2 Minute Series_21st JUNE 2025

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1. Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs)

Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs): Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to manufacture, Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs), representing a major milestone in the India's space sector.

  • About SSLVs : Developed by ISRO to cater specifically to the launch of small satellites.

o Designed as a three-stage launch vehicle using solid propulsion.

o Weighs approximately 120 tonnes; measures 34 metres in length and 2 metres in diameter.

o Equipped with a Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) — a liquid propulsion-based final stage used to fine-tune the velocity before satellite insertion into orbit.

o Uses and Advantages: Capable of launching payloads between 10 kg and 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

ü Supports mini, micro, and nano satellites, including those developed by students and private players.

ü Ideal for commercial and on-demand launches, enhancing flexibility for small satellite deployment.

  • About ISRO: Began as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, following the vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

o In 1969, INCOSPAR was restructured into the ISRO to expand and formalise space activities within the DAE framework.

o National Role: ISRO serves as India’s national space agency, and the principal R&D arm of the Department of Space.

o Primary Functions: Conducting space-based operations (e.g., satellites and launch vehicles)

ü Advancing space exploration missions & facilitating international space cooperation


2. Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): Recently, BSNL made a significant stride in India’s 5G journey by soft-launching the “Quantum 5G FWA” service in Hyderabad.

o This marks the country’s first fully indigenous and SIM-less 5G FWA solution, delivering fibre-like internet speeds through radio waves—eliminating the need for physical cable infrastructure.

  • Key Features : SIM-less Technology: India’s first 5G FWA that works without a physical SIM card. The device connects automatically using BSNL’s Direct-to-Device system.

o Fully Made in India: Everything—from the core network to devices—has been built by Indian engineers as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

o Superfast Internet: Offers blazing speeds of up to 980 Mbps for downloads and 140 Mbps for uploads, with less than 10 milliseconds of delay—great for heavy internet use.

o Quick and Easy Setup: Just plug in the device—no need to dig roads or lay cables. It already reaches over 85% of homes in Hyderabad through BSNL’s existing towers.

o Perfect for Today’s Needs: Supports Ultra-HD video, cloud gaming, work-from-home, and smart home gadgets—all with a smooth and reliable connection.

  • 5G Technology: Offers significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency, allowing more devices to connect seamlessly.

o Enhanced User Experience: Improves virtual/augmented reality, gaming, and video streaming with smoother and more immersive performance.

o Real-Time Collaboration: Enables instant interaction in virtual environments, reducing delays and improving remote teamwork.

o Support for High-Quality Content: Facilitates the creation and delivery of advanced media, including 3D graphics and high-resolution visuals.

o Foundation for Future Services: Powers emerging applications like virtual education, remote healthcare, smart cities, and the metaverse.


3. Green Hydrogen

Green Hydrogen : Recently scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have built a next-generation photo electrochemical device that generates green hydrogen by splitting water molecules using sunlight and earth-abundant materials.

  • About Photo Electrochemical Device : That converts light energy, typically solar energy, into chemical or electrical energy.

o Working: Uses a silicon-based photoanode with a n-i-p heterojunction structure (n-type TiO₂, intrinsic Si, p-type NiO). This design improves light absorption, charge transfer, and reduces energy loss.

o Technology Used: Built using magnetron sputtering, a reliable and industry-ready method for coating materials. It uses earth-abundant and low-cost materials.

o Performance: Achieves 980 mV surface photo-voltage and 0.11 V onset potential.

ü High efficiency, low cost, long-lasting, and solar-powered.

ü Can help power homes, vehicles, and industries with clean hydrogen energy.


4. City Accelerator Program

City Accelerator Program : Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the City Accelerator Program in a major move to boost India’s clean energy transition.

o The launch took place during the National Conference on Skill Development for Renewable Energy Workforce held in New Delhi.

  • About City Accelerator Program : A flagship initiative under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY)—the world’s largest rooftop solar scheme.

o Aims to solarise 1 crore households and contribute to India’s goal of 500 GW renewable energy by 2030.

o Objectives: Boost Rooftop Solar (RTS) adoption in urban areas and empower key stakeholders: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), DISCOMs, and State Nodal Agencies (SNAs).

o Strategic Urban Focus: Targets urban energy demand hubs for decentralised solar adoption.

