Tech, Space & Innovation Current
Introduction
The subtopic "Tech, Space & Innovation Current" occupies a distinctive position in the RPSC Current Affairs syllabus. Unlike static subjects such as history or polity, this area demands that aspirants stay continuously updated with the latest developments in science, technology, space exploration, digital infrastructure, and innovation—both in India and globally, with a special emphasis on Rajasthan-specific initiatives. The 10 Previous Year Questions (PYQs) available from RPSC examinations between 2016 and 2024 reveal a clear pattern: the examiner tests not merely rote memorisation of news headlines but a functional understanding of what a particular technology is, who developed it, and why it matters.
Over these years, the questions have spanned a wide range: from naming the Android operating system version (Marshmallow in 2016) to identifying the space agency that launched the world’s smallest satellite-carrying rocket (ISRO in 2018), from China’s Tianwen-1 spacecraft (2021) to India’s first nano-cellulose plant (2024). The difficulty level is moderate—factual recall dominates, but the facts are often nuanced. For instance, the 2023 question on the GAM (Global Air Mobility) space highway required knowledge of a relatively obscure private entity (Skyways), while the 2024 question on Jaipur 311 tested awareness of a Rajasthan-specific civic app. This mix of national, international, and state-level topics is precisely what the official syllabus mandates under "Current Affairs - National and International" and "Current Affairs - Rajasthan Specific."
What will you learn from this chapter? First, you will build a solid conceptual foundation—understanding key terms like PSLV, SSLV, nano-cellulose, cloning, and broadband networks from first principles. Second, you will dive deep into the most frequently tested domains: space missions (ISRO, China, global players), digital infrastructure (rural broadband, civic apps), biotechnology (cloning, agricultural innovations), and mobile/software ecosystems (Android versions). Third, you will see how these facts are applied in actual RPSC questions through worked examples. Fourth, you will analyse trends—what kind of questions repeat, what is likely to appear next, and what traps to avoid. Finally, you will get memory aids and a quick revision summary to cement everything.
The RPSC syllabus does not prescribe a fixed list of topics under "Tech, Space & Innovation Current"; rather, it expects aspirants to track the entire spectrum of current affairs. However, the PYQs provide a reliable roadmap. This chapter is designed to be your one-stop reference—comprehensive, accurate, and exam-oriented. Let us begin.
Core Concepts & Foundations
Before we dive into specific missions, apps, and innovations, we must establish a clear understanding of the foundational terms and technologies that appear repeatedly in RPSC questions. Each key term is defined below in a blockquote format, followed by a first-principles explanation.
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): An expendable medium-lift launch vehicle developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed to launch satellites into polar orbits and is known for its reliability and versatility, having launched numerous Indian and foreign satellites.
The PSLV has four stages—alternating solid and liquid fuel. Its most famous variant, PSLV-XL, has been used for missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission. The PSLV-C37 mission (February 2017) set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single flight, a fact tested in RPSC 2018. Understanding the difference between PSLV, GSLV, and SSLV is crucial.
GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): A heavier launch vehicle capable of placing satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO). It uses a cryogenic upper stage, which ISRO developed indigenously after initial technology transfer from Russia.
GSLV is used for communication satellites and interplanetary missions. Its variants include GSLV Mk II and GSLV Mk III (now called LVM3). The LVM3-M4 mission was one of the options in the 2023 PYQ about TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4 satellites.
SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): A new-generation launch vehicle designed by ISRO to cater to the growing market for small satellites. It is a three-stage, all-solid-fuel vehicle with a payload capacity of about 500 kg to low Earth orbit.
SSLV is cheaper and quicker to assemble than PSLV, but its first developmental flight (SSLV-D1) in August 2022 failed to place satellites in the correct orbit. The second flight (SSLV-D2) was successful. In the 2023 PYQ, SSLV-D2 was a distractor for the TeLEOS-2 launch.
Nano-cellulose: A material derived from natural cellulose fibres (typically from plant sources like cotton, wood, or bamboo) that has been broken down into nanoscale dimensions. It exhibits remarkable strength, light weight, and biodegradability.
India’s first nano-cellulose plant, developed by ICAR-CIRCOT Mumbai, uses cotton as the raw material. This was tested in RPSC 2024. Nano-cellulose has applications in packaging, biomedical devices, electronics, and composites. The choice of cotton (not bamboo, rice, or jute) is because CIRCOT (Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology) specialises in cotton.
Cloning (in animal biotechnology): The process of producing genetically identical copies of an organism. In 2023, India’s first cloned cow, named Ganga, was born at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
The breed of Ganga is Gir, a high-yielding dairy breed native to Gujarat. This was tested in RPSC 2024. Cloning is used to preserve elite genetic lines and improve livestock productivity.
Broadband network (rural): A high-speed internet connection that provides data rates significantly higher than dial-up. The High Speed Rural Broadband Network (now part of BharatNet) aims to connect all gram panchayats in India with optical fibre.
In 2016, RPSC asked which district became the first in India to get connected to this network. The answer was Vidisha District of Madhya Pradesh. This highlights the government’s push for digital inclusion.
Android operating system versions: Google’s mobile OS has been named after desserts in alphabetical order (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, Pie, Android 10 onwards). The version 6.0 is Marshmallow, tested in RPSC 2016.
Tianwen-1: China’s first independent interplanetary mission, consisting of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. It was launched in July 2020 and successfully landed on Mars in May 2021. It is a spacecraft, not a moon rover, missile, or space station. Tested in RPSC 2021.
GAM (Global Air Mobility) space highway: A concept or infrastructure developed by the company Skyways (not Naran, Tiga, or Oreanis) to enable global air mobility, likely involving unmanned aerial vehicles or logistics. The exact details are proprietary, but the name and organisation were tested in RPSC 2023.
Jaipur 311: A mobile application launched by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Heritage) for citizens to report civic issues (e.g., potholes, garbage, streetlights) and for the government to track, manage, and resolve them. The number 311 is a common non-emergency municipal service number in many cities. Tested in RPSC 2024.
These definitions form the bedrock. Now we will explore each domain in depth.