What does the word 'imminent' mean as used in the lesson?

happening repeatedly over years

What does the idiom 'heave a sigh of relief' mean?

to feel relieved after stress ends

to feel disappointed after failure

According to the explanation, why has NavIC been unable to give standalone positioning for months?

It lacked at least one fully working satellite

Its budget was fully cut by the government

Its ground stations were shut down for repairs

Its atomic clocks were replaced with imported ones

According to the explanation, what change distinguishes NVS satellites from earlier IRNSS satellites?

They carry an indigenous atomic clock

They operate without any clock onboard

They use foreign-built positioning software

They are launched only by PSLV rockets

ISRO's GSLV-F18 Success: Relief Today, Deeper Gaps Ahead – The Hindu Editorial Analysis in Hindi & English (9 Nov) | UPSC, SSC, Bank

💡 Tap any word in the passage to see its meaning (Hindi, Bengali, synonyms).

The editorial explained

ISRO's GSLV-F18 mission has placed the NVS-03 navigation satellite into orbit, and early signals show the craft is healthy. This success matters because the agency's last eighteen months were troubled by two PSLV launch failures, rockets that share some features with GSLV. In fact, F18 counts as only the second successful launch of 2026, a thin record for an organisation of ISRO's stature.

ISRO's GSLV-F18 mission has placed the NVS-03 navigation satellite into orbit, and early signals show the craft is healthy. This success matters because the agency's last eighteen months were troubled by two PSLV launch failures, rockets that share some design features with GSLV. In fact, F18 counts as only the second successful launch of 2026, a thin record for an organisation of ISRO's stature.

हिंदी अर्थISRO के GSLV-F18 mission ने NVS-03 navigation satellite को सफलतापूर्वक कक्षा में स्थापित किया है, और शुरुआती संकेत बताते हैं कि satellite स्वस्थ स्थिति में है। यह सफलता इसलिए महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि एजेंसी के पिछले अठारह महीने दो PSLV rockets की असफलताओं से प्रभावित रहे थे, जिनकी design कुछ हद तक GSLV से मिलती-जुलती है। असल में, F18, 2026 का केवल दूसरा सफल launch है, जो ISRO जैसी बड़ी संस्था के लिए एक कमज़ोर रिकॉर्ड है।

বাংলা অনুবাদইসরোর (ISRO) GSLV-F18 মিশন NVS-03 নেভিগেশন স্যাটেলাইটকে (navigation satellite) কক্ষপথে স্থাপন করেছে, এবং প্রাথমিক সংকেত দেখাচ্ছে যে যানটি সুস্থ অবস্থায় রয়েছে। এই সাফল্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কারণ গত আঠারো মাসে সংস্থাটি দুটি PSLV উৎক্ষেপণ ব্যর্থতার মুখোমুখি হয়েছিল, যে রকেটগুলি GSLV-এর সঙ্গে কিছু নকশাগত বৈশিষ্ট্য ভাগ করে নেয়। প্রকৃতপক্ষে, F18 ২০২৬ সালের মাত্র দ্বিতীয় সফল উৎক্ষেপণ হিসেবে গণ্য হচ্ছে, যা ইসরোর মতো মর্যাদার একটি সংস্থার জন্য বেশ কম সংখ্যা।

If ground controllers can now NVS-03 into its final orbital slot and it properly, ISRO will have effectively rescued the NavIC programme. For roughly six months, NavIC has run short of at least one working satellite, leaving it unable to deliver positioning signals across the Indian subcontinent on its own. This third second-generation NVS satellite is by carrying an atomic clock, a shift away from the imported clocks used in the earlier IRNSS satellites and one that is in line with suggestions from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology.

If ground controllers can now manoeuvre NVS-03 into its final orbital slot and commission it properly, ISRO will have effectively rescued the NavIC programme. For roughly six months, NavIC has run short of at least one working satellite, leaving it unable to deliver standalone positioning signals across the Indian subcontinent on its own. This third second-generation NVS satellite is distinguished by carrying an indigenous atomic clock, a shift away from the imported clocks used in the earlier IRNSS satellites and one that is in line with suggestions from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology.

