Question map
Which of the following statements with regard to the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project is/are correct ? 1. SKA is a state of the art, mega science international facility to build the world's biggest and most sensitive radio telescope for addressing a wide variety of cutting-edge science goals. 2. The Government of India has accorded its approval for India's participation in the international mega science project. Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is an international mega-science project aimed at building the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope. It will operate across a wide range of frequencies with antennas located in South Africa (mid-frequency) and Australia (low-frequency), enabling unprecedented observations of the early universe, gravitational waves, and cosmic magnetism.
Statement 2 is correct: In January 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved India's formal participation in the SKA project with a financial outlay of ₹1,250 crore. India is a founding member of the SKA Observatory (SKAO), an intergovernmental organization. The project is led in India by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). India is significantly contributing to the development of the Telescope Manager software, which will act as the 'brain' of the entire observatory.