Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) Latest News

ISRO’s Breakthrough in Semi-Cryogenic Engine Development for LVM3

Why in the News?

• ISRO has achieved a breakthrough in developing a semi-cryogenic engine (liquid oxygen/kerosene engine) with a high thrust of 2,000 kN (kilonewtons).
• The first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) was conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
• This engine will be used in the semi-cryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), enhancing India's space launch capabilities.

About Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)

What is a Transfer Orbit?

• A Transfer Orbit is used to move a satellite from one circular orbit to another in a fuel-efficient manner.
• The Hohmann Transfer Orbit is a commonly used maneuver for such transfers.

Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)

• GTO is a highly elliptical orbit with:
  • Perigee (closest point to Earth): 180-200 km above Earth’s surface.
  • Apogee (farthest point from Earth): ~35,900 km (near geostationary orbit).
• Why is GTO Used?
  • Satellites are first placed in GTO before they use their own propulsion system to move to a final geostationary orbit (GEO).
  • This reduces the energy required from the launch vehicle, making it more fuel-efficient.

What is a Semi-Cryogenic Engine?

A semi-cryogenic engine is a type of liquid rocket engine that uses:

• Liquid Oxygen (LOX) as an oxidiser (cryogenic component).
• Refined kerosene (RP-1) as fuel (stored at ambient temperature).

Significance of ISRO’s Semi-Cryogenic Engine Development

• Engine power head test success: The hot test of the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) was conducted for 2.5 seconds to validate the ignition and boost strap mode operation.
  • All engine parameters performed as expected.
• Developed by: Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) under ISRO.
• Upcoming plans: Further series of tests on PHTA before realizing the fully integrated engine.
• Replacement for Current LVM3 Core Stage:
  • The SC120 stage (powered by SE2000 engine) will replace the existing L110 stage in LVM3.
  • Payload capacity in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) to increase from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes.

Cryogenic vs Semi-Cryogenic Engines

Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) FAQs

Q1: What is a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)?
Ans: GTO is an elliptical orbit used to transfer satellites from low Earth orbit (LEO) to a geostationary orbit (GEO) using a propulsion system.

Q2: What is the difference between GTO and GEO?
Ans: GTO is a temporary elliptical orbit, whereas GEO is a circular orbit where satellites remain fixed relative to Earth’s surface.

Q3: Why do rockets first place satellites in GTO instead of directly in GEO?
Ans: Direct placement in GEO requires more fuel; GTO allows satellites to use onboard propulsion to reach GEO efficiently.

Q4: What is the typical altitude range of GTO?
Ans: The perigee (closest point to Earth) is around 180-250 km, while the apogee (farthest point) is nearly 35,786 km.

Source: TH

Xenotransplantation Latest News

Researchers in China successfully transplanted a gene-modified pig liver into a human diagnosed with brain death to evaluate its survival and function.

What is Xenotransplantation?

• Xenotransplantation refers to the transplantation, implantation, or infusion of live cells, tissues, or organs from a non-human animal into a human recipient.
• It can also involve human cells, tissues, or organs that have had prior ex vivo (outside the body) contact with non-human animal cells or tissues.
• First attempts at xenotransplantation involving the human heart were made in the 1980s.
• Genetic modifications are required in animal organs to prevent immune rejection by the human body.
• Post-transplantation monitoring is crucial to ensure organ functionality and detect immune responses.

Why Are Pigs Used for Xenotransplantation?

• Pig heart valves have been successfully used for human valve replacements for over 50 years.
• Anatomical and physiological similarities between pigs and humans make pigs ideal organ donors.
• Pigs are widely farmed, making organ availability cost-effective and scalable.
• The variety of pig breeds allows organ size to be matched with specific human requirements.

Recent Advancements in Xenotransplantation

• First Genetically Modified Pig Heart Transplant (2022): A genetically modified pig heart was successfully transplanted into a human for the first time.
  • The experiment demonstrated the potential of genetically modified pig organs for human transplantation.
• Gene-Modified Pig Liver Transplantation (2025): Chinese researchers from the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an successfully transplanted a gene-edited pig liver into a brain-dead human recipient.
• Key Genetic Modifications:
  • Six genes are edited to prevent immune rejection.
  • Human transgenes are inserted to enhance compatibility.
• Observations Over 10 Days:
  • The pig liver produced bile and albumin, indicating basic functionality.
  • Stable blood flow was maintained.
  • No signs of rejection were observed due to immunosuppressants.
  • The study was published in Nature.
• Potential Use: Gene-modified pig livers could serve as a "bridge therapy" for patients awaiting human organ transplants.
  • However, long-term viability and full liver functionality remain uncertain.

