TOPIC : GS 3Â Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights
Eye in the sky
What is the news?
- Anything that is related to space science is a new frontier for achievement and conquest within the realms of science and technology.
- The recent attempt by the Indian Space Research Organisation to place an earth observation satellite (EOSÂ3) in a geosynchronous orbit using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLVÂF10) ended in failure
Reason for failure
- It is due to a ‘performance anomaly’ a malfunctioning of the trusted rocket launcher.
- All seemed to be well as the stage two and three separated as planned, but the time came for the cryogenic third stage to light up, there appeared to be a failure
- There was an result deviation from the expected path as seen in the control panel.
- There was an immediate disruption in the telecast which had been showing a view of the control panel and the camera veered towards troubled faces, discussion and probably efforts to salvage the mission.
Unexpected Risk
- ISRO had fewer launches during the pandemic in 2020 than it did in earlier years.
- This particular launch had originally been planned for 2020 and was called off because of a technical glitch a few hours before the launch.
- It is also to be mentioned that the cryo engine in question is of a Russian design originally, unlike that of the GSLV Mark III rocket, which is indigenous.
Worried Failure of ISRO
- The failure of this mission is worrying not only because it breaks a long successful run but because there are several important missions in the pipeline
- Aditya L1, the sun watcher, and the Gaganyaan mission, which will carry humans to space, are slated for the coming years.
- This failure will increase the stress on ISRO scientists to doubly make sure the chances of success in these missions.
Way Forward
- In the meantime the impact of this failed mission is being kept away from interested citizens for now.
- This owes in no small measure to the propensity of ISRO to cover up and hide events in mystery especially in setback.
- Admittedly the stakes are high in terms of investment and national pride, but scientists, of all people, should wear the belief that failure is as much part of the game as success.
- The organisation should embrace the limelight.
- ISRO indeed has many stories to tell of scientific endeavour, the method and the manner of progress and as it opens its doors to the public gaze it can only rise to the skies.
Mains Question
How ISRO must open itself to public gaze, and not shy away from sharing its successes, failures?
PRELIMS PUNCHERS
- Mansehra Rock Edicts
It is fourteen edicts of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, inscribed on rocks in Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The edicts are cut into three boulders and date back to 3rd century BC and they are written in the ancient Indic script of Gandhara culture, Kharosthi. The edicts mention aspects of Ashoka’s dharma. The site was submitted for inclusion in the World Heritage Sites and is currently in the tentative list.
The edicts are inscribed on an outcrop of a small rocky mountain outside the city of Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The site is located near to the Karakoram Highway on the ancient Silk Route. The archeological city of Taxila is located in south, It contains one of the 33 inscriptions of Edicts of Ashoka describing expansion of Buddhism and his Law of Piety or dharma. The fourteen edicts contain text in the Kharosthi script which is an ancient script used in the Gandhara. The Kharoá¹£á¹hi script was first deciphered by James Prinsep after which the Edicts of Ashoka in Kharosthi script were translated
- Dhokra
It is nonferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. This sort of metal casting has been used in India for over 4,000 years and is still used. One of the earliest known lost wax artefacts is the dancing girl of Mohenjo-daro. The product of dhokra artisans are in great demand in domestic and foreign markets because of primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs and forceful form. Dhokra horses, elephants, peacocks, owls, religious images, measuring bowls, and lamp caskets etc., are highly appreciated.
Dhokra Damar tribes are the main traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal and Odisha. Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe hence Dhokra metal casting. The tribe extends from Jharkhand to West Bengal and Odisha; members are distant cousins of the Chhattisgarh Dhokras. A few hundred years ago, the Dhokras of Central and Eastern India traveled south as far as Kerala and north as far as Rajasthan and hence are now found all over India. Dhokra, or Dokra, craft from Dwariapur, West Bengal, is popular. Recently Adilabad Dokra from Telangana got Geographical Indicator tag in 2018.
