ISRO’s NETRA Facility in Guwahati
Context: ISRO is establishing a new space-tracking facility at Chandrapur near Guwahati, Assam, to strengthen Space Situational Awareness (SSA).
Key Points
- NETRA: Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis; helps track space objects and protect satellites from collisions with space debris.
- Nodal agency: ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC).
- Technology: Advanced radar systems for tracking and atmospheric observations.
- Applications:
- Tracking satellites and space debris.
- Monitoring the ionosphere, atmosphere and space weather.
- Improving weather forecasting, cloud observation and communication and navigation studies.
- Supporting flash-flood and urban-flood warnings, thunderstorm and lightning nowcasting, and aviation services.
- Foundation stone: Laid on September 21 by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan and senior space scientists.
Dig deeper: From where and What was the first sounding rocket test from India?
News in Short
Form 7: Important Provisions
- Purpose: Form 7 is used to object to someone’s name being included in the voter list or to request the removal of a name already on the list.
- Procedure for deletion: The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) must inform the person concerned and give them an opportunity to explain their case before deciding whether to remove the name.
- Penalty for false information: Under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, anyone who knowingly makes a false declaration related to the preparation or revision of the voter list can face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both.
- Form 6: Used to apply for the inclusion of a name in the voter list.
- Form 7: Used to request the removal of a name or object to its inclusion.
- Form 8: Used to correct details in the voter list or update details such as a change of address.
Hindu Quiz: Mahatma Gandhi
Question | Answer |
1. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had three siblings. If Raliyatbehn was the sister, who were the two brothers? | Laxmidas Gandhi and Karsandas Gandhi. |
2. It is said that when he embarked for England, Gandhiji carried a letter of introduction to a cricketer who was a schoolmate. Name this sporting legend. | Ranji (Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji), the legendary Indian cricketer. |
3. An incident that took place on the night of June 7, 1893, acted as a catalyst for Gandhiji to fight against race and colour prejudices. What and where? | Gandhi was thrown out of a train at Pietermaritzburg railway station in South Africa for refusing to leave the first-class compartment. |
4. Name the two main ashrams set up by Gandhiji in South Africa. | Phoenix Settlement (1904) and Tolstoy Farm (1910). |
5. After many campaigns, activities and arrests in South Africa, Gandhiji returned to India for good on January 9, 1915. How is the date commemorated now? | Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day). |
6. Who gave Mohandas Gandhi the title ‘Mahatma’, and who first referred to him as ‘Rashtriyapitha’ (Father of the Nation)? | Rabindranath Tagore is widely credited with addressing him as Mahatma. Subhas Chandra Bose popularised the address Father of the Nation in a 1944 radio broadcast. |
7. Which genius paid this tribute to Gandhiji: “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”? | Albert Einstein. |
Marshall Islands
- The United Nations has urged the United States to address the long-term consequences of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands.
- Nuclear tests: The United States conducted 67 nuclear weapons tests in the Marshall Islands, including tests in 1954.
- UN recommendations: Provide additional healthcare for affected communities and release classified archives related to the nuclear tests.
- Location: The Marshall Islands is an island country in the central Pacific Ocean.
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