{"id":2327,"date":"2025-10-15T08:26:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=2327"},"modified":"2025-10-21T09:10:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:10:30","slug":"current-affairs-15th-october-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/10\/15\/current-affairs-15th-october-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 15th October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. INDIA AND MONGOLIA<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

General\u00a0Studies Paper\u00a0II (GS Paper\u00a02) \u2013 \u00a0International\u00a0Relations & Diplomacy<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

General Studies Paper I (GS Paper 1) \u2013 World and Physical Geography<\/p>\n

CONTEXT: <\/strong>India will launch a new program to train the border security force of Mongolia.\u200b<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Key agreements (10 MoUs) have been signed, spanning immigration, minerals, energy, heritage, and humanitarian aid.\u200b<\/li>\n
  • India will send Buddha relics to Mongolia, emphasizing cultural and religious diplomacy.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong>India-Mongolia Relations: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\nDetails<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Strategic Partnership<\/td>\nDeclared since 2015; comprehensive cooperation in defence, security, and economy\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Diplomatic Ties<\/td>\nEstablished in 1955; India first non-Eastern bloc country to do so\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Defence & Security<\/td>\nJoint exercises, capacity-building programs (e.g., border force training)\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cultural Linkage<\/td>\nCenturies-old Buddhist civilizational bonds; Nalanda-Gandan monastery links\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Key Agreements (2025)<\/td>\n10 MoUs signed in 2025; areas include heritage, minerals, humanitarian aid, digital solutions\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    International Forums<\/td>\nClose cooperation in multilateral forums, support for rules-based Indo-Pacific\u200b.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Geopolitical Significance<\/td>\nMongolia as a \u2018third neighbor\u2019 policy, India’s engagement to counterbalance regional powers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Key Announcements by PM Modi<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • India to train Mongolia’s border security forces; launches new capacity-building initiative.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Holy relics of Buddha\u2019s disciples (Sariputra, Maudgalyayana) will be sent to Mongolia in 2026.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Free e-visas for Mongolian citizens; boosts travel and cultural exchange.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • Defence attach\u00e9 to be appointed at Indian Embassy in Mongolia for deeper security ties.\u200b<\/li>\n
    • India reaffirmed as steadfast partner in Mongolia\u2019s growth, spanning energy and education.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong>Defence and Security Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Regular India-Mongolia joint military exercises (e.g., Nomadic Elephant).\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Border force training to enhance Mongolia\u2019s border management capacity.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • 2025 defence pacts elevate strategic partnership.\u200b<\/li>\n
      • Cybersecurity and infrastructure protection featured in bilateral talks.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Cultural and Religious Linkages (Buddhist Diplomacy)<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • India and Mongolia share deep Buddhist heritage; Mongolia reveres India as Buddhism\u2019s birthplace.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • Buddha relic diplomacy boosts spiritual and people-to-people bonds.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • India promotes yoga; 2025 MoUs include cultural exchanges.\u200b<\/li>\n
        • E-visas and Buddhist tourism encourage Mongolians to visit India\u2019s holy sites.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \u00a0<\/strong>Geopolitical Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Mongolia\u2019s location aids India\u2019s outreach to Central Asia and balances regional powers.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Aligns with India\u2019s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Partnership on uranium, minerals and the Mongol Refinery project supports energy security.\u200b<\/li>\n