Xenotransplantation FAQs

Q1: What is Xenotransplantation?
Ans: It is the transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, usually from animals to humans.

Q2: Why is xenotransplantation important?
Ans: It helps address the shortage of human organ donors, potentially saving lives of patients needing transplants.

Q3: What are the main risks of xenotransplantation?
Ans: Risks include immune rejection, transmission of animal diseases to humans (zoonotic infections), and ethical concerns.

Q4: Which animal is most commonly considered for xenotransplantation?
Ans: Pigs are the primary choice due to organ size compatibility and genetic modifiability.

Source: TH

Amur Tigers Latest News

A recent study published in Oryx highlights the alarming rise in tiger roadkill incidents, which could impact their long-term survival.

About the Amur Tigers

• Scientific name: Panthera tigris altaica
• Common name: Amur Tiger / Siberian Tiger
• IUCN red list status: Endangered
• Population: Estimated 265–486 (2022) in Russia, with a small number in China & possibly North Korea
• Habitat: Primarily in eastern Russia's birch forests, with some presence in China and North Korea
• Diet: Carnivore – Preys on elk, wild boar, and other ungulates
• Size: 10.75 feet in length, weighing up to 660 pounds
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity
• Unique adaptations: Thick fur, large size, and a lighter coat color for cold climates

Amur Tigers FAQs

Q1: What are Amur Tigers?
Ans: Amur Tigers, also known as Siberian Tigers, are the largest tiger subspecies native to the Russian Far East and parts of China.

Q2: Why are Amur Tigers endangered?
Ans: Habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict have led to their population decline.

Q3: What conservation efforts are being taken to protect Amur Tigers?
Ans: Russia has strict anti-poaching laws, tiger reserves, and international cooperation with China for conservation.

Q4: How many Amur Tigers are left in the wild?
Ans: As of recent estimates, around 500-600 Amur Tigers remain in the wild.

Source: DTE

Ulhas River Latest News

Taking serious note of citizen activists' protests against pollution in the Ulhas River, the Maharashtra state government during a special meeting recently, decided to remove water hyacinth from the Ulhas River within the next 15 days. 

About Ulhas River

• It is one of the west flowing Rivers in Maharashtra falling into the Arabian Sea. 
• It rises from the Sahyadri hill ranges in the Raigad district of Maharashtra at an elevation of 600 meters above M.S.L. 
• The total length of this west-flowing river from its origin to its outfall into the Arabian Sea is 122 km.
• The boundary of the basin consists of the main Sahyadri hillson the east, westerly offshoots on the north and south and on the west, a narrow opening at the end leading to the sea.
• The Ulhas drains an area of 4,637 sq km, which lies completely in Maharashtra. The Thane, Raigad, and Pune districts fall in the basin.
• Tributaries: The important tributaries of the Ulhas River are Pej, Barvi, Bhivapuri, Murbari, Kalu, Shari, Bhasta, Salpe, Poshir, and Shilar. 
• The Kalu and Bhasta are the major right bank tributaries, which together account for 55.7% of the total catchment area of Ulhas.
• The estuary of Ulhas houses several historical ports of Kalyan, Kopri, and Shurparaka.

Ulhas River FAQs

Q1. Where does the Ulhas River originate?

Ans. Sahyadri hill ranges

Q2. What is the total length of the Ulhas River?

Ans. 122 km

Q3. Which sea does the Ulhas River drain into?

Ans. Arabian Sea

Source: TOI

Future Circular Collider (FCC) Latest News

Plans for the Future Circular Collider (FCC), a proposed $30 billion project by CERN, have led to significant divisions within the scientific community.

What is the Future Circular Collider (FCC)?

• Project scope: A 91 km circular tunnel beneath the Swiss-French border, designed to accelerate and collide particles at unprecedented energies.
• Purpose: To generate Higgs bosons in large numbers (Phase 1, ~2040) and later to collide protons at extreme energies (Phase 2, ~2070).
• Estimated cost: $30 billion (initial), with long-term funding implications for the next decades.
• Supporters: CERN leadership and senior physicists like Fabiola Gianotti and Mark Thomson claim it will be the most powerful instrument to study nature.
• Critics: Many physicists fear the project will drain funds, limiting investment in other scientific advancements.
• Alternative Proposals to FCC:
  • Linear accelerators: Straight-line accelerators could offer a cheaper and more adaptable approach to studying particle physics.
  • Plasma wave technology: Uses plasma waves to accelerate particles in a compact setup, potentially revolutionizing collider design in the next 20 years.

What is a Hadron?

