General Science
Alpine flower – Cyananthus hookeri
- Context:The rare alpine flower Cyananthus hookeri was rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after 158 years.
- It was found in Chuna Valley near Mago village, Tawang district, at an altitude of around 3,600 metres.
About Alpine flower – Cyananthus hookeri
- The plant belongs to the Campanulaceae (bellflower) family and is found in high-altitude Himalayan regions.
- The first confirmed Indian record of this species was made by British botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker in Sikkim in 1867.
- The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) recommended its classification as Endangered due to its limited population in the wild.
Laser Angioplasty Technology
- Context:A private hospital in Chennai has introduced Excimer Laser Coronary Atherectomy (ELCA) technology for advanced heart treatment.
- The technology helps treat complex coronary artery blockages that are difficult to manage with normal angioplasty methods.
About Laser Angioplasty (ELCA)
-
- Full Form: Excimer Laser Coronary Atherectomy (ELCA).
- It is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure using laser energy to remove blockages inside heart arteries.
- Uses ultraviolet laser pulses to break down and remove plaque and clots.
- The procedure is performed through a thin catheter inserted through the wrist or groin artery.
- How It Works
- Laser energy targets the blocked area inside the coronary artery.
- It vaporizes plaque, calcium deposits, and tissue growth.
- Restores blood flow and helps doctors place stents when required.
- Uses / Applications:Treats severely blocked coronary arteries.
Significance
- Improves treatment options for patients with complex heart diseases.
- Reduces the need for repeat procedures or bypass surgery in selected cases.
- Represents advancement in interventional cardiology and medical technology.
Space
Sea-Based Rocket Booster Recovery System
- context:China successfully tested a sea-based reusable rocket booster recovery system using the Long March 10B rocket.
- The booster returned vertically and was recovered on an offshore platform using a net-based landing system after stage separation.
- This marked China’s first successful retrieval of an orbital-class rocket booster.
About The Long March 10B
-
- Developed by: China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).
- Rocket Type: Reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle.
- Payload Capacity: More than 16 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Designed to support commercial satellite launches, space station missions, and future lunar exploration.
- Reusable rocket technology aims to reduce launch costs and support China’s future commercial satellite and lunar missions.
Significance
- Marks a major milestone in China’s reusable space technology.
- Strengthens China’s capability in low-cost satellite launches.
- Supports future Moon missions and deep-space exploration.
- Enhances competition with reusable rocket programs of countries like the USA.
Mission ‘Aagaman’
- context:Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket by Skyroot Aerospace, is in the news as a major milestone in the country’s space sector. Launched under Mission Aagaman, it marks the first attempt by an Indian private company to place a satellite into orbit using an indigenously developed launch vehicle.
- The mission aims to test rocket performance, collect flight data, and strengthen India’s private space industry. It reflects India’s efforts towards self-reliance, innovation, and growth of the commercial space sector.
About ‘Mission Aagaman’
- The mission of this rocket, manufactured by the private company ‘Skyroot Aerospace’, has been named ‘Mission Aagman’.
- First private orbital launch attempt: Marks a major milestone in India’s space history by involving a private company in orbital rocket development.
- Promotes private participation: Strengthens the role of startups and industries in India’s space sector.
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat: Demonstrates indigenous development of advanced space technology.
- Boosts commercial space sector: Opens opportunities for satellite launch services and global space markets.
- Encourages innovation: Promotes research, investment, and technological growth among space startups.
- Strengthens India’s space ecosystem: Complements the efforts of national space agencies and expands India’s capabilities in space exploration.
Significance
- Reduces dependence on foreign launch providers:Helps India develop its own private launch capabilities and reduces reliance on international launch services.
- Cost-effective satellite launches:Promotes affordable launch solutions for small satellites, benefiting research institutions, universities, and private companies.
- Supports the Small Satellite Revolution:Provides a dedicated launch platform for the growing demand for small and medium-sized satellites.
- Creates employment opportunities:Encourages the growth of skilled jobs in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, research, and space technology.
- Promotes public–private partnership:Strengthens cooperation between government space institutions and private industries.
- Enhances India’s global space competitiveness:Improves India’s position in the international commercial space launch market.
- Encourages space entrepreneurship:Inspires more startups to enter areas such as satellite technology, launch services, and space applications.
- Improves technology development:Supports innovation in rocket propulsion, materials, avionics, and space engineering.