हिंदी अर्थअगर ground controllers अब NVS-03 को उसकी अंतिम कक्षीय स्थिति में सही तरीके से ले जाकर कार्यरत कर पाते हैं, तो ISRO ने असल में NavIC programme को बचा लिया होगा। लगभग छह महीने से NavIC के पास कम से कम एक काम करने वाला satellite नहीं था, जिससे वह भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप में स्वतंत्र रूप से स्थिति बताने की सेवा देने में असमर्थ रहा। यह तीसरा second-generation NVS satellite स्वदेशी atomic clock रखने के कारण खास पहचान रखता है, जो पहले के IRNSS satellites में इस्तेमाल होने वाले विदेशी clocks से अलग है और Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology की सलाह के अनुसार है।

বাংলা অনুবাদযদি ভূমিস্থ নিয়ন্ত্রকরা (ground controllers) এখন NVS-03-কে তার চূড়ান্ত কক্ষপথের অবস্থানে নিয়ে গিয়ে সঠিকভাবে চালু (commission) করতে পারেন, তাহলে ইসরো কার্যত NavIC কর্মসূচিকে রক্ষা করে ফেলবে। প্রায় ছয় মাস ধরে, NavIC অন্তত একটি কার্যকর স্যাটেলাইটের অভাবে ভুগছে, যার ফলে এটি ভারতীয় উপমহাদেশ জুড়ে নিজে থেকে স্বাধীন (standalone) পজিশনিং সংকেত সরবরাহ করতে পারছে না। দ্বিতীয় প্রজন্মের এই তৃতীয় NVS স্যাটেলাইটের বিশেষত্ব হল এটি একটি দেশীয় পারমাণবিক ঘড়ি (atomic clock) বহন করছে, যা আগের IRNSS স্যাটেলাইটগুলিতে ব্যবহৃত আমদানি করা ঘড়ি থেকে একটি পরিবর্তন এবং যা বিজ্ঞান ও প্রযুক্তি বিষয়ক সংসদীয় স্থায়ী কমিটির (Parliamentary Standing Committee) সুপারিশের সঙ্গে সামঞ্জস্যপূর্ণ।

That same committee had already flagged a deeper problem: delays. Getting specialised components ready and making vendors deliver on the tight timelines that NavIC demands has repeatedly slowed the programme. A 2025 request for proposals from ISRO's Space Applications Centre reportedly allowed nearly two years just to build the first two flight models after a contract began, a lead time that itself signals how stretched the supply chain has become.

That same committee had already flagged a deeper problem: procurement delays. Getting specialised components ready and making vendors deliver on the tight timelines that NavIC demands has repeatedly slowed the programme. A 2025 request for proposals from ISRO's Space Applications Centre reportedly allowed nearly two years just to build the first two flight models after a contract began, a lead time that itself signals how stretched the supply chain has become.

हिंदी अर्थउसी committee ने पहले ही एक गहरी समस्या की ओर इशारा किया था, खरीद में देरी। विशेष उपकरण तैयार कराना और vendors से NavIC की सख्त समय-सीमा में काम करवाना बार-बार कार्यक्रम को धीमा करता रहा है। 2025 में ISRO के Space Applications Centre के एक प्रस्ताव में बताया गया कि contract शुरू होने के बाद पहले दो flight models बनाने में लगभग दो साल लग जाते हैं, जो खुद बताता है कि supply chain कितनी दबाव में है।

বাংলা অনুবাদসেই একই কমিটি আগেই একটি গভীরতর সমস্যা চিহ্নিত করেছিল: সংগ্রহ প্রক্রিয়ার (procurement) বিলম্ব। বিশেষায়িত যন্ত্রাংশ প্রস্তুত করা এবং NavIC-এর প্রয়োজনীয় কঠোর সময়সীমার মধ্যে সরবরাহকারীদের (vendors) দিয়ে কাজ সম্পন্ন করানো বারবার এই কর্মসূচিকে ধীর করে দিয়েছে। ইসরোর স্পেস অ্যাপ্লিকেশন সেন্টারের (Space Applications Centre) ২০২৫ সালের একটি প্রস্তাব অনুরোধে (request for proposals) নাকি চুক্তি শুরু হওয়ার পর প্রথম দুটি উড্ডয়ন মডেল (flight models) তৈরি করতেই প্রায় দুই বছর সময় রাখা হয়েছিল, যা নিজেই দেখায় সরবরাহ শৃঙ্খল (supply chain) কতটা চাপে রয়েছে।

Existing government schemes for electronics component manufacturing, along with the plan to modernise the Semiconductor Laboratory, could be redirected to fix exactly this . The Electronics Ministry is also expected to set aside funding, spread over five to seven years, to develop and qualify these specialised parts domestically rather than depend on imports.

