Skyroot’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I | India Re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council

Skyroot’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I

Science & Technology

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Indian space startup Skyroot’s Infinity Campus and Skyroot’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, with the capability to launch satellites to orbit. 

Skyroot 

• It is India’s leading private space company, founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka,
• In November 2022, Skyroot launched its sub-orbital rocket, Vikram-S, becoming the first Indian private company to launch a rocket to space. 

Vikram-I 

• It is built by Skyroot Aerospace  and is named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme.
• It is India’s first private orbital-class launch vehicle designed to serve the small satellite market with rapid, cost-effective launches.

India Re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council

Environment

In News

• India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for 2026-27 with the highest vote tally. 

International Maritime Organization

• • It  is the United Nations specialized agency 
  • Mandate – It is responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. ​
  • Genesis: IMO was established in 1948 following a UN conference in Geneva and came into existence in 1958.
  • Members: IMO has 175 Member States 

• Headquarters – London, United Kingdom.

• India joined the IMO in 1959.
• Structure: The IMO is administered by a biennially convened Assembly of all member states and a 40-member Council elected for two-year terms.