1. “Launched on 28th September, 2015, AstroSat has completed a decade of successful operations. What are its unique features which make it significant in space-based astronomy? What have been the key scientific achievements of this mission? What potential does it hold for the future of India’s space science and astronomy research?”
| Syllabus: General Studies – III:Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology |
AstroSat, launched by PSLV-C30, is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. Designed for a mission life of 5 years, it has successfully completed a decade of operation, placing India among the select nations with advanced space astronomy capabilities.
Unique Features of AstroSat
1. Multi-wavelength capability – Simultaneous observation in UV, visible, soft and hard X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. Five advanced payloads – UVIT, LAXPC, CZTI, SXT, and SSM enabling comprehensive study of celestial objects.
3. Collaborative mission – Involvement of ISRO, major Indian research institutes (IUCAA, TIFR, IIA, RRI) and international partners (Canada, UK).
4. Indigenous expertise – Strengthened India’s capacity in building and operating complex astronomy payloads.
5. Cost-effective design – Provided world-class data at a fraction of global astronomy missions’ costs.
Key Scientific Achievements
1. Black holes & neutron stars – Insights into accretion processes, X-ray emissions, and stellar evolution.
2. Galaxy studies – First detection of Far Ultraviolet (FUV) photons from galaxies 9.3 billion light years way.
3. Nearby star research – Detailed studies of Proxima Centauri and other stellar systems.
4. Transient phenomena – Monitoring of gamma-ray bursts, X-ray binaries, and stellar flares.
5. All-sky monitoring – Tracking of variable and high-energy sources through SSM.
6. Multi-wavelength synergy – Enabled integrated observations that ground-based telescopes cannot achieve.
7. Data accessibility – Open archival system benefitting both Indian and global scientific communities.
Future Potential for Indian Space Science
1. Capacity building – Strengthens indigenous research ecosystem in astrophysics.
2. Global scientific collaboration – Enhances India’s credibility as a partner in large-scale astronomy missions.
3. Pathfinder for advanced observatories – Lays foundation for next-generation missions like XPoSat (2025) and beyond.
4. Boost to the STEM ecosystem – Encourages young researchers, fosters innovation in detector technology and data analytics.
5. Strategic importance – Positions India as a knowledge leader in space-based astronomy in the Global South.
AstroSat’s decade-long journey reflects India’s scientific maturity and cost-effective innovation in space astronomy. Its achievements not only enrich human understanding of the universe but also chart the way for future indigenous missions. With continued investment and collaboration, India can aspire to launch more ambitious observatories and contribute significantly to global astrophysics.
| PYQ REFERENCE [2022] Q. Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? [10 Marks] |
2. Critically examine the challenges of tackling Left-Wing Extremism while simultaneously ensuring tribal welfare and development. Discuss the role of dialogue, rehabilitation policies, and investment-led growth in creating a sustainable solution.”
| Syllabus: General Studies – III:Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism |
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has been described as India’s “biggest internal security threat.” In states like Chhattisgarh, it is both a law-and-order issue and a development challenge. Any strategy must combine firm security action with welfare and development to win the trust of tribal communities.
Challenges in Tackling LWE with Tribal Welfare
1. Security–development trade-off – Heavy anti-Naxal operations can weaken extremist groups but risk collateral damage, displacement, and alienation of tribals.
2. Governance deficit – Weak state presence in remote tribal belts leads to poor delivery of healthcare, education, and rights protection, creating fertile ground for extremism.
3. Alienation due to projects – Mining, deforestation, and infrastructure often displace communities without adequate compensation or consent, deepening resentment.
4. Rehabilitation hurdles – Surrendered cadres often face stigma, lack of jobs, and weak institutional support, pushing some back into insurgency.
5. Socio-cultural tensions – Conflicts over land, customary rights, and even religious conversions complicate reconciliation.
6. Trust deficit – Years of violence have eroded faith in the state, making tribals cautious about official promises.
Role of Dialogue and Rehabilitation
1. Dialogue keeps the option of peaceful integration open, encouraging cadres to surrender.
2. Rehabilitation policies must go beyond one-time financial aid to include:
- Monthly stipends and skill training,
- Land/housing support,
- Employment opportunities in agriculture, dairy, and tourism,
- Community reconciliation programs to reduce stigma.
3. Effective implementation requires coordination between security forces, tribal affairs departments, and civil society organisations.
Investment-led Growth for Sustainable Peace
1. Sectors of focus: Agro-processing, dairy, eco-tourism, healthcare, and skill-based industries aligned with local strengths.
2. Opportunities: Recent investor meets in Chhattisgarh have drawn multi-crore proposals, including for Bastar region, promising jobs for local youth.
3. Safeguards needed:
- Compliance with Forest Rights Act and Gram Sabha consent,
- Equitable benefit-sharing,
- Employment quotas for locals,
- Transparent land acquisition processes.
4. Outcome: Economic growth can undercut the appeal of extremism by offering youth viable livelihoods.
Way Forward
1. Dual strategy – Firm action against hardcore extremists with continued dialogue for those willing to surrender.
2. Strengthen governance – Expand last-mile delivery of PDS, education, healthcare, and digital services.
3. Effective rehabilitation – Fast, transparent, and linked to local economies.
4. Participatory development – Involve tribal leaders and Gram Sabhas in planning.
5. Trust-building – Transparent casualty data, accountability in operations, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
The LWE challenge cannot be solved by force alone. Sustainable peace requires combining security with inclusive growth and tribal empowerment. By ensuring rehabilitation, safeguarding rights, and channelising investment into people-centric sectors, states like Chhattisgarh can transform conflict zones into zones of opportunity
| PYQ REFERENCE [2022] Q.Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. [10 Marks] |