UPSC EXAM QUIZ 20.01.2025

Explanation:

• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully completed the docking process of two satellites, Chaser and Target, in space on January 16, 2025.
• With this historic achievement, India has become the fourth country in the world to complete an unmanned docking process in space.

SpaDeX Mission: A Brief Description

Objective of the Mission

• The main objective of the SpaDeX mission (Space Docking Experiment) was to test the automated docking operations between two small satellites, Chaser and Target.
• This mission was designed to self-sufficiently demonstrate docking technology in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Launch and Mission Initiation

• The mission was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota with a PSLV-C60 rocket.
• At the time of launch, the relative velocity was given between the Chaser and Target spacecraft, so that their separation could take place safely.

Explanation:

• US has imposed sanctions targeting Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' with the aim of curbing oil trade with Russia. This move can increase freight cost, which can affect India's oil suppliers in West Asia.

Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'

• 'Shadow Fleet' is a tanker network that helps in transporting Russian oil to international markets secretly.

Key features of Shadow Fleet

• Lack of transparency in ownership of ships: Ownership of ships is hidden through complex corporate structures and shell companies.

Ship-to-ship transfer (transfer of oil at sea)

• Oil is transferred from one ship to another at sea.
• Its purpose is to hide the origin of the oil and transport it to the final destination.

Explanation:

• Central Government has approved the formation of Central 8th Pay Commission. This commission will review and make recommendations on the new pay structure and allowances for more than 1 crore central government employees and pensioners.

Key points of 8th Pay Commission

• Expected date of implementation: The recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission are likely to be implemented from January 1, 2026.
• Appointment of Chairman and Members: A chairman and two members will be appointed soon to monitor the functioning of the commission.
• 7th Pay Commission recommendations: The recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission will be effective till the year 2026, till the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission.
• Salary hike expected: There is a possibility of salary hike for central government employees, which will improve their standard of living.

Explanation:

• On 17 January, the 2nd edition of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, the largest mobility expo in India, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• "Beyond Boundaries: Co-creating the Future Automotive Value Chain" is the theme of this Expo.
• The expo is expected to witness over 100 new launches in automobiles, component products, and technologies.
• The aim of the vision is to foster collaboration and innovation in the automotive and mobility sectors and emphasize sustainable and cutting-edge technological advancements.
• The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held from January 17-22, unites the entire mobility ecosystem, including automobile manufacturers, component makers, energy storage firms, software providers, and recyclers, under one roof.
• Supported by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the global expo is hosted by industry associations such as the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and many more.
• It will be attended by 5,100 international participants and is estimated to attract over 5 lakh visitors from across the world.

Explanation:

• On 15 January, Punjab launched SHE COHORT 3.0 (Startups Handholding & Empowerment—Cohort 3.0) at Mohali.
• The initiative supports aspiring female entrepreneurs and students in building and scaling technology-based ventures, with assistance from business incubators and ecosystem enablers.
• Inaugurated by Secretary Science, Technology, and Environment, Punjab, Priyank Bharti, the event highlighted the upcoming plans of Startup Punjab to boost the state’s startup ecosystem in the presence of over 250 emerging start-ups, innovators, and students.
• This initiative provides a platform for budding poor and marginalized women entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and ideas for start-ups and become self-reliant by using science and technology.
• Their startup can also generate income for others and is a helpful step towards making a developed India a reality by 2047.