ISRO begins testing rocket engines at new facility in Tamil Nadu Mahendragiri (GS Paper 3, Science and Technology)
Why in news?
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun testing semi-cryogenic engines at the newly commissioned Semicryogenic Integrated Engine & Stage Test facility in Tamil Nadu's Mahendragiri.
- The test facility has been developed at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC).
Details:
- The facility comprises all the engine systems except the thrust chamber.
- The test is the first of a series of tests planned to validate the design of the propellant feed system, including the low-pressure and high-pressure turbo-pumps, the gas generator, and control components.
- The semi-cryogenic engine with a power of 2000 kN thrust, which will power the first-stage boosters of future launch vehicles, has been designed and developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
- It works on Liquid Oxygen (LOX)-Kerosene propellant combination.
Outcome:
- The test has demonstrated the successful performance of the test facility and power head test article in the first attempt itself.
New space policy:
- The new space policy recently cleared by the center has said the Indian Space Research Organisation shall transition out from manufacturing operational space systems and focus its energies on research and development in advanced technologies.
- It states that ISRO, will focus primarily on the research and development of new space technologies and applications and on expanding the human understanding of outer space.
Way Forward:
- ISRO is in the final phases of preparation to launch two big missions in the coming months, the Aditya L-1 mission to study Sun and the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is designed to land on the Moon.
35th Edition of Indo Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)
(GS Paper 3, Defence)
Why in news?
- Recently, the 35th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted from 03 – 10 May 2023.
Details:
- Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari, an indigenously built LST (L) and His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Saiburi, a Chao Phraya Class Frigate, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies participated in the CORPAT along the IMBL in the Andaman Sea.
- Towards reinforcing maritime linkages between the two countries and with an aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean safe and secure for international trade, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy
About CORPAT:
- Both Navies have been undertaking CORPAT bi-annually since 2005 along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
- CORPAT builds up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitates instituting measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, piracy and armed robbery.
- It further helps enhance the operational synergy by exchanging information for the prevention of smuggling, and illegal immigration and for the conduct of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at sea.
SAGAR:
- As part of the Government of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region towards enhancing regional maritime security.
- This has been achieved through bilateral and multilateral exercises, Coordinated Patrols, Joint EEZ Surveillance, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
- The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy have enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years.
Way Forward:
- The 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT is another step towards enhancing Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship between India and Thailand.
Union Health Ministry launches SAKSHAM Learning Management Information System
(GS Paper 2, Health)
Why in news?
- Recently, Union Health Secretary launched the SAKSHAM (Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management), a Learning Management Information System (LMIS) of MoHFW.
- This digital learning platform has been developed by the National Institute of Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW), New Delhi.
What is SAKSHAM?
- SAKSHAM is a dedicated and unified platform for providing online training and medical education to all health professionals in the country.
- This digital learning platform will ensure inclusive capacity building of health professionals from primary health centres located in rural and remote areas all the way up to tertiary care and corporate hospitals in metropolitan cities.
- Currently SAKSHAM: LMIS is hosting more than 200 public health and 100 clinical courses through online mode.
