{"id":2467,"date":"2025-09-29T14:12:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T14:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2467"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:51:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:51:54","slug":"astrosat-left-wing-extremism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/astrosat-left-wing-extremism\/","title":{"rendered":"AstroSat & Left-Wing Extremism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. \u201cLaunched 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\u2019s space science and astronomy research?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Syllabus:<\/strong>
General Studies \u2013 III:Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

AstroSat, launched by PSLV-C30, is India\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unique Features of AstroSat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Multi-wavelength capability<\/strong> \u2013 Simultaneous observation in UV, visible, soft and hard X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Five advanced payloads<\/strong> \u2013 UVIT, LAXPC, CZTI, SXT, and SSM enabling comprehensive study of celestial objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Collaborative mission<\/strong> \u2013 Involvement of ISRO, major Indian research institutes (IUCAA, TIFR, IIA, RRI) and international partners (Canada, UK).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Indigenous expertise<\/strong> \u2013 Strengthened India\u2019s capacity in building and operating complex astronomy payloads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Cost-effective design<\/strong> \u2013 Provided world-class data at a fraction of global astronomy missions\u2019 costs.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Scientific Achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Black holes & neutron stars<\/strong> \u2013 Insights into accretion processes, X-ray emissions, and stellar evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Galaxy studies<\/strong> \u2013 First detection of Far Ultraviolet (FUV) photons from galaxies 9.3 billion light years way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Nearby star research<\/strong> \u2013 Detailed studies of Proxima Centauri and other stellar systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Transient phenomena<\/strong> \u2013 Monitoring of gamma-ray bursts, X-ray binaries, and stellar flares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. All-sky monitoring<\/strong> \u2013 Tracking of variable and high-energy sources through SSM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Multi-wavelength synergy<\/strong> \u2013 Enabled integrated observations that ground-based telescopes cannot achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Data accessibility<\/strong> \u2013 Open archival system benefitting both Indian and global scientific communities.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Future Potential for Indian Space Science<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Capacity building<\/strong> \u2013 Strengthens indigenous research ecosystem in astrophysics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Global scientific collaboration<\/strong> \u2013 Enhances India\u2019s credibility as a partner in large-scale astronomy missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pathfinder for advanced observatories<\/strong> \u2013 Lays foundation for next-generation missions like XPoSat (2025) and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Boost to the STEM ecosystem<\/strong> \u2013 Encourages young researchers, fosters innovation in detector technology and data analytics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Strategic importance<\/strong> \u2013 Positions India as a knowledge leader in space-based astronomy in the Global South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AstroSat\u2019s decade-long journey reflects India\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PYQ REFERENCE [2022]<\/strong>
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?\u00a0 [10 Marks]<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Source:<\/strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/a-decade-among-the-stars-indias-first-space-observatory-astrosat-completes-10-years\/article70104675.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Syllabus:<\/strong>
General Studies \u2013 III:Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has been described as India\u2019s \u201cbiggest internal security threat.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges in Tackling LWE with Tribal Welfare<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Security\u2013development trade-off \u2013<\/strong> Heavy anti-Naxal operations can weaken extremist groups but risk collateral damage, displacement, and alienation of tribals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Governance deficit \u2013 <\/strong>Weak state presence in remote tribal belts leads to poor delivery of healthcare, education, and rights protection, creating fertile ground for extremism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Alienation due to projects \u2013 <\/strong>Mining, deforestation, and infrastructure often displace communities without adequate compensation or consent, deepening resentment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Rehabilitation hurdles \u2013 <\/strong>Surrendered cadres often face stigma, lack of jobs, and weak institutional support, pushing some back into insurgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Socio-cultural tensions \u2013 <\/strong>Conflicts over land, customary rights, and even religious conversions complicate reconciliation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Trust deficit \u2013<\/strong> Years of violence have eroded faith in the state, making tribals cautious about official promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Role of Dialogue and Rehabilitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Dialogue keeps the option of peaceful integration open, encouraging cadres to surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Rehabilitation policies must go beyond one-time financial aid to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n