ISRO-NASA to Launch NISAR
News- ISRO-NASA to Launch NISAR: World’s Most Advanced Earth Observation Satellite.
- Satellite Name – NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar).
- Launch Date & Time – 30th July, 5:40 PM.
- Launch Site – Sriharikota.
- Launch Vehicle – GSLV F16.
- Orbit – 743 km Sun Synchronous Orbit.
- Scan Cycle – Covers entire Earth every 12 days.
- Technology – First to use dual-frequency SAR:
– NASA’s L-band
– ISRO’s S-band - Antenna – 12-metre deployable antenna.
- Capabilities:
– High-resolution, all-weather, day-night imaging.
– Monitors Sea ice, vegetation, storms, soil moisture, water bodies, disasters. - Significance – Strengthens Earth observation and disaster management globally.
Hornbill Conservation Centre
News- Tamil Nadu to set up at Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
- Initiative – Tamil Nadu to establish a Hornbill Conservation Centre at Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Coimbatore.
- Purpose – Protect and conserve hornbill species in the Western Ghats, a major biodiversity hotspot.
- Approval By – Tamil Nadu government, following a proposal by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden.
- Funding – ₹1 crore allocated from the Endangered Species Conservation Corpus Fund.
India’s First Mining Tourism
News- India’s First Mining Tourism Project in Jharkhand.
- State – Jharkhand
- Initiative – India’s first Mining Tourism Project
- Objective – Showcase mineral heritage through tourism
- Activities – Guided mine tours, cultural experiences
- Launched By – Jharkhand government in collaboration with Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
- Purpose –
– Promote educational tourism
– Highlight mining practices and local history
– Diversify the tourism sector - Significance – First-of-its-kind project in India focused on mining-based tourism.
Suhani Shah
News- Suhani Shah Became First Indian To Win ‘Oscar for Magicians’ at FISM 2025
- Winner – Suhani Shah
- Origin – Rajasthan, India
- Achievement – First Indian to win ‘Best Magic Creator 2025’
- Event – FISM World Championship of Magic (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques)
- Location – Torino, Italy
- Category – Online magic
- Recognition – Known as the “Oscars for magicians”
- Significance –
– Historic global recognition for Indian magic
– Highlights India’s cultural impact on international art platforms.
PM Modi’s Two-Nation Visit
News- PM Modi’s Two-Nation Visit: UK & Maldives.
- Visit Duration – July 23–26, 2025.
- Countries Visit – United Kingdom and Maldives.
- Purpose – Strengthen strategic ties and regional cooperation.
- United Kingdom (July 23–24):
- Invited By – UK PM Keir Starmer.
- Focus Areas –
– Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
– Trade, defence, climate, health, education. - Key Engagements –
– Talks on India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
– Meeting with King Charles III.
- Maldives (July 25–26):
- Invited By – Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
- Occasion – Guest of Honour at 60th Independence Day.
- Discussion Areas –
– India-Maldives Joint Vision on economic & maritime security.
– Aligns with ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR
MCQs
Q1. Which state has announced the establishment of a Hornbill Conservation Centre?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka
D) Maharashtra
Q2. Which state launched India’s first Mining Tourism Project?
A) Odisha
B) Chhattisgarh
C) Jharkhand
D) Madhya Pradesh
Q3. Who became the first Indian to win the ‘Best Magic Creator 2025’ award?
A) Neel Madhav
B) Akshay Laxman
C) Suhani Shah
D) Karan Singh Magic
Q4. What is the full form of NISAR?
A) National Indian Satellite for Advanced Research
B) NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
C) New Indian Satellite for Atmospheric Research
D) National International Space and Radar
Q5. Which two countries is PM Modi visiting from July 23–26, 2025?
A) France and Sri Lanka
B) United Kingdom and Maldives
C) Japan and Bhutan
D) Australia and Nepal