• A hadron is a subatomic particle made of quarks and bound by the strong nuclear force.
• Types of Hadrons:
  • Mesons (e.g., pions, kaons)
  • Baryons (e.g., protons, neutrons)

What is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)?

• Location: Franco-Swiss border, operated by CERN.
• Size: 27 km circular tunnel.
• Purpose: Collides protons at high energies to study fundamental forces and particles.
• Discoveries: Higgs boson (2012) confirmed the Higgs field, which gives particles mass.
• Speed: Accelerates particles to 99.999999% the speed of light.
• Significance: Helps replicate Big Bang conditions and test theories like supersymmetry and extra dimensions.

Future Circular Collider (FCC) FAQs

Q1: What is the Future Circular Collider (FCC)?
Ans: The FCC is a proposed next-generation particle collider, planned to be larger and more powerful than the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Q2: Who is developing the Future Circular Collider?
Ans: The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is leading its development.

Q3: What is the purpose of the FCC?
Ans: It aims to explore new physics beyond the Standard Model, study dark matter, and potentially discover new particles.

Q4: How big will the FCC be compared to the LHC?
Ans: The FCC is expected to have a circumference of around 100 km, nearly three times larger than the LHC (27 km).

Source: TG

Kasampatty Sacred Grove Latest News

The Tamil Nadu government recently notified Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) sacred grove as a Biodiversity Heritage Site.

About Kasampatty Sacred Grove

• The Kasampatti Sacred Grove, also known as Veera Kovil Sacred Grove, is a revered ecological and cultural site located in Kasampatti village, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu.
• Spanning 4.97 hectares near the Alagarmalai Reserve Forest, this grove is enveloped by lush mango plantations, enhancing its natural beauty and fertility.
• It hosts an impressive variety of species - 48 plant species, 22 shrubs, 21 lianas (woody vines), and 29 herbs.
• It also shelters more than 12 species of birds, along with small mammals, reptiles, and numerous insects, highlighting the grove’s genetic richness.
• The Tamil Nadu government has notified Kasampatti Sacred Grove as the state's second Biodiversity Heritage Site under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

What are Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)?

• BHS are unique ecosystems having rich biodiversity comprising any one or more of the following components:
  • Richness of wild as well as domesticated species or intra-specific categories.
  • High endemism.
  • Presence of rare and threatened species, keystone species, and species of evolutionary significance.
  • Wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species or their varieties.
  • Past preeminence of biological components represented by fossil beds and having significant cultural, ethical, or aesthetic values and are important for the maintenance of cultural diversity, with or without a long history of human association with them.
• Under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the State Government, in consultation with local bodies, may notify areas of biodiversity importance as BHS.
• The State Government, in consultation with the Central Government, may frame rules for the management and conservation of BHS.
• The creation of BHS may not put any restriction on the prevailing practices and usages of the local communities other than those voluntarily decided by them. 
• The purpose of declaring BHS is to enhance the quality of life of the local communities through the conservation of such sites.
• In 2007, the Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was designated as India's first BHS. 

Kasampatty Sacred Grove FAQs

Q1. Where is the Kasampatty Sacred Grove located?

Ans. Kasampatti Village, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu

Q2. What is the primary purpose of declaring an area as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)?

Ans. To enhance the quality of life of local communities through conservation

Q3. The Nallur Tamarind Grove, the first BHS in India, is located in which city?

Ans. Bengaluru

Source: TG

Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill Latest News

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, paving the way for the enactment of modern maritime law in the country.

About Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024

• It will replace the colonial-era Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
  • The Act establishes the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities in case of goods carried from a port in India to another port in India or any other port in the world.
  • The Act is in conformance with the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading of August 1924 (Hague Rules) and subsequent amendments to it.
  • The bill retains all provisions of the act.
• The bill is aimed at consolidating laws related to port management, promoting integrated port development, and enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime sector.
• It seeks to optimize the utilisation of India’s vast coastline by establishing and empowering State Maritime Boards to ensure effective management of ports other than major ports. 
• It also proposes the formation of the Maritime State Development Council to foster structured growth and development of the port sector.
• It also addresses critical aspects such as pollution control, disaster management, emergency response, security, safety, navigation, and data management at ports. 
• It seeks to ensure India’s compliance with international obligations and maritime conventions.
• This bill includes provisions for port conservation and introduces adjudicatory mechanisms for resolving port-related disputes efficiently.
• Powers of the central government: The Bill empowers the central government to:
  • Issue directions for carrying out provisions of the Bill;
  • Amend the schedule specifying rules applicable to bills of lading;

Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill FAQs

Q1. Which international convention does the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 conform to?

Ans. The International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading (Hague Rules)

Q2. What is the primary aim of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024?