Sources : https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/cast-in-metal/article24841519.ece
- Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
It is a not-for-profit international arbitration organisation based in Singapore, which administers arbitrations under its own rules of arbitration and the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. It was established on 1991 and is located at Maxwell Chambers, formerly the Customs House.
SIAC arbitration awards have been enforced in many jurisdictions including Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Thailand, UK, USA and Vietnam, amongst other New York Convention signatories. SIAC is a global arbitral institution providing case management services to parties from all over the world. The 1st edition of the Investment Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre is a specialised set of rules to address the unique issues present in the conduct of international investment arbitration. Recently supreme court upheld the validity of SIAC in case of amazon
- ‘Al Moheed-Al Hind’
This is the first exercise between the navies of India and Saudi Arabia. Guided Missile Destroyer INS Kochi has also reached to take part in this. It is fitted with two Sea King-42B helicopters. The Ship can be truly classified as a ‘Network of Networks’ as it is equipped with sophisticated digital networks, besides a sophisticated array of state of art weapons and sensors to neutralise any threat from the air, sea and underwater .INS Kochi also conducted maneuvers with ‘Zayed Talwar’ of the UAE Navy near Abu Dhabi l. The UAE also sent helicopters in addition to guided missile corvettes for the exercise
At the fast pace that the equations are changing in Asia, India wants to bring some trusted friends along. It has a dual challenge in the form of China and Pakistan. Now in the Gulf countries, they are joining hands with those who can help us in terms of military needs. Pakistan had great pride in the support of the Gulf countries, so on this pretext that pride is also being bring down . These days India’s navy is practicing war with Saudi Arabia to counter Pakistan.
PRELIMS QUESTIONS
- Consider the following statement with regard to Mansehra Rock Edicts
- It is found in Bihar
- It is the UNESCO World Hertiage site
Select the correct statement using code given below.
(a). 1only      (b) 2 only
(c).Both      (d). None of above
Answer : D
It is fourteen edicts of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, inscribed on rocks in Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The edicts are cut into three boulders and date back to 3rd century BC and they are written in the ancient Indic script of Gandhara culture, Kharosthi. The edicts mention aspects of Ashoka’s dharma. The site was submitted for inclusion in the World Heritage Sites and is currently in the tentative list.
The edicts are inscribed on an outcrop of a small rocky mountain outside the city of Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The site is located near to the Karakoram Highway on the ancient Silk Route. The archeological city of Taxila is located in south, It contains one of the 33 inscriptions of Edicts of Ashoka describing expansion of Buddhism and his Law of Piety or dharma. The fourteen edicts contain text in the Kharosthi script which is an ancient script used in the Gandhara. The Kharoá¹£á¹hi script was first deciphered by James Prinsep after which the Edicts of Ashoka in Kharosthi script were translated
Qn 2 Al Moheed-Al Hind exercise is conducted between which of following countries
1.India and UAE
- India and Saudi Arabia
- India and Iran
- India and Yemen
Answer : B
This is the first exercise between the navies of India and Saudi Arabia. Guided Missile Destroyer INS Kochi has also reached to take part in this. It is fitted with two Sea King-42B helicopters. The Ship can be truly classified as a ‘Network of Networks’ as it is equipped with sophisticated digital networks, besides a sophisticated array of state of art weapons and sensors to neutralise any threat from the air, sea and underwater .INS Kochi also conducted maneuvers with ‘Zayed Talwar’ of the UAE Navy near Abu Dhabi l. The UAE also sent helicopters in addition to guided missile corvettes for the exercise
At the fast pace that the equations are changing in Asia, India wants to bring some trusted friends along. It has a dual challenge in the form of China and Pakistan. Now in the Gulf countries, they are joining hands with those who can help us in terms of military needs. Pakistan had great pride in the support of the Gulf countries, so on this pretext that pride is also being bring down . These days India’s navy is practicing war with Saudi Arabia to counter Pakistan.