Existing government schemes for electronics component manufacturing, along with the plan to modernise the Semiconductor Laboratory, could be redirected to fix exactly this bottleneck. The Electronics Ministry is also expected to set aside dedicated funding, spread over five to seven years, to develop and qualify these specialised parts domestically rather than depend on imports.

हिंदी अर्थमौजूदा सरकारी योजनाएं जैसे electronics component manufacturing scheme, और Semiconductor Laboratory को आधुनिक बनाने की योजना, इसी रुकावट को ठीक करने के लिए इस्तेमाल की जा सकती हैं। Electronics Ministry से यह भी उम्मीद है कि वह पांच से सात साल की अवधि में विशेष पुर्जों को देश में ही विकसित और प्रमाणित करने के लिए अलग से धन देगा।

বাংলা অনুবাদইলেকট্রনিক্স যন্ত্রাংশ উৎপাদনের জন্য সরকারের বিদ্যমান প্রকল্পগুলি, সেই সঙ্গে সেমিকন্ডাক্টর ল্যাবরেটরি (Semiconductor Laboratory) আধুনিকীকরণের পরিকল্পনা, এই নির্দিষ্ট সমস্যাটি সমাধানের জন্য পুনর্নির্দেশিত করা যেতে পারে। ইলেকট্রনিক্স মন্ত্রকও আমদানির উপর নির্ভর না করে দেশীয়ভাবে এই বিশেষায়িত যন্ত্রাংশ তৈরি ও যোগ্যতাপ্রাপ্ত (qualify) করার জন্য পাঁচ থেকে সাত বছর ধরে বিস্তৃত আলাদা তহবিল বরাদ্দ করবে বলে আশা করা হচ্ছে।

Money matters too. Reports suggest the Department of Space may need close to seventeen thousand crore rupees in the 2027-28 Union Budget, up from about 13,706 crore rupees the year before, with the increase meant to cover launch vehicle , satellite replacement and fresh . Observers also argue that NavIC needs its own operator, so ISRO's scientists can stay focused on their core instead of running day-to-day satellite operations alongside everything else.

Money matters too. Reports suggest the Department of Space may need close to seventeen thousand crore rupees in the 2027-28 Union Budget, up from about 13,706 crore rupees the year before, with the increase meant to cover launch vehicle manufacture, satellite replacement and fresh recruitment. Observers also argue that NavIC needs its own dedicated operator, so ISRO's scientists can stay focused on their core mandate instead of running day-to-day satellite operations alongside everything else.

हिंदी अर्थपैसे का मामला भी अहम है। रिपोर्टों के अनुसार Department of Space को 2027-28 के Union Budget में लगभग सत्रह हजार करोड़ रुपये चाहिए हो सकते हैं, जो पिछले साल के लगभग 13,706 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक है, और यह बढ़ोतरी launch vehicle निर्माण, satellite बदलने और नई भर्ती के लिए होगी। विशेषज्ञों का यह भी मानना है कि NavIC को अपना अलग operator चाहिए, ताकि ISRO के वैज्ञानिक रोज़मर्रा के satellite संचालन में उलझने के बजाय अपने मूल कार्य (core mandate) पर ध्यान दे सकें।

বাংলা অনুবাদঅর্থও একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়। প্রতিবেদন অনুসারে, মহাকাশ বিভাগের (Department of Space) ২০২৭-২৮ কেন্দ্রীয় বাজেটে (Union Budget) প্রায় সতেরো হাজার কোটি টাকার প্রয়োজন হতে পারে, যা আগের বছরের প্রায় ১৩,৭০৬ কোটি টাকা থেকে বেশি, এবং এই বৃদ্ধি উৎক্ষেপণ যান উৎপাদন, স্যাটেলাইট প্রতিস্থাপন ও নতুন নিয়োগের খরচ মেটানোর জন্য। পর্যবেক্ষকরা আরও যুক্তি দেন যে NavIC-এর নিজস্ব একজন নিবেদিত পরিচালক (dedicated operator) দরকার, যাতে ইসরোর বিজ্ঞানীরা দৈনন্দিন স্যাটেলাইট পরিচালনার পাশাপাশি অন্য সব কাজ সামলানোর পরিবর্তে তাদের মূল দায়িত্বে মনোযোগ দিতে পারেন।

There is also a legal gap: India still lacks a comprehensive national space law that would private firms entering the sector and clarify who bears when something goes wrong. Without such a framework, private investment may stay cautious even as the government talks of greater participation from industry.