          • Elevates India\u2019s democratic, developmental role in a region dominated by strong powers.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \u00a0<\/strong>Dimensions\u00a0and Significance\u00a0of India-Mongolia Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Political: <\/strong>Both countries\u00a0support each\u00a0other in global\u00a0forums; this\u00a0elevates India\u2019s diplomatic\u00a0reach and strengthens\u00a0political trust.\u200b<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Engagement boosts\u00a0India\u2019s presence\u00a0in Central Asia\u00a0and enhances\u00a0Mongolia\u2019s third\u00a0neighbor policy.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              \u00a0<\/strong>Economic: <\/strong>India gains\u00a0access to Mongolia\u2019s minerals; this\u00a0diversification\u00a0reduces Mongolia\u2019s overdependence on China.\u200b<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Indian investment\u00a0in oil refineries\u00a0and IT builds\u00a0stronger economic\u00a0connectivity\u00a0and fosters development\u00a0projects.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                \u00a0<\/strong>Defence: <\/strong>Joint military\u00a0exercises and\u00a0new training\u00a0programs enhance\u00a0border security\u00a0and strategic\u00a0stability.\u200b<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Appointment\u00a0of a defence\u00a0attach\u00e9 marks\u00a0deeper cooperation\u00a0in security matters.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  \u00a0<\/strong>Cultural: <\/strong>Shared Buddhist\u00a0heritage enriches soft power\u00a0and builds goodwill\u00a0across generations.\u200b<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • India supports\u00a0restoration of\u00a0monasteries and\u00a0cultural education\u00a0programs in Mongolia.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    \u00a0<\/strong>Geopolitical: <\/strong>Partnership\u00a0balances influence\u00a0of dominant neighbors\u00a0(Russia, China) and reinforces\u00a0multi-alignment.\u200b<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Advancing rules-based Indo-Pacific\u00a0vision aligns\u00a0both with global\u00a0democratic norms.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      \u00a0<\/strong>Developmental: <\/strong>India\u2019s aid\u00a0supports infrastructure, capacity-building\u00a0and education, accelerating\u00a0Mongolia\u2019s development\u00a0journey.\u200b<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Collaboration\u00a0on digital and\u00a0energy projects\u00a0lifts Mongolia\u2019s long-term growth\u00a0prospects.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Additional information <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                        Facts\u00a0about Mongolia<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        Geographical\u00a0Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Situated\u00a0in north-central\u00a0Asia; landlocked\u00a0between Russia\u00a0(north) and China\u00a0(south).\u200b<\/li>\n
                        • Covers around\u00a01.56 million\u00a0sq km; among\u00a0the largest landlocked countries\u00a0globally.\u200b<\/li>\n
                        • Upland steppes\u00a0dominate 80%;\u00a0Gobi desert in\u00a0south, mountains\u00a0in north and\u00a0west.\u200b<\/li>\n
                        • Experiences\u00a0extreme continental\u00a0climate with\u00a0harsh winters\u00a0and hot summers; precipitation\u00a0is low.\u200b<\/li>\n
                        • Bordered by\u00a0Russia and China; longest boundary\u00a0with China (4,630 km).\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          \u00a0<\/strong>Physical\u00a0Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Western\u00a0region hosts\u00a0the Altai Mountains\u00a0(highest: Kh\u00fciten Peak, 4,374 m).\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Gobi Desert\u00a0covers southern\u00a0Mongolia, characterized\u00a0by arid, sandy\u00a0and rocky terrain.\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Vast steppes\u00a0support nomadic\u00a0life and herding traditions, making up much\u00a0of the landscape.\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Major rivers\u00a0include Selenga\u00a0and Orkhon; largest\u00a0lake is Kh\u00f6vsg\u00f6l<\/strong>, holding\u00a02% of world\u2019s\u00a0freshwater.\u200b<\/li>\n
                          • Forests are\u00a0mainly in the\u00a0north with taiga ecosystems, covering about\u00a011% of land.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                             <\/p>\n

