1) Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris Damage China’s Shenzhou-20 Capsules
Country: China
Spacecraft: Shenzhou-20
What Happened:
China confirmed that micrometeoroids and orbital debris caused minor damage to components of the Shenzhou-20 crew capsule.
Why This Matters:
- Micrometeoroids travel at extremely high speeds and can puncture spacecraft surfaces.
- Orbital debris (space junk) is an increasing threat to satellites and human space missions.
Significance:
- Highlights rising risks of space debris congestion in low-Earth orbit
- Reinforces the need for global space debris management norms
- Important for future human spaceflight safety, including China’s Tiangong space station programme
2) Tata Advanced Systems Exports First WhAP 8×8 Vehicle to Royal Moroccan Army
Company: Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Buyer: Royal Moroccan Army
Vehicle:
WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform) 8×8
About WhAP:
- Indigenous infantry combat vehicle
- High mobility, amphibious capability
- Designed for troop transport and battlefield survivability
Significance:
- First export of WhAP platform
- Major boost to India’s defence exports
- Strengthens India–Morocco defence cooperation
- Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing
3) DRDO Successfully Tests K-4 Ballistic Missile from INS Arighat
Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation
Launch Platform: INS Arighat
Missile: K-4 Ballistic Missile
Key Features:
- Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)
- Nuclear-capable
- Range: ~3,500 km
- Part of India’s nuclear triad
Significance:
- Strengthens India’s second-strike capability
- Enhances credibility of sea-based nuclear deterrence
- Major milestone under India’s strategic missile programme
4) QCI Launches ‘Q-Mark’, ‘Quality Setu’ and ‘Quality Passport’
Organisation: Quality Council of India (QCI)
Initiatives Launched:
- Q-Mark – Certification for quality-assured products and services
- Quality Setu – Digital platform connecting producers, regulators, and consumers
- Quality Passport – Digital quality credentials for Indian products
Objective:
- Strengthen India’s quality ecosystem
- Improve trust in Indian manufacturing and services
- Support global competitiveness and exports
Significance:
- Enhances Ease of Doing Business
- Boosts Make in India credibility
- Aligns with global quality and conformity standards
5) 40th Asian Waterbird Census to Be Held at the Mouth of the Godavari River
Event:
40th Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)
Location:
Mouth of the Godavari River, South India
(Andhra Pradesh region)
About AWC:
- Largest citizen-science programme for wetland birds in Asia
- Conducted annually to track waterbird populations and wetland health
Significance:
- Highlights ecological importance of Godavari delta wetlands
- Helps monitor migratory bird species
- Supports wetland conservation and biodiversity planning
- Important for Ramsar and climate-change studies
