Explanation
The project is led by PixxelSpace in partnership with PierSight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space. It has been selected by IN-SPACe, marking a major milestone in India’s private space sector. Among the consortium, PixxelSpace is the lead.
- ➜ Lead: PixxelSpace
- ➜ Partners: PierSight Space, Satsure Analytics India, Dhruva Space
- ➜ Selected By: IN-SPACe
2. Gaofen
3. RapidEye
4. GPS (Global Positioning System)
5. Indian Remote Sensing (IRS)
Explanation
Let’s examine each of the named satellite programs/constellations for whether or not they are Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellations:
- ➜ Copernicus Sentinels: Yes, these are EO satellites operated by the European Space Agency for monitoring the land, ocean, and atmosphere.
- ➜ Gaofen: Yes, China’s Gaofen series is dedicated to high-resolution Earth observation.
- ➜ RapidEye: Yes, RapidEye is a commercial Earth observation constellation for remote sensing.
- ➜ GPS (Global Positioning System): No, GPS is a navigation satellite system, not used for Earth observation.
- ➜ Indian Remote Sensing (IRS): Yes, IRS is India’s dedicated EO satellite constellation.
Four out of the five listed are EO satellite constellations—Copernicus Sentinels, Gaofen, RapidEye, and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS).
Correct answer: (c) Only four
2. A cess, unlike surcharge, must be earmarked for a specific purpose.
3. Article 271 empowers Parliament to levy surcharge, while cess is imposed under Article 270.
4. Surcharge, unlike cess, can be used for general expenditure of the Union.
Explanation
1. Proceeds from both cess and surcharge are excluded from the divisible pool of taxes.
This is true. Both cess and surcharge collected by the Union government are excluded from the divisible pool of taxes shared with the states. Article 270 exempts the inclusion of cess and surcharge in the divisible tax pool.
2. A cess, unlike surcharge, must be earmarked for a specific purpose.
This is correct. A cess is levied for a specific purpose (e.g., education cess, swachh bharat cess) and must be used only for that designated purpose. On the other hand, surcharge proceeds can be used for general government expenditure and are not earmarked.
3. Article 271 empowers Parliament to levy surcharge, while cess is imposed under Article 270.
This statement is accurate. Article 271 deals with surcharge imposition by the Union government, and Article 270 governs the levy and distribution of taxes, including cess, between the Union and the States. The surcharge is governed by Article 271, and cess is mentioned under the provisions of Article 270.
4. Surcharge, unlike cess, can be used for general expenditure of the Union.
This is true. Surcharge proceeds go to the Consolidated Fund of India and can be used for any general expenditure as decided by the government, whereas cess must be used for the specific purpose it was collected for.
Hence, all four statements are correct.
Correct answer: (d) All four
| Type of Levy | Constitutional Provision / Nature |
|---|---|
| A. Cess | 1. Article 271; imposed for Union purposes, progressive in nature, “tax on tax” |
| B. Surcharge | 2. Article 270; additional levy earmarked for a specific purpose, not part of divisible pool |
Explanation
A. Cess: Article 270; it is an additional levy earmarked for a specific purpose and is not part of the divisible pool. It is a tax on tax and is levied for Union purposes for a specific purpose clearly stated in the law.
B. Surcharge: Article 271; it is imposed for Union purposes, progressive in nature, and considered as an increase on existing duties or taxes. Surcharge proceeds form part of the Consolidated Fund of India and are not shared with the States.
Thus, the correct match is:
A → 2 (Article 270; additional levy earmarked for a specific purpose, not part of divisible pool)
B → 1 (Article 271; imposed for Union purposes, progressive in nature, “tax on tax”)
Hence, the correct match is A → 2, B → 1.