                            2. Reformed multilateralism<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                            General Studies Paper II (GS-II): International Relations \u2014 Multilateralism, UN reforms, India\u2019s peacekeeping role.<\/p>\n

                            GS Paper III: Internal Security \u2014 Technology in security forces, global peacekeeping cooperation.<\/p>\n

                            Context: <\/strong>India\u2019s Defence Minister called for reformed multilateralism and stronger global rules at the UN Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs\u2019 Conclave, reflecting India\u2019s global leadership in peacekeeping<\/p>\n

                            \u00a0<\/strong>What is Multilateralism? <\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Multilateralism means countries work together through organizations (UN) to address shared challenges and uphold global rules.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Reformed multilateralism<\/strong> -calls for updating these structures to represent new realities, include developing nations, fight modern threats (terrorism, pandemics, disinformation), and prioritize human welfare.\u200b<\/p>\n

                              \u00a0<\/strong>Rajnath Singh’s Key Messages and Their Meaning<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • India stands for rules-based order; warns against nations violating or imposing self-serving norms.\u200b<\/li>\n
                              • Urges UN reforms for inclusiveness and relevance in handling new threats.\u200b<\/li>\n
                              • Peacekeeping missions need adaptation and innovation, not just bravery, to succeed in volatile crises.\u200b<\/li>\n
                              • Advanced nations should contribute more\u2014troops, logistics, and technology.\u200b<\/li>\n
                              • India aims for ethical global leadership (‘Vishwa Guru’), rooted in peace and non-violence.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                \u00a0<\/strong>India\u2019s 4C Formula for UN Peacekeeping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                4C Element<\/strong><\/td>\nMeaning<\/strong><\/td>\nRelevance<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Consultation<\/td>\nDialogue with all stakeholders<\/td>\nIncorporates field realities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Cooperation<\/td>\nJoint efforts among countries and agencies<\/td>\nBuilds unity and strength<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Coordination<\/td>\nAligning actions, strategies, and resources<\/td>\nBoosts mission effectiveness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                Capacity Building<\/td>\nTraining, tech sharing, resource development<\/td>\nSustains long-term missions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                \u200bUse of Technology in Peacekeeping<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Innovations (UAVs, secure comms, surveillance) make missions safer and adaptable.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                • Advanced and cost-effective tech from India enhances preparedness and operational efficiency.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                • Technology integration improves training and real-world mission simulations.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  \u00a0<\/strong>India\u2019s Role in UN Peacekeeping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                  Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\nDetails<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Military Contributions<\/td>\n2,90,000+ personnel deployed in 50+ missions globally<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Training & Capacity Build<\/td>\nCUNPK in Delhi trains global peacekeepers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Women Peacekeepers<\/td>\nLed all-women unit in Liberia and won UN gender awards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Medical Efforts<\/td>\nTreated thousands in UN field hospitals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Tech Support<\/td>\nSupplies indigenous UAVs, mobility, and communication tech<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Commitment<\/td>\nAdvocates troops, expertise, and reforms for accountable missions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                  \u200bWhy India Demands Reformed Multilateralism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                  Problem with Current System<\/strong><\/td>\nIndia\u2019s Stand & Solutions<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Outdated structures, limited inclusion<\/td>\nAdvocates representative, inclusive reforms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Unilateral actions by powerful nations<\/td>\nPushes for fair, rules-based global order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Inability to address complex crises<\/td>\nPromotes innovation, tech, capacity-building<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Marginalization of developing nations<\/td>\nSupports voice and role for TCCs, Global South<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                  \u200bUN Chiefs Conclave (UNTCC)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • UNTCC Chiefs\u2019 Conclave is a forum for military leaders from troop-contributing countries to enhance peacekeeping.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • Discusses operational challenges, threats, and tech integration in missions.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • Promotes collaboration, inclusive decision-making, and training.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                  • 2025 event, hosted by India, had representatives from 32 countries at New Delhi\u2019s Manekshaw Centre.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                     <\/p>\n

                                    3. Toyoake\u2019s Screen Time Ordinance<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                    GS Paper III \u2013 Science & Technology:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Context: <\/strong>A city guideline introduced in October 2025 in Toyoake, near Nagoya, Japan, advising residents to limit recreational screen use (phones, laptops, tablets, video games) to two hours per day.\u200b\"\"<\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • The ordinance is advisory and has no fines or penalties for exceeding the time limit.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Aim<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Promotes mental well-being and reduces digital isolation caused by excessive screen time.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                      • Encourages face-to-face social interaction and restores community engagement.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                      • Seeks to improve sleep and family communication, especially among children.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Applies to both adults and children, but excludes work and study screen time.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Recommends children under 12 stop screen use after 9 p.m. and those under 18 by 10 p.m..\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Approved by a 12\u20137 city council vote after public debate and consultation.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • Voluntary and non-punitive, relying on self-regulation and community pressure rather than enforcement.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                        • City council pledges regular reviews based on feedback to assess and adjust the policy as needed.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Community Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Ordinance has sparked both support and criticism, with some residents concerned about interference in family matters, while others view it as a prompt for positive change.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                          • City encourages family discussions to set healthy rules on digital device use.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                             <\/p>\n

