Explore the visionary legacy of ISRO’s founder Vikram Sarabhai, delve into the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, and discover the latest national and international highlights shaping India’s landscape in this week’s current affairs recap.
In this Issue:
Embark on a journey through this week’s most significant events as we delve into the visionary legacy of Vikram Sarabhai, the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission’s endeavors, and the latest national and international highlights that continue to shape India’s ever-evolving landscape.
1. ISRO Founder Vikram Sarabhai: A Visionary Pioneer
Vikram Sarabhai, a name synonymous with visionary leadership and scientific prowess, is the esteemed founder of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Born on August 12th, 1919, in Ahmedabad, India, Sarabhai’s journey began with an early affinity for science. His academic pursuits took him to Gujarat College and later to the University of Cambridge, where he earned a degree in natural sciences in 1940.
During World War II, Sarabhai returned to India and conducted pioneering research on cosmic rays under the mentorship of physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. This marked the genesis of his remarkable journey in shaping India’s scientific landscape.
Sarabhai’s role in propelling the Indian Space Program is immeasurable. Witnessing the potential of space technologies through the 1964 Tokyo Olympics transmission via the American Satellite ‘Sycom-3’, he envisioned India’s own space program. Post the launch of Russia’s Sputnik 1, Sarabhai successfully advocated for a dedicated space program to drive the nation’s progress.
His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which paved the way for the creation of ISRO in August 1969. This marked the birth of India’s journey into space exploration. Sarabhai’s initiatives extended beyond satellites; he leveraged space applications for societal development, notably through the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) that provided education to remote areas.
Vikram Sarabhai’s legacy echoes in the institutions he nurtured. Notable among them are the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), the Indian Institute of Management, and the Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association. His passion for progress led to the establishment of scientific institutions that continue to drive innovation across domains.
2. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Exploring New Lunar Frontiers
ISRO’s unending quest for exploration continues with the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Launched on July 14th, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, this mission aims to explore the lunar surface in unprecedented detail. The lander, christened ‘Vikram’ in homage to ISRO’s founder, is accompanied by the rover ‘Pragyan’, meaning ‘knowledge’ in Sanskrit.
Chandrayaan-3 follows the trailblazing Chandrayaan-2, learning from its successes and challenges. The rover ‘Pragyan’ carries advanced scientific payloads, poised to unravel mysteries of the Moon’s terrain. As ‘Vikram’ attempts to softly land on the lunar surface, India anticipates yet another achievement in its space endeavors.
3. National and International Highlights
- Sachin Tendulkar Appointed National Icon by Election Commission: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been designated as a National Icon by the Election Commission of India, aiming to promote voter participation and civic engagement.
- Justice Prakash Srivastava Takes Helm at NGT: Former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Justice Prakash Srivastava, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, enhancing environmental adjudication in India.
- India-Philippines Maritime Collaboration: The Indian Coast Guard signed an MoU with the Philippine Coast Guard, fostering maritime cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations.
- Thailand’s New Prime Minister: Shretha Thavisin has been elected as Thailand’s new Prime Minister, heralding a new leadership era for the country.
- Renaming of Khelo India Women’s League: The Khelo India Women’s League has been rebranded as the Asmita Women’s League, furthering the government’s efforts to promote women’s sports in India.
Stay informed, stay engaged. As we traverse the ever-evolving landscape of current affairs, let us remember the trailblazers like Vikram Sarabhai and the cutting-edge missions like Chandrayaan-3 that shape our world. From national achievements to international collaborations, the currents of change are ever-flowing.
Stay Updated | Current Affairs Newsletter – August 24, 2023
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