India's First Reusable Hybrid Rocket: RHUMI-1    
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi    
BHISHM Cubes: India's Mobile Medical Units    
Tanager-1 Satellite    
TRAI's Proposal on Broadband Tariffs under PM-WANI    
Angkor Wat    
 

1.    India's First Reusable Hybrid Rocket: RHUMI-1
The News:
•    RHUMI-1, developed by Tamil Nadu- based startup Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group, was successfully launched from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai.
•    Launch Details:
o    Launched using a mobile launcher.
o    Carried 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites.
o    These satellites will gather data on global warming and climate change.
Features of RHUMI-1:
•    Hybrid Rocket Engine:
o    Combines solid and liquid propellants.
o    Designed to improve efficiency
and reduce operational costs.
•    Adjustable Launch Angle:
o    Provides precise adjustments from 0 to 120 degrees, allowing meticulous control over the
rocket’s trajectory.
•    Electrically Triggered Parachute System:
 

o    Incorporates an innovative, cost- effective, and eco-friendly descent mechanism.
o    Ensures safe recovery of rocket components.
•    Environment Friendly:
o    100% pyrotechnic-free and 0% TNT, making it safer and more sustainable.
Reusable Rockets:
•    Functionality:
o    Reusable rockets can release the payload, land back on Earth, and be launched again with a new payload.
•    Benefits:
o    Cost Savings:
    Up to 65% cheaper than building a new rocket for every launch.
o    Reduction in Space Debris:
    By minimizing discarded rocket components, reusable rockets contribute to cleaner space environments.
o    Increased Launch Frequency:
    The shorter turnaround time allows for more
 

Prelims Question:

frequent launches, boosting overall efficiency.

o    The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
•    Location:
o    Situated in Hampi, within the

Question: With reference to RHUMI-1, consider the following statements:
1.    RHUMI-1 is a reusable hybrid rocket developed by ISRO.
2.    It uses a combination of solid and liquid propellants.
3.    RHUMI-1 was launched using a stationary ground launcher.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    2 only
Answer: D) 2 only

Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the significance of reusable rockets like RHUMI-1 in the context of sustainable space exploration. How do they contribute to reducing costs and minimizing space debris?

2.    Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Recent Developments:
•    The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, recently made headlines due to concerns over conservation efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
•    In 2024, the saalu mantapa, a temple pavilion, collapsed during heavy rains, raising alarm about the preservation of this historical monument.
Historical Significance:
•    Dedication:
 

Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, the temple is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
•    Inception:
o    The Virupaksha Temple has been in continuous operation since its inception in the 7th century AD, making it one of India's oldest functioning temples.
•    Development:
o    Initially a modest shrine, the temple was expanded to its current grandeur during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings, with further additions from the Chalukyan and Hoysala eras.
Architectural Features:
•    Style:
o    The temple is built in the South Indian architectural style, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and advanced engineering.
•    Main Structure:
o    The temple complex includes a sanctum sanctorum, multiple pillared halls (including a notable hall with 100 pillars),

antechambers, and grand gopurams (gateway towers).
•    Gopurams:
o    The temple features three prominent gopurams:
    The eastern gopuram is the largest, standing nine storeys tall and 50 meters high.
    The other two are smaller gopurams located on the inner east and inner northern sides of the complex.
•    Sculptural Details:
o    The gopurams are adorned with beautiful sculptures of various Hindu deities, reflecting the temple's religious and cultural significance.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, consider the following statements:
1.    The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
2.    It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3.    The temple was originally built during the reign of the Hoysala kings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 3 only
B)    2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 only

Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the architectural and cultural significance of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi,

highlighting the challenges faced in the conservation of such heritage sites in India.

3.    BHISHM Cubes: India's Mobile Medical Units
Context:
•    During his recent visit to Kyiv, the Prime Minister of India gifted four BHISHM cubes to the President of Ukraine as part of India's humanitarian assistance.

What is BHISHM?
•    BHISHM stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri. It is designed to provide compact, mobile medical units for emergency care, aimed at delivering swift and effective medical facilities in crisis situations.
Key Features of BHISHM Cubes:
•    Compact and Organized:
o    Medical supplies and equipment are neatly packed into 15-inch cubical boxes, organized by injury types and medical needs, enabling quick deployment during emergencies.
•    Transport Flexibility:
o    The cubes are mounted on an adjustable framework, allowing them to be transported by air, sea, land, and even drones. Each cube weighs up to 20 kg and is designed to be carried by an individual.