                                            4. Australia -India clean energy partnership<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                            GS Paper II – International Relations<\/p>\n

                                            Context: <\/strong>Australia\u2019s Climate Minister\u2019s India visit highlights the Australia\u2013India clean energy partnership and urgent need for resilient renewable energy supply chains.<\/p>\n

                                            Clean\u00a0Energy Push in\u00a0Both Countries<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • India and\u00a0Australia are\u00a0accelerating\u00a0clean energy\u00a0transitions to\u00a0meet climate\u00a0targets and boost\u00a0energy security.<\/li>\n
                                            • India is rapidly scaling solar and green hydrogen for economic growth; Australia uses resource exports and targets domestic net zero.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              Country\u00a0Targets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                              Country<\/strong><\/td>\n2030 Targets<\/strong><\/td>\n2050 Targets<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                              India<\/td>\n500 GW\u00a0non-fossil capacity\u00a0(280 GW solar); 5 MT green\u00a0hydrogen; 45% emissions reduction\u00a0from 2005 levels<\/td>\nNet zero; full renewables; energy storage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                              Australia<\/td>\n43% emissions\u00a0reduction from\u00a02005; 63 GW solar, 50 GW wind;\u00a082% RE in mix<\/td>\nNet zero;\u00a0100% RE; critical\u00a0minerals export<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                              The\u00a0Challenges: Energy\u00a0Transition &\u00a0Supply Chain\u00a0Dependence<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • China controls\u00a0>90% rare earth\u00a0refining, 80% solar module\u00a0supply; creates\u00a0market risks\u00a0and delays for\u00a0India and Australia.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                              • Disruptions\u00a0due to pandemics and trade\u00a0restrictions\u00a0highlight need\u00a0for diversified\u00a0supply and processing.<\/li>\n
                                              • India faces\u00a0land and regulatory\u00a0barriers, Australia\u00a0has mining\/environmental hurdles and\u00a0limited refining.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                \u00a0<\/strong>India-Australia Renewable\u00a0Energy Partnership\u00a0(REP)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Launched\u00a0November 2024 by PM Modi and\u00a0PM Albanese at\u00a0a virtual summit.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                • Goals: Mutual\u00a0investments,\u00a0supply chain\u00a0diversification, energy security, net-zero support; focus on private\u00a0sector, tech, and skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>Eight\u00a0Key Areas of\u00a0Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Solar PV tech\u00a0and supply chains<\/li>\n
                                                  • Green hydrogen\u00a0production<\/li>\n
                                                  • Energy storage\/battery solutions<\/li>\n
                                                  • Critical mineral\u00a0exploration\/processing<\/li>\n
                                                  • Training\/skills (solar\u00a0academy)<\/li>\n
                                                  • Two-way investment<\/li>\n
                                                  • Research &\u00a0innovation<\/li>\n
                                                  • Policy alignment\u00a0for sustainability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Track\u00a01.5 Dialogue<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Forum links\u00a0government, industry, academia, investors.<\/li>\n
                                                    • Unlocks research, investment,\u00a0and tech commercialization; reports via\u00a0joint working\u00a0groups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Climate Vulnerability in Indo-Pacific<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Region\u00a0faces sea level\u00a0rise, storms, heatwaves, desertification\u2014threatens\u00a060% global population\u00a0with displacement.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Acts as threat\u00a0multiplier: resource\u00a0conflict, food\u00a0insecurity, economic\u00a0damage.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Urgent resilience\u00a0needed for 1.5\u00b0C climate goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Comparative\u00a0Strengths: Partnership\u00a0Basis<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • Australia: rich critical\u00a0minerals, stable\u00a0regulation, advanced\u00a0R&D, hydrogen\u00a0leadership.<\/li>\n
                                                        • India: large\u00a0manufacturing, skilled workforce, huge renewables\u00a0market, investment\u00a0in green hydrogen.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Partnership\u00a0leverages supply\u00a0and manufacturing\u00a0scale for mutual\u00a0benefit; Australia\u00a0provides minerals\u00a0to India, India\u00a0supplies modules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Strategic\u00a0Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Reduces China\u00a0dependence, builds\u00a0resilient supply\u00a0chains, fortifies regional\u00a0energy security.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Strengthens\u00a0Indo-Pacific\u00a0alliances (Quad), global climate\u00a0leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            \u00a0<\/strong>Recent\u00a0Developments\u00a0& Diplomatic\u00a0Engagements<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • Oct 2025: Ministerial REP meeting\u00a0(Bowen\u2019s India\u00a0visit), major\u00a0collaboration\u00a0focus.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                            • 2025: Annual\u00a0Oration, $3.8 million joint\u00a0research, critical\u00a0minerals pact\u00a0in July, trade\u00a0roadmap in April.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              \u00a0<\/strong>Challenges\u00a0Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                                              Challenge<\/strong><\/td>\nExplanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                                              Supply\u00a0Chain Vulnerabilities<\/td>\nHeavy\u00a0China reliance; diversification\u00a0needed for security<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                                              Regulatory\/Environmental<\/td>\nStrict laws\u00a0and land\/ore\u00a0issues delay\u00a0projects<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                                              Financial\/Investment<\/td>\nLarge capital\u00a0needs; subsidies\/incentives to\u00a0attract private\u00a0sector<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                                              Tech\/Workforce Gaps<\/td>\nNeed\u00a0skills transfer, innovation,\u00a0logistics for\u00a0remote resources<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                                                               <\/p>\n