There is also a legal gap: India still lacks a comprehensive national space law that would address private firms entering the sector and clarify who bears liability when something goes wrong. Without such a framework, private investment may stay cautious even as the government talks of greater participation from industry.

हिंदी अर्थएक कानूनी कमी भी है, भारत के पास अभी भी एक पूर्ण राष्ट्रीय space law नहीं है जो निजी कंपनियों की भागीदारी और गड़बड़ी होने पर जिम्मेदारी (liability) जैसे मुद्दों को स्पष्ट करे। ऐसे ढांचे के बिना, सरकार के निजी भागीदारी बढ़ाने की बातों के बावजूद निजी निवेश सतर्क ही रह सकता है।

বাংলা অনুবাদএকটি আইনি শূন্যতাও রয়েছে: ভারতে এখনও একটি ব্যাপক জাতীয় মহাকাশ আইন (national space law) নেই, যা বেসরকারি সংস্থাগুলির এই খাতে প্রবেশ এবং কোনো কিছু ভুল হলে কে দায়ভার বহন করবে তা স্পষ্ট করতে পারত। এমন একটি কাঠামো (framework) ছাড়া, সরকার শিল্পক্ষেত্রের আরও বেশি অংশগ্রহণের কথা বললেও বেসরকারি বিনিয়োগ সতর্কই থেকে যেতে পারে।

Two successful orbital missions in roughly ten months is a modest tally for a national space agency that is simultaneously planning human spaceflight, a space station and launch vehicles. Unless India strengthens ISRO's workforce and budget, the agency risks from one mission to the next, patching problems rather than building lasting capacity.

Two successful orbital missions in roughly ten months is a modest tally for a national space agency that is simultaneously planning human spaceflight, a space station and reusable launch vehicles. Unless India significantly strengthens ISRO's workforce and budget, the agency risks lurching from one mission to the next, patching problems rather than building lasting capacity.

हिंदी अर्थलगभग दस महीनों में केवल दो सफल कक्षीय missions एक ऐसी राष्ट्रीय space agency के लिए मामूली उपलब्धि है जो साथ ही human spaceflight, space station और reusable launch vehicles जैसी बड़ी योजनाएं बना रही है। जब तक भारत ISRO के कार्यबल और बजट को काफी हद तक मजबूत नहीं करता, एजेंसी एक mission से दूसरे mission तक लड़खड़ाते हुए बढ़ने के खतरे में रहेगी, स्थायी क्षमता बनाने के बजाय बस समस्याओं को पैच करती रहेगी।

বাংলা অনুবাদপ্রায় দশ মাসে দুটি সফল কক্ষপথ মিশন একটি জাতীয় মহাকাশ সংস্থার জন্য একটি সামান্য সংখ্যা, যে সংস্থা একই সঙ্গে মানববাহী মহাকাশযাত্রা (human spaceflight), একটি মহাকাশ স্টেশন এবং পুনর্ব্যবহারযোগ্য উৎক্ষেপণ যানের (reusable launch vehicles) পরিকল্পনা করছে। যদি ভারত ইসরোর কর্মীবাহিনী ও বাজেটকে উল্লেখযোগ্যভাবে শক্তিশালী না করে, তাহলে সংস্থাটি স্থায়ী সক্ষমতা গড়ে তোলার বদলে এক মিশন থেকে আরেক মিশনে টলমল করে চলার এবং সমস্যাগুলো শুধু সাময়িকভাবে সারিয়ে তোলার ঝুঁকিতে থাকবে।

Based on the editorial “Slow recovery: On the ISRO’s GSLV-F18 mission” in The Hindu – read the original. Explanation, Hindi lines, vocabulary and quiz written by RBE for exam preparation. RBE is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Hindu.

Reading comprehension: 5 questions (SSC CGL & RRB Section Controller / Station Master pattern)

Based on “The editorial explained” above. Answer from the passage, not from outside knowledge.

What is the most suitable title for this passage?
According to the passage, what is the central problem behind ISRO's repeated delays?
What can be inferred about the Parliamentary Standing Committee's role mentioned in the passage?
What is the tone of the explanation regarding ISRO's achievement and challenges?
As used in the passage, what does the word 'distinguished' most nearly mean?

Para jumbles: 4 questions

Sentences from today's lesson – arrange them in the right order.

