CURRENT AFFAIRS | MAY 5, 2026
ISRO has constituted an expert committee to investigate a vehicle anomaly during a recent PSLV flight, in line with global aerospace failure-analysis practice. Separately, the agency released the YUVIKA-2026 (Yuva Vigyani Karyakram / Young Scientist Programme) selection list — a residential space-science programme for Class 9 students at multiple ISRO centres. Together, these stories anchor a CLAT-relevant revision of the Indian Space Policy 2023, the IN-SPACe regulator, and the international space-law framework.
Why This Matters Right Now
PSLV — the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle — is ISRO’s most reliable workhorse, having delivered Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan among many missions. A Failure Analysis Committee performs root-cause analysis (RCA) and recommends corrective and preventive measures. YUVIKA, on the parallel track, is a science-outreach pipeline aimed at strengthening India’s STEM base, with rural-school preference.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
- Department of Space — under direct PMO control; ISRO is its executive arm.
- IN-SPACe (since 2020) — single-window regulator authorising private space activity under the Indian Space Policy 2023.
- NSIL — NewSpace India Limited, ISRO’s commercial arm (2019).
- Outer Space Treaty 1967 — outer space is the province of all mankind; non-appropriation principle.
- Liability Convention 1972 — absolute liability of launching states for damage caused by space objects on Earth.
CLAT Angle
Expect passage-based questions on the regulator-operator separation between IN-SPACe (regulator), ISRO (operator) and NSIL (commercial). Strong fit for international-law passages on the OST 1967 / Liability Convention 1972 / Rescue Agreement 1968 / Moon Agreement 1979 framework. Pair with India’s Indian Space Policy 2023 to test policy-vs-treaty distinctions.
Key Facts
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch vehicle | PSLV — Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle |
| Probe mechanism | Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) — root cause + corrective |
| YUVIKA | Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (Class 9 students) |
| Department | Department of Space (under PMO) |
| Regulator | IN-SPACe (since 2020) |
| Policy | Indian Space Policy 2023 |
| Lead treaty | Outer Space Treaty 1967 + Liability Convention 1972 |
Mnemonic — “I-N-S-T” Stack
ISRO operates, NSIL commercialises, Space Policy 2023 governs, Treaties (OST 1967, Liability 1972) bind. Add IN-SPACe as the gatekeeper between private actors and ISRO.
Practice Quiz — 10 Questions
Test your understanding of PSLV, IN-SPACe, NSIL, the Outer Space Treaty 1967 and Liability Convention 1972.
Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
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