ü Demonstrates cost savings, grid resilience, and sustainability.

ü Promotes solar-ready cities through replicable models in governance and finance.

ü Supports India’s commitment to 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

  • About PMSGMBY : Launched on February 15, 2024 to provide free electricity to households through rooftop solar installations.

o Financial Support: Subsidy covers up to 40% of the cost of rooftop solar panels. Families can receive up to 300 units of free electricity/month, saving up to ₹18,000 annually.

o Key Benefits: Free electricity for eligible households, reduction in electricity subsidies and government expenditure and boosts renewable energy use and cuts carbon emissions.


5. National Time Release Study (NTRS)

National Time Release Study (NTRS): Recently, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, released the fifth edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) ,at the CBIC Conclave held in New Delhi.

  • About NTRS : A quantitative performance assessment tool to measure the average time taken for cargo clearance from arrival to release.

o Uses real-time data from the Customs Automated System, managed by the Directorate General of Systems and Data Management.

o Aligned with India’s efforts under the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP) 3.0.

o Scope and Coverage (Since 2019): Conducted at 15 major trade locations, including: Seaports, Air Cargo Complexes (ACCs), Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Integrated Check Posts (ICPs)

o New Locations in 2025 Edition: Kochi Seaport, Garhi Harsaru ICD and Jaigaon Land Customs Station (LCS)

  • About NTFAP: Aims to implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in India.

o Objective: Enhance ease of doing business and make India’s trade system more transparent, predictable, and efficient.


6. 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY)

11th International Day of Yoga (IDY): Recently, the National Science Centre (NSC), Delhi, under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21st June with a series of engaging, day-long activities.

  • About IDY : An annual global observance promoting yoga as a tool for holistic health and sustainable living.

o Recognized by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014. First celebrated globally on June 21, 2015.

o Theme for 2025: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

o Objectives: Promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness through yoga and enhance India’s cultural diplomacy through soft power.

  • Key Features: Global Adoption: Recognized by 175 UN member states; participation reached 24.53 crore in 2024.

o Mass Participation: Coordinated by the Ministry of AYUSH, with support from state governments, UN agencies, and Indian missions abroad.

o Cultural Leadership: Positions India as the global leader in yoga and wellness traditions.


7. Digital Payments Award 2024–25

Digital Payments Award 2024–25 : Recently, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) received the prestigious Digital Payments Award 2024–25 from the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, in recognition of its innovative digital solutions and strong grassroots impact in promoting financial inclusion.

  • About Digital Payment Award: Aims to honor outstanding efforts in advancing digital payment ecosystems across India.

o Eligibility: Applicable to banks, payment banks, fintech startups, and other financial institutions that have made noteworthy contributions through innovative and impactful digital payment initiatives.

  • About IPPB: A payments bank fully owned by the Government of India and operates under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.

o Launched on: September 1, 2018.

o Objectives of IPPB: To drive large-scale financial inclusion by offering affordable, accessible, and reliable banking services to every citizen, especially in rural areas—thereby bridging the urban-rural divide and advancing the goals of Digital India and a less-cash economy.


8. Mt. Lewotobi Laki-laki

Mt. Lewotobi Laki-laki : Recently, Mt. Lewotobi Laki-laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted violently, propelling a massive ash plume up to 11 kilometers into the sky.

  • About Mt. Lewotobi Laki-laki : Situated on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. Lies within the highly seismic Pacific “Ring of Fire”, known for frequent volcanic and earthquake activity.

o The Lewotobi complex features twin stratovolcanoes, aligned northwest to southeast and separated by a saddle.

o The volcano derives its name from Lewotobi Lakilaki ("male") and Lewotobi Perempuan ("female"), referring to its two distinct cones.

ü Lewotobi Lakilaki (1,584 mts tall) : Features a 400-meter-wide summit crater open to the north and known for frequent eruptions over the 19th and 20th centuries.

ü Lewotobi Perempuan (1,703 mts tall) : Contains a 700-meter-wide crater and has seen only two recorded eruptions in history



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