Answer: (b) A → 2, B → 1
2. The pink dye added to it improves its fire-retardant efficiency by enhancing heat absorption.
3. It is generally sprayed ahead of wildfires to create a barrier by coating vegetation.
Explanation
- ➜ Statement 1 – Correct: Phos-Chek is largely an ammonium phosphate–based slurry (monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate), which slows combustion by lowering flammability.
- ➜ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The pink dye is only for visibility to pilots and ground crews during aerial spraying. It does not contribute to fire retardant efficiency.
- ➜ Statement 3 – Correct: It is preemptively sprayed ahead of advancing wildfires, coating vegetation to prevent ignition and slow fire spread.
Thus, the correct answer is 1 and 3 only.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Common Materials and Methods for Wildfire Control
- Pink Fire Retardant
- A chemical mixture sprayed to slow down or stop wildfires.
- Primarily made of an ammonium phosphate slurry.
- Often contains salts like ammonium polyphosphate and, in some cases, harmful metals such as chromium and cadmium.
- Bambi Bucket
- A large bucket suspended beneath a helicopter.
- Filled by dipping into rivers, lakes, or ponds.
- Water is released over fire zones through a bottom valve.
- Especially effective in remote or mountainous areas where ground access is difficult.
- Widely used by firefighting helicopters around the world.
2. SHRESTH categorizes states only on the basis of population size and health expenditure.
3. It aligns with the World Health Organization’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT), under which India achieved Maturity Level 3 in 2024.
4. The index is compiled annually by CDSCO and shared with the states and UTs once every year.
Explanation
- ➜ Statement 1 – Correct: SHRESTH was indeed launched by the Union Health Ministry and developed by CDSCO as a virtual gap assessment tool.
- ➜ Statement 2 – Incorrect: States are classified into Manufacturing States and Primarily Distribution States/UTs, not by population or health expenditure.
- ➜ Statement 3 – Correct: SHRESTH aligns with WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT); India achieved Maturity Level 3 (ML3) in 2024, indicating a stable and well-functioning regulatory system.
- ➜ Statement 4 – Incorrect: CDSCO compiles and scores the SHRESTH Index every month, not annually.
Hence, the correct answer is 1 and 3 only.
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH)
The Union Health Ministry has introduced the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH), developed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). It is a virtual gap assessment tool designed to help states and Union Territories evaluate their regulatory capacity, track progress toward maturity certification, and ensure drug safety, quality, and efficacy across the country.
Key Features of SHRESTH
- State Classification
- States and UTs are categorized as either Manufacturing States or Primarily Distribution States/UTs.
- Assessment Criteria
- The index evaluates states on parameters such as:
- Human resource availability
- Laboratory testing capacity
- Licensing and regulatory activities
- Market surveillance
- Responsiveness to public grievances
- The index evaluates states on parameters such as:
- Monitoring and Accountability
- States submit monthly data to the CDSCO.
- CDSCO compiles and scores the index, then shares results with the states/UTs on a monthly basis.
Alignment with Global Standards
- SHRESTH is aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT), which sets standards for regulatory systems worldwide.
- WHO assesses maturity levels of national regulatory systems for medicines, vaccines, blood products, and medical devices on a four-level scale (ML1–ML4).
- India achieved ML3 in 2024, reflecting a stable, well-functioning, and integrated regulatory system—reinforcing India’s position as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
2. Its implementation involves collaboration with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH).
3. It includes policy support like open acreage licensing.
4. It is the first deep-sea mission in India that explicitly prioritizes offshore hydrocarbons over polymetallic nodules.
Explanation
- ➜ Statement 1: Incorrect. The National Deep Water Exploration Mission (2025) does not replace the Deep Ocean Mission; rather, it builds upon it. There is significant technological overlap, especially in underwater robotics, submersibles, and seabed mapping.
- ➜ Statement 2: Correct. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is a key partner for implementing offshore exploration aspects.
- ➜ Statement 3: Correct. The mission is linked with policy reforms including the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), which opens up new blocks and areas (e.g., Andaman basin) for bidding to encourage offshore energy exploration.
