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ISRO’s Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, completed its first successful orbit in July.
Stationed at a distance of 1.5 million km from Earth, Aditya-L1 aims to study the Sun’s radiation, heat, and magnetic fields — a monumental step in India’s scientific pursuits.
** The national space program also soared ... as ISRO’s Chandrayaan 3 mission — launched a year earlier — unveiled critical discoveries regarding the Moon’s surface.
New findings suggested that a liquid magma ocean once existed on the lunar surface, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in space science.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) opened the year with a bold stride into the unknown. On January 1, ISRO successfully launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), a mission dedicated to understanding cosmic phenomena through the polarisation of X-rays.
Developed in collaboration with Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute, the satellite’s goal is to study pulsars, black holes, and active galactic nuclei, unraveling the mysteries of the universe. This launch symbolised India’s continued ambitions in space exploration and research.
Triumphs of Diplomacy: The Return of Indian Navy Veterans
In a key diplomatic win for the Modi Govt, India celebrated the return of eight Indian Navy veterans in February, who had been detained in Qatar on charges of espionage.
Their release after years of imprisonment marked a major victory for Indian diplomacy.
Captain Navtej Gill, one of the veterans, was honored with the President’s Gold Star Medal for his excellence.
Their repatriation not only highlighted the success of India’s foreign policy but also brought immense joy to their families and the nation, emphasizing the power of persistence and international cooperation.
The Year 2024 saw Chess Master Gukesh make India proud.
One of the most remarkable sporting achievements of the year came from Chennai’s 18-year-old chess prodigy, Gukesh Dommaraju.
In a stunning display of skill and maturity, Gukesh triumphed at the FIDE World Chess Championship, beating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling final. This victory made Gukesh the youngest-ever FIDE World Champion, a title previously held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he claimed the crown. Gukesh’s win put India firmly on the global chess map, following in the footsteps of legends like Vishwanathan Anand.
Defence exports soar:
Defence exports hit a record Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, marking a 32.5 per cent rise over the previous fiscal. Over the past decade, Indian defence exports have grown 31 times since FY 2013-14, driven by the concerted efforts of both the private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
Major defence projects and collaborations:
In October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, for the manufacturing of C-295 transport aircraft.
This complex is part of a Rs 21,935-crore contract signed with Airbus Defence and Space in September 2021 for 56 aircraft, with 40 to be built in India by TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Six of the 16 aircraft have already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
New Defence Capabilities:
Several key indigenous defence systems made significant progress this year.
The Indian Light Tank (ILT) 'Zorawar' successfully completed trials in high-altitude regions, demonstrating its operational effectiveness in challenging terrains.
The INS Arighaat, the second Arihant-class submarine, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 29, 2024.
INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, in Russia, further strengthening India’s naval capabilities.
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand was fully inducted by the IAF in February 2024, marking a significant addition to India’s defence arsenal.
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