The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is aiming for a 2027 launch of its LVM3 launch vehicle equipped with a new semi-cryogenic propulsion stage. This upgrade, designed to enhance payload capability and reduce costs, involves replacing the L110 core stage with a semi-cryogenic engine using refined kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX). The new SE2000 semi-cryogenic engine is designed to supply 200 tonnes of thrust, a significant increase from the 80 tonnes of the liquid-fuelled Vikas engine. The LVM3, formerly GSLV Mk III, is ISRO's most powerful rocket to date, and this advancement will be crucial for future launch vehicles.
ISRO plans to launch its first LVM3 vehicle with a semi-cryogenic stage by the first quarter of 2027.
The new semi-cryogenic stage aims to enhance payload capacity and reduce launch costs for the LVM3.
The SE2000 semi-cryogenic engine will provide 200 tonnes of thrust, a substantial increase over the current Vikas engine.
Exam Points
Launch target: First quarter of 2027.
Vehicle: LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III).
New engine: SE2000 semi-cryogenic engine, designed for 200 tonnes thrust.
Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, Suleman, Hamza Afghani, and Zibran, killed during Operation Mahadev on July 28, were identified and tracked using photographs recovered from a mobile phone seized by security forces after an encounter in South Kashmir in 2024. These photos were matched with eyewitness accounts from the Baisaran meadow attack on April 22. The terrorists were located in the Dachigam forest using signals from a long-range wireless communication module, with Home Minister Amit Shah confirming the use of indigenous technology. This group is suspected of being responsible for approximately 135 security personnel deaths in Jammu and Kashmir since 2021.
Three LeT terrorists were identified and tracked through photographs found on a mobile phone from a 2024 encounter site in South Kashmir.
The terrorists, killed in Operation Mahadev on July 28, were linked to the Baisaran meadow attack on April 22.
Indigenous technology was used to track their long-range wireless communication signals in the Dachigam forest.
Exam Points
Operation Name: Operation Mahadev.
Terrorist Group: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Location of tracking: Dachigam forest, 20 km from Srinagar.
A landslip at the Vishnugad hydroelectric project site near Helang in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, injured 12 labourers, with four sustaining serious injuries. Approximately 300 labourers were present at the site when a rockslide occurred. The project, managed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd. (THDC), has suspended work until all safety measures are ensured. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and health departments were dispatched to the site. The THDC is constructing a barrage to regulate Alaknanda river water for electricity generation, and the barrage site had previously suffered damage from a flood in 2021.
A landslip injured 12 labourers at the Vishnugad hydroelectric project site in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
Work at the project site has been suspended to ensure the safety of the workers.
The project is being developed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd. (THDC).
India Post is undergoing a significant modernization drive, phasing out 'Registered Post' to merge with Speed Post and upgrading its IT systems. A key initiative is the integration of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for booking Speed Post, ensuring digital payment acceptance across all post offices. The new Advanced Postal Technology (APT) system, already implemented in major metro cities like Delhi and Chennai, will introduce real-time tracking, customized services for bulk customers, electronic proof of delivery, and OTP-based authentication. Over 86,000 post offices, representing more than half the postal network, have already been upgraded to enhance user experience and service delivery.
India Post is integrating UPI for digital payments and upgrading its IT infrastructure nationwide.
The 'Registered Post' service is being phased out and merged with 'Speed Post' for streamlined operations.
The new Advanced Postal Technology (APT) system offers real-time tracking, customized services, and digital authentication.
Odisha and Chhattisgarh have indicated their willingness to amicably resolve their long-standing dispute over the sharing of Mahanadi river water. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT), chaired by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, has granted the states additional time, setting the next hearing for September 6, to report on their settlement progress. Odisha's Advocate-General presented evidence of high-level meetings and correspondence between Chief Ministers Mohan Majhi (Odisha) and Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), confirming that a settlement is under consideration. Odisha has proposed establishing a joint committee of the states, guided by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and led by the Central Water Commission (CWC), to facilitate the resolution process.
Odisha and Chhattisgarh are seeking an amicable resolution to their Mahanadi river water sharing dispute.
The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) has provided more time for the states to reach a settlement.
High-level discussions between the Chief Ministers of both states are underway regarding the dispute resolution.
Exam Points
Dispute: Mahanadi river water sharing.
Tribunal: Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT), chaired by Justice Bela M. Trivedi.
Proposed committee: Joint committee of states, guided by Union Jal Shakti Ministry, led by Central Water Commission (CWC).
A study by the Wildlife Institute of India reveals that wind farms in India's Thar Desert have the world's highest bird mortality rates, estimated at 4,464 deaths per 1,000 sq. km annually. The research, conducted across 90 wind turbines in a 3,000 sq. km desert landscape in Jaisalmer, found 124 bird carcasses within a 150-meter radius. Raptors are particularly affected due to their flight style and low reproductive rates. Experts emphasize the critical importance of proper site selection for wind farms to mitigate bird collisions, especially given the Thar Desert's role as part of the Central Asian Flyway. While offshore wind energy is emerging as an alternative, it also requires detailed environmental impact assessments.
Wind farms in India's Thar Desert have the world's highest bird mortality rates, estimated at 1.24 deaths per turbine per month.
The Wildlife Institute of India's study found 124 bird carcasses near 90 wind turbines in Jaisalmer.
Raptors are the most affected bird group due to their flight patterns and low reproductive rates.
Exam Points
Location: Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Study conducted by: Wildlife Institute of India.
Estimated mortality: 1.24 bird deaths per turbine per month (or 4,464 per 1,000 sq. km annually).
U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Indian imports, along with a potential penalty, citing India's trade measures and its dealings with Russia on energy and military equipment. This decision introduces fresh uncertainties despite earlier talks of a bilateral trade deal. The tariffs, which are paid by U.S. importers, will make Indian goods more expensive, potentially reducing India's GDP growth by 0.2%. Key Indian export sectors such as garments, precious stones, auto parts, leather products, and electronics are expected to face significant impacts. Points of friction include India's continued purchase of Russian oil and its firm stance on excluding agriculture and dairy sectors from trade deals.
U.S. President Trump announced 25% tariffs on Indian imports, citing India's trade policies and engagement with Russia.
The tariffs are expected to make Indian goods more expensive for U.S. importers, potentially reducing India's GDP growth by 0.2%.
Key Indian export sectors like garments, precious stones, auto parts, and leather products are likely to be significantly affected.
Exam Points
Tariff rate: 25% (with potential for additional penalties).
Assam's aggressive eviction drives from forestlands, primarily targeting Bengali Muslims, have caused alarm in neighboring states, which fear an influx of displaced people and are tightening border controls. These evictions, framed by the 'Bangladeshi' or 'illegal infiltrator' narrative, have led to deaths and significant displacement. Assam also has long-standing border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, claiming nearly 83,000 hectares of land. These states accuse Assam of patronizing "illegal immigrants" and settling them along borders to claim disputed lands. The Gauhati High Court has directed the five states to form a high-level committee to coordinate efforts to clear illegal settlements from forestlands.
Assam's government is conducting aggressive eviction drives, primarily targeting Bengali Muslims, from forestlands.
Neighboring states are concerned about an influx of evicted people and are strengthening their border vigilance.
The evictions are linked to Assam's long-standing border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Exam Points
States involved in border disputes: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland.
Land claimed by Assam: Almost 83,000 hectares.
Court directive: Gauhati High Court on July 30, directed states to form a high-level committee.
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