- ➜ Statement 4: Correct. This is indeed the first Indian deep-sea initiative that prioritizes offshore hydrocarbons (oil and gas) rather than polymetallic nodules, which were the main focus of the Deep Ocean Mission.
Answer: (c) Only three.
2. Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000) is an autonomous vehicle tested beyond 5,000 meters depth.
3. India has developed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) rated for 6,000 meters.
4. Shallow-water ROVs in India are primarily designed for offshore hydrocarbon drilling.
Explanation
- ➜ Statement 1 — Correct: MATSYA-6000 is designed for 6,000 m depth with titanium alloy hull.
- ➜ Statement 2 — Correct: OMe 6000 has explored depths over 5,200 m.
- ➜ Statement 3 — Correct: India developed a work-class ROV rated for 6,000 m.
- ➜ Statement 4 — Incorrect: Shallow-water ROVs are for polar and survey applications, not mainly hydrocarbon drilling.
Thus, 3 statements are correct.
Answer: (b) Only three
National Deep Water Exploration Mission
The National Deep Water Exploration Mission is a newly announced flagship initiative of the Government of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled it on August 15, 2025, as part of the larger vision called “Samudra Manthan” (churning of the ocean). This mission represents a dedicated effort to explore untapped deep-sea oil and gas reserves and enhance India’s path toward energy self-reliance.
Objectives and Scope
- Exploration Targets – Focus on potential hydrocarbon reserves beneath the Andaman Sea and other offshore regions.
- Strategic Energy Push – Reduce import dependency and strengthen India’s energy independence.
- Building on Existing Efforts – Builds upon earlier initiatives under the Deep Ocean Mission (2021) by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Integration with Deep-Sea Technologies – Complements projects such as the Samudrayaan Mission, autonomous underwater vehicles, and surveys of deep-sea minerals.
- Blue Economy Linkages – Aligned with India’s broader Blue Economy priorities: fishing, biotechnology, shipping, energy, and tourism.
- Policy Support – Backed by reforms in exploration laws and open acreage licensing, encouraging private and global participation.
- Sustainability Commitment – Balances resource exploration with conservation of fragile deep-sea ecosystems.
Significance
- Places India among a select group of nations with advanced deep-sea petroleum exploration capabilities.
- Expected to become a cornerstone of India’s energy strategy, scientific research, and maritime economic growth.
- Reinforces the vision of India as a global maritime power.
Technological Advancements under Deep Ocean Mission
- Manned Submersible — MATSYA-6000
- Human-occupied vehicle capable of carrying three persons to depths of 6,000 meters.
- Equipped with scientific payloads for exploration and resource identification.
- 80-mm titanium alloy hull forged by ISRO, withstands extreme pressures.
- Successfully tested in Bay of Bengal and Atlantic Ocean; planned for Central Indian Ocean expeditions (2026–2028).
- Autonomous and Remotely Operated Vehicles (AUVs & ROVs)
- Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000): Explored mineral-rich zones at depths beyond 5,200 meters in Central Indian Ocean Basin.
- Work-class ROV (6,000 m rating) for deep mineral exploration and scientific studies.
- Shallow water ROV for polar research and offshore operations.
- Marine Engineering Innovations
- Development of pressure-resistant materials (titanium hull, syntactic foam).
- Advanced life-support systems, real-time control modules, and communication systems for deep-sea missions.
- Scientific Deep-Sea Missions and Trials
- Collaborative dives with foreign submersibles.
- Indigenous systems tested beyond 5,000 meters depth, validating readiness for manned missions.
- Contributed to knowledge of biodiversity, deep-sea ecology, and mineral wealth.
- Underwater Defense and Survey Robotics
- Development of autonomous systems such as “Neerakshi” by Garden Reach Shipbuilders for defense, surveillance, and survey applications.
- Expands India’s capabilities in underwater robotics and strategic maritime security.