Given below are four sentences in jumbled order. Arrange them in a logical sequence.
- P. In fact, F18 counts as only the second successful launch of 2026, a thin record for an organisation of ISRO's stature.
- Q. Two successful orbital missions in roughly ten months is therefore a modest tally for a national space agency that is simultaneously planning human spaceflight, a space station and reusable launch vehicles.
- R. This success matters because the agency's last eighteen months were troubled by two PSLV launch failures, rockets that share some design features with GSLV.
- S. ISRO's GSLV-F18 mission has placed the NVS-03 navigation satellite into orbit, and early signals show the craft is healthy.
Given below are four sentences in jumbled order. Arrange them in a logical sequence.
- P. A 2025 request for proposals from ISRO's Space Applications Centre reportedly allowed nearly two years just to build the first two flight models after a contract began.
- Q. This lead time itself signals how stretched the supply chain has become.
- R. Getting specialised components ready and making vendors deliver on the tight timelines that NavIC demands has repeatedly slowed the programme.
- S. That same committee had already flagged a deeper problem: procurement delays.
Given below are four sentences in jumbled order. Arrange them in a logical sequence.
- P. This indigenous push aligns with the Parliamentary Committee's earlier recommendations on self-reliance.
- Q. The Electronics Ministry is also expected to set aside dedicated funding, spread over five to seven years, to develop and qualify these specialised parts domestically.
- R. Existing government schemes for electronics component manufacturing, along with the plan to modernise the Semiconductor Laboratory, could be redirected to fix exactly this bottleneck.
- S. Such funding would reduce India's dependence on imports for critical space-grade components.
Given below are four sentences in jumbled order. Arrange them in a logical sequence.
- P. Reports suggest the Department of Space may need close to seventeen thousand crore rupees in the 2027-28 Union Budget, up from about 13,706 crore rupees the year before.
- Q. Observers also argue that NavIC needs its own dedicated operator, so ISRO's scientists can stay focused on their core mandate.
- R. The increase is meant to cover launch vehicle manufacture, satellite replacement and fresh recruitment.
- S. This would free scientists from running day-to-day satellite operations alongside everything else.

Error spotting: 5 questions (SSC pattern)

Find the part with the grammatical error. Choose “No error” if the sentence is correct.

(A) ISRO's GSLV-F18 mission have placed (B) the NVS-03 navigation satellite into orbit, (C) and early signals show the craft is healthy.
(A) NavIC has run short of at least one working satellite for roughly six months, (B) leaving it unable to deliver standalone positioning signals (C) across the Indian subcontinent on its own.
(A) A 2025 request for proposals reportedly allowed nearly two years (B) just to building the first two flight models (C) after a contract began.
(A) The Electronics Ministry is also expected to set aside dedicated funding (B) to develop and qualify these specialised parts domestic (C) rather than depend on imports.
(A) Observers also argue that NavIC need its own dedicated operator, (B) so that ISRO's scientists can stay focused on their core mandate (C) instead of running day-to-day satellite operations alongside everything else.

Quiz: 15 questions (SSC pattern)

Choose an answer – you see at once if it is right, with the reason. Your score comes at the end.

What does the word 'imminent' mean as used in the lesson?
Choose the correct synonym of 'indigenous'.
Choose the antonym of 'significant'.
Fill in the blank: The new satellite design is ______ with the committee's recommendations.
What does the idiom 'heave a sigh of relief' mean?
One-word substitution: A person or agency given an official task or authority.
Identify the correctly spelt word.
Choose the synonym of 'distinguished' as used in the lesson.
Choose the antonym of 'primary'.
Choose the antonym of 'manufacture'.
Choose the synonym of 'dedicated' as used in the lesson.
Choose the synonym of 'replace'.
Choose the antonym of 'liability'.
According to the explanation, why has NavIC been unable to give standalone positioning for months?
According to the explanation, what change distinguishes NVS satellites from earlier IRNSS satellites?

SSC previous-year questions: 25 real questions

These words from today's editorial were actually asked in SSC exams. Questions from RBE's SSC English database (CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, Steno, Selection Post, 2018–2026).

