Science & Technology

1.Sweden Joins Artemis Accords 

About Artemis Accords:

• Set of principles for international cooperation in space exploration.
• Not legally binding.
• Announced by NASA in 2020 (named after Artemis moon program).
• Mirrors principles of 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
• 39 members including India (joined 2023), US, Japan, Australia etc.
• Russia and China are not part of it.

Key Principles:

• Peaceful space exploration.
• Transparency in activities and sharing scientific data.
• Interoperability of systems for collaboration.
• Emergency assistance to astronauts in distress.
• Registration of space objects.
• Preserving space heritage (landing sites, artifacts etc.).
• Utilizing space resources for sustainable exploration.
• Avoiding harmful interference and establishing safety zones.
• Mitigating orbital debris.

Activities under Artemis Program:

• Artemis-I (2022): Uncrewed test flight of Orion spacecraft and SLS launch vehicle.
• Artemis-II: Crewed mission with astronauts orbiting Earth.
• Artemis-III: Landing of 4 astronauts on Moon for lunar exploration.

Significance for India:

• Collaboration with NASA: Training for ISRO astronauts and potential joint missions.
• Global Space Power Status: Open sharing of data and international cooperation.
• Technology Transfer: Potential easing of restrictions between US and India.
• Dedication to Space Cooperation: Sharing knowledge and expertise for space exploration.
• International Market Access: Opportunities for Indian companies with other signatories.

2.Exoskeleton (Phoenix)

• A robotic exoskeleton designed for paraplegics to walk at a lower price point. It focuses on basic walking functionality with motors at the hip joints.

Environment

3.Vasuki Indicus: Giant Extinct Snake

• IIT Roorkee researchers discovered fossils of Vasuki Indicus, a massive snake (10-15 meters) from 47 million years ago (Middle Eocene).
• Named after the mythical snake associated with Lord Shiva.
• Similar in size to Titanoboa, the largest known snake.
• Likely constricted prey like modern pythons and anacondas.

International Relations

4.Hainan Free Trade Port (China)

• Construction of this ambitious project to create China’s most open economic region on a 35,000 sq km island is gaining momentum. The aim is to establish a “tropical Dubai” by 2035.

Defence

5.National Security Guard (NSG)

• Senior IPS officer Nalin Prabhat appointed as Director-General. Formed in 1986 after Operation Blue Star, the NSG is an elite counter-terrorism force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Its motto is “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha” (meaning “Unparalleled Security Everywhere”).