21.04.25

ASAT Weapons

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  • India’s Role in Space Norms: India is recognized as a key player in developing international norms for responsible behavior in space, according to the EU Special Envoy for Space.
  • ASAT Weapons Defined: ASAT weapons are technologies designed to disable, destroy, or interfere with satellites. They can be kinetic (physical impact) or non-kinetic (cyber
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    attacks, jamming).
  • ASAT Capabilities: Four countries (US, Russia, China, India) have demonstrated ASAT capabilities. India’s 2019 test (Mission Shakti) destroyed a satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Debris Concerns: The EU and the global community are concerned about space debris from destructive ASAT tests and advocate for a ban on such tests.
  • Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO): RPOs involve spacecraft maneuvering close to each other. While useful for scientific and repair missions, they can also be used for espionage or disruption, particularly by unfriendly actors.
  • Need for RPO Regulation: The EU and India are considering how to regulate RPOs through
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    international agreements to prevent threats to satellites.
  • EU’s Concerns: The EU is concerned about ASAT debris and RPOs, especially when conducted without notification or by unfriendly actors. They also worry about cyber jamming and spoofing in space.
  • India-EU Cooperation: India and the EU are planning a space dialogue to deepen cooperation, address discrepancies in space regulation, and create a vibrant environment for businesses.
  • EU Space Act: The EU is developing a Space Act to enhance European competitiveness and ensure EU companies adhere to safety and sustainability measures.

Earth Day

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  • Earth Day’s Core Purpose: Celebrated annually on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action for environmental protection.

  • 2025 Theme: “Our power, our planet,” emphasizing action through education, advocacy, and community support.

  • Historical Context: Initiated in 1970 in response to growing concerns about pollution, deforestation, and industrial waste, spearheaded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes. The first Earth day was a result of the massive oil spill in California.

  • Global Reach: Observed in over 190 countries, coordinated by

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    EARTHDAY.ORG, with around 1 billion participants each year.

  • Key Objectives: To raise awareness about critical environmental issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Additionally, to promote sustainable practices (renewable energy, waste reduction, conservation) and mobilize governments, businesses, and citizens for change.

  • Significance: Earth Day is increasingly important due to the growing challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and deforestation.

  • Impact: The inaugural Earth Day directly led to landmark legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  • Activities: Events range from tree planting and clean-up campaigns to climate marches and online activism.

Extreme Hydro Hazards

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  • Recent Events: Torrential rain in Ramban, J&K, caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and forced relocations due to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods.

  • Cloudburst Definition: Sudden, intense rainfall exceeding 10 cm per hour over approximately 10 km². Common in mountainous areas like the Himalayas due to orographic lift. Difficult to predict.

  • Cloudburst Causes: Orographic lift (warm air rising over mountains, cooling, and releasing moisture), monsoon dynamics (moisture-laden clouds from Bay of Bengal/Arabian Sea release rain in Himalayas).

  • Landslide Definition: Downward movement of

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    rock, soil, or debris on a slope due to gravity. Increased by rainfall.

  • Landslide Causes: Natural factors (heavy rain, earthquakes) and human activities (deforestation, construction) weaken slopes. Geological factors like soil composition also contribute. Water adds weight, lowers strength and reduces friction, leading to landslides.

  • Landslide-Prone Areas in India: North East Himalaya, North West Himalaya, Western Ghats, Konkan hills, and Eastern Ghats.

  • Flash Flood Definition: Sudden rise in water levels during or after intense rainfall, typically within 6 hours.

  • Flash Flood Causes: Intense rainfall overwhelming drainage systems, rapid snowmelt, dam breaches, glacial lake outbursts, and urbanization increasing runoff.

  • Impact: Cloudbursts lead to flash floods and landslides. Flash floods are sudden and life-threatening. Landslides can crush and trap people, block roads, and cause waterbodies to flood.