SSC CPO 2023 T-2 Spelling
Select the misspelt word.
SSC MTS 2024 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the word 'Native' from the given sentence.
Mr. Smith believes that various tribes are the indigenous habitants of various corners of the world; unlike his contemporaries who have a viewpoint regarding an alien or foreign invasion.
SSC MTS 2023 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Distinguished
SSC MTS 2024 Antonyms
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
High-altitude climbing posessignificant risks due to factors like altitude sickness, hypothermia and extreme weather conditions.
SSC CGL 2023 T-1 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Immerse
SSC MTS 2023 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Design
SSC CGL 2021 T-1 Antonyms
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
PRIMARY
SSC CGL 2020 T-1 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Dedicated
SSC MTS 2024 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined word.
The Prime Minister will address the nation tomorrow.
SSC CGL 2024 T-1 Spelling
Out of the four sentences given, three have spelling errors. Identify the sentence that has no spelling error.
SSC CPO 2023 T-2 One Word Substitution
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the given group of words.
A person who has excessive admiration of themselves
SSC CGL 2024 T-1 Spelling
Select the most appropriate option that can rectify the incorrectly spelt word in the following sentence.
The government has ordered for the maintainance of the roads.
SSC MTS 2025 Spelling
Choose the misspelt word from the given options.
SSC CGL 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
Leela was in class when the big fight happened. So, if you want to know the details, You should ask her, you will get the truth given by somebody who is directly involved and therefore likely to be accurate.
SSC CPO 2024 T-2 One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
(SSC CPO 2024 T-2 (30 April))
SSC CGL 2024 T-1 One Word Substitution
Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.
Choice between two unsatisfactory alternatives
SSC CGL 2024 T-1 One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
Having unlimited power
SSC CPO 2022 T-2 Spelling
Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 One Word Substitution
Choose the correct one-word substitute for:
A person who loves and collects stamps
SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 Antonyms
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Noble
(SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 (04-July Shift 4))
SSC Selection Post Ph-12 2024 ML Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
A snake in the grass
SSC MTS 2024 Antonyms
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Attract
SSC CPO 2024 T-1 One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
A place for storage of arms and ammunition
SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 Synonyms
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Alert
(SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 (10-July Shift 1))
SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 One Word Substitution
Choose the correct one-word substitution for the italicized part.
Ravi has always been *a person who vehemently opposes authority*, control, or tradition, often challenging every rule set before him.

Idioms & phrasal verbs

in line with Asked in SSC · latest SSC Selection Post Ph-9 2021 ML

in agreement or matching with something

के अनुसार, मुताबिक

“The new clock design is in line with the committee's recommendations.”

heave a sigh of relief

to feel relieved after a period of stress

राहत की सांस लेना

“Engineers heaved a sigh of relief when the satellite signals came through clearly.”

make do with

to manage with limited or insufficient resources

जो उपलब्ध है उसी से काम चलाना

“The team had to make do with an outdated testing facility.”

fall short of

to fail to reach a required standard or amount

कमी रह जाना, पूरा न होना

“NavIC fell short of its full satellite strength for months.”

pull off

to succeed in achieving something difficult

मुश्किल काम सफलतापूर्वक करना

“ISRO managed to pull off a tricky orbital manoeuvre.”

Vocabulary from this editorial (27 words)

Tap ☆ Save to keep a word in ⭐ Saved for revision. Asked in SSC = asked in an SSC previous-year paper.

imminent adjective Asked 6× in SSC · latest SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level)

about to happen very soon

निकट भविष्य में होने वाला

Synonyms: impending, upcoming, looming, forthcoming

Antonyms: distant, remote

“With human spaceflight imminent, ISRO must fix its procurement delays.”

indigenous adjective Asked 4× in SSC · latest SSC MTS 2025

produced or made within one's own country

स्वदेशी

Synonyms: native, homegrown, domestic, local

Antonyms: imported, foreign

“The satellite's indigenous atomic clock reduces dependence on foreign technology.”

distinguished adjective Asked 2× in SSC · latest SSC MTS 2023

marked by a notable or special feature

विशिष्ट, प्रतिष्ठित

Synonyms: notable, eminent, renowned, outstanding

Antonyms: ordinary, undistinguished

“The satellite is distinguished by its locally built timing device.”

mandate noun Asked 2× in SSC · latest SSC MTS 2021

an official task or authority given to someone

अधिकृत कार्य, जनादेश

Synonyms: authority, charge, directive, commission

Antonyms: prohibition

“Space research remains ISRO's core mandate despite added operational duties.”

significant adjective Asked 2× in SSC · latest SSC MTS 2024

important enough to be noticed or to matter

महत्वपूर्ण

Synonyms: considerable, notable, substantial, important

Antonyms: insignificant, trivial, negligible

“A significant rise in funding is needed to modernise satellite manufacturing.”

involve verb Asked in SSC · latest SSC CGL 2023 T-1

to include something as a necessary part

शामिल करना

Synonyms: entail, include, encompass, require

Antonyms: exclude, omit

“Building flight models involves long testing and qualification processes.”