Ans. To consolidate laws related to port management and enhance ease of doing business in the maritime sector.

Q3. What is the purpose of establishing State Maritime Boards under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024?

Ans. To ensure effective management of ports other than major ports.

Source: MINT

Frankincense Latest News

Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued a warning that Frankincense-producing trees (Boswellia species) are at risk of extinction.

• Five species on Socotra Island (Yemen) have moved from Vulnerable to Endangered, one species is now Critically Endangered, and three others have been assessed as Critically Endangered for the first time.

What is Frankincense?

• Frankincense is an aromatic resin derived from trees of the Boswellia genus.
• It has been historically valued for use in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicine.
• Cultural significance: It was one of the three gifts (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh) presented to Jesus by the Magi, as mentioned in the Bible.

Major Species of Boswellia

Why is Frankincense at Risk?

• Habitat destruction & overgrazing: Goats graze on young saplings, preventing tree regeneration.
  • Traditional rotational grazing practices have declined, leading to overgrazing.
• Climate change & extreme weather: Frequent cyclones, flash floods, and landslides (2015, 2018) have damaged and uprooted trees.
  • Prolonged droughts hinder sapling growth.
• Unsustainable Harvesting: Excessive tapping for resin extraction weakens trees and reduces seed production.
• Limited conservation measures: Lack of effective protective measures like fencing and regulated harvesting has worsened the crisis.

Frankincense FAQs

Q1: What is Frankincense?
Ans: Frankincense is a resin obtained from the Boswellia tree, used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine.

Q2: Where is Frankincense primarily produced?
Ans: It is mainly produced in Oman, Yemen, Somalia, and parts of India.

Q3: What are the uses of Frankincense?
Ans: It is used in aromatherapy, religious rituals, medicine, and cosmetics.

Q4: Why is Frankincense considered valuable?
Ans: Due to its historical significance, medicinal properties, and role in religious ceremonies, it has high economic and cultural value.

Source: DTE

Chicken’s Neck Corridor Latest News

Bangladesh has invited China to invest in a river conservation project close to the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor – the link between India’s mainland and its seven northeastern States.

About Chicken’s Neck Corridor

• ‘Chicken’s Neck’, also known as the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects India's northeastern states to the rest of the country.
• The corridor is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, spanning approximately 22 kilometres at its narrowest point.
• It is flanked by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south.
• It links the North-eastern Region (NER), comprising eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—to mainland India.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor

• It is a strategically significant and geopolitically sensitive region. 
• It is vital for the movement of military personnel, goods, and supplies.
• Any blockade or threat to this corridor could disrupt connectivity to India's northeast.
• The region is close to the India-China border, particularly the Chumbi Valley in Tibet, where China has built significant military infrastructure.
• In case of conflict, China could potentially cut off India's accessto its northeastern states by targeting this corridor.

Chicken’s Neck Corridor FAQs

Q1. How wide is the Chicken’s Neck Corridor at its narrowest point?

Ans. 22 kilometers

Q2. Which countries border the Chicken’s Neck Corridor?

Ans. Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, Bangladesh to the south

Q3. Why is the Chicken’s Neck Corridor considered strategically significant?

Ans. It is a critical area for the movement of military personnel, goods, and supplies.

Source: DH

Operation Brahma Latest News

After a devastating earthquake ravaged Myanmar recently, India initiated its relief and rescue efforts in the country under the banner 'Operation Brahma'. 

About Operation Brahma

• It is India's humanitarian mission launched in response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
• The massive earthquake that devastated Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand killed over 1,600 people and caused widespread destruction.
• The large-scale humanitarian mission includes rescue teams, medical aid, and relief supplies.
• The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed an 80-member team equipped with concrete cutters, drill machines, plasma cutters, and other rescue tools.
• The Indian Army has mobilised a specialised medical task force to provide urgent humanitarian assistance.
• The Indian Army dispatched a specialized 118-member medical team from the elite Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders. 
• As part of the mission, the Indian Army will set up a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre to provide immediate care to those injured in the disaster.
• The facility will be equipped to handle trauma cases, emergency surgeries, and essential medical services to support Myanmar’s strained healthcare system.
• Two Indian naval ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, were dispatched carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the port of Yangon.

Operation Brahma FAQs

Q1. What is the primary purpose of Operation Brahma?

Ans. To respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar.

Q2. Which two Indian naval ships were dispatched with humanitarian aid to Myanmar as part of Operation Brahma?

Ans. INS Satpura and INS Savitri

Q3. How many people were reported to have been killed in Myanmar due to the earthquake that prompted Operation Brahma?

Ans. 1,600

Source: NDTV