GSLV Mk-III
- The launch of Chandrayaan-2 was aborted after a technical glitch detected in the launch vehicle system.
- The mission vehicle was a GSLV Mk-III rocket, which can launch heavier commercial satellites.
- GSLV Mk-III is set to use for all deep space exploration missions, including Gaganyaan, India’s first human mission.
- However, Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan were launched by PSLV.
- PSLV has its limitations as it does not have enough power to carry heavier satellites, or to go deeper into space.
- GSLV rockets use a different fuel, and have a thrust that is far greater than PSLV’s.
- They can, therefore, carry heavier payloads and travel deeper into space.
- It is also known as "Bahubali", "Fat Boy", the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LMV-3).
- It is the heaviest rocket built by the ISRO till date.
- It is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle.
- It is powered by a core liquid engine, has two solid boosters and a cryogenic engine in the upper stage.
- This is India’s first fully functional rocket to be tested with a cryogenic engine.
- It is designed to carry 4 ton satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit.
Ujh and Basantar Bridge
- The Ujh and Basantar are two strategically important bridges inaugurated near International Border in J&K.
- The bridges have been built under Project Sampark, by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
- The 1 Km long 'Ujh bridge in Kathua, over Ujh river is the longest bridge constructed by BRO.
- The 617 m Basantar bridge in Samba has been constructed over Basantar river.
- These bridges will provide smooth connectivity and are vital for the army for deployment on border areas.
- The BRO develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
- It functions under ‘Ministry of Defense’.
Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS)
- ETPBS is a type of Postal voting whereby Ballot Papers are distributed electronically to voters and returned by them in post.
- It recorded 60.14% turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
- It is also known as e-postal ballots and these registered people are known as Service Voters.
- According to the provisions of Section 20 of Representation of People Act 1950, ‘Service voters’ can be from,
- Central Forces under Arms Act.
- Government officials deployed in Embassies outside the country.
- A member of an state police force, serving outside the state.
- For the first time it is enabled through the dedicated portal for online registration of Service Voters.
- It is a fully secured system, having two security layers.
- Secrecy of voting is maintained through the use of OTP and PIN.
- It has a unique QR Code in the portal which prevents duplication of casted ETPB.
- With the motto of “No voter to be left behind”, ETPBS empowered all eligible service voters to perform their right.
Source: PIB, The Indian Express