design noun Asked in SSC · latest SSC MTS 2023

a plan or structure of how something is made

रचना, डिज़ाइन

Synonyms: blueprint, layout, structure, plan

Antonyms: disorder

“The rocket's design shares features with its troubled predecessor.”

primary adjective Asked in SSC · latest SSC CGL 2021 T-1

main or most important

मुख्य, प्राथमिक

Synonyms: main, chief, principal, foremost

Antonyms: secondary, minor

“NavIC's primary purpose is to provide independent positioning data.”

manufacture verb Asked in SSC · latest SSC Selection Post Ph-9 2021 ML

to make goods on a large scale using machinery

निर्माण करना

Synonyms: produce, build, fabricate, assemble

Antonyms: dismantle, destroy

“India plans to manufacture more launch vehicles in coming years.”

dedicated adjective Asked in SSC · latest SSC CGL 2020 T-1

set apart for a particular purpose

समर्पित, विशेष रूप से नियत

Synonyms: devoted, exclusive, committed, specialised

Antonyms: shared, general

“NavIC needs a dedicated operator separate from ISRO's research teams.”

replace verb Asked in SSC · latest SSC Selection Post Ph-9 2021 ML

to put something new in place of something old

बदलना, प्रतिस्थापित करना

Synonyms: substitute, supersede, exchange, swap

Antonyms: retain, keep

“The new budget allocates funds to replace ageing satellites.”

liability noun Asked in SSC · latest SSC GD 2022 T-1

legal responsibility for loss or damage

दायित्व, जिम्मेदारी

Synonyms: responsibility, obligation, accountability, culpability

Antonyms: immunity, exemption

“A space law must clearly define liability for private launch failures.”

address verb Asked 4× in SSC · latest SSC CHSL 2025 T-1

to deal with or attempt to solve a problem

समाधान करना, संबोधित करना

Synonyms: tackle, handle, resolve, deal with

Antonyms: ignore, neglect

“The proposed law aims to address gaps in private space participation.”

procurement noun

the process of obtaining goods or services

खरीद प्रक्रिया

Synonyms: acquisition, sourcing, purchasing, obtaining

Antonyms: disposal

“Slow procurement of components has delayed several satellite launches.”

bottleneck noun

a point that restricts or slows a process

बाधा, रुकावट

Synonyms: obstruction, hindrance, blockage, constraint

Antonyms: facilitation

“Component shortages have created a persistent bottleneck in satellite production.”

commission verb

to put into official working use

कार्यरत करना, प्रारंभ करना

Synonyms: activate, launch, inaugurate, operationalise

Antonyms: decommission

“Engineers hope to commission the satellite within a few weeks.”

manoeuvre verb Asked 5× in SSC · latest SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level)

to carefully move something into a desired position

सावधानी से स्थिति में लाना

Synonyms: navigate, steer, guide, shift

Antonyms: abandon

“Controllers will manoeuvre the satellite into its final orbital slot.”

lurch verb Asked in SSC · latest SSC CHSL 2021 T-1

to move unsteadily, often from one problem to another

लड़खड़ाते हुए बढ़ना

Synonyms: stumble, stagger, wobble, sway

Antonyms: glide, stabilise

“Without reforms, the agency may continue to lurch from crisis to crisis.”

constrained adjective

limited or restricted by circumstances

सीमित, बाध्य

Synonyms: restricted, limited, hampered, curbed

Antonyms: unrestricted, free

“ISRO's plans were constrained by repeated launch failures.”

standalone adjective

able to function independently without external support

स्वतंत्र, स्वायत्त

Synonyms: independent, self-contained, autonomous, separate

Antonyms: dependent, integrated

“NavIC aims to provide standalone positioning without relying on foreign systems.”

qualification noun

the process of testing something to confirm it meets standards

योग्यता परीक्षण, प्रमाणन

Synonyms: certification, validation, testing, approval

Antonyms: rejection

“New components must pass strict qualification tests before use in satellites.”

allocate verb

to officially assign resources for a purpose

आवंटित करना

Synonyms: assign, allot, apportion, designate

Antonyms: withhold

“The government must allocate more funds to the space department.”

recruitment noun

the process of hiring new staff

भर्ती प्रक्रिया

Synonyms: hiring, enlistment, staffing, engagement

Antonyms: dismissal, layoff

“Higher budgets would allow ISRO to speed up recruitment of engineers.”

