocean Mission

India launched its indigenous ocean research vessel 'Sagar Manthan' on Sep 9, 2026, built by GRSE for NCPOR under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This vessel fills a critical gap in India's aging research fleet, ending dependence on foreign ships for deep-sea mineral exploration. It directly supports the ₹4,077 crore Deep Ocean Mission and strengthens India's blue economy and strategic underwater domain awareness.

18th BRICS Summit 2026: Bharat Innovates Exposition Showcases 37 Deep-Tech Innovations at Bharat Mandapam

As part of India's BRICS Chairship 2026, the 'Bharat Innovates Exposition' at Bharat Mandapam is showcasing 37 deep-tech innovations including AI-based cervical cancer screening and floating solar PV. This is a key event for understanding India's push for innovation diplomacy and the BRICS Education Track priority on research and startup ecosystems.

Astrobase Unveils 800kN FFSC Rocket Engine EVEREST – India's First Private FFSC Engine

India has become the fourth nation to develop Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine technology. Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled the 800kN EVEREST engine, making India self-reliant in advanced rocket propulsion crucial for reusable launch vehicles. This development positions India's private space industry as a global competitor and is highly relevant for Science & Tech sections of all exams.