                                                              5. How does Gaganyaan’s vital crew escape system work?<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                                              GS paper -III –: <\/strong>Science and Technology.<\/p>\n

                                                              Context: <\/strong>The Gaganyaan Mission, India\u2019s first human spaceflight program, aims to send astronauts into low Earth orbit and ensure their safe return.<\/p>\n

                                                              \u00a0<\/strong>Key Points: <\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • To prioritize crew safety, ISRO developed a Crew Escape System (CES) that can rapidly detach the crew module from the rocket in case of an emergency during launch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                \u00a0<\/strong>Crew Escape System<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • To ensure the Astronauts’ safety, various\u00a0In-flight Abort Demonstrations\u00a0of Crew Escape System (CES) have been included.<\/li>\n
                                                                • Types of Crew Escape Systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>The CES is classified into two main types based on how it extracts the crew module:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • Puller Type: <\/strong>Mechanism: The CES pulls the crew module away from the launch vehicle.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Example: Used in the Gaganyaan mission.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Pusher Type:<\/strong> Mechanism: The crew module is pushed away using compact, high-thrust liquid-fuel engines.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • Example: Used in vehicles like SpaceX’s Falcon 9.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                    \u00a0<\/strong>Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1):<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • It is the first of the two abort missions to test the safety mechanisms and demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System of the Gaganyaan Mission.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • This has also confirmed the functioning of systems for separating the crew module from the rocket in case of a mid-flight emergency (abort and escape\u00a0mission of the astronauts).<\/li>\n
                                                                    • Hence, it will allow the Gaganyaan crew to leave the spacecraft in an emergency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Life Support System<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                        \n
                                                                      • Life Support System to provide an\u00a0earth like environment to crew in space, crew emergency escape provision and evolving crew management aspects for training, recovery and rehabilitation of crew members.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Significance of CES in the Gaganyaan Programme<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        • Safety cornerstone: It forms the backbone of ISRO\u2019s human safety framework.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Boosts confidence: Successful CES tests pave the way for India\u2019s first crewed spaceflight.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Technological leap: Demonstrates India\u2019s capability in human-rated space systems.<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Foundation for future missions: Critical for upcoming long-duration and lunar missions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                          The Crew Escape System (CES) ensures astronaut safety in the Gaganyaan mission and highlights ISRO\u2019s progress in human spaceflight and future deep-space ventures.<\/p>\n