reusable adjective

able to be used again after first use

पुन: प्रयोग करने योग्य

Synonyms: recyclable, renewable

Antonyms: disposable, single-use

“Reusable launch vehicles could sharply cut future mission costs.”

inadequate adjective

not enough or not good enough for a purpose

अपर्याप्त

Synonyms: insufficient, deficient, lacking, scant

Antonyms: adequate, sufficient

“An inadequate workforce has slowed several of ISRO's recent projects.”

enterprise noun

a project or undertaking, especially a bold or complex one

उद्यम, परियोजना

Synonyms: venture, undertaking, project, initiative

Antonyms: abandonment

“India's space enterprise now looks to include more private players.”

tandem noun

working together at the same time

साथ-साथ, तालमेल में

Synonyms: conjunction, partnership, coordination

Antonyms: isolation

“Budget increases and policy reform must move in tandem.”

Test yourself: quiz →

UPSC & State PCS corner – editorial analysis

Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology – Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology; Space technology

Prelims pointers

NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India's regional satellite navigation system developed by ISRO, formerly called IRNSS
GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is used to place satellites in geostationary/geosynchronous transfer orbits; PSLV is used mainly for sun-synchronous and lower orbits
NVS series are second-generation NavIC satellites, featuring indigenous atomic clocks replacing earlier imported ones
ISRO is headquartered in Bengaluru and functions under the Department of Space, which reports directly to the Prime Minister
Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali is a government unit involved in chip design and fabrication, relevant to indigenisation of space electronics

Points for Mains answer writing

GSLV-F18 successfully launched the NVS-03 navigation satellite, and it shows healthy status.
The mission can rescue NavIC, which has lacked a full working satellite for about six months.
NVS-03 carries an indigenous atomic clock, replacing imported clocks used earlier.
A parliamentary committee has flagged procurement delays and long lead times for specialised components.
Experts call for higher Department of Space budget, a dedicated NavIC operator, and a national space law.
ISRO's thin launch record raises concerns given its plans for human spaceflight and a space station.

Mains practice question: ISRO's recent launch successes mask deeper structural challenges in India's space programme. Critically examine the institutional, financial, and legal gaps that need to be addressed to sustain India's space ambitions. (250 words)

Essay theme: Beyond the Launchpad: Building Sustainable Capacity in India's Space Programme

The explanation above has a Hindi line for every paragraph and a full Hindi translation – useful for Hindi-medium UPSC and State PCS aspirants too. All editorials for UPSC →

In short – quick revision

ISRO's GSLV-F18 launch of NVS-03 offers relief after recent setbacks and may rescue the NavIC navigation programme, but the mission also exposes deeper gaps in funding, procurement and legal frameworks that still need urgent attention.

GSLV-F18 successfully launched the NVS-03 navigation satellite, and it shows healthy status.
The mission can rescue NavIC, which has lacked a full working satellite for about six months.
NVS-03 carries an indigenous atomic clock, replacing imported clocks used earlier.
A parliamentary committee has flagged procurement delays and long lead times for specialised components.
Experts call for higher Department of Space budget, a dedicated NavIC operator, and a national space law.
ISRO's thin launch record raises concerns given its plans for human spaceflight and a space station.

More practice

📚 SSC most repeated Words (300)🧩 Para-jumbles Practice 🎯 SSC Exams Test Series

Questions about this topic

GSLV-F18 mission क्या है?

यह ISRO का launch vehicle mission है जिसने NVS-03 navigation satellite को कक्षा में स्थापित किया।

NavIC programme क्या काम करता है?

NavIC भारत का अपना satellite navigation system है जो भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप में location बताने की सेवा देता है।

NVS-03 satellite में क्या खास है?

इसमें भारत में बना हुआ indigenous atomic clock लगा है, जो पहले के satellites में इस्तेमाल होने वाले विदेशी clocks की जगह लेता है।

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ISRO's GSLV-F18 Success: Relief Today, Deeper Gaps Ahead

The editorial explained

Reading comprehension: 5 questions (SSC CGL & RRB Section Controller / Station Master pattern)

Para jumbles: 4 questions

Error spotting: 5 questions (SSC pattern)

Quiz: 15 questions (SSC pattern)

SSC previous-year questions: 25 real questions

Idioms & phrasal verbs

Vocabulary from this editorial (27 words)

UPSC & State PCS corner – editorial analysis

In short – quick revision

More practice

Questions about this topic

More editorials today

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Summary & revision