•    Mother and BHISHM Cubes:
o    36 mini cubes combine to form one Mother Cube.
o    Two Mother Cubes combine to form one BHISHM Cube.
•    Functionality of Mother Cubes:
o    First Mother Cube: Offers first-line care, shelter, and food for up to five people for 48 hours.
o    Second Mother Cube: Equipped for surgical care, capable of handling 10-15 basic surgeries per day.
•    Ease of Use and Management:
o    Medicines and equipment are classified with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) inventory

developing countries affected by disasters or humanitarian crises.
•    Importance:

o    Highlights India's commitment to international humanitarian assistance, showcasing its capability to offer swift and effective medical aid during emergencies.

management, ensuring real-time        

stock updates. A dedicated app and a tablet with support for 180 languages are provided for operational instructions.
•    Capacity and Features:
o    Each BHISHM Cube can handle around 200 emergency cases, including trauma, burns, fractures, and shock.
o    The cubes support basic surgeries and can generate their own power and oxygen for limited durations.
•    Technological Integration:
o    Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are incorporated for effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient


Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the BHISHM Cubes, consider the following statements:
1.    Each BHISHM Cube is capable of supporting up to 500 emergency cases.
2.    BHISHM Cubes are equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time monitoring and management.
3.    BHISHM Cubes are exclusively designed for air transport.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    2 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: C) 2 only

management of medical services.        

Project Aarogya Maitri:
•    Objective:
o    Part of India’s initiative to provide
essential medical supplies to


Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the significance of India's BHISHM cubes in the context of international humanitarian assistance and disaster
 

management. How do such initiatives reflect India's role in global health diplomacy?

4.    Tanager-1 Satellite
Context:
•    NASA has recently launched the Tanager- 1 satellite to track methane emissions, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.
About Tanager-1 Satellite:
•    Launch Details:
o    Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
o    Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
o    Development Collaboration: Jointly developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and other partners.
•    Mission Purpose:
o    Primary Objective: Detection and monitoring of major carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emissions.
o    Environmental Focus: Targeting

    Spectral Fingerprints:
Identifies and quantifies
greenhouse gases like CO₂ and CH₄ by their unique infrared signatures.
o    Coverage Capacity: Capable of monitoring emissions across 130,000 square kilometers daily.
o    Data Access: Plume data will be publicly available to support global emission reduction efforts.
Significance of Methane Monitoring:
•    Global Warming Impact:
o    Potency: Methane is approximately 80 times more effective than CO₂ at warming the
atmosphere over a 20-year period.
o    Contribution: Methane accounts for 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution.
•    Health Implications:
o    Ground-Level Ozone: Methane is linked to the formation of ground- level ozone, contributing to up to one million premature deaths annually.

key greenhouse gases that        

significantly contribute to global warming.
•    Technological Features:
o    Spectrometer Technology: Utilizes advanced imaging spectrometers developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to track emissions.
o    Emission Tracking:
    Method: Measures light wavelengths reflected from the Earth's surface to identify specific atmospheric compounds.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Tanager-1 satellite, consider the following statements:
1.    Tanager-1 is capable of detecting both carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
2.    The satellite was developed exclusively by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory without any collaboration.
3.    Tanager-1 uses spectrometer technology to monitor greenhouse gas emissions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only 
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: C) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the importance of satellites like Tanager-1 in global efforts to combat climate change. How does methane monitoring contribute to mitigating global warming and addressing public health concerns?

