Chandrayaan-1

Launch: October 22, 2008             Site: Satish Dhavan Space Centre, Sriharikota

The objectives of the programme were:

  1. To develop and orbit a spacecraft around moon using an Indian-made launch vehicle.
  2. To prepare a three-dimensional atlas of both the near and the far side of the moon.
  3. Chemical and mineralogical mapping of the entire lunar surface.
  4. To study the impact of Moon Impact Probe on the surface of the moon as a fore-runner to future soft landing missions.

NASA’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) had on Chandrayaan-1 had detected water on the surface of moon. The mission was expected to last two years. However, the communication with the satellite was lost on 29 August 2009 and the mission was declared over. It lasted for 312 days and achieved 95 percent of its objectives.

Chandrayaan-1 was selected by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) as one of the recipients of its annual AIAA SPACE 2009 awards for contributions to space science and technology.

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Salient features and Major Landmarks of Ancient and Medieval India- For RAS/RTS Mains and RAS/RTS Prelims examination

Indus Valley Civilization Discovered in 1921 Belonged to the bronze age An area of about 1.3 mn sq km Existed between 3300-1600 BC in three phases: early, mature and late phases Sites Early (pre-Harappan) Mature (Harappan) Late phase (post-urban) Harappa Mohenjodaro Chanhu-daro Lothal Kalibangan Kalibangan Banawali Banawali (Hissar) Sutkagendor (Pakistan) Sukotada (Gujarat) Dholavira (Kutch) Dholavira … Read more

25 September- Current Affairs- The Hindu and Indian Express

National government planning to wind up JNNURM AMRUT -Atal Mission for Rejuvenation And Urban Transformation Union Ministry of mines Is planning to use Remote Sensing data for controlling illegal mines Earth observation satellites are already used to estimate the kind of mineral and the extent of the present in an area this information is used … Read more

Struggles for Gurudwara Reform and Temple Entry

  The Akali movement The movement arose with the objective of freeing the Gurudwaras from the control of ignorant and corrupt priests (mahants). Apart from the mahants, after the British annexation of Punjab in 1849, some control over the Gurudwaras was exercised by Government-nominated managers and custodians, who often collaborated with mahants. The government gave … Read more

Civil Rebellions and Tribal Uprisings-For RAS RTS Mains Exam and Ras Rts Prelims Examination

The backbone of the rebellions, their mass base and striking power came from the rack-rented peasants, ruined artisans and demobilized soldiers CAUSES The major cause of the civil rebellions was the rapid changes the British introduced in the economy, administration and land revenue system. The revenues were enhanced by increasing taxes. Thousands of zamindars and … Read more

Polity-RAS/RTS Mains Topic wise Solved Question Papers

IAS questions- Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine,the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement,evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. 12 -2014 Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that … Read more

Sustainable Development

Bruntland Report (1983) was the first publication and recognition of the term ‘Sustainable Development’ “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of the future generation” Three pillars of sustainable development (Bruntland) Care and respect for People, Planet and Prosperity (Commercial Activities) <hence poverty alleviation, conservation and business development> These three pillars … Read more

Rise of National Movement and Indian National Congress-For RAS RTS Mains Exam and Ras Rts Prelims Examination

Why did national movement arise? Indian nationalism rose to meet the challenges of foreign domination The British rule and its direct and indirect consequences provided the material and the moral and intellectual conditions for the development of a national movement in India. Clash of interest between the interests of the Indian people with British interests … Read more