2 Minute Series_08th May 2025

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1. Starlink

Starlink : Recently, Starlink receives govt clearance to offer satellite internet services in India.

  • About: Starlink, the satellite internet project launched by SpaceX, is rapidly transforming global internet connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions.
  • Aim: To offer high-speed, low-latency broadband internet around the world.
  • Key Findings: Operated by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.

o Utilizes a constellation of over 5,000 LEO satellites (and growing) Offers internet services

o speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to over 250 Mbps Ideal for rural areas, disaster zones, and locations with poor terrestrial infrastructure.

  • Impact Strategic Significance: Rural & Remote Connectivity Starlink can bring broadband access to rural villages, mountainous terrains, and border areas where fiber optic infrastructure is difficult or expensive to deploy.

o Disaster Resilience Satellite internet provides uninterrupted communication during natural disasters, crucial for rescue, relief, and coordination efforts.

o Defense & Border Security In sensitive border regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, secure and resilient internet via satellite can enhance real-time surveillance, logistics, and military coordination.

o Education & Healthcare Access Enables e-learning and telemedicine in regions lacking basic facilities, supporting India's push for inclusive development.

o Boosting Startups and Innovation Affordable satellite internet could empower startups, agri-tech platforms, and digital entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.


2. Cloud Seeding

Cloud Seeding: Recently, Delhi Cabinet approved  cloud seeding trials across the Capital  to  combat air pollution and water scarcity.

  • About Cloud seeding : Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to increase precipitation, like rain or snow, by introducing substances (like silver iodide or salt) into clouds.
  • How it work?

o Identification of Suitable Clouds: Not all clouds can be seeded. Meteorologists identify clouds with enough moisture and potential for precipitation.

o Delivery of Seeding Agents: Aircraft or ground-based generators release chemicals like: Silver iodide Sodium chloride (table salt) Potassium iodide Dry ice (solid CO₂)

o Formation of Water Droplets: These substances act as condensation nuclei, around which water vapor condenses to form larger water droplets.

o Rainfall Initiation: As these droplets grow heavier, they eventually fall as rain or snow.

  • Applications:

o Agriculture: To support crops during dry spells.

o Water Management: To fill reservoirs and recharge groundwater.

o Air Quality: Sometimes used to reduce pollution or suppress dust.


3. Jeju Island

Jeju Island : Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island, is a volcanic wonderland known for its striking landscapes, unique biodiversity, and rich cultural traditions. Located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju is home to Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest mountain and a dormant volcano that dominates the island’s interior .

  • Highlights

o UNESCO Triple Crown: Jeju is the only place in the world designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Global Geopark, and Biosphere Reserve.

o Geological Marvel: Famous for its lava tubes, craters, and volcanic rock formations, the island offers a stunning view into Earth’s geological past.

o Biodiversity Hotspot: Jeju supports unique flora and fauna, including many endemic species, making it a crucial zone for ecological conservation.

o Cultural Legacy: The island is home to the Haenyeo, the world-famous women divers, and traditional stone guardians known as dol hareubang.  

o Tourism Hub: Known as the "Hawaii of Korea," Jeju is a popular destination for domestic and international tourists seeking natural beauty, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.


4. Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX)

Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX): Recently the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and ESA inked a Joint Statement of Intent on Human Space Exploration on the sidelines of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) – 2025 New Delhi.

  • About Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX): It is a premier international forum that brings together leading space agencies, scientists, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the future of space exploration.

o It Organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in collaboration with host nations, GLEX serves as a global stage for sharing breakthroughs, strategies, and visions for space cooperation and innovation.

  • Objective:

o Foster international collaboration in robotic and human space missions.

o Showcase technological innovations from both government and private space sectors.

o Promote the peaceful use of outer space and sustainable exploration strategies.

o Address challenges in deep space missions, satellite systems, space law, and policy.


5. World Bank Land Conference 2025

World Bank Land Conference 2025: Recently, India Showcases SVAMITVA as Country Champion at the Ongoing World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington DC.

  • About World Bank Land Conference convened global experts, policymakers, civil society representatives, and land rights advocates to address critical issues surrounding land governance, tenure security, climate resilience, and inclusive development.

o Themed “Securing Land Rights for Sustainable Development”, it emphasized the role of equitable land policies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the context of growing challenges like climate change, urbanization, and land-based conflict.

  • About SVAMITVA Scheme: Central Sector scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj provides a ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners with the issuance of legal ownership cards (Property cards/Title deeds) to the property owners by mapping land parcels using drone technology.
  • Key Objectives: To create accurate digital land records in rural areas

o To issue property cards (legal ownership documents) to rural residents

o To reduce land disputes and promote ease of living in villages.

o To enable the use of property as a financial asset for loans and other economic benefits.


6. Ayurvedic manuscripts

Ayurvedic manuscripts: Recently the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences revives  two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu.

  • About Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu

o Author: Mudgala Paṇḍita

o Date of Composition: Circa 1480 AD

o Key Features: Structured in 18 chapters covering drug synonyms, therapeutic actions, and formulations.

ü ntegrates references from classical texts like Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu and Raja Nighaṇṭu.

ü Introduces several previously undocumented medicinal substances.

ü Served as a major reference source in Maharashtra up to the 19th century.

ü Revived and critically edited by Dr. S.D. Kamat, a prominent Ayurveda scholar.

  • About Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu

o Attributed to: Bhisma Vaidya

o Period: Undated; considered post-Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu

o Key Features: Functions as a specialized supplement to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu.

ü Contains 182 verses focused on homonyms in Ayurvedic drug nomenclature.

ü Offers vital clarification on overlapping drug names—important for Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.

ü Plays a crucial role in resolving textual ambiguities in Ayurvedic pharmacology.

ü Also edited and annotated by Dr. S.D. Kamat, known for reviving rare Ayurvedic lexicons.


7. Revised SHAKTI

Revised SHAKTI: Recently, Cabinet approves revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy for Coal Allocation to Power Sector.

  • About : The revised policy simplifies coal allocation through two mechanisms—Window-I and Window-II—streamlining the existing eight allocation categories to promote ease of doing business.

o Under Window-I: through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) or with existing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) .

o Window-II: allows all thermal power to acquire coal through auctions at a premium above the notified price. These linkages will be available for durations ranging from 12 months to 25 years.

  • Key Features of the Revised Scheme: Streamlined coal allocation through a transparent, auction-based system

o Allows medium-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) to be linked with coal supply

o Prioritizes coal supply to power plants with untied capacity to meet electricity demand

o Eases coal linkage for state and private power producers, promoting competition and efficiency.


8. National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI)

National Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI): Recently, Cabinet approves National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Setting up of Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana.

  • Implementation Model: Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) approach for sustained industry partnership.

o Flexibility in fund allocation based on individual ITI’s infrastructure and trade needs.

  • Objectives of the Scheme : Revamping India’s Skilling Landscape

o Bridging Skill Gaps in High-Growth Sectors

o Focus on Trainers and Employability

o Supports Viksit Bharat@2047 goal with skilling as a central driver.


9. Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor: Recently, The Indian Armed Forces conducted a precision strike on nine terrorist Camps.

  • Weapons Involved: SCALP Cruise Missiles, HAMMER Precision-Guided Bombs, and Loitering Munitions.
  • SCALP Cruise Missile: Aka Storm Shadow, a long-range, air-launched cruise missile. 

o Manufacturer: Developed by MBDA, a European defense firm. 

  • The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile: Developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, a French defense company. 
  • Loitering Munitions: Also known as "kamikaze drones", they are used for surveillance and target engagement, loitering over enemy territory before executing precision strikes. 


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