                                                                           <\/p>\n

                                                                          6. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal launches LEAPS 2025 to benchmark logistics excellence in India<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                                                          CONTEXT: <\/strong>LEAPS 2025 launched by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry at Bharat Mandapam, marking 4 years of PM GatiShakti.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                                                          \u00a0<\/strong>What is LEAPS 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                            \n
                                                                          • National benchmarking initiative to recognize excellence, innovation, and leadership in India\u2019s logistics sector.\u200b\"\"<\/li>\n
                                                                          • Developed by DPIIT under Ministry of Commerce & Industry.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                          • Aims to align logistics performance with National Logistics Policy (2022) and PM GatiShakti vision.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                            \u00a0<\/strong>Aim: <\/strong>To benchmark logistics excellence, strengthen global competitiveness, and celebrate sectoral innovation.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                                                              \n
                                                                            • Promotes integrated, sustainable, and resilient logistics infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                              \u00a0<\/strong>Criteria and Categories<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                \n
                                                                              • Applications open under 13 categories: air, rail, road, maritime, multimodal operators, MSMEs, startups, warehousing, institutions, and e-commerce.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                              • Encourages diversity and innovation across all logistics players.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                \u00a0<\/strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                • Emphasizes ESG compliance, sustainability, and green logistics practices.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                • Fosters collaboration between government, industry, and academia for better efficiency and transparency.<\/li>\n
                                                                                • National recognition platform for outstanding logistics performance and technology adoption.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                • Supports Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                • Registrations open on Rashtriya Puraskar Portal till Nov 15, 2025.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                  \u00a0<\/strong>Strategic Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  • Strengthens India’s logistics infrastructure in support of manufacturing, exports, and economic growth.<\/li>\n
                                                                                  • Champions modern, future-ready logistics for India\u2019s development vision and global role.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                                                    7. Space-tech firm GalaxEye to launch world’s first multi-sensor EO satellite in 2026<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                                                                    GS paper -III –: <\/strong>Science and Technology.<\/p>\n

                                                                                    Context: <\/strong>Bengaluru-based space-tech startup\u00a0GalaxEye Space\u00a0announced the launch of\u00a0Mission Drishti, the\u00a0world\u2019s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite, scheduled for\u00a0Q1 2026.\u200b<\/p>\n

                                                                                    What is Mission Drishti?\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                      \n
                                                                                    • India\u2019s first privately developed 160 kg multi-sensor EO satellite integrating\u00a0Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)\u00a0and\u00a0optical imaging\u00a0on a single platform.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                    • Developed by\u00a0GalaxEye Space, founded by\u00a0IIT Madras alumni\u00a0in Bengaluru.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                    • Capable of\u00a024\u00d77, all-weather Earth monitoring\u00a0with high spatial precision.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                      \u00a0<\/strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                        \n
                                                                                      • Deliver\u00a0high-resolution (1.5m)\u00a0fused imagery combining radar and optical data.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                      • Enable advanced\u00a0geospatial intelligence\u00a0for defense, disaster management, climate monitoring, and infrastructure development.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                      • Provide\u00a0AI-based analytics\u00a0for real-time insights into environmental and structural conditions.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                        \u00a0<\/strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                                          \n
                                                                                        • Multi-sensor integration:\u00a0Uses GalaxEye\u2019s proprietary\u00a0SyncFused Opto-SAR\u00a0technology.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                        • High-resolution imaging:\u00a01.5m imagery clears limitations of cloud cover or darkness.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                        • Large-scale payload:\u00a0India\u2019s\u00a0largest privately built\u00a0satellite (160 kg).\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                        • AI-ready data:\u00a0Offers processed, analytics-friendly geospatial data.\u200b<\/li>\n
                                                                                        • Constellation plan:\u00a08\u201310 satellites to be launched globally by 2029 for real-time imaging coverage.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                          \u00a0<\/strong>Applications<\/strong><\/p>\n