5.    TRAI's Proposal on Broadband Tariffs under PM- WANI
Context:
•    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently proposed a reduction in broadband rates for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme to enhance internet accessibility and boost the program’s success.
Background:
•    PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) was launched in 2020 with the objective of democratizing broadband access through public Wi-Fi hotspots. Despite its potential, the scheme has encountered obstacles, particularly due to the high cost of connectivity charged by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Current Tariff Issues:
•    High Costs: PDOs have been charged up to ₹8 lakh annually for internet leased lines, making the initiative economically unsustainable.
•    Disparity: In contrast, personal broadband connections are available at much lower
rates, around ₹300-400 per month.
TRAI's Proposed Solution:
•    Alignment with Retail Rates: TRAI proposes that tariffs for PDOs under PM- WANI should be aligned with retail broadband (FTTH) rates, making it feasible for small-scale PDOs, including local shops and storekeepers, to participate.
•    Periodic Review: TRAI plans to review this proposed tariff structure after two years to assess its effectiveness based on the
scheme’s progress.
Targets vs. Reality:
•    Current Status: As of July 2024, there are 207,642 PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots deployed, which is significantly below the National Digital Communications Policy 2018 target of 5 million hotspots by 2020.
•    Future Target: The Digital India 2030 target aims for 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots.
•    Data Usage Decline: The average daily data usage per hotspot has dropped, indicating the need for tariff adjustments to boost usage.
About PM-WANI Scheme:
•    Launch: Initiated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in December 2020.
•    Objective: To provide affordable, high- speed internet connectivity across India, especially in rural and remote areas, through a nationwide public Wi-Fi network.
 

PM-WANI Ecosystem Components:
1.    Public Data Office (PDO):
o    Sets up Wi-Fi hotspots and provides internet access.
o    No license required from DoT.
2.    Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA):
o    Offers authorization, accounting

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

services, and user interfaces for        

purchasing data plans and monitoring usage.
3.    App Provider:
o    Develops applications that help users locate and connect to nearby PM-WANI hotspots for easy internet access.
4.    Central Registry:
o    Managed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C- DOT), maintaining records of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
Accessing PM-WANI Wi-Fi:
•    User Process:
o    Users download an app to find available PM-WANI hotspots.
o    They can select a network, pay for the service, and access the internet until their balance is depleted.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the PM-WANI scheme, consider the following statements:
1.    PDOs require a license from the Department of Telecommunications to set up Wi-Fi hotspots.
2.    The PM-WANI scheme aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity through a nationwide public Wi-Fi network.
3.    TRAI recently proposed aligning tariffs for PDOs with retail broadband rates.

Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the challenges and potential solutions in the implementation of the PM-WANI scheme to enhance internet accessibility in India. How does TRAI's proposal to reduce broadband tariffs for Public Data Offices (PDOs) align with the objectives of Digital India?

6.    Angkor Wat
News Context:
•    Visitors mimicking the popular Temple Run video game at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat have raised concerns among conservationists about the potential

damage to this historic site.
About Angkor Wat:
•    World's Largest Religious Monument:
o    Area: Spanning over 200 acres, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world.
o    Construction: Built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II during the first half of the 12th century (circa
 

1110-1150), making it nearly 900 years old.
o    Original Dedication: Originally
 

Location:

Hindu and Buddhist traditions adorn the temple walls.

dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it became a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.
o    UNESCO Status: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Architectural Features:
•    Khmer Classical Style:
o    Angkor Wat epitomizes the high classical style of Khmer architecture.
•    Materials:
o    Constructed primarily from sandstone blocks.
o    Engineering Feats: The stones are precisely carved and fitted together without the use of mortar. The exact method used for this is still debated, with theories suggesting the use of wooden paste or lime plaster mix.
•    Structural Defense:
o    The temple is safeguarded by a 15- foot-high wall and a wide moat.
o    Access: Entry to the temple is via small bridges that cross the moat from the eastern and western sides.
•    Symbolism:
o    The temple's five towers symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru, considered the abode of gods in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
•    Bas-Reliefs:
o    Thousands of bas-reliefs depicting key deities and narratives from

•    Geographical Setting:
o    Angkor Wat is located in the northwestern province of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
•    Historical Capital:
o    The city of Angkor, where Angkor Wat resides, was the capital of the Khmer Empire, flourishing between the 9th and 15th centuries.
•    Wider Angkor Region:
o    Angkor covers over 400 sq.km and includes other magnificent temples like Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.
Conservation Concerns:
•    Impact of Modern Visitors:
o    The recent trend of visitors engaging in activities like replicating video games has raised alarms about potential physical damage to this ancient site, emphasizing the need for strict conservation efforts.
Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to Angkor Wat, consider the following statements:
1.    Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
2.    The temple was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
3.    It is located in the Cambodian province of Siem Reap.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the architectural and cultural significance of Angkor Wat in the context of Khmer civilization. How does the ongoing influx of tourists pose a challenge to its preservation?